Gin School and Ginner Certification

[ Ginners School | Ginner Certification ]

2026 Gin Schools

Southwest Ginners School  South Plains Ginning Laboratory Lubbock, Texas	Western Ginners School  Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory Mesilla Park, New Mexico	Stoneville Ginners School Stoneville Ginning Laboratory Stoneville, Mississippi
April 6-8, 2026 (M-W)	May 5-7, 2026 (T-Th)	June 2-4, 2026 (T-Th)
Area Map of Lubbock, Texas	Area Map of Mesilla Park, New Mexico	Area Map of Stoneville, Mississippi
Hotel Information	Hotel Information	Hotel Information

Details and Cost

Levels I, II, III and Continuing Education	3 day attendance (Levels I, II and III) CE is a 2-day course, held the first two days of the school Cost for all levels is $250
Certification Exam (Level III)	$50 per student (held on day three)

Registration fees can be paid online using a credit card or by sending a check.

Our Association’s refund policy: Cancellations must be made one week in advance of school to receive refund.

---

Course Descriptions

Each level of ginners school coursework is built on the previous level of instruction, with Level I as the foundation. Therefore, the school’s coordinators strongly recommend that beginning students, regardless of gin experience, start with Level I.  Levels I, II and III are all three-day courses, therefore students should enroll for one level per school. 

Level I

Introduction to Cotton Ginning and Ginning Demonstration
Basic Gin Safety
Basic Hydraulics
Air Utilization
Electricity in the Gin
Maintenance and Adjustment for Seed Cotton Cleaners, Gin Stands and Lint Cleaners
Maintenance of Auxiliary Components
Classing Cotton
Moisture Measurement
Review of the Cotton Industry
Waste Collection and Disposal

Level II

Purpose and Operating Principles of Individual Gin Machines
Efficient Operation, Adjustment, and Maintenance of Gin Equipment
Pneumatics and Waste Collection
Electrical Systems
Hydraulic Systems
Gin Safety
Management Tips
Roller Ginning (at the Western School only)

Level III

Review of Functions of a Ginning System
Electrical Systems
Air Systems in the Gin
Drying and Moisture Restoration Systems
Matching Machinery Capacities in the System
Seed Cotton Unloading Systems and
Management of Seed Cotton Handling Systems
Bale Presses and Hydraulic Systems
Safety Programs and Labor Regulations
Cottonseed Handling Systems
Roller Ginning (at the Western School only)

The 2026 Continuing Education schedule is being developed and may be different for each of the three schools.  Please note that the information included in Continuing Education session may not be suitable for all certified ginners, and therefore, may want to consider Level III as an alternative.  

---

Certified Ginner Program

Please note, to maintain your certification, you must complete twelve hours of continuing education (CE) credits over a three-year period.  For example, if you received your certification in 2023, then, to remain in good standing in the program, you will need to complete your twelve CE hours in 2026.  

·  Continuing education course work will be offered each year in conjunction with the annual ginner’s sponsored NCGA gin schools. Course work will receive one credit hour for each hour of participation.

·  Cotton Beltwide Conference participation provides one hour credit for each hour of participation.

·  Participation in local association schools, workshops, seminars, and ginners tradeshows may be eligible for CE credit. An agenda and participation form must be submitted to National Cotton Ginners Association. Upon review, CE credits will be assigned to the participant. 

You can contact (jjackins@cotton.org or 901-274-9030) if you have questions.

Additional Information

If there are questions about any aspect of the school or ginner certification, call Harrison Ashley or Jana Jackins (901) 274-9030.