Southeastern Peanut Farmer - March 2013

Inside: Soil temperature key to planting in April n New model for predicting crop maturity n

A communication service of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

Contents March 2013

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

According to John Beasley, University of Georgia peanut agronomist, planting in April is not out of the question. However, farmers will need to resume checking soil temperature readings and wait until the temperature is closer to 70 degrees F before planting.

Teresa Mays Contributing Writer Teresa2@alpeanuts.com 334-792-6482 John Leidner Contributing Writer 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 229-386-3690.

Soil temperature key to April planting

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A new model for predicting crop maturity Digging too early or too late can result in yield losses of 500 pounds for farmers. A new model adjusted growing degree days model - is now available for farmers to try during the 2013 season.

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Weed Guidebook The 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer’s Weed Guidebook begins on page 15 and continues through page 19. Through the guidebook, farmers can learn more about palmer amaranth control, herbicide injury, new peanut herbicides and more.

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

Washington Outlook ............................................................................ 20 Southern Peanut Growers Update ........................................................ 22 Cover Photo: Peanut seed ready for planting on a farm in Georgia. Photo by Joy Crosby.

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Editorial

Calendar of Events

2013 - TheYear of the Farmer

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istory was definitely made by Dodge Ram this past January during the Super Bowl. Millions watched as Dodge Ram aired the commercial coined as “So, God Made a Farmer” recited

by Paul Harvey for a total of two minutes. The commercial captured Americans across the U.S. and shared with them the story of agriculture. So, whether you agree totally with the commercial or not, you would have to give Dodge credit for supporting agriculture in such a public way.

However, the story behind the commercial begins way before 2013. So, let’s back up to the 1940s. I recently stumbled upon this timeline from a friend’s blog, JoAnn Alumbaugh, editor of Pork Network and thought all of you would like to know a little more about the background of the commercial that has now reached more than 14 million views on YouTube.

Here’s the timeline on the ad content: 1940 – Boston B. Blackwood writes his definition of a dirt farmer in The Farmer-Stockman 1949 – Tex Smith writes letter to the editor of the Ellensburg Daily Record, using Blackwood’s article verbatim 1975 – Paul Harvey runs similar article in his column, “A Point of View” for the Gadsden Times, called, “What it is to be a farmer” 1978 – Paul Harvey delivers his “So God made a farmer” speech at the National Future Farmers of America convention (now National FFA) 1986 – The speech runs in Paul Harvey’s syndicated newspaper column 2009 – Paul Harvey dies 2011 – Farms.com Vice-President of Communications, Joe Dales, finds Harvey’s speech, and Farms.com intern Mackenna Roth makes a video 2013 – In January, a representative from Ram Trucks contacts Farms.com about the original video and obtains the rights; the Richards Group, Dallas, Texas, produces the ad, made in collaboration with the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation; Dodge Ram agrees to donate up to $1,000,000 to the FFA Foundation based on the views received by the video; the ad has over 10 million views in five days.

So, now the ad has aired and you know the history. Will you continue to champion agriculture throughout 2013? The commercial provided those involved in agriculture a great starting point. So, let’s carry the message on through our work, social time, family time and more.

The month of March is a perfect opportunity for you as a peanut farmer to share the peanut story since March is National Peanut Month. Take time to share information to others about your farm or volunteer to visit a school one day and share the agriculture story. Everyone involved in agriculture has a great story to tell, but we must tell it. Otherwise, generations of children will become even more removed from the farm and the understanding of where their food and clothes come from.

2013 is the Year of the Farmer, so let’s take action and commit to sharing our knowledge of agriculture to those that we come in contact with every day. t

Joy Carter Crosby Editor

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

u National Peanut Month, Entire month of March. For more information check out this web site www.peanutbutterlovers.com. u Peanut Proud Expo, March 23, 2013, Blakely, Ga. For more information visit www.peanutproud.com. u USA Peanut Congress, June 22-25, 2013, Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, Fla. For more information call 703-838-9500 or visit the American Peanut Council online at www.peanutsusa.org. u American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, July 9-11, 2013, Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, Ga. For more information, www.apresinc.com. u Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, July 11, 2013, Moultrie, Ga. For more information call 229985-1968 or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 18-20, 2013, Edgewater Beach Resort, Panaman City Beach, Fla. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. u Stripling Irrigation Research Park Field Day, Aug. 1, 2013, Camilla, Ga. For more information call 229-522-3623 or visit http://nespal.org/sirp/. u American Peanut Shellers Association Pre-Harvest Meeting, Aug. 6 - 7, 2013, Lake Blackshear, Ga. For more information call 229888-2508. u Brooklet Peanut Festival, August 17, 2013, Brooklet, Ga. For more information call 912-842-2325 or visit the festival’s web site at www.brookletpeanutfestival.com. u Plains Peanut Festival, Sept. 28, 2013, Plains, Ga. For more information call 229-8245373 or visit www.plainsgeorgia.com. u Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 15-17, 2013, Moultrie, Ga. For more information call 229985-1968 or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. u National Peanut Festival, Nov. 1-10, 2013, Dothan, Ala. For more information call 334-7934323.

(Let us know about your event. Please send details to the editor, using the following e-mail address: joycrosby@gapeanuts.com)

Soil temperature key to April planting

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f anyone knows about peanut planting dates in the Southeast, it is John Beasley. A University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist, he has conducted extensive tests in recent years focusing on the topic of when is the ideal time to plant peanuts.

Last year, he suggested that farmers could start planting some of their peanuts during April. This was a big departure from recent years when he advised May plantings as a means of preventing tomato spotted wilt virus.

More recently released and widely planted varieties such as Georgia-06G have much better spotted wilt resistance than older varieties such as Georgia

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Green, the first widely planted runner that had some resistance to spotted wilt.

During previous years when planting was delayed until May, farmers didn’t need to worry much about soil temperatures. By early May, most soils were plenty warm enough to support strong seed germination.

Now, with more April planting, Beasley says it’s time for farmers to resume checking soil temperature readings. There is a danger in planting peanuts too early, according to Beasley.

For many years, the University of Georgia Extension recommendation was to wait, and not start planting until the soil temperature at the four-inch depth

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

reached at least 65 degrees F for three consecutive days. In addition, the Extension recommendations suggested delaying planting if a cold front was approaching within 24 hours.

