March 2019 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Start with Quality Seed Weed Guidebook Plant Growth Regulators

A communication service of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

Contents March 2019

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

To kick off planting season growers need to begin with high quality seed. Peanut seed must have a minimum of 75 percent germination.Ongoing research is comparing how various storage options affect seed quality by comparing storage in different temperatures and humidity.

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.

Start with High Quality Seed

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Weed Guidebook The 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer Weed Guidebook features information on new herbicides on the horizon, high-tech weed spraying, tropical spiderwort, herbicide injury and a new concern with resistant yellow nutsedge.

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Q&A with new Mississippi Peanut Agronomist Brendan Zurweller is the new peanut agronomist with Mississippi State University. Zurweller will lead peanut research programs for the state. Get to know more about Zurweller’s background through this Q&A.

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

Washington Outlook ............................................................................ 28 Southern Peanut Growers Update ........................................................ 30 Cover Photo: Auburn University researchers are studying herbicide injury with 20 treatments including different herbicide rates and application dates. The cover photo shows injury to peanuts in Brewton, Alabama. Photo by Katilyn Price, Auburn University doctoral student.

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Editorial

Calendar of Events u National Ag Day, March 19, 2019.

For more information visit agday.com.

Celebrate the Superfood you Grow arch is here and it is time to celebrate the superfood that you grow. In case you haven’t heard peanuts have risen to superfood status due to their nutrient-rich qualities. Sometimes powerful things do come in small packages and based on a mountain of research, the mighty legume deserves superfood status. Behind every superfood is a super farmer that takes pride in their crop and works day in and day out to produce the best quality peanut they can.

So, what qualifies the peanut as a superfood? Well, just look at what all is included in a one ounce serving (approximately 35 peanuts) and you will know. The one ounce serving includes 7 grams of protein that helps you feel full and can contribute to lower blood sugar as well as 19 vitamins and minerals, many of which fight heart disease. Peanuts also include the healthy fats that help decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol, along with fiber which can contribute to lower levels of LDL cholesterol. Lastly, peanuts include bioactive compounds that are shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, lower inflammation and cholesterol and improve blood flow.

So, you should be proud that you are growing a superfood that provides so many health benefits.

Now, it’s your turn to help spread the message to individuals you meet daily. t

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Joy Carter Crosby Editor

2019 Using Pesticides Wisely Training Dates in Georgia Training Agenda: Using Pesticide Wisely (UPW) will last about 2 hrs. and 15 minutes. Immediately afterwards, there will be a 45 minute training for those individuals wanting to obtain a 2-year certified pesticide applicators license to apply Engenia, XtendiMax or FeXapan.

Who must attend UPW: Anyone applying Engenia, XtendiMax or FeXapan. Also, any person in charge of Enlist One and Enlist Duo in-crop applications must attend.

Everyone must RSVP at least 3 days prior to the meeting they would like to attend.

March 18 - 8:30 a.m.

March 18 - 1:00 p.m.

March 20 - 8:30 a.m.

March 20 - 8:30 a.m.

March 20 - 1:00 p.m.

March 21 - 1:00 p.m.

March 22 - 8:30 a.m.

March 25 - 8:30 a.m.

March 26 - 8:30 a.m.

March 26 - 1:00 p.m.

March 27 - 8:30 a.m.

March 27 - 8:30 a.m.

April 3 - 8:30 a.m.

April 3 - 8:30 a.m.

April 4 - 8:30 a.m.

April 8 - 1:00 p.m.

April 11 - 8:30 a.m.

April 16 - 8:30 a.m.

April 18 - 1:00 p.m.

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Brooks County Mitchell County Floyd County Bulloch County Screven County Pierce County Dooly County Decatur County Laurens County Washington County Jefferson County Lowndes County Bulloch County Early County Terrell County Peach County Colquitt County Pierce County Tift County

229-263-4103 229-336-2066 706-295-6210 912-871-6130 912-564-2064 912-449-2034 229-268-4171 229-248-3033 478-272-2277 478-552-2011 478-625-3046 229-333-5185 912-871-6130 229-723-3072 229-995-2165 478-862-5496 229-616-7455 912-449-2034 229-386-3328

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

u Peanut Proud Festival, March 23, 2019, Blakely, Ga. For more information visit peanutproudfestival.com. u American Peanut Shellers Association Industry Spring Conference, April 4-5, 2019, Albany, Ga. For more information visit peanut-shellers.org or call 229-888-2508. u Peanut Efficiency Award Deadline, April 15, 2019. For more information visit southeastfarmpress.com or call 662-6248503. u USA Peanut Congress, June 22-26, 2019, Amelia Island, Fla. For information visit peanut-shellers.org. u American Peanut Research Education Society Annual Meeting, July 9-11, 2019, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn, Ala. For more information visit apresinc.com or call 229-329-2949. u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 18-20, 2019, Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Fla. For more details visit southernpeanutfarmers.org. u Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, July 25, 2019, Moultrie, Ga. For more information visit sunbeltexpo.com or call 229-985-1968. u American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Meeting, Aug. 7, 2019, The Bindery, Leesburg, Ga. For more information visit peanut-shellers.org or call 229-888-2508. u Brooklet Peanut Festival, Sept. 21, 2019. For more information visit the festival’s website at brookletpeanutfestival.com. u Plains Peanut Festival, Sept. 28, 2019.

For more information visit plainsgeorgia.com. u Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 15-18, 2019, Moultrie, Ga. For more information visit sunbeltexpo.com or call 229-985-1968.

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

Calhoun family named GYFA Farm Family oday’s young farm families hold Georgia’s agricultural future in their hands. Throughout Georgia there are outstanding young farm families working and planning for the future. The Georgia Young Farmers Association is recognizing those family farms through the Outstanding Farm Family Program, which is sponsored the Georgia Development Authority.

In January, GYFA recognized LaDon and Kayla Calhoun of Colquitt, Georgia, as the state winner in the Farm Family Program.

