January February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Inside: n

Peanut Breeders of the Southeast n Peanut Variety Guidebook n Value of Certified Seed

A communication service of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

Contents January/February 2018

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Joy Carter Crosby Editor joycrosby@gapeanuts.com 229-386-3690

Peanut breeders across the Southeast continue to work every year on developing new varieties for growers.

The Southeastern Peanut Farmer interviewed four peanut breeders in the Southeast to discover why they chose this career field and what they strive for in their peanut breeding research.

Director of Advertising Jessie Bland jessie@gapeanuts.com Contributing Writers Kaye Lynn Hataway klhataway@alpeanuts.com John Leidner johnleidner@bellsouth.net Southeastern Peanut Farmer P.O. Box 706, Tifton, Ga. 31793 445 Fulwood Blvd., Tifton, Ga. 31794 ISSN: 0038-3694 Southeastern Peanut Farmer is published six times a year (Jan./Feb., March, April, May/June, July/Aug., and Oct./Nov.) by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

The publisher is not responsible for copy omission, typographical errors, or any unintentional errors that may occur, other than to correct it in the following issue. Any erroneous reflection which may occur in the columns of Southeastern Peanut Farmer will be corrected upon brought to the attention of the editor. (Phone 229-3863690.)

Postmaster: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Southeastern Peanut Farmer, P.O. Box 706, Tifton, Georgia, 31793.

Circulation is free to qualified peanut growers and others allied to the industry. Periodical postage paid at Tifton, Georgia and additional mailing office.

Editorial Content: Editorial copy from sources outside of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Southern Peanut Farmers Federation policies.

Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

For editorial concerns call 229-386-3690. No portion of this or past issues of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written consent of the editor. By-lined articles appearing in this publication represent views of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

Advertising: The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Corrections to advertisements must be made after the first run. All billing offers subject to credit review. Advertisements contained in this publication do not represent an endorsement by the Southeastern Peanut Farmer or the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation. Use of trade names in this publication is for the purpose of providing specific information and is not a guarantee nor warranty of products named. For advertising concerns call 229-386-3472.

Peanut breeders of the Southeast

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Variety Guidebook Selecting a variety is a key management step for farmers.

SEPF’s 2018 Variety Guidebook highlights varieties available to growers in the Southeast and provides growers with the results of state variety tests.

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Major impacts from minor elements In this article, Glen Harris, soils agonomist at University of Georgia, recommends soil samples of peanut land to diagnose problems and assess the micronutrient status. This article addresses issues and how peanuts respond to various minor elements.

Departments: Checkoff Report .................................................................................. 8 Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission and Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

Washington Outlook ............................................................................ 32 Southern Peanut Growers Update ........................................................ 34 Cover Photo: Peanut breeders of the Southeast pictured left to right: Bill Branch, Barry Tillman, Charles Chen and Corley Holbrook. Photos by the University of Georgia, Auburn University, John Leidner and Joy Crosby.

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Editorial Peanut Milk and Genomics couple of monumental events happened at the end of 2017 for the peanut industry. First, a new peanut product was unveiled at the American Peanut Council winter meeting in Washington, D.C. The peanut industry has had new products within current category markets such as candy and peanut butter but this is the first time in years that an entirely new product category has opened up for peanuts. This product, Milked PeanutsTM, is now available in grocery stores and online from Elmhurst. Elmhurst started out by hand-bottling milk in the 1920s from their dairy and delivering the fresh milk throughout Brooklyn and Queens. Today, they have grown to be one of the largest dairy manufacturers on the East Coast but still remain family owned.

Recently Elmhurst made a major shift to lead the plant-based revolution with nutmilks. The nutmilks are minimally processed and packaged in sustainable packaging which is important to millennials today. Elmhust has sold milked almonds, cashews, walnuts and hazelnuts, but in 2018 they are introducing Milked PeanutsTM to the marketplace.

You may still find yourself scratching your head and wondering why and wanting to support dairy farmers with traditional milk. That’s okay! The Milked PeanutsTM may not be for you, but it is suited just right for individuals looking for a non-dairy based alternative due to allergies or other issues. I tried the Milked PeanutsTM at the American Peanut Council winter meeting and really loved the taste of the chocolate version. I don’t personally see myself buying this product weekly, but I’m glad it is available for those looking for an alternative to dairy products and this opens up opportunities for peanuts to be a product for consumers to choose when choosing between the nutmilks available today.

In addition to the introduction of Peanut MilkTM, the peanut industry wrapped up a five-year project to map the genetic code of the peanut plant. In 2012, the U.S. peanut industry charged the Peanut Foundation with initiating this research project, The Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI). This is the largest research project ever funded by our industry, with the $6 million project being shared equally among growers, shellers and manufacturers.

Through this project the peanut industry now has a map to unlock some of the genetic potential of the peanut plant. This is good news for not only growers, but the entire peanut industry. The peanut industry now has the capability to find beneficial genes in cultivated and wild peanuts that can lead to even greater yields, lower production costs, lower losses to disease, improved processing traits, improved nutrition, better flavor and virtually anything that is controlled by the peanut plant.

These accomplishments have opened doors for peanut breeders to control peanut traits like never before and without controversial and expensive GMO techniques. The research through PGI has already discovered markers for high oleic chemistry and resistance to leafspot (early and late), root-knot nematodes and tomato spotted wilt virus. These high-quality markers will allow breeders to quickly determine if their breeding lines contain certain traits and develop cultivars that better meet the specific needs of the industry.

So, the peanut industry is definitely beginning 2018 with good news in product development and genomic research. However, both of these endeavors would not have been possible without forward thinkJoy Carter Crosby ing, collaboration and hard work. I hope 2018 brings you good news on the farm as well. t Editor

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Calendar of Events u South Carolina Peanut Growers Annual Meeting & Trade Show, Jan. 25, 2018, Santee Convention Center, Santee, S.C. For more information call 803-284-3343, ext. 261.

u Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting & Trade Show, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2018, Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg, Miss. For more information visit misspeanuts.com or call 601-606-3547. u Georgia Young Farmers Association Annual Meeting, Feb. 2-3, 2018, Chateau Elan Resort, Braselton, Ga. For more information call 229-386-3429. u Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day, Feb. 7, 2018, NESPAL, Tifton, Ga. For more information visit gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470. u Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show, Feb. 8, 2018, National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan, Ala. For more information visit alpeanuts.com, flpeanuts.com or call 334-792-6482 or 850526-2590. u National Peanut Buying Points Association Winter Conference, Feb. 16-19, 2018, Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Miss.

For more information call 229-386-1716 or visit peanutbuyingpoints.org. u Florida Peanut Producers Annual Meeting, Feb. 22, 2018, Jackson County Agricultural Complex, Marianna, Fla. For more information visit flpeanuts.com or call 850-526-2590. u American Peanut Shellers Pre-Planting Meeting, March 7, 2018, The Bindery at Oakland, Albany, Ga. For more information visit peanut-shellers.org. u Peanut Butter & Jelly Day at the Georgia State Capitol, March 12, 2018, Atlanta, Ga. For more information visit gapeanuts.com. u National Ag Day, March 20, 2018.

For more information visit agday.com. u Peanut Proud Festival, March 24, 2018, Blakely, Ga. For more information visit peanutproud.com.

(Let us know about your event. Please send details to the editor at joycrosby@gapeanuts.com.

Peanut Breeders

of the Southeast P

Bill Branch, University of Georgia peanut breeder Bill Branch, peanut breeder with the University of Georgia, first became interested in plant breeding while growing up on a farm in south central, Oklahoma.

His family grew wheat and a few acres of peanuts. Following high school, he continued his education in agronomy at Oklahoma State University. Once he completed his bachelor’s degree he began seeking an assistantship for his master’s degree. At the time there was an opening in wheat breeding but at the last minute that opportunity fell through and he had to make a choice between peanuts and cotton. Branch chose peanuts and the rest is history. He obtained his masters and doctorate from Oklahoma State University and then started a postdoctoral position at Auburn University. The postdoctoral position was a temporary position and Branch soon moved to Tifton, Georgia,

to begin working with the University of Georgia breeding program in 1978 at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station.

In the early years of Branch’s work, the Florunner peanut variety, released by the University of Florida, dominated until tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) began damaging fields across the Southeast. As a breeder, Branch worked to develop new varieties to help with the battle against TSWV but also have similar characteristics to Florunner. Through the past 25 years, Branch has developed more than 20 new peanut varieties with the consistent goal of increased yield and grade as well as resistance characteristics for the farmer, and better shelling characteristics and enhanced flavor and nutrition for the consumer.

As TSWV wreaked havoc on farms across the Southeast, Branch released a cross between Southern Runner and Sunbelt Runner, named Georgia Green.

According to Branch, Georgia Green helped to set the industry back on track with their fight against TSWV. When yields began decreasing with Georgia

Green, Branch released Georgia-06G, a cross between Georgia Green and C99R. “Peanut breeding is a long-term program that takes a lot of patience,” Branch says. “Today, we have genetic markers available to assist with peanut breeding and help speed up the process.

These tools help breeders make selections based on disease resistance for new varieties.”

Branch encourages the next generation to look for career opportunities in peanut breeding. “This is exactly what I wanted to do,” he says. “Individuals need to view peanut breeding as a long-term career and have patience when developing the next variety.”

Branch can be found in his greenhouse crossing a future line or out in the field, keeping track of how the variety is growing and any issues. According to Branch, breeders have got to be out in the field, keeping track of the variety and have an active program. Branch’s ultimate goal is to help the farmers make a living by providing an increased yield and grade Continued on page 6

Photo credit: University of Georgia.

atience is a virtue but also a trait needed for peanut breeders. Breeders across the Southeast conduct their research in a lab, greenhouse, research plots and then on large scale variety trials with farmers and extension agents. Many times, before a breeder even releases one variety they are already noticing traits and working on a new variety that may take 7 to 10 years to release. However, the process is speeding up dramatically through genomics research and genetic mapping but the breeder still needs patience when it comes to crossing lines and releasing a new variety.

The Southeastern Peanut Farmer recently visited with four peanut breeders across the Southeast to find out more about their background, why they chose this career field and what they strive for in their peanut breeding research.

Bill Branch, University of Georgia peanut breeder, has developed more than 20 peanut varieties with the consistent goal of increased yield and grade as well as resistance characteristics for the farmer, and better shelling characteristics and enhanced flavor and nutrition for the consumer.

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Continued from page 5

Barry Tillman, University of Florida peanut breeder, has witnessed major breakthroughs in peanut breeding through the development of disease resistance and the high oleic characteristic in peanuts.

variety leading to a higher dollar value per acre. Also, he hopes to satisfy the entire industry with the varieties he develops.

Barry Tillman, University of Florida peanut breeder Barry Tillman, University of Florida peanut breeder, gained exposure to agriculture by working on his grandfather’s farm in Washington County, Alabama. On the farm, he helped with the soybean and corn crop and well as cattle.

Following high school graduation, he attended Auburn University to pursue a degree in agronomy and soils. He continued his studies at Louisiana State University and earned a master’s degree in soybean breeding and a doctorate in plant breeding and genetics studying wheat.

Even though his experience focused on soybeans and wheat, Tillman began his first plant breeding job in Texas working with rice. The knowledge of plant breeding has helped him to adapt to any crop and eventually land a job closer to family in the Southeast.

“The great thing about plant breeding is that the principles can be applied to any crop,” Tillman says. “So, when I saw the opening for a peanut breeder with the University of Florida in 2003, it was a chance to continue what I love to do professionally and move closer to family in Alabama and Florida.”

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Even though Tillman’s first interest in agriculture began on his grandfather’s farm, his interest in plant breeding came from a class at Auburn University taught

by David Weaver. Through the class and field tours, Tillman first understood plant breeding and knew that it was what he wanted to pursue for a career.

“Changes as a result of plant breeding usually come in small, often imperceptible, bits,” Tillman says.

“Historically, however, there are some major breakthroughs resulting from peanut breeding efforts. Two of these are the development of disease resistance and the high oleic characteristic in peanuts.”

Nearly all of the peanut cultivars being grown in the Southeast today trace a large part of their ancestry to the disease resistance breeding conducted by his predecessor Dan Gorbet. According to Tillman, that has had a major impact not only on disease resistance, but on the overall productivity of the crop. Similarly, the high oleic trait has had a major positive impact on the peanut confectionary industry that is just beginning to be felt, he says.