Soil type also influenced initial planting dates. For instance, sandy soils warm more quickly early in the spring but are more susceptible to rapid soil temperature drops with the passing of a cold front.

“Our ‘red’ sandy clay loam soils have a higher clay content and finer textured soil particles,” says Beasley. “They warm more slowly but are less susceptible to rapid drops in soil temperatures.”

During the years prior to the threat of spotted wilt virus, April 15 was generally considered the time to begin peanut planting. During most years, four-inch temperatures are above 65 degrees by April 15.

However, that’s not always the case.

Beasley points out that during some years the soil temperature is still too cold to plant on April 15.

“You must still monitor soil temperature closely,” he says. This is especially true if planting lower quality seed that may have a reduced germination percentage.

Recent studies by Beasley and his University of Georgia colleagues, research agronomist Timothy Grey and Extension agronomist Glenn Harris, suggest that 65 degrees may even be too cool to start planting. They used tabletop plantings where they could adjust calcium rates and temperatures to determine the ideal conditions for maximum seed germination.

“During the past few years, we’ve seen that even though we were getting very good germination at temperatures in the 65- to 68-degree range, the germination percentage increased dramatically as we increased the temperature to 70 degrees and above,” says Beasley.

In these tests, with soil temperatures at 65 to 68 degrees, the germination per-

Lower seed costs centage was in the upper 80’s. But germination increased to 92% or better when temperatures reached 70 degrees or more.

“Because of this response, we suggest waiting to begin planting when the four-inch soil temperature is closer to 70 degrees F,” says Beasley. “In most years, that may mean waiting only a few days. It may be well worth a two- to five-day wait to have soil temperature go from 65 to 70 degrees before planting. It could mean the difference between getting a good stand and a great stand.”

In short, it’s still ok to start planting in April. Just take the soil’s temperature first to make sure you end up with that great stand. t

By JoHn LeiDner

The lower contract prices for the 2013 peanut crop are resulting in one benefit to peanut farmers—lower seed costs.

University of Georgia Extension agricultural economists are projecting lower seed costs in their 2013 crop production budgets. The budgets estimate this year’s seed costs at about 75 cents per pound. That is down 32% from the $1.10 per pound indicated on the 2012 production budgets.

Seed costs may even drop to 65 cents per pound, according to the ag economists. That’s because shelled peanut prices have recently been in the range of 46 to 47 cents per pound.

Farmers can reduce seed costs even more by switching to varieties that have small seed sizes. Many of the newer runner varieties now

becoming available have smaller seed than from the more widely grown Georgia-06G and Florida-07 runner varieties.

Another way to reduce seed costs is to cut the seeding rate. Research by University of Georgia cropping systems agronomist Scott Tubbs suggests that seeding rates can be cut from six seed per foot to five seed per foot in single-row planting systems. For twinrow planting, Tubbs says the six seed per foot (three seed per foot in each twin row) recommendation is still maintained. However, Tubbs’ research data in some instances also supports use of up to seven seed per foot in twin rows. Seeding rates above seven seed per foot have not been economical based on their net revenues. t

By JoHn LeiDner

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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

The Georgia Peanut Farm Show provides a day of education More than 1,800 producers were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 37th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 17, 2013, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Ga. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission in cooperation with the University of Georgia.

The one-day show offered farmers a full day to view the products and services of 97 exhibitors and a day of education. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented educational peanut production seminars throughout the day focusing on disease and weed management, soil fertility, peanut maturity determination and marketing options for 2013. During the afternoon, an industry seed seminar was held which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2013 and calcium application for peanuts. Tours of the UGA Tifton Campus were also held showcasing the biotech lab, breeding program and the Future Farmstead at UGA’s National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory.

During the awards ceremony the Georgia Peanut Commission and Bayer CropScience presented the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; Continued on page 21

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the U.S. Pictured left to right are: Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, Distinguished Service Award – Jack Chastain, president of Doster Warehouse; Media Award – Luke Roberts, reporter with the Douglas Enterprise; Special Award – Jonathan “Tim” Williams, former director of the USAID Peanut Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP); Oustanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer - James Hitchcock Jr.; and Research and Education Award – William Branch, University of Georgia peanut breeder.

MPGA recognizes high yield winners at annual meeting During the 2013 Mississippi Peanut Growers Association annual meeting growers were recognized for their high yielding peanuts produced in 2012. The winners were announced at the MPGA annual meeting at Hattiesburg.

“Our state averaged 4,400 lbs. on about 48,000 acres,” Broome says, and the crop across the U.S. “was the best in our nation’s history.”

In the 100-400 acres category, James K. McDuffie III, Lucedale, won first place with a yield of 5,945.39 lbs. per acre on 301.4 acres; Blantonia Farms, Lorman, was second with a yield of 5,910.58 lbs. per acre on 330 acres; and Rodgers Planting Company, Clarksdale, was third with a yield of 5,377.46 lbs. per acre on 315.9 acres.

In the 401-800 acres category, Triple D Planting Company, Lexington, won first place with a yield of 6,064.97 lbs. per acre on 687.1 acres; Rock Lake Planting Company, Port Gibson, was second with a yield of 5,529.45 lbs. per acre on 525.7 acres; and Westbank Farms, Durant, was third with a yield of 5,268.89 lbs. per acre on 566.7 acres.

In the 801-plus acres category, M&M Farms, Hattiesburg, was first place winner with 5,660.71 lbs. per acre on 1,243.8 acres; Red Oaks Farm, Richton, was second place winner with 5,620.02 lbs. per acre on 862.5 acres; and Seward Farms, Lucedale, was third place winner with 4,661.94 lbs. on 1,619.3 acres.

Additional checkoff news is continued on page 21 8

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

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

Florida Agriculture Literacy Day scheduled for April 30

AL-FL Peanut Trade Show continues its success Peanut growers from as far away as Mississippi didn’t let harsh rains stop them from attending the annual AlabamaFlorida Peanut Trade Show, held February 7, 2013 in Dothan, Alabama.

The show recorded its highest attendance with more than 650 guests attending.

Coordinators of the show say it has grown tremendously since 2006 when the first AL-FL Peanut Trade Show was held.