Calhoun began farming with his dad and then transitioned to farming on his own in 1999 with 250 acres. His farming operation continued to grow and in 2004 he married Kayla and was farming approximately 850 acres. Through teamwork, LaDon and Kayla were able to purchase a 663 acre farm and increase their rented acreage to 4,000 acres.

Today, the family farm consists of peanuts, cotton and corn. LaDon

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manages the day to day functions of the farm while Kayla handles the accounting functions of the farm.

The children are also a part of the family farm and help with chores around the farm.

“I believe farmers are some of the best stewards of the land,” LaDon Calhoun says.

“In order to ensure the lands longevity, we must take care of it to The Calhoun family from Colquitt, Ga., were named state winners in the best of our ability.” the Georgia Young Farmers Association Farm Family Program.

The Calhoun Pictured left to right: Allen Morrow, Georgia Development Authority; family is very active in Jon Mason, Neely, Kayla and LaDon Calhoun; Georgia Agriculture Gary Black; Bert Boddiford, Miller County Young their community. They Commissioner Farmer advisor; Josh Gardner, Georgia Young Farmers Association are members of the president and Thomas Carter, Georgia Development Authority.

Miller County Young Gin. The Calhouns volunteer their time Farmers, an ag in the classroom with various school events an assist as volunteer and LaDon serves as Miller coach of soccer and t-ball teams. t County Farm Bureau president and serves as a board member with Decatur

BY JOY CROSBY

Bristow named vice president of sales at Advanced Trailer Advanced trailer has announced the hiring of Caleb Bristow as their new vice president of sales. He previously served as the executive director of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

In this new role, Bristow will be in charge of outside sales and serve as the main contact within the sales department.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity, and I look forward to working with growers and buying point managers across the peanut belt” Bristow says.

Bristow’s background in the peanut industry began on his family’s farm in Columbia, Alabama. Bristow has also been involved with his families buying point for more than 15 years.

“We are excited to have someone with the background and knowledge of the industry that Caleb will bring to our company” says Jimmy Mathews, owner and CEO of Advanced Trailer.

Bristow is a graduate of Auburn University. He currently lives in Headland, Alabama, with his wife Freda and their son Cason. t March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Start with

QUALITY SEED T

o kick off planting season growers need to begin with high quality seed.

According to Scott Monfort, UGA peanut agronomist, buying high quality seed is one of the first steps to a good production year.

He encourages growers to ask the percent germination when purchasing seed. According to Monfort, peanut seed must have a minimum of 75 percent germination to legally sell. The germination test is typically conducted January through March as peanut lots are shelled.

Auburn University’s peanut agronomist Kris Balkcom, also recommends for growers to have a sample tested at the state lab to know the percent germination of their seed if they have saved seed. The testing could take up to seven days before a grower knows the percent germination. He says, this could be the best $25 a farmer spends this year.

According to Balkcom, germination is sensitive to the soil temperature and knowing the exact germination and vigor would help a farmer know which seed to plant where and when. As an example, he says, farmers could use the highest germ and vigor seed early during the planting season and the lower germ and vigor seed later after soil temperatures warm up higher.

“This would also allow you to vary your seeding rates to the soil conditions and seed germ and vigor,” Balkcom says.

“I would also recommend for producers

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to use a fungicide in-furrow in addition to the normal seed treatment. This would help protect the seed and seedling against diseases.”

According to Monfort, the more you handle the seed, the bigger the impact.

“The percent germination and vigor can be reduced by time, fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity,” Monfort says. “Another reduction can happen by the way you handle the seed.”

Of course, he says, we have no control over mother nature. Monfort references several seed warehouses that were damaged last fall following Hurricane Michael. Some of the warehouses were without power and had roofs damaged.

“We do not have a firm handle on the true effect of the storm on seed quality yet,” Monfort says. “So, I encourage all farmers to ask about the quality of the seed they purchase for 2019.”

Farmers who begin with good quality seed also need to know their situation at planting and make adjustments accordingly.

Monfort has been working on a research project on how various storage options affect seed quality. The research project compares storage of seed in different temperatures and humidity. The research is ongoing but preliminary results do suggest that there is better emergence when seed is stored in more consistent conditions and reduced emergence when stored in variable conditions.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

Decreased seed quality can lead to poor stands. Other factors leading to poor stands can happen from chemical injury, aspergillus crown rot, wild hogs or deer, as well as grower mistakes. The grower mistakes include planter setup, planting in bad weather conditions such as too dry or wet, cool soils and planting too fast.

Monfort encourages growers to keep a bag tag along with the purchase date and delivery date of the seed. He also suggests for growers to remind their local buying point to adhere to the first in, first out rule.

“Simply put, the first seed the buying point receives needs to be the first seed that is delivered out to growers,” Monfort says.

Monfort also encourages growers to check the seed in the bag before planting, ask the percent germ you are purchasing and to save a sample of each lot.

According to Monfort, the sample should be put in a cool place.

He also encourages growers not to leave seed in hot and humid environments for a prolonged period of time.

One of Monfort’s graduate research associates, Caleb Weaver, will be conducting a survey this year by collecting samples of seed from various locations to test the percent germ. The ongoing research will help Monfort and his team learn more about how various storage conditions can affect seed germination. t

BY JOY CROSBY

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

Georgia Peanut Commission holds Research Report Day The Georgia Peanut Commission held the annual Research Report Day, Feb. 6, 2019, at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), located on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. The event provided growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on University of Georgia precision ag researcher, peanut research projects funded by George Vellidis, discusses the results of his GPC in 2018. research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut GPC awarded $581,896 to peanut Commission in 2018. research facilities in the state during 2018. This effort funded 34 research projects from the University of Georgia and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management as well as pests, weed and disease management.

The annual research reports are available online at www.gapeanuts.com.

Peanuts promoted on Sesame Street and features Georgia farmer Peanuts were promoted on a popular children’s television show in February and even featured Georgia peanut farmer Casey Cox from Camilla. In an episode that aired Feb. 2, 2019, on HBO, Sesame Street characters visited a peanut farm to show kids where peanut butter comes from.

