Autauga Quality Cotton Association Information

AQCA is a cotton marketing cooperative that is based in Prattville, Alabama. We have been marketing cotton for our members since 1967. Our membership totals 1500 producers covering nine states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and North Carolina. We operate very similar to other cotton marketing cooperatives that may be found in your area. There are many benefits to marketing cotton through a cooperative. This is especially true with market conditions such as those we are currently experiencing. Some of these benefits include: We are able to maximize the value of each bale by pooling and merchandising by quality. The producer receives full mill sales value. Marketing cotton through a cooperative eliminates the middleman with his overhead considerations. The co-op member benefits by receiving weight gains, quality gains, savings in carrying charges and full government price support programs. The pool concept allows the producer to gain additional value through quality, higher sales price, and reduced handling costs. Co-op members benefit from the expertise of professional market managers that use cash sales, futures, and options to protect the value of the member's crop. Though these similarities can be found among all cooperatives, Autauga Quality Cotton Association provides its members with additional benefits that set it apart from the rest. Some of these additional benefits include the following: In our 40 year history, AQCA members have received a higher price for their cotton verses individuals using other marketing techniques. The average is $25/ bale or more. AQCA does not impose any additional quality discounts on its members beyond government classing discounts. AQCA pays its members premiums above the CCC Loan premiums for cotton that meets specific quality criteria. Though equity payments are made throughout the year, historically, members will receive approximately 75 percent of the final settlement price before the first of the year. AQCA is a true cooperative in that we do not retain any capital. All proceeds are returned to its members. At AQCA, we pride ourselves in keeping operating expenses to a minimum thus returning more money to our members. AQCA assists our members in reducing production costs by offering cooperative purchasing of seed, technology, and other production inputs. We know that market performance or the final net price received is the primary criteria used when choosing a marketing method. We at AQCA are proud of our consistent track record over the years. We will put our performance up against any other marketing system. Below is a chart showing the prices our members have received over the past ten years. These are net prices after all deductions so please be sure the prices you are comparing are net prices as well.