“We have only had this trade show for the past seven years,” explains Randy Griggs, executive director of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA). “Prior to that, APPA only held an annual meeting that included a brief pre-planting presentation. As we looked at various ways to give growers as much information that would be beneficial for the upcoming planting season, we decided to include a trade show as part of the meeting’s format. We tried it and it has definitely worked! The trade show con-

More than 650 farmers attended the AlabamaFlorida Peanut Trade Show in Dothan, Ala.

cept was a whole new format from what we did years ago, but wow the success of it grows each year.”

Although this year’s event has only been over a month, event planners are already in high gear planning next year’s expo. And from all indications, trade show staff members say the 2014 will have some interesting additions.

Georgia Peanut Commission District 2 Board of Director election set for April An election will be held for the District 2 Board of Director seat on the Georgia Peanut Commission April 130, 2013. The election will be conducted by mail ballot. The nomination meeting was held in December 2012 and conducted by Georgia Farm Bureau.

On Dec. 18, 2012, peanut growers in the GPC District 2 renominated incumbent Armond Morris of Irwin County, who currently chairs the GPC. Through the years, Morris has served a total of 26 years on the GPC Board and as chairman for nine years non-consecutively. Morris has also served as president of the American Peanut Council.

Wes Shannon of Tift County has served on the GFB Peanut Committee since

2007 and as committee chairman since 2010. He has served on the American Farm Bureau Peanut Committee since 2010 and chaired the committee last year. He also served on the National Peanut Board from 2004-2009 and chaired the NPB in 2008. Both are Farm Bureau members.

Farmers eligible to vote include those living in GPC’s District 2. The district includes these counties: Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Turner and Worth counties.

Eligible farmers who do not receive a ballot in April may contact the Georgia Peanut Commission at 229-386-3470 to receive a ballot.

The 10th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is scheduled for Tuesday April 30, 2013, and the children’s book being developed for the event will commemorate the 500th year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discovery of Florida.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Agriculture in the Classroom invite farmers, growers, ranchers, FFA teachers and students and agriculture industry representatives to read in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms around the state as part of the event. The book being developed is about Florida history and the role agriculture has played in it.

The book and materials were provided to volunteer readers for free thanks to the funding Florida Agriculture in the Classroom receives from sales of the agriculture specialty license plate nicknamed the ‘Ag Tag.’ Teachers and agriculture industry representatives interested in participating, please check Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s website, www.agtag.org for details and to register.

FPPA exhibits at Jackson County Health Fair Sherry Saunders, Florida Peanut Producers Association, recently presented a health and nutrition program to a large group of Jackson County Senior Citizens.

She made and served peanut butter to the group and pointed out the healthful benefits of consuming peanuts and peanut products. They were excited to receive recipe cards, peanuts and general information about peanut production in Florida. The Peanut Institute provided Food For Thought brochures and other health and nutritional information.

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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A new model for predicting crop maturity

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f the work of a scientific team moved on to the Agronomy Department at reaches a total of 2,500 adjusted growing continues to show promise, the the University of Florida. She has contindegree days. words “adjusted growing ued to work on the model.

Rowland tested the model on 74 degree days” may soon replace Rowland is now taking steps to put fields in 2011, and increased that number “hull-scrape” and “profile boards” in the the model on a user-friendly website to in 2012. For the 2013 growing season, annual chores of predicting crop maturity make it accessible to the peanut farmers she says the model will be readily availand deciding when to begin harvesting. in the Southeast. This website for use by able for use by growers who access the This doesn’t mean the old hull-scrape peanut farmers is: http://agronomy.ifas. website. will find its way to the scrap heap. It does ufl.edu/peanutfarm/overview. You will John Beasley, University of Georgia mean that the hull-scrape method will get also be directed to the website if you use Extension peanut agronomist, has fola powerful new partner, a complementary a search engine and type in the words lowed this work closely during the recent tool for farmers to use in estimating the “peanut field agronomic resource managyears. He says, “The question of when to ideal digging date. er.” harvest is still a big one for farmers, and When it was first developed at this research shows the key role that The University of Georgia’s Coastal heat units play in determining Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, peanut maturity.”

Ga., by Stan Drexler and Jay He says it’s not a good idea to Williams in 1981, the hull-scrape assume that the first field planted method of determining peanut matuwill be the first field harvested. rity was state-of-the-art, a tremen“This was verified in Dr. Faircloth’s dous advance for farmers in improvresearch,” Beasley says. “You can ing the efficiency of peanut harvestget 20 to 30% of your final yield ing and production. during the last two to three weeks But in some respects, the old of the growing season. You can also hull-scrape and profile board plant faster than you can harvest. method is time-consuming and subEach field should be checked for ject to error in interpreting the maturity separately. The new adjustresults. The hull-scrape and its proed growing degree day model will file board are most vulnerable to help out a lot when Dr. Rowland human error in judging the colors of puts it on the website.” the scraped hulls. The adjusted Farmers who want to use the growing degree day model adds a model to help predict peanut matudegree of precision to the determirity will be asked on the website to nation of peanut maturity. type in information on the variety Most peanut farmers know that grown, soil type and planting date. being too early or too late in digFarmers will be able to select ging can result in yield losses of weather data from a nearby weather University of Florida crop physiologist Diane Rowland helped 500 pounds or more per acre along develop the adjusted growing degree day model and now is station with daily minimum and with losses in grades that translate maximum temperatures, or enter working to get it more widely used by Southeastern peanut growers. into money down the drain. Yield, their own weather data along with grade, flavor, nutrition and seed the inches of water received from quality are all affected by digging date To calculate adjusted growing degree irrigation and rainfall. and peanut maturity. days, Rowland and her colleagues use a “If farmers don’t have access to The new adjusted growing degree mathematical formula that accounts for weather data from their own fields or days model was originally developed at daily maximum and minimum temperafrom nearby state-run weather stations, the USDA’s National Peanut Research tures along with the amount of water they can use information from nearby Laboratory in Dawson, Ga., by Wilson received by the crop from rainfall and National Weather Service stations,” Faircloth and Diane Rowland. irrigation. For runner peanuts grown in Rowland says.

Faircloth is now an agronomic servthe Southeast, peanut maturity peaks and “A rain gauge in your own field will ice rep with Syngenta and Rowland has harvesting should begin when the model give you a more accurate reading for irri-

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

gation and rainfall than the rainfall data from the nearby weather station,” Rowland adds. She says when farmers join the website, they will be able to enter their own data for irrigation and rainfall amounts on a field-by-field basis.