Producers reached out to Hannah Jones, program coordinator with the Georgia Peanut Commission last year Casey Cox, farmer from and inquired about potential places to visit and shoot video Camilla, Ga., showcases on a farm and inside of a peanut butter factory. According to peanuts on an episode of Jones, the request was one of her career highlights.

Sesame Street.

“Growing up in the 1990s, I was a major Sesame Street fan so I jumped at this opportunity to promote peanuts,” Jones says. “This was a great opportunity to shed a positive light on peanuts and our wonderful industry.”

Sesame Street needed to film the episode in February at a time when peanuts are not growing on the farm. So, teamwork among the entire industry helped pull off filming at the farm, peanut warehouse and the peanut butter plant.

“I learned how to be resourceful and creative,” Cox says. “When Sesame Street calls in February and wants to film peanut production, you make it work!”

For Cox, the experience and the episode were a reminder of the bigger picture when it comes to food production. She hopes that children who watch the segment will make the connection between the food they eat, and the agricultural communities that helped bring it to the table.

The episode is now available on YouTube so viewers can search for Sesame Street’s Season 49, Episode 12: Elmo’s Happy Little Train in order to watch the show.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

Georgia peanuts promoted at Nascar race in Atlanta The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts during the 2019 Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500 Nascar race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Feb. 22-24, 2019 in Hampton, Georgia. GPC exhibited in the Fan Zone during race weekend and provided peanuts to race attendees. Prior to the start of the race, fans were able to view a 30 second message about Georgia peanuts on the big screen at the speedway.

Attendees were able to enter a texting contest during the race weekend for a chance at winning a year’s supply of peanut butter. The winner picked from the more than 100 texts was Susan Gilliland of Columbus, Georgia.

As part of the promotion, GPC is able to promote peanuts all year at other events on a billboard at the race track.

David Reed, Georgia Peanut Commission advisory board member from Pinehurst, Ga., provides peanuts to attendees during the 2019 Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500 Nascar race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The Georgia Peanut Commission billboard is highlighted at various racing events at the Atlanta Motor Speedway throughout 2019.

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

Alabama peanuts promoted through digital media and radio ads The Alabama Peanut Producers Association promoted peanuts through digital media and radio spots this past fall. APPA sponsored a series of digital ads from November 2018 through January 2019 with Lean Media. The ads in November promoted National Peanut Butter Month. The online display advertising The Alabama Peanut Producers included a 30 second commercial titled, “Farmers Association promoted peanuts Feed Alabama.” Through the use of Lean Media’s on digital media during National geo-targeting technology, APPA’s display ads and Peanut Butter Month. videos targeted millennials living in Alabama through their smartphones, tablets, computers and connected television. More than 350,000 impressions were made during the campaign. The pre-roll completion rate was 62 percent, with connected televison rate being as high as 93 percent. Both of these percentages are both above industry averages.

During the Christmas season, APPA promoted peanuts on radio stations in the Dothan, Alabama area and Wiregrass region. The 35 radio spots aired on 95.5 WTVY and 96.9 The Legend and encouraged listeners to use peanuts in their holiday meal plans and make the “farm to table” connection of using locally grown peanuts.

According to the Nielsen Company ratings, approximately 94,700 adults from ages 25-64 were listening to these radio stations during this time period.

Alabama peanuts promoted at farm day

Students from Rehobeth Elementary School gather around a tractor at the farm of Fred Helms’ farm.

Alabama Peanut Producers Association’s board member, Fred Helms, hosted a group of students from Rehobeth Elementary School for a tour of his farm on Jan. 25, 2019. The students learned how peanuts are grown and harvested from Kaye Lynn Hataway, APPA’s project coordinator. During the school visit on the farm, students were able to feed a calf with a bottle and see some new baby pigs. Helms also talked to the students about the different tractors and equipment he uses to harvest peanuts.

Morris elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Tifton, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the monthly board meeting in February.

“I look forward to serving Georgia’s peanut growers as chairman in 2019. It is a pleasure to serve peanut producers in the state of Georgia and the commission is continually working to serve all peanut farmers in the state through research, promotion and education,” Morris says.

Other officers elected during the board meeting include Joe Boddiford, Sylvania, Georgia, as vice chairman and Rodney Dawson, Hawkinsville, Georgia, as treasurer. Board members Tim Burch, Newton, Georgia, and Donald Chase, Oglethorpe, Georgia, represent District 1 and District 5, respectively.

The peanut producing counties of Georgia are divided into five districts in which peanut farmers elect a representative to serve on the GPC board.

Peanuts promoted at Florida State Fair in Tampa The 2019 Florida State Fair kicked off this year with much excitement. This marks the 115th year the Florida State Fair has celebrated agriculture through the twelve day event that takes place every year in Tampa, Florida. One day was designated as Peanut Day at the Fair.

The Florida Peanut Producers Association provided roasted peanuts, recipe cards, health and nutritional information and general information about peanut production in Florida. One of the more popular items at the FPPA exhibit was “Grow Your Own Peanut” seed kits.

Thousands of attendees were excited to get the seed kit and have the opportunity to grow their own peanut plant.

More than 600,000 people attended the Florida State Fair with more than 1,500 4-H and FFA students competing and displaying more than 5,000 animals.

“The Florida State Fair provides a great opportunity for us to showcase new recipes using peanuts and peanut butter,” says Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

“We also share the message of the health and nutritional benefits of consuming peanut products and provide information about peanut production in Florida.”

Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, visits with attendees during the Florida State Fair in Tampa.

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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2019 WEED GUIDEBOOK New Herbicides on the Horizon t’s possible that peanut growers can look forward to the use of two new herbicides for peanuts.

One of these herbicides is named Anthem Flex, according to Eric Prostko, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist.

Anthem Flex was poised to be approved for commercial use during the 2019 growing season, however Prostko said that the partial U.S. Government shutdown delayed the approval process.

