Scruggs, C.G.

Head shot of suited businessman (C.G. Scruggs) against black backdrop
Name: 
Scruggs, C.G.
Title: 
Fmr. Publisher of the Progress Farmer
Texas A&M Class: 
1945
Inducted: 
1997
Deceased (Silver Taps)

Biography:

C. G. Scruggs, recipient of a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1945, was deeply involved in causes related to crop and livestock management and marketing, animal health, rural development, agricultural appreciation, research and education, and farm policy.  He was recognized as a well-known speaker, editor, and race car driver.  

Following graduation, Mr. Scruggs served as an infantry unit commander in Europe in WWII and retired from the Army Reserve as a Lt. Colonel.  He later became known, however, as the “voice of rural America” while serving as vice president and editor of the The Progressive Farmer from 1947-1990.  The recipient of dozens of distinguished service and agricultural writing awards, he conveyed a vision of excitement in agriculture through his reporting and opinion editorials.  He coined the term, AgriFood to describe the agriculture industry.  He served as corporate editorial chair of Southern Progress Corporation, publisher of The Progressive Farmer, Southern Living, and other magazines and books, until his retirement.  

Mr. Scruggs was appointed by five Texas governors to serve in numerous public service capacities including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Tech Board of Regents.  He has also served as the founder and first president of the Southwest Animal Health Research Foundation, chair of the Executive Advisory Committee of the Texas Food and Fiber Commission, vice-chair of the Texas FFA Foundation, and advisor to the National Cotton Council. 

Besides managing his ranching operations in Texas and Kansas, he was a principal for SunLean foods which specialized in shelf-stable meat and protein products that do not require refrigeration.  He was an avid speaker on agricultural issues and also wrote and narrated a network radio program, “Great Moments in Southwest Agriculture.”

Mr. Scruggs was named to Who’s Who in America.  He is a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University and received the award for Agricultural Excellence from the National Agri-Marketing Association.  He received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1995. 

After reaching the age of 60, Mr. Scruggs qualified to become a licensed race car driver and doubled his age in speed on several race courses around the country. 

Mr. C.G. "Charlie" Scruggs of Hubbard, Texas, passed away on July 24, 2001 as a result of complications following surgery.