When the model calculates an accumulated 2,100 adjusted growing degree days, it will advise the farmer to use the hull-scrape method with the profile board to verify when to start digging peanuts.

Beasley says that until growers become comfortable with using the new adjusted growing degree day model, the hull-scrape method will still be a reliable backup and an accurate predictor of when to dig.

Irrigation Scheduling “The adjusted growing degree day model will also tell farmers when it is time to irrigate,” says Rowland. The model predicts the developmental stage of the crop It’s time to dig when the peanut crop accumulates 2,500 and provides an accurate estimate adjusted growing degree days. of the crop’s water needs, so it can assist in scheduling irrigation. For overlain on a blue poster board backinstance, it will tell farmers to plan for ground. “This is an alternative to placing irrigation or to irrigate now. the hull-scraped or blasted pods on a proAdditional research will be needed to file board,” Rowland says. After the pods test the peanut irrigation recommendaare scanned and analyzed, a mathematical tions of the adjusted growing degree day ratio developed by Rowland’s colleagues model against the more established irriga- has been successful in predicting the pertion scheduling methods such as the centage of mature brown and black hulls USDA-developed Irrigator Pro system.

Rowland says Jerry Bennett and Anthony Drew from the University of Florida helped develop the new model’s irrigation recommendations. The model estimates crop canopy cover and daily water use while also accounting for evapotranspiration rates, either from nearby weather stations or from the grower’s field weather stations. “The adjusted growing degree day model is a surrogate for a visual estimation of plant growth and development, so it can be a good tool for showing when to irrigate,” Rowland adds.

that would be represented on a typical profile board.

“The scanner is a new technology,” Rowland says. “It uses the same methods of collecting the samples and blasting the pods that you would use with the hull-scrape, but it dramatically cuts the time of analyzing the colors when using the profile board.”

Rowland likens the digital scanning to the “eyes” used to sort peanuts in shelling plants. She’s counting on county Extension agents to facilitate the early adoption of the scanning process, just as they did during the early years of implementing the hullscrape method.

When the scanned images are analyzed, the digital image model gives a predicted digging date.

Research trials have shown that both the adjusted growing degree day model and the digital image model closely match the ideal digging date predicted from the profile board method and may increase the accuracy of that prediction.

Additional research is needed to fine-tune the adjusted growing degree day and scanning models to fit different peanut varieties. For instance, Rowland points out that peanut varieties have different color patterns when scraped while Tifguard may need to be dug early due to its perceived weak peg strength. t

By JoHn LeiDner

Scanning the Scraped Hulls Rowland is also working on another new method to help determine peanut crop maturity. She calls this method the digital image model. It relies on a digital scanner to capture images of blasted pods March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Seed treatments cheap insurance

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hemical seed treatments are among the best investments peanut farmers can make to insure healthy

early stands.

Getting a good stand is one of the keys to preventing losses from serious diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus later in the growing season.

University of Georgia plant pathologist Tim Brenneman says seed treatments are a growing segment of the agricultural input industry. “It is always important to get a good stand but the trend to earlier planting and lower seeding rates can make it more difficult,” he says. “We’re seeing more products added to the seed, and not just in peanuts.”

One example is Cruiser Max, a new seed treatment for peanuts that contains Dynasty plus the insecticide Cruiser.

Cruiser added to the seed will help on insect control, especially thrips.

According to representatives of manufacturer Syngenta, Cruiser Max will help provide a 35-day window of early-season

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University of Georgia plant pathologist Tim Brenneman says seed treatments are a growing segment of the agricultural input industry.

insect control in the absence of Temik. It will be priced at about the same cost as a seed treatment plus an in-furrow insecticide, and it will also be convenient to use.

Brenneman says Dynasty PD is the standard seed treatment for peanuts. “You get a lot of bang for your buck with Dynasty,” he says.

Dynasty contains azoxystrobin (trade name Protégé) as its main active ingredient. Dynasty PD’s other active ingredients include mefenoxam (trade name Apron)

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

and fludioxonil (trade name Maxim).

Dynasty is aimed at controlling seed and soil-borne diseases, including those caused by Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Fusarium and Aspergillus fungi.

“We have excellent seed treatments,” says Brenneman. “Seed treatment will help get you a good early stand, but no seed treatment will save you from planting bad seed.” He knows of growers who saved seg 2 peanuts for seed that resulted in poor stands. “That’s a risk for growers who save their own peanuts for seed,” he adds.

Brenneman has tested Dynasty PD against untreated controls, and saw poor peanut stands resulting in the untreated control plots. Yields in such plots are greatly reduced, and they often have much higher TSWV incidence.

He adds that the new Cruiser Max seed treatment will contain all of the active ingredients of Dynasty PD along with the Cruiser insecticide. t

By JoHn LeiDner

Are nematodes attacking Tifguard?

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ontrolling nematodes in peanuts is more challenging given the loss of Temik as the standard nematicide treatment in the Southeast.

With the absence of Temik and in fields where nematodes are known to be a problem, planting the Tifguard runner variety has become a viable option.

Tifguard may not yield quite as well as the widely grown Georgia-06G when nematodes are not a limiting factor, but it has a high level of resistance to attack by the peanut root knot nematode.

University of Georgia plant pathologist Tim Brenneman has said Tifguard produces a ‘green island’ effect. In his research trials, untreated plots of Tifguard stand out as bright and green thriving plants in the midst of dead and dying plants of other peanut varieties vulnerable to nematodes.

Corley Holbrook, peanut breeder with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, based in Tifton, Ga., developed and released Tifguard.

“The root knot nematode is a worthy adversary,” Holbrook says. “Root knot nematodes have a 35- to 40-day life cycle. It starts with juvenile nematodes feeding on roots. This results in root galls and nematode egg sacks protruding from the roots. Then, the population explodes.”

Holbrook says an estimated 25% of fields in the Southeast have damaging levels of root knot nematodes.

The nematode resistance within the Tifguard variety depends on a single gene. The root knot nematode is a pathogen, and Holbrook says this single gene could make the variety vulnerable should the pathogen overcome the gene.

If this happens, the damage should be containable. That’s because the resistant nematode is soil-borne and not likely to rapidly spread elsewhere in the field, on the farm or to other farms.