As a result, it may be 2020 before Anthem Flex is available for use by farmers.

Anthem Flex is a product of the FMC company and consists of a mix of two herbicides. One is pyroxasulfone, the same active ingredient found in Zidua.

The other is carfentrazone which is the active ingredient in Aim herbicide.

Prostko has been testing Anthem Flex in his research plots since 2012. He says, “Anthem Flex would only be applied over the top of peanuts in a tank-mix with something like Gramoxone or Cadre.”

Anthem Flex would only be approved for postemergence or over-the-top applications, according to Prostko. Other application methods such as preplant incorporated or preemergence could result in severe injury to young peanut plants from the pyroxasulfone component of the mix.

The carfentrazone or Aim is approved for use on peanuts as a harvest-aid treatment mainly for the late-season control of morningglory. The carfentrazone, at the rates in this mixture, will only provide a slight boost to broadleaf weed control, according to Prostko.

Prostko sees Anthem Flex primarily competing with Dual Magnum, Warrant

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and Zidua. He adds that Anthem Flex will need to be applied with a nonionic surfactant.

The other new herbicide to keep an eye on is named Brake. It is being developed for the peanut market by SePRO. It will likely be a few more years before Brake is labeled for use in peanuts, according to Prostko.

The active ingredient in Brake is fluridone which has a long history of providing aquatic weed control. In the aquatic market, fluridone is sold under the brand name of Sonar. Prostko looks forward to seeing Brake become approved for peanuts because it features a mode of action that is not typically used for peanut weed control.

Brake is a PDS inhibitor. This means its mode of action inhibits the formation of phytoene desaturase (PDS) which is a key enzyme needed for the development of carotene and carotenoid pigments produced by the plant. With the loss of the carotenoid pigments, vulnerable treated plants produce a whitened or bleached appearance before they die.

In a peanut weed control program, Brake could be used as a possible

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

replacement for Valor. Brake could become an important peanut weed control tool if weeds such as Palmer amaranth develop resistance to Valor. Brake has been approved for use in cotton and is noted for its control of pigweed.

While it’s possible that Brake could receive a state label that could be granted to address an emergency need, Prostko believes that at least two more years of testing will be needed before Brake should be approved for general use on peanuts.

When Prostko talks to farmers, he shows photos of good weed control in plots treated with Brake. One of his most successful treatment programs received preemergence applications of Prowl + Brake, followed by postemergence treatments of Cadre + Dual Magnum + 2,4-DB. Brake did provide effective control of pigweed in Prostko’s plots.

After Anthem Flex and Brake become labeled for use on peanuts, Prostko says there are no other new herbicides in the development pipeline that would become available within the next several years. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

High-Tech Weed Spraying

The Blue River See and Spray system was demonstrated last fall in a cotton field at the Sunbelt Expo farm near Moultrie, Ga.

he weed control technology of the future was demonstrated in the crop fields of the Sunbelt Ag Expo during the farm show held this past October.

It is a spraying system that uses new technology to detect the presence of weeds in a field, and then sprays only the weeds and not the bare dirt where no weeds are growing.

This technology is a new step in the move to adapt and adopt precision farming technology. Computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics are just a few of the concepts incorporated into this technology.

The new postemergence spraying technology is called the “See and Spray” system and it is being developed for agricultural crops by the Blue River Technology firm, a subsidiary of John Deere.

The system was first tested as a new method of thinning lettuce plants in California. The Blue River website states that robotic nozzles will target weeds in real time as the sprayer passes.

In a field with good weed control from preplant and preemergence herbicide applications, the new system will focus on spraying only escaped weeds. The new

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technology could save 80 to 90 percent of the herbicides used in postemergence broadcast applications, according to Shannon Pickering, market development manager with Blue River Technology.

Pickering explained that the sprayer he brought to the Expo farm was a prototype. “We’re still a few years away from bringing this to market,” Pickering says.

He says cotton and soybeans will be the first agronomic crops that will be sprayed by the See and Spray system.

Pickering says vegetables and peanuts will be included in future versions of the spraying system.

“Peanuts are definitely in the future for this system,” he adds. He explains that adapting the system for spraying peanuts will require a collection of photos or images showing peanuts and peanut weeds at various stages of growth.

“We will use these images to create a model of peanut growth so the sprayer will recognize peanut plants and not spray them,” Pickering says. The model would also indicate which plants are weeds and should be sprayed. “It is able to do this by using technology similar to the facial recognition software that is used by Facebook,” Pickering adds.

Pickering explains that the weed

In the demonstration at the Expo farm, a blue dye was sprayed only on the weeds and not the rest of the bare ground.

identification component of the system focuses on any plants growing in a field that have developed true first leaves. For the demonstration at the Expo farm, the sprayer was used in a field of young cotton plants and applied a blue dye to small escaped nutsedge weeds.

“It will spray weeds as small as ¼ inch tall,” Pickering says. “Basically, if you can see a weed, it will spray it.”

He added that the company’s goal is for the weed sensing system to be 98 percent accurate in identifying and spraying weeds.

If this technology can deliver on its promise, then broadcast weed spraying could become a thing of the past. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Tropical Spiderwort A Wet Weather Weed ropical spiderwort is one of those hard-to-control plants that became a serious problem in the early 2000s due to several factors including the increased use of glyphosate, increases in strip-tillage, decreases in moldboard plowing, decreases in the use of residual herbicides, and a general lack of knowledge of its biology. All of which have been addressed by the University of Georgia (UGA) Weed Science Team since that time period, according to Eric Prostko, UGA Extension weed scientist.

Tropical spiderwort is also known more formally as Benghal dayflower. It’s an annual or perennial herb and is native to tropical areas of Asia and Africa.

The particular weed thrives during years when rainfall is excessive. Such was the case in 2018 when the Southeast received so much rain throughout the growing season.

“We received more than 62 inches of rain in Tifton last year and tropical spiderwort is a wet weather loving plant,” Prostko says.

“When we get a lot of rain, effective residual herbicides can leach or run-off and not control weeds,” Prostko says.