In the future, Tillman says, continued improvement in yield potential and disease resistance will require the use of new germplasm. This will be a long-term and ongoing project, but it is necessary for future improvement in peanut breeding, he adds.

“I also think that molecular markers will allow breeders to combine important traits more easily and as the cost of using molecular markers declines, their use will increase,” Tillman says.

Charles Chen, Auburn University peanut breeder Charles Chen’s background with his family’s tea plantation in China led him to a career in agriculture. Chen is currently the professor of peanut breeding and genetics at Auburn University.

Chen was born in Shuijizhen, Wuyi City, Fujian Province of China. The area is well-known for tea production in the world such as ‘Oolong Tea’ produced in Wuyishan (Wuyi Mountain), one of the most famous Chinese teas. Chen spent some time working in the tea plantation The newest peanut breeder, Charles Chen from Auburn University, believes various traits will continue to improve as molecular tools such as DNA-marker assisted selection are gradually implemented in peanut breeding.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

during high school. His father used to conduct a tea trading business and owned more than 100 acres of tea plantation and tea processing plant before The P.R. China established in 1949.

Even with his background at the tea plantation, Chen was primarily influenced

by Norman Borlaug, to pursue this career field. One of Chen’s favorite quotes from Borlaug is, “You can’t build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.”

Chen received his bachelor’s degree in crop science from China Agricultural University and master’s degree from the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Chen then moved to the United States and obtained his doctorate in plant breeding and genetics from the University of Illinois.

Following graduation, Chen worked as a senior research associate in soybean breeding and genetics at Michigan State University, before moving to Georgia in 2007 to begin a peanut breeding program with the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia.

In 2012, he continued the joint partnership of the peanut breeding program between NPRL and Auburn University, but transferred to Auburn University to continue the program.

Through the breeding program partnership, about 2,000 breeding lines are maintained in the program for selection in Headland, Alabama. Each year, Chen selects lines based on their characteristics for advanced yield testing in the Southeast and then the Uniform Peanut Performance Tests in eight states.

Photo credit: Auburn University.

Chen has released a virginia-type peanut cultivar, ‘AU-1101’, in 2011 and a runnertype peanut cultivar, ‘AU-NPL 17’, in 2017.

Even though Chen is the newest peanut breeder in the Southeast, he has even noticed some monumental changes through the years. “As molecular tools such as DNA-marker assisted selection are gradually implemented in peanut breeding, then desirable traits have continued to improve dramatically,” he says.

For the future, Chen believes that peanut breeding will head into a conventional breeding based program with genomic selection and gene editing technology. Of course, Chen says, breeding always remains a highly dynamic field. There is a constant change of new technologies for plant genetic improvement, such as advances in genomics, bioinformatics, high throughput phenotyping, and new statistical approaches for selection, gene mapping, GxE interactions, and CRISPR/CAS System-an RNA-guided targeted genome editing tool. This demands an extensive input of resources and multi-disciplines collaboration across the peanut industry in order to adapt these modern tools in peanut breeding. So, how to consolidate a limited resource of the U.S. peanut industry will be a big challenge, he adds.

Corley Holbrook, U.S. Department of Agriculture peanut breeder Corley Holbrook, peanut breeder with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Tifton, Georgia, began his love for agriculture and growing plants while visiting his grandparents farm in Heard County, Georgia. Holbrook was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and remembers collecting interesting trees and flower from nearby wooded areas and transplanting them to his parent’s yard. He also loved to plant large vegetable gardens in his backyard. Today, he continues his love of growing plants by helping develop new peanut varieties.

Holbrook began college at Florida Junior College and then transferred to the University of Florida for his junior and senior years. He enrolled in the Agronomy Department because of his interest in plants, but he did not have any clear career goals.

“I knew that I did not have the

Corley Holbrook, U.S. Department of Agriculture peanut breeder, credits the Peanut Genomics Initiative for the advancement in genetic knowledge and technology for peanuts over the past five years.

financial resources to start a farm from scratch, so I took a variety of classes to explore other possible options,” Holbrook says. “During that time, I took a basic genetics course that I found very interesting. Plant breeding seemed to be a good career goal since it combined my interest in plants with my interest in genetics.”

Holbrook received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and decided to pursue a master’s degree under David Knauft at UF. His research topic focused on nematode resistance in peanuts, which is an area of research that Holbrook continues in his peanut breeding position in Tifton.

After receiving his master’s degree, Holbrook attended North Carolina State University and worked in the soybean breeding and genetics project under the direction of Joe Burton for his doctorate degree. After receiving his doctorate, Holbrook interviewed for the vacant USDA-ARS peanut breeding and genetic position in Tifon, Georgia, and has worked there for 32 years now.

“There have been many individuals that have played critical roles in enabling me to become a peanut breeder,” Holbrook says. “I certainly could not have done this without the encouragement and assistance of my parents, Carl and Sara Holbrook.”

Holbrook also credits the important influences of teachers, both in primary school and in college.

“I was fortunate to have two outstanding major professors in Dave Knauft and Joe Burton,” Holbrook says. “In

addition to being outstanding scientists, they are both fine individuals, and I have been fortunate to maintain close contact with each of them to this day.”

According to Holbrook, the science and technology of plant breeding has greatly advanced during his career. In fact, many things that are fairly common today in plant breeding did not exist when Holbrook was in college.

Genetic knowledge and technology for peanuts has rapidly advanced in the past five years and Holbrook credits the Peanut Genomics Initiative for the advancement. Holbrook has worked closely with Peggy Ozias-Akins, UGA professor specializing in molecular genetics of plant development.

“We have always tried to find ways to merge her research in molecular genetics with my research in conventional breeding, however, until fairly recently the technology did not exist to allow use to fully integrate our programs,” Holbrook says. “The recent advances have allowed us to fully integrate our programs to do many exciting things that were previously impossible.”

Like any research, Holbrook expects the technology to advance and this technology will be used to continue to develop improved peanut varieties.

“As technology continues to advance, complexity will increase,” he says. “This will make a multidisciplinary team approach to breeding even more important than it already is.” t

BY JOY CROSBY

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Checkoff Report Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry.

Peanut Pavilion educates attendees at National Peanut Festival Almost 200,000 people attended the 2017 National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama this year. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) was there to educate visitors about how peanuts are grown and harvested, and share about peanut production in Alabama.

During this year’s festival, Nov. 3-11, 2017, a variety of peanut samples were Carl Sanders, APPA President, and Lucy given to the hundreds who visited the Peanut Edwards, regional extension agent, serve Pavilion. From fried peanuts to grilled grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fairgoers visitors in the Peanut Pavilion. enjoyed the many samples offered as they made their way through the pavilion.

A variety of peanut recipe cards, health brochures and kids’ activity sheets were also handed out during the event.

Georgia peanuts promoted on Southern Ag trailers The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored the printing and installation of eight peanut promotional messages this fall on Southern Ag trailers. The messaging used the National Peanut Board’s “Perfectly Powerful Peanut” campaign and promoted peanut consumption with GPC and NPB website information included. The trailers will be used throughout the United States and have the potential to generate more than 600 visual impressions for every mile driven (according to the American Trucking Association).

Georgia Peanut Commission hosts PB&J Spreading Party To celebrate the month of November as Peanut Butter Lovers Month, the Georgia Peanut Commission hosted a PB&J Party on the University of Georgia campus in Athens to feed the hungry and highlight the importance of agriculture as the largest industry in Georgia. On Nov. 16, volunteers from two UGA student professional organizations, Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma University of Georgia students make 1,200 Alpha, made more than 1,200 sandwiches in peanut butter sandwiches in one hour at the one hour. These sandwiches were then Georgia Peanut Commission’s PB&J packaged and donated to area ministries Spreading Party in Athens, Ga. including the Salvation Army of Athens, Atlanta Missions – Potters House and Action Ministries of Athens. The party was a fun event with entertainment to generate excitement and awareness about peanuts and peanut butter, as well as the benefits offered to those in need. It was also a way to bring awareness to the fact Georgia agriculture contributes to the growing need of a dependable food supply and peanuts are the official state crop, generating more than $2.2 billion to the state’s economy in 2017.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association promotes peanuts at fall events The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association continues to promote peanuts across the state at a variety of events including football promotions, economic council meetings and radio interviews.

The MPGA continued it’s Friday Night under the Lights (FNUTL.com) “Perfectly Powerful Peanut Game Of the Week” for the third consecutive year in the fall of 2017. The MPGA and the National Peanut Board have co-sponsored this activity at approximately 30 high school football games plus the Mississippi High School All-star Game and the Mississippi-Alabama All-star Game.

Through the promotion approximately 25,000 bags of peanuts have been distributed as well as literature promoting peanut nutrition and how to introduce peanut products to infants. As a result of this promotion, two high schools in Mississippi have changed their policy toward peanut products on campus.

The MPGA also provided peanuts at the Annual Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) “HobNob,” Oct. 25, 2017, at the coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi. This event includes members of the MEC plus elected officials in Mississippi. MPGA members were also present to interact with the MEC and legislative members.

Malcolm Broome, MPGA executive director, was interviewed on multiple radio stations this past fall. Broome also conducted an in-studio interview with Rebecca Turner, host of “Good Times” a daily radio program on the SuperTalk Radio Network. The 30-minute program involved questions on the peanut industry in Mississippi, peanut nutrition, and peanut allergies. The host has a nutrition background which made the interview very positive for peanut nutrition and allergy management. MPGA has been invited for more interviews in March.

Reports from the: Alabama Peanut Producers Association Florida Peanut Producers Association Georgia Peanut Commission Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

Florida Peanut Producers and Southern Peanut Growers exhibit at Southern Women’s Show in Jacksonville The Florida Peanut Producers Association and Southern Peanut Growers partnered with Southern Women’s Shows to promote peanuts and peanut butter to the 30,000 plus crowds at the Southern Women’s Show in Jacksonville, Fla. During the 4-day event Florida Peanut Producers and Southern Peanut Growers distributed thousands of recipe cards and Rhonda Barton and Roberta Stewart visit with attendees at brochures, peanut butter spreaders and of course, the Southern Women’s Show in Fresh From Florida roasted peanuts. FPPA also Jacksonville. provided samples of peanut candy and other peanut products. FPPA hosted cooking shows several times each day highlighting the versatility and the health and nutritional benefits of cooking with peanuts and peanut butter.

“The Southern Women’s Shows provide excellent opportunities for us to interact with and share the healthful message of consuming peanuts and peanut products to the consumers who make the food purchases for their families,” says Ken Barton, FPPA executive director.

Florida Peanut Producers Association and Extension partner for food drive Since 2012, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) has partnered with University of Florida IFAS Extension Northwest District agents and the have organized the “Peanut Butter Challenge.” The Challenge is an Extension-led food collection drive of peanut butter from within each of the 16 UF/IFAS Extension Northwest District Counties. The Florida Peanut Producers Association provides a match of peanut butter to the counties. This year, FPPA increased their donation to seven pallets (10,080 jars) to be used to supplement the local collections.

Georgia Peanut Commission promotes peanuts at Taste of Atlanta The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored and exhibited at the Taste of Atlanta Oct. 21-22, 2017, at the Historic Fourth Ward Park. This event is the city’s must-do food, wine, beer and cocktail festival showcasing the diversity of Atlanta restaurants.

Attendees include local foodies from the Atlanta area, the Southeast and beyond. Over the course of the event, Don Koehler, GPC executive director, Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut presented two peanut dishes on the Home Plate Commission executive director, Cooking Stage and exhibited at the GPC booth presents a cooking demo at the Taste of Atlanta in October. alongside National Peanut Board staff members. The GPC also sponsored the Future Chef Food Fight competition, where young chefs test their skills with a secret ingredient – peanuts.

The 2017 winner was Ivy Angst from Buckhead with her recipe, Soy-Marinated Steak with Broccoli and Peanut Sauce. Her recipe and more can be viewed at www.gapeanuts.com.

Georgia Peanut Commission promotes peanuts at Owl-O-Ween

Attendees sample a variety of peanut products during the OwlO-Ween festival held in October.

