Prentice Fred

     Long "S" Gin

     Levelland, Texas

In 1958 Long “S” Gin was built outside of Levelland, Texas. In the 48 years the gin has been in operation Prentice Fred has been a customer, bale hauler, seed hauler and for the past 11 years the manager. The gin is Mr. Fred’s main job and priority, but he still makes time to do some farming on the side.

Mr. Fred is currently serving as an officer on the Board of Directors for Beltwide. He is also an officer for the Texas Independent Ginners Association, Plains Cotton Growers Association, the Texas Cotton Ginners Association, and a deacon at the College Avenue Baptist Church in Levelland.

Mr. Fred’s wife, Sherry was raised in Afton, Texas with no background in cotton. However, Mrs. Fred has definitely made the adjustment to becoming a true ginner’s wife. Mrs. Fred is a retired schoolteacher and a devoted “Me-Maw”.

Prentice and Sherry have two sons, Scott and Robin. Scott is a cotton farmer in his own right, and a customer of Long “S” Gin. Robin lives in North Carolina and works with the school system as a consultant for their computer curriculum. Mr. and Mrs. Fred have five grandchildren.

When gin season is over, Mr. Fred likes to hit a few golf balls and enjoys riding his Kawasaki motorcycle. Also in his spare time, like all grandparents, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and considers them his most important hobby.

Mr. Fred has been a member of Beltwide/TIGMA for four years. Mr. Fred believes marketing in a large group has the advantage of gaining better prices. Also, in the fall, when the gin is running, the marketing tool relieves him of stress of marketing his cotton and government payment limitations.

Cotton has been a part of Mr. Fred’s entire life. His commitment and dedication to the industry is evident in his leadership roles and in the success of Long “S” Gin.