“Also, when it rains, you often can’t get into your fields and spray for weeds when you need to.”

Though it goes against modern trends in conservation farming, deep tillage is one of the most effective controls of tropical spiderwort, according to Prostko.

Turning the soil and burying the seed deeper than four inches will help prevent the weed from becoming a problem. If you can turn the land deeper than eight inches, and keep the weed seed at this depth for three years, seed viability goes to near 0 percent, Prostko adds.

Unlike many weeds, tropical spiderwort tends to germinate during the summer months. It also grows slowly under low light conditions. This means

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Tropical spiderwort is also known more formally as Benghal dayflower. It’s an annual or perennial herb and is native to tropical areas of Asia and Africa.

that growers can help to eliminate damage by planting early and getting a thick early crop stand that will help suppress the weed when it does germinate.

Planting peanuts in twin rows is an essential component to this cultural approach to fighting tropical spiderwort.

Prostko says that spiderwort control is improved by 12 percent by simply using twin row planting.

Several residual herbicides will control tropical spiderwort. “The key to chemical weed control is to use residual herbicides,” Prostko says. He suggests using Dual Magnum, Warrant or Zidua.

He adds that two residual applications may be required for good control.

“Dual Magnum can be applied as a preemergence, early-postemergence or a late-postemergence application,” Prostko says. “If you plant peanuts in April, the preemergence application may not be as effective on tropical spiderwort since most emergence occurs after June 1. But

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

if you plant peanuts in mid to late May, the preemergence applications of Dual Magnum would be more likely to be effective in helping to control tropical spiderwort.”

He also notes that postemergence applications of the herbicides Gramoxone, Cadre, Strongarm and Basagran will also help in controlling spiderwort, depending upon the peanut stage of growth, environmental conditions, and spiderwort size.

Steve Li, Alabama Extension weed scientist, has also been conducting tests on controlling tropical spiderwort. He evaluated the herbicides Strongarm and Dual Magnum in Valor and Cobra-based weed control system, mainly for growers who do not want to use Gramoxone for control.

He found that Strongarm is very efficient in controlling tropical spiderwort as a preemergence herbicide applied behind the planter. Strongarm was also effective in controlling the weed in

2019 Peanut Weed Control Recommendations for Georgia

by Eric Prostko Professor and Extension Weed Specialist Univeristy of Georgia Five Important Things to Consider: 1. Start clean using a combination of tillage, cover crops, and/or herbicides.

2. Use narrow rows (≤ 30”) or twin rows when practical.

3. Use at least 2 residual herbicides in the system.

4. Make timely postemergence applications (tallest weeds ≤ 3” tall, not the average).

5. Hand-remove weed escapes before seed is produced.

Timing System

Tillage

Preplant Burndowna

PPI

EPOST (~10-20 DAPb)

PRE

Paraquat + Storm + Dual Magnum or Warrant or Zidua

No Rain in 7-10 DPA Paraquat + Prowl strip-tillc

Glyphosate or Paraquat + 2,4-D

Non-Irrigated (Dryland) conventional

Prowl or Sonalan

POST (~30-45 DAP)

Rain in 7-10 DPA

ALS Resistance:

Paraquat + Prowl + Valor

Cobra or Ultral Blazer + (Dual Magnum or Warrant or Zidua) + 2,4-DB

No PRE if rain is not expected in 7-10 DAP

Paraquat + Storm + Dual Magnum or Warrant or Zidua

No ALS Resistance: Rain in 7-10 DPA Valor Strip-tillc

Gyphosate or Paraquat + 2,4-D

Cadred + (Dual Magnum or Warrant or Zidua) + 2,4-DB

Paraquat + Prowl + Valor + Strongarmd

Irrigated Conventional

Prowl or Sonalan + Valor + Strongarmd

a

Apply at least 7 days before planting. If there will be a long delay between the burndown application and planting (>10 days), consider adding a residual herbicide (Valor or Dual Magnum or Warrant) to the burndown treatment. b DAP = days after planting. c Annual grass control in strip-tillage systems is often more difficult thus additional applications of a postemergence grass herbicide (i.e. Fusilade, Poast, and Select) will be needed. d Before using Cadre and/or Strongarm, rotational crop restrictions must be considered. **SPECIAL NOTE: Dual Magnum and Warrant are in the same herbicide family and have the same mode of action (inhibit very long chain fatty acids). Zidua is not in the same herbicide family but has the same mode of action. Multiple applications (> 2) of these herbicides in a single year should be avoided to prevent or delay the evolution of resistance. These residual herbicides have no postemergence activity.

postemergence over-the-top applications, according to Li. In the test, Valor and Prowl did not control the weed at all (<30 percent control 30 days after application). Li says the herbicide Warrant can provide some residual control but Dual Magnum is a way better choice for tropical spiderwort in the chloroacetamide family. It is unclear if Zidua can effectively control this weed as Dual Magnum and more research is needed in 2019 to further evaluate the differences between these chloroacetamide herbicides.

Based on these studies over two years and at three locations, Li says, “Strongarm and Dual Magnum are very effective.” He adds that Valor or Warrant as PRE would be needed to control pigweed because Strongarm is no longer effective on this weed due to prevalent ALS resistance. Li says the seasonal limit for Strongarm on peanuts is 0.45 ounces per acre.

“We found that half of this Strongarm rate applied with Valor or Warrant, then another half rate combined with either Cobra or Cadre, will significantly

improve tropical spiderwort control,” Li says. 2,4-DB has literally no effect on tropical spiderwort, but it may increase control efficacy of certain broadleaf weeds such as sicklepod when mixed with other postemergence herbicides.

While full control of tropical spiderwort is difficult because new shoots emerge throughout the summer, Li suggests using Strongarm plus one or two applications of Dual Magnum to help manage this weed before peanut canopy closure. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Shedding light on herbicide injury complex research study in Alabama by Auburn University scientists has revealed new information on the nature of peanut plant damage by a widely used group of herbicides.

