Robert L. “Bob” McGinnis

Bob McGinnis was a cotton producer who spent 20 years as a state representative, with agriculture’s best interest always in mind. A native of Marianna (LeeCounty), McGinnis served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1979-1999 representing District 97, which includes parts of Lee and St. Francis counties. He retired from his cotton farming operation the same year he left the Legislature. While in the House, McGinnis introduced legislation authorizing the state Boll Weevil Eradication program, which has helped improve cotton yields and propelArkansasto its current position as the No. 2 cotton-producing state in the country. He also was instrumental in the establishment of the Soil Testing Review Board. He also served on the Joint Budget Committee, Agriculture and Economic Development Committee, and the Higher Education Oversight Committee. McGinnis earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from theUniversityofArkansas. He served as an advisor to the National Cotton Council on federal regulatory issues, and was chairman of Cotton Incorporated. He also served as co-chair of the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Commission on Education, and was a member of the Health Policy Board for theArkansasCenterfor Health Improvement, which has a strong interest in rural health issues. He was awarded the 2000 Arkansas Cotton Achievement Award in recognition of his numerous contributions to theArkansascotton industry, and support for the research and extension programs at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. He has also served as chair of the Cotton State Support Committee since its inception. This committee is responsible for allocation of the cotton checkoff's research funds that Cotton Incorporated returns to the state. As a public servant and private citizen, McGinnis has shown tremendous leadership as an advocate for agriculture inArkansas. He has continually strived to move agriculture forward in the state.