Allen Helms Jr.

More than a successful farmer and ginner, Allen Helms Jr. offers leadership influencing agriculture far beyond East Arkansas. After graduating in 1966 from prestigious Vanderbilt University, Helms rose to captain in the United States Air Force. He returned home to Clarkedale, Ark. in 1971, partnering with his dad to form Allen Helms & Son and has managed multiple farms, warehouses, gins and companies over the years. He remains a partner today in Helms Family Farms. 

Helms held numerous influential positions in various agricultural organizations, including president of Crittenden County Farm Bureau, Arkansas Soybean Association and Agriculture Council of Arkansas. From 1999-2007, Helms chaired and/or served as president for National Cotton Council, American Cotton Producers and Cotton Foundation. He’s been president of Crittenden Gin Company since 1994. 

Helms supports future-competitive adoptions of technology and efficiency in the cotton industry with a deep understanding of issues impacting food and fiber production and processing. His leadership was key in development, establishment and operation of the Agricultural Workers Compensation Self Insurer Fund serving farms and agricultural businesses.