Episode 52 • Cotton, Community, and Change: Leading Through Drought with Kelli Inge
In this compelling episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Kelli Inge, general manager of Wall Co-Op Gin in Tom Green County, Texas. With a surprising background in opera and vocal performance, Kelli shares her journey into agriculture and how she rose to lead one of the region’s key cotton gins during one of the most challenging drought periods in recent history.
Kelli reflects on the critical role cotton gins play in rural communities—not just in processing fiber, but in sustaining jobs, schools, and local economies. She emphasizes the importance of adapting and diversifying services, building strategic relationships, and pushing for broader recognition of the U.S. cotton industry's environmental leadership through programs like the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol.
The conversation also explores the global implications of cotton production, the challenges of consumer perception, and the environmental cost of synthetic fast fashion. With passion, wit, and bold honesty, Kelli champions sustainable practices, encourages transparent storytelling, and reminds listeners that small, consistent actions—like recycling denim or supporting natural fibers—can create lasting change.
Whether you're in ag, fashion, or simply want to understand where your clothes come from, this episode offers a rich look at the crossroads of conservation, community, and cotton.
More about our guests:
Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX.
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Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.
Upcoming Episodes Include:
• Sam Nesbit, 1st United Bank
• Allen Williams PhD, Understanding Ag and Regenified
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