This past year, Tifguard was grown on about 5% of the peanut acres in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, primarily in areas with root knot nematode prob-

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

lems. Tifguard provided excellent control of root knot nematodes in most cases, however, Holbrook received alarming reports of root galls on Tifguard peanuts in a couple of fields. Holbrook is concerned, since root galling indicates the possible presence of damaging root knot nematodes. One of these reports came from a farm in Levy County, Fla., and the other came from a farm in Webster County, Ga. He says the galling may be explained if the field was planted to a mix of seed from different varieties. “If it is due to a seed mixture, then this can be prevented by planting certified Tifguard seed,” he adds.

On the other hand, the galling could come from a new race of peanut root knot nematodes that overcame the resistance gene or another species of nematode such as Meloidogne hapla which may not be affected by the resistance gene. “We plan to conduct a lot of studies this year to determine the cause,” he adds. “We need to answer this question, and we will have a lot more to say about this next year. If the galling is the result of a new race of nematodes, farmers may need to plan for a better crop rotation and to take extra precautions to prevent spread of the nematodes.”

He wants any farmers who see root galling on Tifguard peanuts to contact him so he can determine the cause.

Also, he advises farmers with known nematode problems to wash off their equipment before moving it to other fields or other farms. If a new nematode race has overcome the resistant gene in Tifguard, keeping equipment clean will prevent the spread of the nematode to other fields and farms. That practice should help prevent spread of other pathogens as well.

In the meantime, Holbrook is continuing his search for other new genes he can use to give peanuts nematode resistance. t

By JoHn LeiDner

Palmer Amaranth weed control update

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eanut yields in the Southeast activate residual herbicides and handof Prowl plus Valor plus Strongarm folhave been steadily increasweeding,” he adds. lowed by a postemergence application of ing since 1993. No doubt, “For this integrated approach to Cadre plus Dual Magnum,” he says. The better weed control plays a work, you need to start with a field that is second one is the Gramoxone/Dual part, along with high yielding varieties, an clean of pigweeds,” says Prostko. “For Magnum program. “This includes a preincrease in twin row planting, irrigation instance, if you have delays in plantingemergence application of Prowl, followed and other production practices all contime herbicide applications, you can end by a cracking spray of Gramoxone plus tributing to the higher yields seen today. up with three-feet-tall Palmer amaranth Storm plus Dual Magnum, followed by a University of Cadre plus Dual Georgia Extension weed Magnum,” Prostko scientist Eric Prostko explains. looked at survey results Prostko says herbifrom the 2011 Georgia cide programs that Peanut Achievement include residual herbiClub winners. The avercides such as Valor or age yield of the ten Dual Magnum, along farms recognized that with timely postemeryear was 6,202 pounds gence applications of per acre.

Gramoxone plus Storm, The survey showed Cadre, Cobra or Ultra that all ten farms irrigatBlazer have provided the ed their crops, while most consistent control seven of the ten used of Palmer amaranth. bottom plowing and He notes that Valor nine of the ten planted can provide excellent in twin rows. The most pigweed control, but commonly used herbiwith rainfall during cides on these farms peanut emergence, you included Sonolan, Valor, can see some injury from Dual, Cadre and 2,4Valor to peanuts. “In our DB. tests, the peanut plants Prostko spends outgrow the Valor much of his time workinjury,” he adds. ing on Palmer amaranth Prostko also says control in peanuts. that Valor in peanuts and Palmer amaranth is Reflex in cotton have the commonly called pigsame mode of action. weed.

“So be careful in using “Georgia growers these products, to prehave made significant vent resistance,” he adds. improvements in Palmer “Don’t overlook amaranth control over crop rotation as a tool in the last few years,” says helping to control pigProstko. He adds that weed,” says Prostko. growers who are strug“For instance, pigweeds gling with Palmer amacan be well controlled in ranth control tend to be corn. But if you harvest Palmer amaranth or pigweed can be controlled in peanuts, but delays in early season dryland producers who herbicide applications will allow it to get out of control and produce seed. your corn in July or may not receive the August, you can get a moisture needed to actilate population of pigvate residual herbicides. plants in no time at all.” weeds that will produce seed. So use her“Palmer amaranth can be effectively He outlines two basic herbicide probicides or tillage after corn harvest to managed in peanuts by using an integratgrams for controlling Palmer amaranth. keep this pigweed from becoming a probed approach that combines tillage, cover One is the Valor/Strongarm program. lem in your peanuts and other crops.” t crops, twin rows, herbicides, irrigation to “This includes a preemergence application

By JoHn LeiDner March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

15

New Dicamba, 2, 4-D technology poses peanut risk

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eed scientists from the Southeast say peanut farmers need to start planning now for new technology that will bring dicamba- and 2,4-D-resistant cotton and soybean varieties to the market in the next few years.

That’s because more extensive use of dicamba and 2,4-D could injure peanuts and hurt yields if these products are not applied safely.

The risks are not unlike those peanut farmers already face from spray drift, sprayer contamination and careless application of glyphosate and glufosinate.

University of Florida weed scientists Ramon Leon and Jay Ferrell are among those warning peanut growers who may elect to plant transgenic dicamba- or 2,4D-resistant cotton varieties. “Peanuts are sensitive to dicamba and 2,4-D,” Leon says. “Make sure you do everything you can to prevent these herbicides from injuring your peanuts.”

Leon notes that peanut farmers have long used 2,4-DB on peanuts. “If you can clean 2,4-DB from a sprayer, you can clean dicamba from your sprayer,” he adds. “If you get sloppy, the peanut plants will show you that you’ve made a mistake.” Rolling leaves is a typical symptom from dicamba applied to peanuts, while white leaf tips are typical symptoms of 2,4-D damage.

Leon says that state regulations in Florida will prohibit the application of these herbicides during heavy winds.

“You’ll also need to use drift-reducing

2,4-D injury on peanut plant.

16

University of Florida weed scientists Ramon Leon and Jay Ferrell warn peanut growers about the risks of spraying new transgenic cotton varieties with 2,4-D and dicamba when the cotton is planted near peanuts.

spray nozzles, and you’ll need to keep records on the spray nozzles you do use,” he adds.

According to Leon and Ferrell, Enlist Duo will be the name of the 2,4-D product developed by Dow AgroSciences for use on cotton. Engenia will be the name of the dicamba product developed by BASF for dicamba-resistant cotton and soybean varieties. Roundup Xtend will be Monsanto’s product with a premixed blend of glyphosate and dicamba.