The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts during Halloween by attending Atlanta’s only hot air balloon festival and largest costume contest, Owl-O-Ween. The event took place Oct. 27-28 on the campus of Kennesaw State University and attracted more than 30,000 attendees. With live entertainment, hot air balloon rides, trick-or-treating and more, the Georgia Peanuts booth was a favorite among attendees with it’s variety of peanut products for sampling.

The Escambia County Extension collected 1,598 pounds of peanut butter for the Peanut Butter Challenge.

All the peanut butter collected from each county plus the jars donated by the Florida Peanut Producers Association is then given to local food pantries. Not only does the Peanut Butter Challenge help publicize the important contribution of north Florida’s peanut growers to the peanut industry of Florida, but it also helps provide a healthy and universally loved product, made from a locally grown product, to food pantries in northwest Florida counties from Pensacola to Monticello.

Through donations, support from various businesses and groups like county 4-H clubs, local Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, churches and other community-minded continued on page 19

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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State, federal and private peanut breeding programs are actively involved in the development of improved varieties with desirable traits for increasing dollar value, yield, grade, disease resistance, insect resistance, virus resistance, nematode resistance, aflatoxin resistance, drought tolerance, better shelling characteristics, longer shelf-life, and enhanced flavor and nutritional qualities.

“Possibly, no other single research effort can benefit the whole peanut industry as much as an improved variety,” says Bill Branch, University of Georgia peanut breeder.

In the U.S., there are four peanut market types (runner, virginia, spanish, and valencia), and within each market type, there are different varieties. The varieties contained in this guidebook reflect those varieties commonly planted in the Southeast and those varieties recommended by agronomists for this area due to resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV).

Variety selection is an important process in the overall management of the farm. This guidebook serves as a resource for growers when they select a variety for the 2018 crop year.

Runner Type ACI 789 is a high oleic runner variety with a high percentage of medium kernels. The variety matures in about 135 days in South Georgia and has good resistance to TSWV. This variety has very good peg strength giving flexibility during harvesting when weather condition delay digging and/or picking. ACI 789 was released in 2015 by ACI Seeds under the Plant Variety Protection Act. ACI 789 was developed by Dr. Kim M. Moore of ACI Seeds, a privately funded peanut research and development company based in South Georgia with ongoing research and development across all U.S. peanut growing regions. ACI 789 has demonstrated stability and success across many U.S. peanut production areas.

Florida-07 is a medium-late (140± days) runner market-type peanut with runner growth habit. It was released from the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida, in 2006. It has shown excellent yield potential (7000+ lbs/A) with good grades. Seed of Florida-07 is similar in size to C-99R and for this reason, gypsum is recommended. It has good to excellent resistance to TSWV with some white mold resistance, and tolerance to leafspot. Florida-07 has high oleic (80±%) oil chemistry with good to excellent roasting, blanching and processing characteristics.

FloRunTM ‘107’ is a medium maturity runner-type variety released by the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida, in 2010. The seed size of FloRunTM ‘107’ is slightly larger than Georgia Greener and it produces a high percentage of medium kernels in the grading process. FloRunTM ‘107’ has demonstrated very good yields and grades with good resistance to spotted wilt (TSWV) and moderate resistance to white mold. The maturity of FloRunTM ‘107’ is similar to Georgia Green and requires about 135 days to maturity under irrigated conditions in Florida. The oil of FloRunTM ‘107’ is high oleic and will help fill the need for a medium-sized runner peanut seed with high oleic oil chemistry.

FloRunTM ‘157’ is a high oleic, medium-early maturing runner-type variety with medium runner seed size developed at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida. It was released by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in 2015. FloRunTM ‘157’ produces about 35-40 percent medium kernels on an in-shell basis and has demonstrated very good grades and pod yields in multiple location testing in Florida. It is susceptible to white mold, moderately susceptible to spotted wilt and moderately susceptible to late leaf spot.

FloRunTM ‘157’ has been about five days earlier in maturity than Georgia-06G in Marianna, Florida, under irrigation.

Georgia Greener is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant, typical-seeded, runnertype peanut variety that was released in 2006 by the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia Greener has a high level of resistance to spotted wilt disease caused by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and CBR. In multi-location tests conducted in Georgia during the past several years, Georgia Greener was found to have among the lowest disease incidence, highest pod yield, highest TSMK grade, and highest dollar value return per acre compared to other runner-type varieties tested each year.

Georgia Greener has darker green foliage, a typical runner seed size, and a medium maturity similar to Georgia Green.

Georgia-06G is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant, large-seeded, runnertype peanut variety that was released in 2006 by the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-06G has a high level of resistance to TSWV. In multilocation tests conducted in Georgia during the past several years, Georgia06G was found to have among the lowest disease incidence, highest pod yield, highest TSMK grade, and highest dollar value return per acre compared to other runner-types tested each year. Georgia06G combines high TSWV resistance with medium maturity and excellent yield and high TSMK grade which results in greater dollar value return per acre.

Georgia-07W is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant and white mold-resistant, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2007 by the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Ga. Georgia-07W has a high level of resistance to TSWV and to white mold or stem rot. Georgia-07W combines Continued on page 12

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Continued from page 10

Table 1: Official State Variety Yield Data

high TSWV and white mold resistance with medium maturity and excellent yield, grade, and dollar value return per acre.

Georgia-09B is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, medium-seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2009 by the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-09B has a high level of resistance to spotted wilt disease caused by TSWV. Georgia09B also has the high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid ratio for improved oil quality and longer shelflife of peanut and peanut products. Georgia-09B originated from the first backcross made with Georgia Green as the recurrent parent. It has an intermediate runner growth habit and medium maturity, similar to Georgia Green. Georgia-09B has a medium runner seed size as compared to the larger-seeded, high-oleic, runner-type variety, Florida-07. Georgia-09B combines the excellent roasted flavor of Georgia Green with the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products.

Georgia-12Y is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant, white-mold resistant, medium-seeded, runnertype peanut variety that was released in 2012 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-12Y is similar to another runner-type variety ‘Georgia10T’ in having low TSWV disease incidence and total disease incidence. However, during several years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-12Y had significantly higher pod yield and higher dollar value return per acre compared to Georgia-10T. Georgia-12Y also has a smaller seed size (greater number of seed per pound) than Georgia-10T. During 2012, Georgia-12Y and Georgia-10T were compared to two other new runner-type varieties over multilocation tests in Georgia. Georgia12Y and Georgia-10T were both found to have among the best overall performance compared to FloRunTM ‘107’ and TUFRunnerTM ‘727’. Georgia12Y should be an excellent variety for an earlier planting (April) option in the southeast because of its high TSWV and white mold-resistance and later maturity.

Georgia-13M is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, small-seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2013 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-13M is similar to other high-oleic, runner-type varieties in having higholeic and low-linoleic fatty acid profiles. However,

12

2014 Yield GA - Tifton1

FL-Marianna & Gainesville

Irrigated Dryland

Irrigated Marianna & Gainesville

Irrigated

Dryland

Variety

AL-Headland2

Runner Florida-07

5739

4113

5344

6153

3439

FloRunTM ‘107’

5928

4155

5637

5754

3621

FloRunTM ‘157’

-

-

6009

-

-

Georgia Greener

5877

4242

5692

5881

3131

Georgia-06G

6026

4562

6176

5844

3748

Georgia-07W

5743

4583

6595

6280

3585

Georgia-09B

6140

3031

5930

5899

3222

Georgia-12Y

7058

4837

6416

5699

3113

Georgia-13M

5372

4449

5928

5527

2986

Georgia-14N

5277

5285

-

-

-

Tifguard

5676

4262

5570

5617

3258

TifNV-High O/L

5435

4309

-

-

-

TUFRunnerTM ‘297’

5964

4336

6305

-

-

TUFRunnerTM ‘511’

5930

4881

6274

6334

3603

TUFRunnerTM ‘727’

5724

4773

5509

6461

3694

during several years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia13M had significantly less total disease incidence and greater dollar value return per acre compared to four other high-oleic, runner-type varieties.

Georgia-13M was also found to have a smaller runner seed size as compared to these larger high-oleic runner-type varieties which should save growers in seed cost.

Georgia-14N is a new high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, and RKN-resistant, small-seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2014 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton.

Georgia-14N is similar to other high-oleic, runner-type varieties in having high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid profiles. However, during three-years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-14N had significantly less TSWV and total disease incidence and higher yield, grade, and dollar value return per acre compared to Tifguard. Georgia-14N combines high-yield, tomato spotted wilt virus resistance and root knot nematode resistance with smaller seed size, and the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products.

Tifguard is a high-yielding, medium-maturity, runner market-type peanut variety. It was jointly released by the USDA-ARS and the

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

2015 Yield GA - Tifton1

Irrigated Dryland

2016 Yield

FL-Marianna, Gainesville & AL-Headland2 Jay Irrigated Marianna & Gainesville

GA - Tifton1

FL-Marianna, Gainesville, Jay & Live Oak

2017 Yield AL Headland2

GA - Tifton1

FL -Marianna, Gainesville, Jay & Live Oak

AL Headland2

Irrigated Dryland Dryland Irrigated Dryland (Marianna, (Marianna, Irrigated Dryland

Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated

Gainesville, Gainesville, Live Oak) Jay)

5049

5696

6387

6516

3666

5068

6160

6010

4609

-

-

3869

4453

5500

4174

-

-

5091

5596

6210

6788

5862

4689

5363

5823

4387

4755

4610

5599

5043

6167

3969

4635

5681

4922

6377

6215

-

-

3751

5290

5810

4768

4519

4719

5076

5136

5712

3359

5082

6023

5654

6241

-

-

-

3995

6334

-

-

5499

6044

6053

5889

-

-

5137

5896

5572

6885

6906

7442

6997

4651

6440

6499

4840

6171

5971

6104

6433

6076

4119

5570

6330

5866

5793

-

-

-

4994

6246

-

-

4429

5862

3261

4441

-

-

4775

6059

5515

6428

6106

6752

5754

4200

5105

6106

4271

5155

5681

5156

5485

5700

3655

4666

6149

5288

5999

6620

7115

7042

4799

5999

6620

4562

5064

5735

6120

6461

6167

4647

6039

6400

6123

6407

6196

6389

6389

4755

6209

6196

4829

5717

5118

5001

5755

6037

4262

4956

5475

4501

5415

5853

-

-

4343

5059

5853

-

3866

4193

3626

4368

5148

4244

3990

5224

4858

5611

6044

6371

5009

4898

5878

6044

4125

-

-

4853

4663

5454

3807

4847

5770

5669

5551

6153

-

-

4045

5287

6153

4640

-

-

5295

5144

5633

4533

4757

5896

5357

6253

6938

7587

6607

5108

6434

6938

4869

5590

5917

6117

5510

6437

4205

5082

6162

4998

6059

6514

7133

5990

5351

5900

6514

4426

5463

5754

3601

4258

5977

4589

4882

6316

5100

5811

6559

6570

5899

4958

5838

6559

4420

4447

4755

-

-

-

-

-

-

2017 Mississippi Peanut Yield Data

Table 1: The data above contains the yield results from the 20132016 state variety trials by the University of Georgia in Tifton, Ga., North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Gainesville, Jay and Live Oak, Fla. and Auburn University Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, Ala.

City

1 - Complete Test data is available online at www.swvt.uga.edu.

2 - Complete Test data is available online at www.aces.edu/anr/crops/varietytesting/.

University of Georgia. It was the first peanut variety with a high level of resistance to both the peanut root-knot nematode and TSWV. Tifguard has a runner-type growth habit with dark green foliage and a prominent main stem. It has demonstrated very good yields and grades when tested with no nematode pressure in tests in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. When tested in fields with high nematode pressure it has demonstrated very good yields and grades without the use of nematicides.

Tifguard also has a moderate level of resistance to leaf spot.

