John Ed Regenold

John Ed Regenold began his career with the Armorel Planting Company in 1953. Under his leadership the company and its affiliates grew from 2,500 acres to more than 7,500. When an additional 2,500 acres the company rents and subleases is included, Regenold became responsible for the production of 10,000 acres in Mississippi County. As company president, Regenold manages six affiliate companies, but he is first and foremost a farmer. John Ed managed the farming operation, the leasing and subleasing of land and marketing of crops for more than 30 years. Cotton has always been a major crop in Mississippi County and until recently, the company focused on production of the commodity. At its peak, Armorel Planting Company ginned more than 25,000 acres. However, as a result of the decline in cotton prices Regenold determined they must shift their focus to growing soybeans, rice, wheat and corn. He has dedicated his life to agriculture, but is also committed to economic development, community service and his family. Regenold recently completed a 10-year term on the Arkansas State Highway Commission, where he spent two years as chairman. He also served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, on the Arkansas Agriculture Council, as a member of the St. Francis Levee Board, a member of the District 17 Drainage Board, the Mississippi County Quorum Court, and Northeastern College Foundation Board. In 1968, Regenold was named the outstanding farmer for Mississippi County and was a pioneer in conservation practices. Because of this he was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Accomplishments in conservation from the Mississippi County Soil Conservation District. Regenold has also been civic minded and has been recognized for his contributions supporting young people, education and government. In 2005 he received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Blytheville Lions Club and in 2013 the Lifetime Greater Blytheville Award from the Greater Blytheville Chamber of Commerce.