These new formulations of old herbicide products are being designed to minimize problems with volatility and drift.

For instance, drift control agents will likely be included in the formulations that farmers buy for use on their crops.

Ferrell adds that dicamba can reduce peanut grades as well as yields.

Stacked genes will be included in the new cotton varieties that will be resistant to several herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate (brand name Liberty), dicamba and 2,4-D. Ferrell anticipates that the new transgenic cotton varieties will typically be treated with 2,4-D or dicamba along with Liberty. “Peanuts are also very

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

sensitive to Liberty, so keep your spray tanks clean,” says Ferrell.

University of Georgia weed scientists have addressed the issue as well.

Extension specialist Eric Prostko and researcher Timothy Grey have completed a study of peanut response to dicamba.

Dicamba is sold under many trade names.

Some of these include Agri Star, Dicamba, Banvel, Clarity, Diablo, Rifle, Sterling Blue and Vision. Dicamba is also a component of pre-mixed formulations such as Latigo, Outlaw, Status and Weedmaster.

Prostko and Grey say that concern over glyphosate-resistant weeds has led to the development of the new herbicide-tolerant crops. The formulations of dicamba that will be used on these crops will include Engenia and Roundup Xtend.

Their report states that dicamba has a reputation for off-target movement due to drift and volatilization. In Georgia and other Southeastern states, peanuts are often grown in close proximity to cotton and soybeans. The worry is that drift, volatilization and sprayer contamination Continued on page 19

Peanut herbicide injury

U

niversity of Georgia Extension weed scientist Eric Prostko has been busy evaluating variety tolerance to herbicides such as Classic, Gramoxone and Dual.

Classic is the herbicide of most concern. Prostko says University of Georgia have evaluated cultivar tolerance to Classic during the past 13 years. Of the current varieties, only Georgia-06G and Tifguard have shown increased sensitivity to Classic (active ingredient chlorimuron).

When Classic was applied to these varieties, yields were reduced by 7 to 11%, according to Prostko.

The tests showed that yield losses were not a problem when Classic was applied to the Florida-07, Georgia Greener and Georgia-07W varieties.

Prostko plans to test Classic on additional newer varieties this year.

Gramoxone (active ingredient paraquat) is low in cost and fairly effective on many weeds. Several years ago, Prostko estimated that about 50% of Georgia peanuts were treated with Gramoxone.

Prostko reports that while Gramoxone does stunt plants and burn peanut leaves, these injuries often do not result in yield losses. He says studies by the University of Georgia during 2010 through 2012 showed that peanuts have adequate tolerance to Gramoxone.

University of Georgia weed scientist Eric Prostko evaluates variety tolerance to herbicides such as Classic, Gramoxone and Dual.

In ten of ten comparisons, peanut yields were not reduced from Gramoxone plus Basagran or Storm treatments. In treatments including Gramoxone plus Storm plus Dual Magnum, yield losses of 4 to 6% were seen. “It is important to remember that poor weed control will result in yield losses substantially greater than this,” says Prostko. “It only takes one Palmer amaranth plant per 3.3 feet of row to reduce peanut yields by 28%.”

Potential yield losses from Gramoxone do not greatly concern Prostko, mainly because Basagran or Storm are typically applied along with Gramoxone, and these companion herbicides lessen peanut injury from Gramoxone.

Dual Magnum and other herbicides

such as Parallel PCS and Me-Too-Lachlor have metolachlor as the active ingredient.

Metolachlor has been used in peanut weed control since the 1980’s, and has seen a resurgence in use during recent years, mainly to control tropical spiderwort, along with Palmer amaranth weeds that are resistant to Cadre and similar products in the ALS (acetolactate synthase) herbicide family.

“When Dual was first registered for peanuts, there were some concerns from growers that it could cause unacceptable crop injury such as stunting, j-rooting, delayed emergence and yield loss,” says Prostko. “However, many research trials have confirmed that peanuts have excellent tolerance to Dual when applied at normal use rates.”

Prostko says injury from Dual and other metolachlor herbicides is most likely when excessive rates are applied under extreme moisture conditions. Symptoms are mostly seen when peanuts are emerging under cool and wet conditions.

He tells of recent University of Georgia tests from 2010 through 2012.

These showed that in 32 of 33 comparisons, or in 97% of the tests, Dual Magnum did not hurt peanut yields. These Dual treatments were applied preplant incorporated, preemergence, early postemergence or late postemergence, alone or in combination with Cadre. t

By JoHn LeiDner

What’s new in peanut herbicides

U

niversity of Georgia Extension weed scientist Eric Prostko says herbicides with 19 unique active ingredients are available for use as weed controls in peanuts.

“Unfortunately, there are no new herbicides under development specifically for use in peanuts,” says Prostko.

So he’s evaluating herbicides developed for other crops for their possible use in peanuts. Some of these include Warrant (active ingredient acetochlor), Zidua (active ingredient pyroxasulfone) and Fierce. Fierce is a combination of Valor

18

plus Zidua.

He notes that pyroxasulfone is fairly effective in controlling pigweed.

In his tests, Warrant was comparable to Dual Magnum in weed control. He notes that a peanut use label for Warrant is probably closer than a peanut label for Zidua or Fierce.

“Although these herbicides have shown some potential in peanuts, they are not registered for this use at this time,” says Prostko. “Additional field trials with these herbicides are needed. They may or may not make it into the peanut market.”

Zidua, Warrant and Dual Magnum all

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

have the same mode of action, according to Prostko. These herbicides inhibit longchain fatty acids in plants. “Although resistance to this mode of action has not yet been discovered in the U.S., it has been confirmed in other parts of the world,” says Prostko. That’s why he advises grower against overusing herbicides with this mode of action. “Know the herbicide modes of action that are being used on your farm and rotate modes of action when you can,” he concludes. t

By JoHn LeiDner

Continued from page 16 could harm peanut growth and yields.

When evaluating fields for potential dicamba injury, it’s important to rule out other causes, according to Prostko and Grey. They say excessive drought, nutrient deficiencies and certain plant diseases can cause symptoms that mimic herbicide injury.