TifNV-High O/L is a new high oleic peanut variety developed and released by USDA-Agricultural Research Service peanut breeder Corley Holbrook. It’s a new high oleic version of the nematode resistant Tifguard that Holbrook released several Continued on page 14

Starkville

Raymond

Stoneville

Overall Average

Variety

lbs/A

lbs/A

lbs/A

lbs/A

AU-NPL 17

6337

7262

5935

6511

Florida 07

6530

6831

6641

6667

FloRunTM ‘107’

6440

7414

6574

6809

FloRun

TM

‘157’

6085

6759

6908

6584

FloRun

TM

‘331’

7066

7666

7072

7268

Georgia-06G

7200

7214

6517

6977

Georgia-09B

6081

7892

6691

6888

Georgia-12Y

6202

7049

6633

6628

Georgia-13M

5135

6796

6864

6265

Georgia-14N

5543

6155

4755

5484

Georgia-16HO

7207

7676

7490

7458

Tifguard

5644

6929

5849

6141

TifNV-HI O/L

5682

6969

5974

6208

TUFRunner

TM

‘297’

6509

7910

6790

7070

TUFRunner

TM

‘511’

6960

7165

6502

6876

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

13

New runner type varieties released There are three new varieties released for growers to try in 2018. However, there will be limited seed available for these new varieties.

ACI 3321 is a large seeded, high-oleic runner peanut.

ACI 3321 is a top yielding variety for ACI Seeds and in State Variety testing in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. ACI 3321 has a high level of TSWV resistance, best in class white mold resistance and very good leaf spot resistance. ACI 3321 has demonstrated stability across diverse U.S. peanut production areas. ACI 3321 is well adapted to irrigated and dry-land production. ACI 3321 was developed by Kim M. Moore of ACI Seeds, a privately funded peanut research and development company based in South Georgia with ongoing research and development across all U.S. peanut growing regions. ACI 3321 will be released in 2018 under the Peanut Variety Protection Act to be sold as a class of certified seed.

AU-NPL 17 is a runner type peanut with high yield and medium maturity, very good resistant to TSWV, highly tolerant to leaf spot, very good resistant to white mold, and superior shelling characters. AU-NPL 17 has a prostrate growth habit with main stem. It has high oleic fatty acid content and excellent flavor. The seeds have pink testa and the average weight of 100 seeds was 65g, which is similar to Georgia-06G. The grade of AU-NPL 17 is average. AU-NPL 17 was released by Auburn University and USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in 2017.

FloRunTM ‘331’ is a high-yielding, medium maturity, disease tolerant runner-type variety released from the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education center, Marianna, FL in 2016. It has medium runner seed size with very good grades. FloRunTM ‘331’ has had excellent pod yield in both irrigated and non-irrigated trials over several

seasons of testing across several locations in Florida. Of the runner-type varieties tested for resistance to leaf spots and white mold, FloRunTM ‘331’ has had among the best pod yield and lowest disease scores and it is moderately resistant to tomato spotted wilt. FloRunTM ‘331’ has high oleic oil chemistry beneficial for extended shelf-life and marketability of peanuts and peanut products.

Georgia-16HO is a new high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, large-seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2016 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia16HO is similar to other high-oleic, runner-type varieties in having the high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid profile.

However during several years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-16HO had less TSWV and total disease incidence and higher yield, grade, and dollar value return per acre compared to Florida-07, FloRun ‘107’, and TUFRunner ‘727’. Georgia-16HO was also found to have a large runner seed size similar to two of these other large-seeded, high-oleic, runner varieties, Florida-07 and TUFRunner ‘727’.

During the past few years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-16HO was again found to have less TSWV and total disease incidence and higher yield, grade, and dollar value return per acre compared to TUFRunner ‘297’ and TUFRunner ‘511’. Georgia-16HO was also found to have a large runner seed size similar to TUFRunner ‘511’, but not as large of seed size as TUFRunner ‘297’. Georgia-16HO combines high-yield, TSWV resistance with large runner seed size, and the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products. t

Continued from page 13

years ago. The new variety offers high yields, nematode resistance, a high concentration of oleic acid, resistance to spotted wilt virus, moderate resistance to leaf spot and medium maturity. TifNVHigh O/L resulted from a cross between Tifguard and the Florida-07 varieties.

Holbrook worked with University of Georgia researchers Peggy Ozias-Akins and Ye Chu in using molecular markers for nematode resistance and the high O/L trait. Using the molecular markers, they were able to greatly speed up the process of developing the new variety. Limited seed supplies will be available for TifNVHigh O/L in the 2017 planting season.

TUFRunnerTM ‘297’ is an extra-large seeded, medium runner-type peanut with high oleic oil chemistry developed by the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center in

14

Marianna, Florida. It was released in 2014. TUFRunnerTM ‘297’ has demonstrated very good resistance to white mold, good resistance to TSWV and is susceptible to leaf spots. Yield and grade of TUFRunnerTM ‘297’ have been excellent. It has a prominent center stem with a semi prostrate growth habit.

TUFRunnerTM ‘511’ is a large seeded, medium maturity runner-type peanut with high oleic oil chemistry. The University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida released TUFRunnerTM ‘511’ peanut in 2013. It has very good resistance to white mold, moderate resistance to TSWV, and is susceptible to leaf spots. Yield and grade of TUFRunnerTM ‘511’ have been excellent.

The seed size is similar to Georgia-06G with a similar out-turn of medium,

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

number one and jumbo kernels. The growth habit of TUFRunnerTM ‘511’ is prostrate.

TUFRunnerTM ‘727’ is a mediumlate maturity, high oleic, runner market type peanut cultivar with very good resistance to white mold, resistance to TSWV and some resistance to late leaf spot developed by the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida. It has a prostrate, runner growth habit with large vines and medium large runner seed size. Yield and grade of TUFRunnerTM ‘727’ have been excellent. The prefix “TUF” is an acronym for The University of Florida from which it was released in 2011. t

BY JOY CROSBY

Certified Seed The value of certified seed

eed costs may be one way a farmer thinks he can save some money. But, he may want to think again. In the long-run, money saved prior to planting may be used later in the season for not investing in certified peanut seed.

Certified seed is produced and increased under a limited generation concept that is supervised by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Southern Seed Certification Association and Mississippi Crop Improvement Association across the Southeast. There are 44 crop improvement agencies across the U.S. The primary focus for crop improvement agencies is seed certification which is a seed multiplication program offered as a service to seed producers with the objective of ensuring varietal identity, purity and high-quality seed to the end user.

S

16

“There are three classes of certified seed - foundation, registered and certified,” says Billy Skaggs, certification program manager with the Georgia Crop Improvement Association. “As seed is grown in each certification class the seed continues to increase until it is available commercially for growers.”

Generally, a breeder may have 100 to 120 pounds of seed for a new variety.

Under the seed certification process, breeder seed is provided to each state’s foundation seed organization and multiples it to produce foundation seed.

Next, foundation seed is planted to produce registered seed. Finally, registered seed is planted by contract growers to multiply and produce certified seed, which growers normally purchase.

Through each of the seed classification levels, the crop improvement agencies verify the variety, determines the varietal purity, identifies

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

contaminating other crops, problem weeds or diseases. The agencies also verify adequate isolation.

Through these steps physical characteristics are used to identify peanut varieties. Those include maturity, leaf color, leaf shape, location of flowers on main stem, growth habit, pod size and shape. Careful inspection is also made of the peanut shell to identify the shell’s degree of venation, color, size, constriction and beak.

Once the certified peanut seed is harvested, the crop improvement association only uses approved conditioning facilities that allows proper storage for the seed. Then it is onto testing and labeling to make sure the seed is in compliance with state and federal seed laws.

According to Scott Hobby, Georgia seed laboratory manager, the purpose of seed laws and regulations is to protect consumers from poor quality or mislabeled seed, give the seller confidence that they are selling a quality product and to promote fair competition in the seed industry.

“The Seed Regulatory Program protects the seed industry and consumers through inspection and analysis of seed in the marketplace,” Hobby says. “The program samples seed throughout the state for truth in labeling testing.”

The samples are tested and analyzed and the results are compared to the claims made on the label. This is done to ensure the consumer is purchasing properly labeled seed and it protects the seller from seed that may have gone bad, Hobby adds. The inspectors draw samples throughout the year. Testing seed during the regulatory process, especially for germination, provides some assurance the seed will be fit for planting and should lessen the chances for a lawsuit if the seed does not perform as indicated on the

Crop Improvement Associations in the Southeast Georgia Crop Improvement Association Terry Hollifield, Executive Director Billy Skaggs, Certification Program Manager Phone: 706-542-2351 www.georgiacrop.com

Clemson University Department of Plant Industry Sarah Adams, Assistant Director Phone: 864-646-2147 http://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/fert-seed/seedcertification/index.html

Mississippi Crop Improvement Association Bennie C. Keith, Executive Secretary Phone: 662-325-3211 www.mcia.msstate.edu

Southern Seed Certification Association, Inc. (Alabama & Florida) Jim Bostick, executive vice president Phone: 334-693-3988 http://www.ag.auburn.edu/auxiliary/ssca/

seed label.

The state seed regulatory program is also responsible for the enforcement of the Plant Variety Protection Act. Most varieties of crops are protected and growers must get permission from the owner of the variety to sell their varieties as seed. Additionally, many varieties are protected by Title V of the Federal Seed Act and must be sold as a class of certified seed.

“When a farmer purchases certified seed, they should be receiving the best quality seed available,” Hobby says.

“Brownbagging is a term used to define individuals that sell seed without permission from the owner of the variety.”

Brownbagged seed is generally not tested for purity, germination and varietal identity. When farmers purchase this seed, they may be planting a variety not suited for their area, it may be contaminated with another crop kind or noxious weed seeds, or it may not grow due to lack of vigor or germination.

Hobby encourages farmers to keep a sample of the seed they planted along with a copy of the seed label and sales receipt, in case the seed does not perform to label claims. He also recommends for farmers to make a thorough visual examination of the seed to determine if the quality meets the claims made on the label and to never buy seed that is not labeled.

“Without a label to prove the seed was intended for planting purposes, the farmer has very little recourse if any of the seed they purchased does not grow or was contaminated with noxious weeds or other crops,” Hobby says.

Farmers may feel like saving seed to

plant the next year may help save costs but in the end, the result could be costlier.

Professionally grown seed requires seed certification inspections to assure genetic purity, proper drying techniques, isolation and identity of multiple varieties, as well as storage and handling during shelling, treating, bagging and transport.

Seed companies utilize contract growers to produce certified peanut seed.

“Typically, once the companies find a good seed grower they use the same

growers year after year,” Skaggs says.

“These growers are among the best at what they do utilizing the most effective management possible – including calcium applications, timely irrigation, weed control, and close monitoring of possible disease and insect pests.”

Growers with questions about seed quality or other issues should contact their state’s certified crop improvement association for more information. t

BY JOY CROSBY

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

17

n international group of agricultural scientists have mapped the genetic code of the peanut. Results of the five-year research project give scientists around the world a map with which to unlock some of the genetic potential of the peanut plant.

“Mapping the genetic code of the peanut proved to be an especially difficult task, but the final product is one of the best ever generated,” says Steve Brown, executive director of The Peanut Foundation. “We now have a map that will help breeders incorporate desirable traits that benefit growers, processors, and most importantly, the consumers that enjoy delicious and nutritious peanut products all over the world.”

This discovery by the Peanut Genome Consortium, a group of scientists from the U.S., China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, India, Israel, and several countries in Africa, gives scientists the capability to find beneficial genes in cultivated and wild peanuts to use in breeding new peanut varieties.

These traits can lead to greater yields, lower production costs, lower losses to disease, improved processing traits, improved nutrition, improved safety, better flavor and virtually anything that is genetically determined by the peanut plant.

“Study of peanut genome structure and order makes a great detective story, where many clues are found and linked together to unlock mysteries of genetics

A

18

and gene regulation. This is exciting work,” says UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Scott Jackson, co-chair of the consortium.

The U.S. team included scientists from Auburn University, University of Georgia, NC State University, Texas A&M University, University of California-Davis, University of Florida, USDA-ARS on the UGA campus in Tifton and on the UGA campus in Griffin, Georgia; Stillwater, Oklahoma; Ames,

Peggy Ozias-Akins, plant geneticist at the University of Georgia, is focused on identifying genetic markers that can confer disease resistance to peanuts.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Iowa and Stoneville, Mississippi, and National Center for Genome Resources at Santa Fe, New Mexico. Researchers with The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology coordinated the assembly of the final peanut genome.

