2014 Recipient of the Arthur T. Potts Award
Andrew Wilson Scott Jr.
Andrew Wilson Scott Jr. was born in Fort Worth Texas to Andy and Mary Scott. Andy, as everyone here knows him, graduated with honors from Childress High School in 1966 where he lettered in track, football, and basketball and was named “Mr. CHS” his senior year. Andy was also very involved in the FFA and 4-H programs, where he won numerous honors including 4-H State Winner in Dog Care and Training.
After graduating from high school, Andy began his college career at Texas A&M University, where among many other things, he was a 3-year letterman in Rugby. Andy graduated, again with honors, in 1970, with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and then served for two years as Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Leonard Pike of the “1015” onion fame, working with onions, carrots, and cucumbers.
Andy joined Rio Farms Inc. in 1972 as a research staff horticulturist, where in less than two years, he would be promoted to Director of Research, a position he holds and enjoys today. In 1977, Andy earned his Master’s Degree in Horticulture from A&M while working and raising three children with his wife Pam. Andy has worked tirelessly for the agriculture industry of the Rio Grande Valley.
Among his accomplishments, Andy has released several cotton, soybean, pea, and sugarcane varieties that are grown here successfully today. Andy’s contribution to agriculture goes way beyond the tried and true however, as much of his work has been directed toward the development of “new” crops for our area. Among these are Kenaf, tropically adapted soybeans, tropical legumes, blackberries, and even grapes.
Andy has served his community both professionally and personally as well. Just to name a few, Andy has served as Past President of the Texas Vegetable Association, the Rio Grande Valley Hort. Society, and the All Valley Winter Vegetable Show. He also served on the Monte Alto School Board for 12 years, as well as having served as President to the Knapp Medical Center board of directors. He currently sits on the boards of the Engleman Irrigation District and the First United Methodist Church of Edcouch.