The study indicates when peanut plants are susceptible to herbicide injury, while shedding light on a herbicide that growers may want to avoid late in the growing season.

The herbicides under study were Aim, Cobra and Ultra Blazer. They mainly work as contact herbicides and are members of the herbicide group called PPO inhibitors. These herbicides prevent the formation of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) enzymes needed by plants to produce chlorophyll.

The study was conducted by Katilyn Price, an Auburn University doctoral student and weed science program technician, along with Steve Li, Alabama Extension weed scientist.

The research involved 20 treatments including different herbicide rates along with application dates of 60, 75 and 90 days after planting. Some of the treatments included non-ionic surfactants and crop oil surfactants.

The researchers applied the herbicides to weed-free peanut plots so that crop injury could be evaluated alone without the competition from other plants.

Li and Price then compared yields from the herbicide-treated plots to yields of the weed-free plots that received no herbicide treatments. The study was conducted at two locations in Headland and Brewton, Alabama.

The researchers also used a Trimble GreenSeeker instrument which measures the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to give an indication of crop canopy health. The NDVI has become generally accepted in remote

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Injury from Aim was greater than from either Cobra or Ultra Blazer in this Auburn University study.

Treatments applied 75 days after planting included an application of Aim at 2 oz/A + Butyrac 200 at 16 oz/A + Superb HC at 0.75% v/v. The image shows damage at 14 days after treaments were applied in Brewton, Ala.

sensing as an indicator of overall plant health. Li says farmers or crop consultants can use tractor- or drone-mounted GreenSeekers to measure NDVI over large acreage and these instruments are getting more affordable.

Li and Price also used visual observation to evaluate the peanut plants for injury symptoms. Li says the NDVI readings were rather precise, and correlated well with their subjective visual injury evaluations.

“So the new technology matches the old-school way of looking at a crop and rating it with your eye,” Li says. “We were looking for a new tool for rating crop injury that is less subjective than visual evaluations, and the NDVI instruments show promise in addressing this concern.”

The NDVI readings also show promise in verifying the recovery of peanut plants from such injury.

Three other herbicides, Dual Magnum, Outlook, and Zidua, were used

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

in some of the treatments 60 days after planting. Li said that only Dual Magnum sprayed with the PPO herbicides caused significant injury.

In addition, the herbicide 2,4-DB was applied with the PPO herbicides. Li notes that 2,4-DB has long been used in peanut weed control and has never had a reputation for damaging peanut plants.

Addition of 2,4-DB with PPO herbicides can increase broadleaf control efficacy such as sicklepod and morningglory, and it is a fairly inexpensive herbicide.

The crop oil surfactant also increased the likelihood of peanut injury.

“That’s why we do not recommend crop oil surfactants with PPO herbicides,” Li says. “The treatments with the nonionic surfactants caused some injury but not nearly as much as those with the crop oil surfactants.”

Injury from Aim was greater than from either Cobra or Ultra Blazer in this study. Price observed that Aim applied with a crop oil surfactant at 75 days after

A new concern ellow nutsedge is the latest weed to have evolved resistance to a widely used peanut

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other fields, it likely would occur due to tubers being carried on tillage equipment or other farm machinery. Or it possibly could occur if wildlife such as hogs or turkeys eat the tubers and spread them to other locations through their feces.

“But I have not been able to confirm that with any research data published in the literature,” Prostko says. “However, yellow nutsedge tubers fed to mallard ducks were not recoverable.”

was discovered, Prostko is advising the grower to rotate to other crops where alternative herbicide chemistries can be used.

“That should help get rid of the resistant weed,” he adds.

Prostko sent the suspected yellow nutsedge tubers to scientists at Cadre manufacturer BASF. In the greenhouse, BASF treated the suspected resistant plants that grew from these tubers with

begin to mature.

Li said the only treatment that caused significant yield loss when applied at 90 days after planting was Aim + 2,4-DB + Crop oil. Cobra caused less peanut foliage burn than Aim at this application timing.

The PPO herbicides are among the few herbicide groups that can be applied late in the growing season. Based on the study, Li says growers should work to control weeds early in the growing season, rather than waiting until 60 or

more days after planting to apply herbicides. Weeds are also bigger and harder to control at 60 or more days after planting.

If a late season application must be used, Li noted that either Cobra or Ultra Blazer would be better choices than Aim for use with 2,4-DB. Growers also need to avoid using crop oil with PPO herbicides in these applications. t

herbicide.

University of Georgia Extension weed scientist Eric Prostko helped to identify the population of resistant yellow nutsedge from a field in South Georgia.

He says the nutsedge population from this field developed resistance to Cadre herbicide. Cadre has been a reliable peanut weed control Yellow Nutsedge/Cadre Resistance Screen (2017-2018) product for more than 20 years.

Suscept Resistant Susceptible While the news of the resistance is troubling, Prostko believes it can be managed and it should not become as wide-spread or as difficult a problem as Palmer amaranth resistance to glyphosate has become.

“Nutsedge is propagated mostly by the spread of its Cadre (imazapic) - oz/A Cadre (imazapic) - oz/A tubers, and not as much by seed,” Prostko explains.

“Also, on most farms Cadre is only Prostko would not identify the exact various rates of Cadre. Even at a rate that applied only once every two or three location of the farm with the new would equate to 64 fluid ounces per acre, years, depending on your crop rotation, suspected resistant weed. But he did say it the Cadre did not kill the yellow nutsedge and it is applied only on peanuts. That had been in a small 17-acre dryland field plants. Prostko says 64 ounces is 16 times lessens the likelihood of resistance that had been in peanut production for the normal rate a farmer would use to becoming a wide-spread problem for five consecutive years. So Cadre was apply Cadre to control peanut weeds.