“The quality and completeness of the peanut genome sequence exceeds anything to date that has been produced for a tetraploid crop plant….It’s much more complete than our cotton assemblies!” says Jeremy Schmutz, co-director of the institute’s Genome Sequencing Center.

In 2012, the U.S. peanut industry urged The Peanut Foundation to initiate a research program to map the genetic code of the peanut plant. The resulting Peanut Genome Initiative is the largest research project ever funded by the industry, with the $6 million cost shared equally among growers, shellers and manufacturers.

Peanuts are a staple in diets across the globe, from the Americas to Africa and Asia. They are also a key ingredient in Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) that treat severe acute malnutrition and a crop that farmers in developing countries rely on for personal and community economic well-being.

“Peanuts are already more sustainable and affordable than any nut available today, and consumers choose them for their flavor and familiarity,” says Bob Parker, president and CEO of the National Peanut Board. “I don’t know that any of us can fully articulate what this advance means to our ability to grow more peanuts

with fewer resources to feed the world.

But I’m excited just thinking about the promises ahead of us.”

These accomplishments, through the Peanut Genome Initiative, have opened doors for peanut breeders to control peanut traits like never before and without controversial and expensive GMO techniques. The research through the Peanut Genome Initiative has already discovered markers for high oleic chemistry and resistance to leafspot (early and late), root-knot nematodes and tomato spotted wilt virus. These high-quality markers will allow breeders to quickly determine if their breeding lines contain certain traits and develop cultivars that better meet the specific needs of the industry.

“All of this PGI research does not mean that we will immediately have new seed varieties on the market with all of these traits. The traits need to be added to good existing varieties to make them better and they will need to be grown, which will take some time,” says George Birdsong, CEO of Birdsong Peanuts.

“However, the main accomplishment of our PGI project is that we now have the tools to more quickly develop better seed varieties.”

The entire report of the Peanut Genome Initiative is available on the Peanut Foundation website at www.peanutfoundation.org. t

BY JOY CROSBY

Peanut Efficiency Awards seeking nominees While achieving high yields and grades is important in peanut production, it’s only part of the equation for efficient, long-term sustainable production.

The Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Award is based on production efficiency, honoring growers who produce the highest yields by using inputs wisely and effectively. The awards are presented based on the producer’s entire farm operation and not on individual farms or small plots.

A second major component of the Peanut Efficiency Award is education.

Southeast Farm Press, Delta Farm Press and Southwest Farm Press support the education element by publishing articles throughout the year focusing on peanut production efficiency.

Awards are presented to growers from the Lower Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas; the Upper Southeast, including Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina; and the Southwest, including Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“While achieving consistently high yields and grades is important, it’s only part of the equation to maximizing profits. The elements of production cost and price are equally important factors in our evaluation of nominees. Marketing expertise definitely has given an edge to recent winners of the award,” says Marshall Lamb, research director for the National Peanut Research Laboratory.

Please submit nomination forms directly to the National Peanut Research Laboratory, or local county Extension agent, peanut specialist or economist. The deadline for all nominations is April 15, 2018. Growers can access the nomination form online at southeastfarmpress.com, southwestfarmpress.com or deltafarmpress.com. To receive a hard copy of the form, call Farm Press headquarters at 662-624-8503.

The awards program has honored 18 classes of winners from the U.S. peanut belt. Since the program’s beginning in 2000, the Peanut Efficiency Awards have honored 54 deserving growers or farms. The awards program began with the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in conjunction with the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and the two have grown together over the years.

Winners of the 2018 awards will receive an expense-paid trip for two to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July at the SanDestin Golf and Beach Resort. t

Florida Peanut Butter Challenge - continued from page 9

organizations, the Peanut Butter Challenge continues to grow. As of December 1, 2017, there were 8,353 pounds of peanut butter in 8,698 jars collected across the panhandle of Florida along with Florida Peanut Producers Association’s contribution of 10,080 jars. This year over 18,700 jars of peanut butter will be distributed throughout the Extension District.

Each year, the two counties who collect the most are recognized for their efforts.

The determination is based on population. This year, Jefferson County wins in the small population category (less than 75,000 residents) while Escambia wins in the large population category (more than 75,000 residents). Jefferson County collected 1,575 pounds while Escambia collected 1,598 pounds.

Julianne Shoup, Jefferson County Family and Consumer Science agent, credits the local schools for helping to really push their numbers to an all-time high for their county. In Escambia County, Perdido Bay United Methodist Church collected more than 1,000 pounds of peanut butter. They know the value of peanut butter because they use it in their School Backpack Ministry to provide meals to needy area school children on the weekends.

“The Peanut Butter Challenge is a wonderful program that creates a friendly competition between county Extension offices and everyone involved while providing local food pantries with much needed protein,” says Ken Barton, FPPA executive director. “We are happy to be a part of the Peanut Butter Challenge and we send a special thank you to Peanut Proud for helping us purchase peanut butter below retail cost.”

Georgia Peanut Commission promotes peanuts in New York’s Times Square The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored a billboard in New York’s Times Square during the month of Novermber to celebrate Peanut Butter Lover’s Month. The digital billboard was featured on the Bow Tie Building on Broadway and 43rd Street. The billboards are viewed by more than 1.5 million pedestrians, motorists and television viewers each day. The digital media featured three images that rotated on the display for a total of two minutes per hour throughout the day.

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Knowing production costs University of Georgia CAES economists stress to farmers the importance of knowing their production costs conomists from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recommend that Georgia farmers understand their production costs before planting next year’s crops.

Amanda Smith, a UGA Cooperative Extension economist in the CAES Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, says prices for diesel, some chemicals and land rent have increased, while seed and fertilizer continue to be significant expenses of growing crops.

Farmers need to be diligent in their record keeping and know how increased production costs combined with low commodity prices affect their bottom line, she says.

“It’s good business practice to be on top of your numbers and ask, ‘Am I losing money with this crop? Can I afford to pay land rent on these acres?’” Smith says. “If you can’t afford it, you may need to step away and look for an alternative.”

Along with UGA Extension peanut economist Adam Rabinowitz and UGA Extension cotton economist Don Shurley, Smith has produced a relative row crop

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Ag Forecast Schedule: Jan. 30 - Lyons, Georgia Feb. 1 - Bainbridge, Georgia Feb. 2 - Tifton, Georgia Feb. 5 - Macon, Georgia Feb. 6 - Cartersville, Georgia Feb. 7 - Athens, Georgia Register online at: www.georgiaagforecast.com

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production cost and expected net returns analysis for cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum for 2018. In UGA’s projections, cotton is expected to bring an average price of 72 cents per pound; peanuts could be $400 per ton; corn may be $4.15 per bushel; and soybeans may bring $9.50 per bushel.

These price estimates are based on harvest time futures contracts adjusted for expected basis, except peanuts. Peanut prices are a weighted average of expected contracts on limited quantities.

Production costs for farmers are divided into two categories: variable and fixed costs. Variable costs consist of seed, fertilizer, chemicals, labor, land rent, fuel, and repairs and maintenance. Fixed costs refer to the cost of owning machinery, equipment, irrigation and buildings. These ownership costs include depreciation, housing, insurance and taxes.

Based on UGA’s projections, soybeans, cotton and peanuts offer growers more return above variable cost per acre for both irrigated and nonirrigated farmland. When making year-to-year planting decisions, growers need to look at the returns above their variable costs, Smith said. In the long run, farmers also need to cover those fixed ownership costs.

One significant variable cost for some farmers is land rent. This past growing season, the average land rent for irrigated cropland in south Georgia was $206.25 per acre, according to the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was an increase from the $202 average that landowners charged in 2016.

For nonirrigated cropland, rent was $80.50 per acre in south Georgia, higher than the 2016 average of $76.25.

UGA agricultural economists urge farmers to look at the enterprise budgets, available online at www.agecon.uga.edu/ extension/budgets, and adjust the cost estimates to reflect their production practices and what they anticipate for yield.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

“For cotton, we budget for 1,200pound yield. Some growers want to shoot for three-bale cotton, which is 1,500 pounds of cotton per acre. That’s going to require a different mix as far as fertilizers and other inputs. They should account for the higher costs associated with trying to get that higher yield of cotton,” Smith says.

One variable cost that Smith admits may vary from farmer to farmer is repairs and maintenance. She allotted $54 per acre for repairs and maintenance in peanuts. But producers who operate older equipment may be faced with higher repair bills if they’re unable to replace old tractors and implements.

“I was talking with one farmer and he said, ‘I’ve got over 10 years and 8,000 hours of use on a tractor. But the numbers aren’t there, I can’t buy a new tractor next year. I’m just going to have to keep repairing it and maintaining it the best I can,’” Smith says.

Other variable costs that remain a significant portion of production costs are fertilizers. The price for liquid nitrogen has risen since August of this year, though it’s not expected to keep increasing, she said. Phosphorus has leveled out and will likely stay around the same price. Costs for potash, a form of the element potassium, have gone up just over 7.8 percent from last year but have not shown a dramatic increase as in 2011.

Smith and her UGA Extension colleagues will give more agricultural projections at next year’s Georgia Ag Forecast seminar series. The first of six Georgia Ag Forecast meetings is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Lyons, Georgia.

Other Georgia Ag Forecast stops include Bainbridge, Georgia, on Feb. 1; Tifton, Georgia, on Feb. 2; Macon, Georgia, on Feb. 5; Cartersville, Georgia, on Feb. 6; and Athens, Georgia, on Feb. 7. For more information about Georgia Ag Forecast, visit www.caes.uga.edu/about/signatureevents/ag-forecast.html. t

BY CLINT THOMPSON UNIVERISTY OF GEORGIA

Special Review

January 18, 2018 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton, Georgia

Photos & video of seminars will be available online following the show at www.gapeanuts.com.

Georgia Peanut Farm Show Award Winners The Georgia Peanut Commission presents the following awards to individuals who have contributed greatly to the peanut industry.

The awards are presented during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference awards luncheon on Jan. 18, 2018, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.

Distinguished Service Award - Jeff Johnson, Birdsong Peanuts The Distinguished Service Award is presented to Jeff Johnson of Birdsong Peanuts. Johnson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of North Texas in Denton where he received a degree in Finance and Marketing. He joined Birdsong Peanuts in 1974 as manager of their export operations and moved to Suffolk, Virginia. Johnson has been very active in the American Peanut Council, serving as chairman in 2005-2006 and chairman of the APC export board several times.

Johnson was one of the original founders of The Peanut Institute in 1996, served as its president during the first three years of its existence and has remained involved ever since. Johnson became president of Birdsong Peanuts in August 2000. Shortly thereafter in 2004 he became aware of a Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) composed of a peanut base and he convinced Birdsong to take it on as a humanitarian project.

RUTF is now hailed as a miracle food by most health organizations. A lot of effort was spent with Dr. Mark Manary, one of the developers of the product, and Johnson and Birdsong began advocating for the product. Today it is saving thousands or possibly millions of lives every year especially in Africa.

Johnson has officially retired from Birdsong Peanuts but is still working as a consultant on health and humanitarian issues.

He believes peanuts can play a substantially greater role in the health field with nutritional and diabetes research and also in the humanitarian field feeding the needy of the world.

Research and Education Award – Dr. Albert K. Culbreath, University of Georgia The Georgia Peanut Research and Education Award is presented to Albert K. Culbreath, professor of plant pathology at the University of Georgia, Tifton Campus. Culbreath is a native of Hartselle, Alabama. He is a graduate of Roane State Community College and Auburn University, and earned his doctorate at North Carolina State University. Culbreath began work at the University of Georgia in 1989 just as tomato spotted wilt was emerging as a serious threat to Georgia. He has since established himself as a leader in the areas of ecology, epidemiology and management of thrips-vectored tomato spotted wilt virus, and in the epidemiology and integrated management of leaf spot diseases of peanut. He was a key member of the team that developed the Spotted Wilt Risk Index that aided with the integrated management of that disease as well as the team that later expanded the index to include fungal diseases in what is now Peanut Rx. He is author or co-author on more than 170 refereed journal articles and book chapters, and a co-developer of six peanut cultivars.

Culbreath has served as president of the Southern Division of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), APS Councilor from the Southern Division, Plant Disease Management Section chair of the APS Scientific Program Board, and as president of the American Peanut Research and Education Society. He is currently Southern Division’s representative on the APS Council Forum. He has received the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Research, the APS Novartis Award for outstanding contributions to agriculture and Fellow Award, and Coyt T. Wilson Award for outstanding service from the American Peanut Research and Education Society.