In their tests, Prostko and Grey applied dicamba to peanuts at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. Results showed peanut yield losses were greatest when dicamba was applied 60 days after planting. During this time, peanuts are starting the pod filling stage of growth. They note that broadleaf plants are generally more sensitive to dicamba during the reproductive stages of growth.

They say growers should use drift reduction strategies when applying dicamba near peanut fields. Sprayers should be thoroughly cleaned of dicamba residues before spraying sensitive broadleaf crops.

It is also critical that dicamba containers be properly labeled and stored to minimize potential mixing errors that could result in sprayer contamination.

Dicamba injury on peanut plant.

During 2011, Prostko and other colleagues conducted a similar test with 2,4D, with applications again taking place at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. In this test as well, yield losses were more when the 2,4-D reached the peanuts at 60 days after planting.

Prostko says he saw much less peanut yield loss when 2,4-D was applied 90 days after planting. “I’m less worried about 2,4-D than I am about dicamba when this technology becomes available,” he says.

In his tests, dicamba applied 30 days after peanut planting at a rate of one

ounce per acre resulted in a 12% peanut yield loss. This same rate resulted in a 16% yield loss when applied 60 days after planting. Glufosinate also reduced yields, especially at 60 days after planting. And with 2,4-D, the results were similar, with the most damage occurring at 60 days after planting. Overall, however, the peanut yield losses from 2,4-D were less than those from the dicamba and glufosinate.

“We are now seeing a lot of glufosinate being applied to cotton in Georgia,” Prostko says. He says sprayer contamination is one of the biggest concerns with so much glufosinate being applied to cotton.

“We’re most likely to see problems when switching from cotton to peanuts with the same sprayer,” he adds.

Prostko adds that spray drift is also a problem. He says growers must be conscious of wind speed and wind direction when applying herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba and 2,4D near their peanuts. t

By JoHn LeiDner

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Washington Outlook

by Robert L. Redding, Jr.

Cochran appointed Senate Ag Ranking Member

Farm Service Agency announces important program updates for the 2013 crop

Southeast members secure top ag slots

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reported that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013. FSA administers these programs.

The extended programs include, among others: the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP), the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE), and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC). FSA is preparing the following actions: FSA will begin sign-ups for DCP and ACRE for the 2013 crops on Feb. 19, 2013. The DCP sign-up period will end on Aug. 2, 2013; the ACRE sign-up period will end on June 3, 2013.

The 2013 DCP and ACRE program provisions are unchanged from 2012, except that all eligible participants in 2013 may choose to enroll in either DCP or ACRE for the 2013 crop year. This means that eligible producers who were enrolled in ACRE in 2012 may elect to enroll in DCP in 2013 or may re-enroll in ACRE in 2013 (and vice versa).

U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, R-Miss., is the new Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Cochran, one of the most senior members of the U.S. Senate, has been a strong advocate for southern commodities and recently served as the Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss. Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, R-Ala., will now serve as Ranking Member on Appropriations. Peanut State senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and John Boozman, RArk., also serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., is the new chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee. Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., is a senior member of the Subcommittee and is Co-Chair of the House Peanut Caucus. Mississippi Congressman Alan Nunnelee is a member of the subcommittee and represents much of the peanut belt in Mississippi.

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Ga., is the new chairman of the Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee for the House Agriculture Committee. Congressman David Scott, D-Ga., is the new ranking member of General Farm Commodities and Risk Management subcommittee.

Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Ala., remains a member of the House Agriculture Committee and Co-chairs the House Peanut Caucus. Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., returns as a senior member of the Committee. Congressman Rogers was instrumental in introducing Southern Peanut Farmer Federation leaders to key members of the freshman class in the 112th Congress.

Freshman Congressman Ted Yoho, R-Fla., is a new member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Congressman Steve Southerland, R-Fla., continues as a member of the committee.

New farm bill update The House and Senate Agriculture Committees have not scheduled Farm Bill hearings or noted a specific timetable as of yet for Farm Bill consideration. The Committees are completing their organizational duties.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., did introduce the 2012 Farm Bill that passed the Senate in 2012. The Senate Agriculture Committee is still expected to go through a new mark-up process in 2013 and regular order.

House peanut caucus begins new Congress U.S. Congresswoman Martha Roby and Congressman Sanford Bishop have kicked off the 113th Congress’ House Peanut Caucus as official Co-chairs. As representatives of the largest peanut producing districts in the nation, they are working hard on educating members about the economic and health impacts of peanuts in the U.S. Members of the Caucus to date include: Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala. Rep. George K. Butterfield, D-N.C. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark. Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C.

Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss.

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga.

Legislative Updates available online at www.americanpeanuts.com

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2013

KMC sponsors Grand Door Prize at Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama shows

Representatives with KMC present the Grand Door Prize at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 17, 2013, in Tifton, Ga. Pictured left to right: Bennie Branch, KMC president, Ken Moore, Blakely, Ga., and Keith Wynn, Ocilla, Ga. Moore received a season’s use of a KMC peanut combine and Wynn received a season’s use of a KMC peanut digger.

Representatives with KMC present the Grand Door Prize at the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association annual meeting on Jan. 30, 2013 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Pictured left to right: Keith Weeks, KMC territory manager, Daniel Brooks, Coldwater, Miss., and Carroll Mixon, KMC territory manager.

Representatives with KMC present the Grand Door Prize at the Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show Feb. 7, 2013, in Dothan, Ala. Pictured left to right: Emily Turner, Little Miss National Peanut Festival, Carroll Mixon, KMC territory manager, James Stephens Jr., Elba, Ala., Danny Bennett, KMC territory manager and Whitney Devane, Miss National Peanut Festival.

The Georgia Peanut Farm Show provides a day of education continued from page 8 environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. The 2013 winner is James Hitchcock Jr. of Tennille, Ga. This year’s winner demonstrates volunteerism and service to agriculture in his area. The winner developed his passion for farming while growing up on a diversified row crop operation. Today the farming operation consists of 1,365 acres of crops including peanuts, corn, soybeans and hay. Hitchcock also raises 125 head of cattle.

On the farm Hitchcock utilizes variable rate lime on all crops. All of the irrigation pivots use low pressure nozzles and most use electrical irrigation pumps.

In 2012, Hitchcock purchased two new pivots with wireless technology to monitor from his smart phone. Hitchcock also uses GPS systems to plant, spray and harvest more efficiently.