Cadre. Glyphosate, on the other hand, was applied for five consecutive years. This is “While we believe this resistance typically applied several times within the more selection pressure from Cadre than is an isolated incident, it is also a same growing season and year after year typically occurs on farms that used a development that the peanut industry for several crops.” more common peanut crop rotation. needs to know about,” Prostko says. t If the resistant population is spread to On the farm where the resistant weed

BY JOHN LEIDNER planting caused the most burn to peanut foliage. In addition, she noted that this treatment also caused significant defoliation of peanut leaves.

Among the treatment times, it appears that peanuts are more sensitive to PPO herbicide damage at 75 days after planting than at either 60 or 90 days. At 75 days after planting, the peanuts were in the R6 growth stage. This corresponds to the reproductive growth period when pods are full of seeds, but before the pods

BY JOHN LEIDNER

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Photos by Dr. Doug Findley - BASF

Resistant Yellow Nutsedge

New weed scientist in Florida ratap Devkota recently joined the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences at the West Florida Research and Extension Center as an assistant professor – weed scientist. Devkota’s position includes research and extension appointments and his program focuses on developing integrated weed management programs and sharing these program to the agriculture clientele throughout Florida.

Overall, the program emphasizes in addressing current and emerging weed management issues for field (cotton, peanut, corn, soybean, wheat), forage, and emerging crops (e.g., specialty and bioenergy) for sustainable production of these crops in Florida and beyond.

Devkota’s educational background is in weed science and he received his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas and doctorate from Purdue University. During his doctorate studies, he worked as a graduate research assistant for dissertation research which evaluated the influence of spray water quality factors on herbicide efficacy. Evaluating interaction of foliar fertilizers with herbicide and use of adjuvants for improving herbicide efficacy were also part of his doctorate research.

Before coming to the University of Florida, Devkota worked with the

P

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources as weed science advisor for nearly 2 years.

Research Program Currently, Devkota’s research program focuses on several weed science research topics which are pertinent to the production agriculture. The research emphasis is on managing herbicide-resistant weeds; evaluating performance and optimizing various weed control methods; identifying novel and improved weed management strategies; and incorporating the management strategies for developing integrated weed management programs.

Devkota is also interested in understanding ecology, biology, and morphology of difficult to control invasive weed species and utilizing this information for developing robust weed control programs. His research is also evaluating herbicide performance and interaction with other agrochemicals, use of adjuvants/surfactants, and optimizing herbicide spray solution.

His research also focuses on incorporating cultural and mechanical techniques which are critical components for weed management program.

Additionally, he is interested in studying the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of weed management programs.

Pratap Devkota Asistant Professor - Weed Scientist University of Florida @Florida_Weeds Extension Program The overall goal for Devkota’s extension program is to promote the adoption of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective weed management programs for sustainable row crop production systems in Florida. His extension program helps to bridge the agricultural clientele with the current developments in weed management knowledge and practices. He plans to share his information via meetings, trainings, online newsletter and blog and social media sites. t

BY JOY CROSBY

National Peanut Board allocates $1.8 million for FY-20 production research projects The National Peanut Board (NPB) held its quarterly board meeting in Atlanta Feb. 13-15 with the purpose of addressing funding for FY-20 state production research projects. Recommendations for 66 projects totaling $1,801,224 were reviewed and approved.

“Today’s seed varieties that produce higher yields, withstand diseases, nematodes and other obstacles are the result of years of high-quality production research,” says Dan Ward, National Peanut Board chairman and North Carolina member. “Our research dollars continue to give farmers the critical

16

information that makes them more productive and ensures peanuts remain competitive, now and into the future.”

In its 19-year history, the community of peanut farmers through NPB has invested $34.5 million in production research. This total includes NPB’s leverage of $871,500—of NPB funds and other industry partners’ funds—with NIFA-matching funds to yield over $2.5 million for NIFA-managed peanut production research.

Funding production research to increase efficiencies for America’s peanut farmers and their families is a core part of

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

the Board’s mission.

Also, during the quarterly board meeting, NPB staff gave an update of the 2020 diversity plan. Leigh Allen, executive director of the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), presented to the Board, focusing on strategies to involve minority peanut farmers. The mission of the NBGC is to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of black row crop farmers.

The next meeting of the National Peanut Board will be held April 3 and 4 in Albany, Georgia. t

Peanut PGR still looks good ow rates of the plant growth regulator (PGR) prohexadione calcium continue to show promise in tests both in Georgia and in Mississippi.

The PGR is sold as either Apogee or Kudos. The PGR works on peanuts by reducing vegetative vine growth and increasing yields when used properly.

University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort is recommending reduced rates of 3.5 to 5.4 ounces per acre in two applications. This would cost about $30 to $45 per acre, according to Monfort. He says the first application is recommended when 50 percent of the lateral branches touch each other. He says this is close to the time when 100 percent of the vines start to lap each other. The second application should go on at 14 days after the first treatment.

Monfort says either urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) or ammonium sulfate (AMS) is needed at a rate of one pint per acre to aide in plant absorption of the plant growth regulator. He only recommends the PGR for irrigated fields that tend to produce extensive vines. He never recommends it for non-irrigated peanuts or irrigated fields that do not produce much vine.

Mississippi State University weed scientist Connor Ferguson has been studying the effects of the PGR on peanut growth and yield in Mississippi. He took over the project from former Mississippi Extension peanut agronomist Jason Sarver who last year accepted another position in his home state of Kentucky.

The two treatment times based on row closure roughly correspond to 75 days after planting and 90 days after planting, according to Ferguson.

The varieties in Ferguson’s tests included TUFRunner 297, TUFRunner 511 and Georgia-06G. Ferguson said he tested the product during a year when peanut prices decreased while the cost of the PGR increased. Ferguson’s tests have confirmed what Sarver and Monfort have shown, mainly that rates of one-half or three-fourths produce good results and at a much lower cost than the full recommended rate.

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An untreated field of peanuts (above) at the farm of Joe Morgan in Hattiesburg, Miss. This field was used in comparison to another field (below) with the plant growth regulators applied at threefourths the recommended rate. The plant growth regulators sold as Apogee or Kudos works on peanuts by reducing vegetative vine growth.