He is an avid reader, outdoorsman, musician, and teller of tales. He and his wife, Leeann, have two sons, and live in Tifton, Georgia.

Media Award – Craig Harney, WTOC The Georgia Peanut Media award is presented to Craig Harney, video producer of special projects at WTOC. He has a bachelor’s in political science from Armstrong State University. Harney has been with WTOC for 38 years and has won the Emmy award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and numerous Georgia Associated Press Awards. He began his career as a director at WTOC, but has also held positions as operations manager, marketing director, and director of local programming.

Since signing on the air on Valentine’s Day in 1954, WTOC has honored its commitment to farming communities through continuing coverage on Southeast Georgia’s dominant CBS affiliate. Harney headed a WTOC initiative in the spring of 2017 entitled, “Proud to Be A Georgia Farmer.” Through this 30-minute program and the news segments culled from it, a potential audience of 700,000 viewers were made aware of the miracle of the Georgia peanut and the integrity and imagination of the families who grow them. In the fall WTOC’s coverage of the Sunbelt Ag Expo focused on all of the wonderful attributes of peanuts, a story that must be told time and again so that Georgians appreciate the ongoing blessings of the Georgia peanut.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Special Award - Matt Baldwin, professional bullfighter The Georgia Peanut Special Award is presented to Matt Baldwin, professional bullfighter.

Baldwin has been fighting bulls for more than 25 years with his career starting while a student at Tift County High School. He became one of the major bullfighters with Championship Bull Riding since its inception. He has also been seen at PBR and PRCA events throughout his career.

In 2005, he began promoting Georgia peanuts at hundreds of rodeos and bull ridings throughout the United States and on televised events on several major networks through the years. In 2017, he was selected as Bullfighter of the Year for the CBR at the national finals in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Throughout the promotion, Baldwin has made many personal appearances at rodeo events and children’s hospitals, autograph signings, and radio programs. His uniform proudly displays the Georgia Peanut logo and his autograph sheets feature a peanut recipe on the back side to promote Georgia peanuts to consumers.

Baldwin can be viewed on FOX Sports One Network which reaches 68 million households each week. Baldwin was featured in two episodes on a 2011 television show, Bullproof. Fans can follow more about Baldwin at www.cbrbull.com or on his facebook page.

Baldwin will be retiring after this season and he and his wife Kristy and sons, Eli and Krease, will be moving back to Georgia, near Sandersville.

Congratulations to the 2018 Georgia Peanut Farm Show Award winners!

Check out the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference UGA Peanut Team Seminar and Seed Seminar presentations online at gapeanuts.com.

The presentations will be available following the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference.

Thanks to Agri Supply for sponsoring the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year award and to BASF for sponsoring the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer.

Thanks to Kelley Manufacturing Co. for sponsoring the Grand Door Prize Package and to Amadas Industries for sponsoring the Grower Door Prize.

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year District Winners District 1 – Ike Newberry, Hillside Farms, Arlington, Georgia The District 1 winner is Ike Newberry of Arlington, Georgia. Newberry began farming in 1955 on 250 acres when he returned from service in the Air Force where he was a jet fighter pilot for five years. He continued to serve in the reserves. He farmed with his dad and then in 1979 his son, Mike, joined him at Hillside Farms. Ike’s grandad was the first to begin farming in Arlington on some of the same land that Ike and Mike farm today. Through the years, Newberry has grown peanuts, cotton, corn and raised cattle and hogs.

Today the farm encompasses 1,500 acres of peanuts, cotton and corn along with beef cattle. The farm today is totally irrigated and Newberry purchased the first irrigation system 41 years ago and gradually added more pivots through the year. Newberry always had a goal in his life to farm and he was known as “the peanut farmer” in the Air Force. Newberry has been recognized through the years for high peanut yields through the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club. Newberry was recognized with the Master Farmer award from the Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Alumni Association in 1961 and with the ASCS (currently Farm Service Agency) Farm of the Year in Early County, Georgia. In the 70s, Newberry served on the Georgia Peanut Commission Advisory Board. He currently serves as director of First State Bank of Blakely. He retired after 30 years as a field representative for Moorman Manufacturing Company. In addition to farming, Newberry has served as deacon at Arlington Baptist Church and continues to teach Sunday School today. In his younger years, he loved sports and was active in sports throughout high school and played shortstop for the ABAC baseball team. Newberry married Shelby in 1956 and they have one son, Mike. Mike is married to Sherri and they have one daughter, Michaelyn.

District 2 – Chip Dorminy, ABCD Farms, Fitzgerald, Georgia The District 2 winner is Chip Dorminy of Fitzgerald, Georgia. Dorminy is a third-generation farmer and began farming in 1971. Today, the family farm includes 11,000 total acres with 4,500 acres of cropland including peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat and soybeans in Ben Hill and Irwin County. The farm also includes timber in Lee County. In addition to farming, Dorminy serves as president of Farmer’s Quality Peanut and D&F Grain and is a stockholder in Osceola Cotton Company. Through the years, Dorminy has been recognized for his high yields in peanuts through the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club and received the state award in 1982. Dorminy has also been recognized as Master Farmer from the Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Alumni Association. Dorminy has been active throughout the years with a variety of agricultural organizations. He has served as chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Peanut Commodity Committee, District board member for the Soil and Water Conservation Committee and served on the state board for the Georgia Forestry Association.

He currently serves on the board of directors for the Ben Hill County Farm Bureau, chairman of the Ben Hill County Forestry Board and member of the Ben Hill/Irwin County FSA Committee. In addition to agriculture, Dorminy has served on the ABAC Foundation board and is currently serving as vice president on the Board of Trustees for Wiregrass Tech and vice president of Community Banking in Fitzgerald. He served in the National Guard for six years. Dorminy is married to Jan and they have two children, Art and Heather who is married to Preston Poe. They also have four grandchildren.

District 3 – Charles Smith Jr., River Ridge Farms, Wadley, Georgia The District 3 winner is Charles Smith Jr. of Wadley, Georgia. Smith is a third-generation farmer who started farming in 1985, once he graduated from the University of Georgia. The family operation has always been diversified comprising of timber, beef cattle and row crops including peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans.

Smith is a founding member and managing partner of Producers Peanut Buying Point in Bartow, Georgia.

Smith has been very active in a number of agriculture organizations including Georgia Farm Bureau, Jefferson County Young Farmers Association, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the former Georgia Peanut Producers Association. He is currently serving as secretary of Jefferson County Farm Bureau and previously served as vice president. He has also previously served as chairman of the GFB State Young Farmer Committee, committee member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Peanut and Cotton Advisory Committees, state committee member for the Georgia Farm Service Agency and Board of Director for Queensborough National Bank and Trust. In addition to agriculture, Smith has served as a past committee member of the Pastor-Parrish Relations Committee for Louisville United Methodist Church, former board member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Wadley and advisory board member for Queensborough National Bank and Trust. Through the years, Smith has been recognized with the American Soybean Association/Dupont Young Leader Representative from Georgia in 1991, the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Achievement Award in 1996 and received high yield awards through the Georgia Corn Yield Contest, Georgia Peanut Achievement Club and the Georgia Cotton Quality Award. Smith is married to Melinda and they have four children, Brittney, Kristen, Charlotte and Tripp.

District 4 – James ‘Roy’ Malone Sr., Goose Hollow Farm, Dexter, Georgia The District 4 winner is Roy Malone of Goose Hollow Farm in Dexter, Georgia. Malone began purchasing land from his dad on credit following high school. He continued to pay for the land throughout college while working at Lockheed and during his service in the U.S. Air Force. Following the war, Malone attended the University of Georgia for his degree in agriculture. He started farming in 1958 with the original land purchase, additional land purchases and land debt and three share croppers. During that time, Malone also taught a class of veterans at night in farm training. Through the years, the farm has included cotton, corn, peanuts and wheat along with cattle and hog operations. In the early 70s, Malone was joined on the farm by his son, James, and his son-in-law, Tommy Mullis. Malone has a long list of accomplishments and service to the United States, agriculture and a variety of community projects. Malone served in WWII as a 1st Lieutenant Flying a P-51 Mustang fighter plane in the Pacific Theater of operations. He served as a flight leader at the end of the war and squadron commander in Japan. While airborne over Japan on a strafing mission, he viewed the aftermath of the mushroom cloud of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972. Malone has served as president of the Farm Bureau local Dexter Chapter, charter member of the board of directors that organized the Progressive Rural Cooperative, Inc., chairman of the Georgia, Florida, Alabama Peanut Association, chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Peanut Advisory Committee, chairman of the Peanut Advisory Board and served in many more roles within a variety of agriculture organizations. He is also a member of the West Laurens Young Farmers Chapter and American Forestry Association. He is a past member of the Georgia Forestry Commission State Stewardship Coordinating Committee and the Forest Legacy Program Committee. Through his involvement in many organizations, Malone has often been called the “peacemaker” as he performs his committee duties. Malone has long been active with Goose Hollow’s Outreach and Education in his community. Through the years, he has received numerous awards for his service and leadership from FFA, forestry organizations and Farm Credit. In 1962, he was named the Man of the Year in Soil and Water Conservation, received the Outstanding Forest Stewardship Award in 1995 and named the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year in 1997, Southern Regional Tree Farmer of the Year in 1998 and first runner-up for the National Tree Farmer of the Year award in 1998. Malone is married to Sarah Weaver and they have four children, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

District 5 – Marvin & Dania DeVane, DeVane Farms, Inc., Cuthbert, Georgia The District 5 winner is Marvin and Dania DeVane of Cuthbert, Georgia. The Centennial Farm was first purchased in 1880 by Marvin’s granddad. Marvin began farming in 1953 once he returned home from serving in the Army. Dania joined Marvin on the farm when they were married in 1960. Dania is originally from Cuba but moved to the United States as a child to attend a Catholic School in St. Augustine, Florida. She also attended Andrew College and met Marvin through a mutual friend. Following graduation from college, she moved to New York to work before moving back to Cuthbert and marrying Marvin. In 1972, Dania became a U.S. citizen. Even though her background was not in a farming, she quickly learned and became a true partner on the farm with Marvin. Together they have five children, Harris, Andy, Yvonne, Maria and Roxanne, as well as five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The entire family is involved on the family farm of 4,000 acres where they grow peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans and have 200 head of pigs. Through the years, Marvin and Dania have been recognized for producing high yields in the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club and the Georgia Corn Yield Contest. They were recognized as state winners in the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club in 1987, 1990 and 1998. Dania served on the Randolph, Clay, Quitman FSA Committee for 30 years, volunteered locally with the Randolph County 4-H Club, served a president of the Georgia Pork Producers Council in 2012-2014 and served as the Georgia delegate at the National Pork Producers Council meeting. Marvin and Dania are also partners in Quality Gin in Shellman, Georgia, and stockholders in FHR Renewable Fuels.

The Georgia Peanut Commission presents the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year awards to one farmer in each of the commission’s five districts. This award is designed to honor farmers who have given life-long devotion to peanut farming and who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see that the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continues to represent the highest quality possible. The awards are presented during a breakfast held prior to the opening of the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference on Jan. 18, 2018, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. This award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply.

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Thanks to the 2018 Georgia Peanut Farm Show Exhibitors Able Ag Solutions, LLC ABAC ADAMA Adkinson Motorsports Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. AgAmerica Lending, LLC AgResource Management Agri Supply Alltech Crop Science Amadas Industries American National American Peanut Council/The Peanut Foundation American Peanut Research & Education Society AMVAC Chemical Arysta LifeScience Atlantic & Southern Equipment Avery Crop Insurance BASF Corp.

Bayer CropScience Chandler Equipment Co. Colombo NA Crop Production Services D&D Irrigation Services LLC Dow-DuPont Ecological Laboratories Elmhurst Dairy Erickson Forklifts Farm Credit Associations of Georgia Fleming & Riles Insurance Flint Ag & Turf Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc. FMC Georgia Corn Growers Association Georgia Crop Improvement Association Georgia Department of Agriculture Georgia Development Authority Georgia Farm Bureau Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service Georgia’s Integrated Cultivar Release System Georgia Metals Georgia Organic Solutions Georgia Peanut Commission Golden Peanut & Tree Nuts Greenleaf Technologies, LLC Hannah Solar, LLC Harrell Ag Hays LTI Jager Pro JLA International Kelley Manufacturing Co. Kubota Tractor Corporation Lasseter Equipment Group Lindsay Corp.