The Georgia Peanut Commission also presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the U.S. The award recipients are: Distinguished Service Award – Jack Chastain, president of Doster Warehouse; Research and Education Award – William Branch, University of Georgia peanut

breeder; Media Award – Douglas Enterprise; and a Special Award – Jonathan “Tim” Williams, former director of the USAID Peanut Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP).

At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize Package donated by Kelley Manufacturing Company was presented to Ken Moore, Blakely, Ga. and Keith Wynn, Ocilla, Ga. Moore received one season’s use of a new 4-row or 6-row KMC peanut combine and Wynn received a season’s use of a KMC peanut inverter. Amadas Industries also provided a Grower Door Prize of $10,000 off the purchase of a peanut combine to

Timothy Grey, University of Georgia research weed scientist, provides a tour of his research lab during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show.

Joel Carter, Sylvester, Ga. For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show visit the Georgia Peanut Commission Web site at www.gapeanuts.com.

GEORGIA CERTIFIED PEANUT & COTTON SEED Local county agents have UGA variety test trial results.

Produced & Processed by: Stacy L. Heard Farms 644 Grassy Flats Road Colquitt, GA 39837 Phone: 229-758-2610 or 229-205-0864 stacyheard1950@yahoo.com

Peanut Seed Varieties GA 06G Tifguard Cotton Seed Varieties Conventional Cotton Varieties BRS 269 BRS 293 BRS 335 BRS 286

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Southern Peanut Growers Southern Peanut Growers recipe contest spreads Kids’ (Peanut Butter) Love in March, National Peanut Month

Southern Peanut Growers and Sodexho celebrate March, National Peanut Month with new menu item

In celebration of National Peanut Month, Southern Peanut Growers is launching its fourth annual consumer recipe contest.

Dubbed “PB My Kid’s Way” this year, kid favorites are taking over!

Parents are encouraged to submit their favorite family friendly recipes using peanut butter – anything from afterschool snacks to silly combinations (PB and pickles, anyone?) – all recipes are welcome.

Recipes can now be submitted online at www.PeanutButterLovers.com until midnight EST, March 31, 2013. In addition to bragging rights, a one-year supply (one case) of peanut butter will be awarded to the top ten participants who enter the most delicious recipes. The top three recipes will be photographed and featured on Southern Peanut Growers’ Facebook, website and e-newsletter. For inspiration, consumers can visit SPG on Facebook throughout March for PB recipes from guest bloggers.

The Southern Peanut Growers worked with Sodexho to roll out a new menu item, Chicken Satay Peanut Noodle Salad, just in time for March, National Peanut Month.

This menu item is part of the chain’s popular new “To Go” line in their quick-service restaurants. All point-of-sale promotional materials feature a photo of the salad and the Southern Peanut Growers logo.

Southern Peanut Growers celebrates peanuts at the Savannah Southern Women’s Show The Southern Peanut Growers and Georgia Peanut Commission exhibited at the Southern Women’s Show February 15-17, 2013. SPG partnered with Southern Shows, America’s Second Harvest and WRHQ 105.3 to collect peanut butter for the local food bank. Each person donating a jar of peanut butter received a special gift from SPG and a $3 discount coupon from Southern Shows.

Friday, Feb. 15 was Peanut Lover’s Day at the show. The first 250 people in the door received a reusable shopping bag from SPG. Staff and board members from SPG and Georgia Peanut Commission sampled products and distributed easy and inexpensive recipes from the booth and demonstrated quick and healthy peanut recipes during five cooking demonstrations on the Celebrity Cooking Stage.

Don Koehler, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission, demonstrated the Oriental Shrimp Lettuce Wrap which was a huge hit at the show. See recipe to the right.

Marketing arm of

Oriental Shrimp Letttuce Wrap ingredients 8 oz. can water chestnuts diced (drain but save the juice) 1/8 cup juice from water chestnuts 1 cup diced celery 1/8 cup creamy peanut butter 1 Tbsp. Terriyaki sauce 1 Tbsp. lite soy sauce 2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper dash of salt 1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp, medium or smaller size 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (use Five Alarm by Planters® to spice it up) Head of Iceberg lettuce, wash and dry individual leaves Directions Combine all the ingredients except the shrimp, peanuts and lettuce in a skillet or wok over high heat. Stir until the sauce is smooth and celery just begins to cook. Add shrimp and continue cooking and stirring until shrimp is pink (do not overcook), usually three to five minutes. Add peanuts and cook for an additional thirty seconds and remove from heat. Wrap a spoonful of mixture in lettuce leaf to serve.

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

Southern Peanut Growers sponsors the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Meeting The Southern Peanut Growers was a bronze sponsor of the 20th Anniversary annual meeting of the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs in San Francisco, Calif.

January 16-18, 2013. The anniversary theme, “Celebrating Our Roots. Creating Our Future,� played out throughout the conference as the group recognized and celebrated their founders and mission and looked forward to the next twenty years for women in foodservice. As a bronze sponsor, SPG had ample opportunities with conference attendees during the exhibit hours and the special recognition events of the conference.

Southern Peanut Growers attends annual grower meetings Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, exhibited or spoke at the following annual grower meetings and tradeshows at the beginning of 2013: January 17 - Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Tifton, Ga. January 29-30 - Mississippi Peanut Growers Annual Meeting, Hattiesburg, Miss.

February 6 - Alabama Florida Peanut Trade Show, Dothan, Ala. March 14 - Florida Peanut Producers Annual Meeting, Marianna, Fla.

g n i d i v o Pr seeds qualitqyuality for ops cr Seed Varieties GA 06G

GA Greener

GA 07W

Tifguard

GA 09B

FloRunTM 107

Contact your local Birdsong Seed Dealer or one of our seed treating locations listed below:

Blakely , GA (229) 723-3641

Damascus, GA (229)725-3353

Colquitt, GA (229) 758-3520

Goshen, AL (334) 484-9221

March 2013 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Southern Peanut Growers Conference EDGEWATER BEACH RESORT July 18-20, 2013 Panama City Beach, Florida

Key topics: Legislation, Research and Promotion

l a u n n A 15th nt!

Eve

For more information contact:

www.southernpeanutfarmers.org

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 For Hotel Reservations Call 1-800-874-8686 (When making your hotel reservations, please ask for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference rate.)