Meherrin Ag & Chemical

Monsanto Monsanto Seed Applied Solutions Mosaic Company Nachurs National Peanut Board National Peanut Buying Points Association Newton Crouch Inc. Nichino America Inc. O2YS Corporation Omya, Inc. Park Built Body Co. Peanut Proud, Inc. Pearman Corporation Peerless Manufacturing Co. Perry Brothers Oil PhytoGen Cottonseed Pioneer Poly Tech Industries Propane Education & Research Council Purgatory Ironworks Rabo AgriFinance Rainbow Manufacturing Co. Reinke Irrigation R.W. Griffin Industries LLC S&S Marketing South Georgia Banking Company Southeast Farm Press Southeastern Peanut Farmer Southern AGCOM, Inc. Southern Peanut Farmers Federation Southern Peanut Growers Sumner Ag Services, Inc. Sunbelt Ag Expo Syngenta Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. The Farm 92.5 WKZZ The KBH Corporation The Peanut Grower Tillman Insurance Agency Trellis, Inc. Triangle Chemical Tyson Steel Building Products Ubly Peanut Blade Mfg. University of Georgia Peanut Team University of Georgia Tifton Campus U.S. Ag LLC USDA-ARS Nat. Peanut Research Lab USDA U.S. Peanut PAC Valent USA LLC Valley Irrigation Vantage Southeast Walinga USA, Inc.

Peanut milk now on the market eanut milk made its debut recently at the American Peanut Council Winter Conference. Attendees were able to sample the original peanut milk and a chocolate version at a luncheon sponsored by the National Peanut Board.

According to the nut-milk processor, Elmhurst, the milked peanuts beverage offers more protein and less sugar when compared to other nut milks on the market.

“The launch of the Elmhurst brand of Peanut Milk products truly opens up a new product category for our industry,” says Bob Parker, National Peanut Board president and CEO. “This new category introduction is important to our industry because the peanut market is mature in the U.S., with peanut butter on the pantry shelves in 94 percent of American households.”

Milked Peanuts has 31 peanuts per eight-ounce glass and uses runner peanuts with no emulsifiers or additives, according to Kimberly Behzadi, product manager for Elmhurst. The product contains filtered water, peanuts, cane

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Peanut Buying Points Winter Conference The National Peanut Buying Points 2018 Winter Conference has been set for February 16-19, 2018, at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The 2018 conference theme is “Taking Charge of Change.” All buying points, shellers and industry associates are invited to attend.

The program will kick off on Friday night with a Welcome Reception.

Educational sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The closing reception will round out the weekend on Sunday evening. An added bonus this year is an optional afternoon trip to New Orleans on Saturday afternoon.

Registration is available online at www.peanutbuyingpoints.org. For more information or to obtain a registration form, email Angela Elder at spearmanagency@friendlycity.net. t

sugar, natural flavors and salt; while Milked Peanuts-Chocolate adds cocoa (Dutch-processed) to the ingredient list.

Elmhurst has a patented cold-milling process that uses water to separate and draw out all the nutrients from the whole, raw ingredients. Once the water is released, the nutrients re-combine naturally to form a smooth, creamy beverage without the use of chemicals or thickeners.

Milked Peanuts and Milked Peanuts-

Chocolate will be in thousands of retail stores in January, according to Elmhurst, including Walmart, Big Y in New England, Gelson’s Markets on the West Coast, Giant Eagle Supermarkets and The Fresh Market, both along the East Coast.

Consumers also can buy the products online through Amazon, Walmart or Elmhurst’s website.

“Because our product is shelf-stable (up to six months, unopened), it can be easily shipped anywhere in the country,” Behzadi says.

“We believe peanut milk has the potential to increase consumption by oneto-two percentage points in the coming years,” Parker says. “Consumers are looking for more plant-forward products, and as they see the nutritional advantages and great taste of peanut milk, we believe it will be widely accepted.”

National Peanut Board played a key role in guiding the development of the plant-based peanut beverage and securing a company to bring peanut milk to market. NPB will be supporting the marketing efforts of Elmhurst throughout 2018. t

National Peanut Board elects 2018 officers Greg Gill, a lines for introducing peanut farmer from peanut products to Walnut Ridge, infants. It should be a Arkansas, was electvery busy and proed chairman of the ductive year.”

12-member National Also, National Peanut Board last Peanut Board elected week during the Dan Ward of Board’s quarterly Clarkton, North meeting in Carolina, as viceWashington, D.C. chairman; Peter National Peanut Board 2018 officers pictured are (l-r) Andy Bell, Georgia, secretary; Dan Gill, who served Froese Jr. of Ward, North Carolina, vice-chairman; and 2017 as vice-chairSeminole, Texas, as Greg Gill, Arkansas, chairman. Not pictured: man, begins his one- Peter Froese Jr., Texas, treasurer. treasurer; and Andy year term Jan. 1.

Bell of Climax, “I’m honored to Georgia, as secretary. serve as chairman of the National Peanut These officers will serve one-year terms Board this year,” said Gill. “We have a beginning Jan. 1. strong program of work to implement in For more information on the 2018—such as supporting the launch of promotions and activities of the National the first-ever peanut milk in retail stores Peanut Board, visit their website at nationwide and educating health profeswww.nationalpeanutboard.org. t sionals and parents about the NIH guideJanuary/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Major impacts from minor elements A

s a legume, peanuts are a rather unique crop in that they have the capacity to make their own nitrogen while also being able to scavenge residual amounts of phosphorus and potassium found in the soil.

This means that peanuts do not generally respond to applications of major fertilizer nutrients. The main fertilizer element that peanuts need is the secondary nutrient calcium, which is often supplied by means of preseason or planting time applications of lime or from gypsum or landplaster applied during the growing season at pegging time, especially on peanuts intended for seed.

Sulfur Peanuts also need another secondary nutrient, sulfur. Peanuts normally receive plenty of sulfur when they are fertilized with gypsum. Gypsum typically contains 17 percent sulfur. Sulfur is also much like phosphorus and potassium in that peanuts are good scavengers of sulfur. Sulfur applications direct to peanut plants can also cause foliage burn.

Micronutrients or minor elements can also have a big impact on peanut yields and quality, according to Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension agronomist.

Harris says micronutrient deficiencies are generally easy to fix. Likewise, it’s also easy to get too much of certain minor elements.

Boron Harris says boron is the one minor element that can have major implications on peanut yields and quality. Boron is inexpensive, and is mobile in the soil.

The lack of boron can lead to a peanut problem called hollow heart.

Harris says the internal peanut kernels must be discolored for the condition to be

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Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension agronomoist, says the best way to positively diagnose soil problems and to assess the micronutrient status of your peanut land is to take plant tissue and soil samples.

accurately described as hollow heart.

Boron deficiency is typically found on deep sands with high pH. Harris points out that many causes besides boron deficiency can damage peanut kernels. He says that splits and discolored split kernels can be due to many causes, including insects.

In his tests where soil tests showed 0.63 pounds of boron per acre, Harris saw no yield differences with the addition of boron fertilizer. Likewise, he found no yield increases where tissue tests showed boron concentrations of 20 to 60 parts per million.

The recommended application rate of boron on peanuts is 0.5 pounds per acre,

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

according to Harris. He notes that small rates of 0.025 pounds of boron per acre are not adequate. “If you are spraying low rates of boron ten times per season, that is what I call a ‘snake oil’ rate,” Harris says.

Harris says boron can easily be applied with early bloom fungicide sprays. He likes to see ¼ pound of boron per acre applied in two such early season sprays. He notes that boron applications at 90 days after planting are probably too late to benefit the current peanut crop. As to whether growers should use liquid or granular boron, Harris says to use the form that is easiest to apply.

“If you apply more than a half pound of boron per acre, you risk plant burn in

your peanuts,” Harris adds.

Harris has conducted extensive testing of various boron products, and has concluded that, “Pound for pound, boron is boron.” In other words, no one boron product shows up in tests as much better or much worse than other boron products.

Based on his research, Harris says it is unlikely that the University of Georgia would change its boron recommendations for peanuts. If the University of Georgia ever does decide to increase its recommendation for boron fertilization, Harris says the new slightly higher rate would be aimed at reducing hollow heart, not at increasing yields.

Magnesium Magnesium concentrations that are too high in the pegging zone can hurt peanuts, according to Harris. For instance, magnesium might interfere with the uptake of calcium by peanuts.

Harris suggests testing the soil for magnesium if calcitic lime has been applied on the land. Though most peanut soils receive dolomitic lime, the use of calcitic lime is on the increase, according to Harris. Calcitic lime products are naturally low in magnesium while dolomitic lime generally provides adequate levels of magnesium. Harris says soil test magnesium levels of less than 30 pounds per acre are low and might require a supplemental application of the element.

Manganese Yellowing between leaf veins at the top of the peanut plant is a typical symptom of manganese deficiency. If manganese deficiency shows up in peanuts, it is likely caused by over-liming to a soil pH of greater than 7.0. Harris sometimes sees symptoms of manganese deficiency, but notes that it doesn’t normally hurt yields. Keeping soil pH levels at 6.0 to 6.5 will go a long way in keeping manganese at a safe level while eliminating toxic levels of micronutrients, according to Harris. He notes that manganese can become tied up and unavailable at a soil pH of 6.8, resulting in manganese deficiency symptoms showing up in peanut plants. Harris has seen only one case of manganese toxicity in peanuts, and that was back in 2008.

While boron is the minor element that has the most impact on peanuts, manganese is the next most important

micronutrient, and the most likely behind boron to be deficient. In fact, Harris says manganese deficiency is more likely to be seen in peanuts than is potassium deficiency. He notes that manganese deficiency is not likely to occur in soils with low pH. “If your plants turn yellow, adding manganese will probably green them up, but it probably won’t increase the yields,” Harris observes.

Manganese deficiency in peanuts can generally be corrected by applying ¼ pound of manganese with the first fungicide application, according to Harris.

Zinc Zinc toxicity is not one of the easyto-fix minor element problems in peanuts.

Poultry litter is not generally recommended for direct fertilization on peanuts.

While litter can supply phosphorus to the soil, litter can contain zinc which is often toxic to peanuts. Direct application of potassium fertilizer can also become a problem because potassium can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the pegging zone, according to Harris.

Zinc toxicity can be a problem where peanuts are grown after pecans receiving zinc fertilizer. Zinc toxicity can also be a problem where heavy amounts of animal waste were applied, where tin roofs are located near peanut plants and in heavily fertilized fields where corn was grown.

Zinc toxicity can kill peanuts. While it’s unlikely that plants suffering from zinc toxicity can be saved, Harris says the approach to the problem is to lime the soil and bring up the soil pH. In one of his tests, he applied a liquid fine lime that quickly brought up the soil pH over a two-week period. He took soil samples every two weeks, and the soil pH was at safer levels for avoiding zinc toxicity by the end of the growing season.

Harris says peanut farmers can generally avoid zinc toxicity by keeping their soil pH above 6.2. Zinc toxicity is possible if soil testing shows more than 24 pounds of zinc per acre, if zinc in plant tissue is greater than 240 parts per million and if the soil pH is less than 6.0.

Copper Other minor elements needed in small amounts for peanuts include copper, iron, molybdenum and chlorine. “We rarely see either too much or not enough of these elements in our peanuts,” says Harris. Copper is thought to be important

for peg strength, according to Harris.

“Growers who apply copper say they do it to increase peg strength,” Harris adds. In previous years, copper was often supplied to peanuts in fungicides that are not generally used today.

Nickel Nickel is another minor element that rarely causes problems from either deficits or excesses in peanuts. Harris says the only Southeastern crop that benefits from additions of nickel is pecans which helps control a pecan condition called mouse ear.

In his tests, neither nickel nor copper increased peanut yields. And if copper were to increase peanut yields, it would likely be the result of copper’s fungicidal properties.

Iron Iron may be an exception in certain locations. Tests in recent years have identified a peanut shelling problem called leathery hulls, and preliminary tests have indicated a shortage of iron in the soils of these isolated locations where this problem has appeared. Harris adds that a turfgrass crop, centipede grass grown for seed, is the only crop that routinely benefits from iron applications in the Southeast.

Molybdenum Molybdenum may impact peanut yields, according to Harris. Molybdenum is responsible for nitrogen fixation and is often recommended for application to alfalfa and soybeans. Several years ago, Harris says he thought he had identified a case of molybdenum deficiency in some peanuts grown in Brooks County, Georgia, but this problem turned out to be caused by nematodes.

One of the common symptoms of micronutrient deficiency is yellowing peanut plants. Harris says such yellowing can have a number of causes. Some of these include manganese deficiency, poor inoculation, standing in water, drought, zinc toxicity, sulfur deficiency or herbicide damage.

Harris says the best way to positively diagnose these problems and to assess the micronutrient status of your peanut land is to take plant tissue and soil samples. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show set for February 8 he 13th annual AlabamaPeanut growers who attend will not only Florida Peanut Trade Show is be able to fine tune their farming operations, fast approaching. This year’s but will have a chance to win prizes valued show will be held Thursday, at thousands of dollars. Kelley Feb. 8, 2018, at the National Peanut Festival Manufacturing Company is donating the Fairgrounds, located on Hwy. 231 South in Grand Door Prize this year. The winner will Dothan, Alabama. receive the use of a new six-row peanut Sponsored by the Alabama Peanut combine for the 2018 harvesting season, Producers Association and the Florida with the option of purchasing the combine Peanut Producers Association, the one-day through an authorized KMC dealer with Attendees have the opportunity to view the $15,000 off the list price. The winner must event offers farmers a full day to view the products and services of more than 80 be certified as a peanut grower with an FSA industry products and services of more than exhibitors at the Alabama-Florida Peanut farm number, and must be present to win.

80 exhibitors. The trade show opens at 8:30 Trade Show, Feb. 8 in Dothan, Ala. All peanut growers are invited and a.m. and will continue until noon with a encouraged to attend. For more information on the show, includlunch immediately following. ing exhibit space availability, contact APPA at 334-792-6482 or Following the catered lunch, Marshall Lamb, National Peanut Research Lab will speak to growers about crop outlook appa@alpeanuts.com. t as well as the current market status.

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February 8, 2018 National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds Dothan, Alabama Registration/Trade Show 8:30 a.m.

Door Prizes Catered Lunch More than 80 exhibitors For more information contact: Alabama Peanut Producers Association Ph. 334-792-6482 www.alpeanuts.com Florida Peanut Producers Association Ph. 850-526-2590 www.flpeanuts.com

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association annual meeting set for Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2018 he Mississippi Peanut Growers Association plan to hold their annual meeting and trade show Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2018, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The event provides growers with the latest information on peanut production, research and new products.

Growers will have the opportunity to visit with several exhibitors showcasing equipment and services for the peanut industry. Exhibits open at 1:00 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 31.

Speakers during the annual meeting will provide an update on Mississippi State University, agronomic practices, peanut market outlook for 2018, insect research in Mississippi peanuts. Growers will also hear reports on checkoff activities of MPGA and the National Peanut Board as well as an update on the 2018 Farm Bill from Bob Redding. t

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Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2018 Lake Terrace Convention Center Hattiesburg, Mississippi Wed., Jan. 31 - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 1 - 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Florida Peanut Producers Assn.

43rd Annual Membership Meeting February 22, 2018 Jackson County Agricultural Complex & Conference Center 2741 Penn. Ave., Marianna, Florida Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. (CST) Dinner at 6:30 p.m. (CST)

For More Information: Phone: 850-526-2590

For More Information, contact: Malcolm Broome, Executive Director Mississippi Peanut Growers Association (601) 606-3547 or malcolm@misspeanuts.com

2018 Alabama Peanut Production Meetings February 12 11:00 a.m. - Sportman’s Lodge, Selma 5:00 p.m. - EV Smith Station, Shorter February 22 11:00 a.m. - Ketchem’s Restaurant, Hartford 5:00 p.m. - Wiregrass Research & Extension Center, Headland February 27 11:00 a.m. - The Lighthouse Restaurant, Irvington 5:00 p.m. - Baldwin Co. Farmers Federation, Robertsdale February 28 - 11:00 a.m.

Grace Fellowship Church, Atmore March 8 - 5:00 p.m.

Sand Mountain Research & Ext. Center, Crossville March 9 - 11:00 a.m.

Location TBD, Moulton

For more information contact: APPA at 334-792-6482 or www.alpeanuts.com January/February 2018 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Washington Outlook

by Robert L. Redding Jr.

Seg 2 peanut regulation approved by USDA

SPFF and peanut industry partners recognize Congressional Peanut Caucus

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the final rule that revises the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the U.S. The Peanuts Standard Board (PSB), at the request of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF), considered the Segregation 2 revisions to the regulation. The PSB approved raising the grading score used to classify farmer stock peanuts as Seg 2 from 2.49 percent to 3.49 percent. The final rule is effective as of February 1, 2018.

Peanut growers had alerted the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and the SPFF that previous crops had been severely impacted by the existing Seg 2 regulations. The revisions were necessary due to changes made in the 2002 Farm Bill’s peanut provisions. Significant changes were made in transitioning from the quota program to the peanut program today but corresponding changes to the definitions of Seg 1, Seg 2 and Seg 3 farmer stock peanuts were not changed.

The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF), the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association hosted a Capitol Hill reception honoring the Congressional Peanut Caucus. The event, held in the historic U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, was attended by more than 200 members of Congress, staff and industry representatives. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, attended the event as well as two previous Committee Chairmen, Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, and Collin Peterson, D-Minnesota.

U.S. Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Alabama, and Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, co-chair the caucus.

The bipartisan caucus includes over thirty members of Congress.

The Congressional Peanut Caucus is a bipartisan alliance of Members of Congress whose mission is to ensure peanut interests have a strong voice in the U.S. Congress and that peanut issues are given considerable thought in agricultural policy.

Tax Reform Bill sent to President Trump for signature House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, praised House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1 (115), which delivers historic tax relief to families, farmers, ranchers and small businesses. Following passage, Chairman Conaway issued the remarks below remarks: “Today, Congress has delivered the fairer, simpler tax code that American families and small businesses deserve.

This historic tax relief package both simplifies our broken system and sets the economy on a course to stimulate growth and create jobs. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m pleased that Chairman Brady and his team have produced a bill that acknowledges the unique tax challenges faced by those in agriculture. From lower marginal rates to the treatment of pass-through income to improved small business expensing, this bill delivers for farmers, ranchers and all rural America.”

U.S. Senate Ag Committee holds ag security meeting U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, held an agriculture security hearing, titled, “Safeguarding American Agriculture in a Globalized World.”

During the hearing, Roberts examined the vulnerabilities of American farmers, ranchers, consumers, and economy from biological threats, as well as solutions to safeguard American agriculture from these threats.

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House Ag Committee hosts NAFTA Roundtable House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minnesota, welcomed leaders of eight agricultural stakeholder groups to discuss the status of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in advance of the upcoming negotiations in Mexico City.

“All parties today were on the same page – NAFTA is important to agriculture and agriculture must remain a top priority in the negotiations. I am hopeful that both Canada and Mexico will come to the next round of negotiations prepared to have substantive conversations. We are eager to conclude these negotiations and to move on to inking new agreements that expand trade opportunities for American agricultural producers,” Chairman Conaway says.

“I’m supportive of efforts to renegotiate NAFTA but we need to make sure the end result will work for agriculture and that we don’t cause any harm to agriculture markets. I’m particularly concerned about the impact Canada’s supply management program, which they were allowed to continue under NAFTA, is having on U.S. dairy and poultry producers. I have expressed my concerns to the administration and urge them to continue working to get these farmers a fair deal. We can’t go backward,” says Ranking Member Peterson.

The roundtable continues the House Agriculture Committee’s efforts to ensure agriculture’s interests are well accounted for in NAFTA renegotiations. This is the second roundtable held this year in addition to a full committee hearing on NAFTA. Last month, Chairman Conaway led a congressional delegation to Ottawa, Canada to meet with Canadian officials to discuss top agriculture priorities.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer January/February 2018

Southern Peanut Growers #TopPBCities campaign for Peanut Butter Lovers Month in November Throughout November, Peanut Butter Lovers Month, Southern Peanut Growers saw an opportunity to highlight the country’s love for peanut butter by creating a list of the Top Peanut Butter Cities.

The #TopPBCities campaign highlighted the five best cities for peanut butter lovers through a press release, blog posts and social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To further engage consumers, individuals were encouraged to share why their city should have made the #TopPBCities list on Instagram and Twitter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a shop/restaurant of their choice.

Throughout the month-long campaign, consumers were excited to share peanut butter pictures with friends, family and followers, reinforcing Americans’ love for PB and creating buzz for the many PB restaurants and shops across the country.

In just four weeks, the Top PB Cities campaign had a reach of 72,026 on SPG’s Facebook and Twitter channels. On Instagram, the campaign had 839 total engagements (comments and likes).

Southern Peanut Growers participates in the International Foodservice Editorial Council Annual Conference The Southern Peanut Growers attended the International Foodservice Editorial Council Annual Conference in Boulder, Colorado, Oct. 25-28, 2017.

During the event, SPG staff were able to schedule desk-side briefings with eight foodservice editors with publications such as Flavor & the Menu, FSR Magazine, The National Culinary Review & Sizzle, and Food Management.

During each 15-minute briefing SPG staff introduced the new PlusUp with Peanut Butter foodservice campaign and pitched peanut and peanut butter content that would fit in each publications editorial calendar.

Marketing arm of

Peanuts featured at Southern Women’s Shows in Birmingham and Jacksonville The Southern Peanut Growers (SPG) and Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) teamed up to promote peanuts at the Southern Women’s Show in Ken Barton, executive director Birmingham, of Florida Peanut Producers Association, demonstrates Alabama, Oct. 5-8, 2017. The promotion Peanut Butter Toffee Dip on the cooking stage during the began the day before Southern Women’s Show in the show opened to Jacksonville, Fla. the public with a group of bloggers visiting the booth and receiving the SPG double-walled steel cups.

About 20,000 people attended the Southern Women’s Show in Birmingham and picked up peanut promotional items and information. In addition to the popular recipe cards and new diabetes brochures, SPG featured the new materials on how to introduce peanuts early to help prevent peanut allergy.

SPG had one cooking demonstration per day on the Cooking Stage where staff demonstrated Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps, Peanut Butter Breakfast Bread Pudding, Salmon with Orange Peanut Glaze and Peanut Butter Toffee Dip. SPG and FPPA promoted peanuts at the Southern Women’s Show in Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 19-22, 2017. Local food bloggers also visited the day before the show opened.

Leslie Wagner and Ken Barton shared the cooking stage duties with one show per day. Leslie demonstrated the Peanut Butter Breakfast Bread Pudding and Ken demonstrated the Peanut Butter Toffee Dip. About 30,000 people attended the Jacksonville show where SPG and FPPA staff provided information and recipes on peanuts and diabetes and the new early introduction of peanuts to help prevent allergy at the booth and on the cooking stage.

Southern Peanut Growers 1025 Sugar Pike Way · Canton, Georgia 30115 (770) 751-6615 · FAX (770) 751-6417 email: lpwagner@comcast.net Visit our website at http://www.peanutbutterlovers.com

Southern Peanut Growers Conference SANDESTIN GOLF & BEACH RESORT July 19-21, 2018 Miramar Beach, Florida

l a u n n A 20th nt!

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Key topics: Legislation, Research and Promotion For more information contact: Alabama Peanut Producers Association P.O. Box 8805 Dothan, AL 36304 334-792-6482 Florida Peanut Producers Association 2741 Penn Avenue, Suite 1 Marianna, FL 32448 850-526-2590 Georgia Peanut Commission P.O. Box 967 Tifton, GA 31793 229-386-3470

Brought to you by the: Alabama Peanut Producers Association Florida Peanut Producers Association Georgia Peanut Commission Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association P.O. Box 284 Petal, MS 39465 601-606-3547

Registration opens April 1, 2018. www.southernpeanutfarmers.org