“With two applications at the full rate, that is too costly for most growers,” Ferguson says. He says the full rate would cost $62 per acre for two applications.

Joe Morgan, who serves as president of the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association and who farms near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been providing land for the PGR tests. He

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

started using Apogee several years ago, and used the full rate until Sarver’s studies showed that a three-fourths rate was best.

“So we switched to the three-fourths rate last year,” Morgan says. “The tests showed an 800-pound yield increase by using the three-fourths rate.”

In addition, Morgan noted that

Irrigation specialist advises equipment maintenance rrigation systems are one the most essential components of a farmer’s toolbox. After sitting idle during the winter, now is the time farmers should check their systems before the spring growing season.

According to Wes Porter, University of Georgia Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist, the average irrigation system is not used for at least six months between fall harvest and the next production season. This lack of usage can result in leaks, dry rot, and animals and insects nesting within the machine.

“I wouldn’t say just sitting causes all the problems, but we don’t take or have the time to service them throughout the year. When we are in production mode, it’s nearly impossible to do preventative maintenance during that time,” Porter said. “Now is a good time of year for preventative maintenance.”

Porter offers these tips for producers to assess the status of their irrigation equipment: 1. Make sure to do an electrical system shutoff beforehand or risk electrocution. You’re working with 480 volts, so make sure the power is turned off in your work area. Proceed with electrical safety in mind.

2. Check the power unit, especially

I

the main control panel, for any issues.

Make sure all fuses are in working order and that no animals have chewed on wires or built nests in the electrical control box.

3. Check the pumping system to see if pressure and flow are optimized. If pressure has been lost from last year or the pressure spikes, there’s more than likely a leak or possibly a clog. Check the sprinkler systems to make sure they are functional and properly applying irrigation.

4. Perform a uniformity check on the pivot to determine any nonvisual application issues.

5. Check the pivot point as it could

peanuts seem to invert better at digging. “The inverted peanuts were straight up instead of laying to the side,” he says.

Ferguson conducted the studies in four counties and on three farms, including Morgan’s farm.

Ferguson compared the 2018 results with those obtained by Sarver in 2017 and concluded that the PGR’s return on investment was better in 2017 than in 2018. He noted that this was due in part to lower peanut prices of about $400 per ton in 2018 along with a slight increase in the cost for Apogee.

While Ferguson notes that the PGR reduces vine growth and increases yields, it didn’t noticeably shorten peanut plant height in his tests. He did see a better definition of the peanut rows where he applied the product.

One of Ferguson’s best treatments in 2018 was with a half-rate of the PGR during the first application followed by the full labeled rate for the second application.

“This looks promising, but it is based on only one year, and it needs more testing,” Ferguson says. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

contain leaks, loosened bolts, bad fittings and improperly greased joints.

6. Check the drain valves to see if they’re in proper working order. When the system shuts off, the valves should drain water out of the pipe and should prevent leaks at the drain areas when the system is full of water.

7. Make sure that the auto-stop and reverse are working.

8. If chemigation or fertigation are being used, check their respective pumps.

9. Check to see if the drive motors at each tower are in proper working order and that there is nothing nesting on the inside.

10. Check the tires to make sure none have leaks, cracks or are flat.

“The last thing you want to do is go out in the summer while in the middle of a corn field or cotton field and have to change a tire or a drive motor. It’s pretty hard to get to,” Porter says.

Porter assures that using this checklist will provide farmers with the preventative maintenance needed for their irrigation equipment’s survival. For a more thorough checklist, read the UGA Extension Bulletin 1452, “Spring Center Pivot and Lateral Irrigation System Preparation,” available online at extension.uga.edu/publications. t

BY BRYCE ETHRIDGE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Florida Peanut Producers Association holds 44th Annual Membership Meeting large crowd of farmers and their families attended the 44th Annual Membership Meeting of the Florida Peanut Producers Association held Feb. 21, 2019, in Marianna, Florida.

The evening’s events included the election of directors, FPPA and National Peanut Board activities report and the presentation of the Florida Young Peanut Farmer award.

Officers elected during the meeting include, Michael Davis, Graceville, Florida, as president; Larry Ford, Greenwood, Florida, as vice president and Andy Robinson, Williston, Florida, as secretary/treasurer.

Rollin Hudson, Chiefland, Florida; David DeFelix, Campbellton, Florida, and James Marshall, Baker, Florida, were elected to serve a three-year term on the FPPA board during the annual meeting.

Board members retiring from the board due to term limits include Bud Baggett, Marianna, Florida and Jerry Mills Jr., Morriston, Florida.

Casey Gunnels, loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, presented the Young Peanut Farmer of the Year Award to Clay Fulford of Jefferson County, Florida.

“With fewer professionals entering the agricultural industry each year, it is

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FPPA Board of Directors pictured left to right, Rollin Hudson, Chiefland; James Marshall, Baker; Larry Ford, Greenwood; Joe Tillman, Altha; Chuck Hatch, Branford; Bud Baggett, Marianna (outgoing); Andy Robinson, Williston; Michael Davis, Graceville and Jerry Mills Jr., Morriston (outgoing). Not pictured, David DeFelix, Campbellton, Florida.

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Clay Fulford of Jefferson County Florida receives the Farm Credit - Florida Peanut Producers Association Young Peanut Farmer Award during FPPA’s annual meeting Feb. 21, 2019, in Marianna, Fla. Pictured left to right: Keri and Clay Fulford and Casey Gunnels, loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida.

vital that we offer support and encouragement to our beginning and young farmers,” Gunnels says. “This year’s recipient put his character and hard work on display when he stepped up to run the operation after his father was injured in a farming incident.”

Over the past year, Fulford showed his ability to lead and most importantly operate effectively in a time when he was needed the most.

“I have known this young man for many years and I am proud and inspired by him after seeing everything he endured and prevailed over the last year,” Gunnels adds.

Fulford is a fourth generation farmer and farms 1,200 acres of which 800 acres is in cotton and 400 acres is peanuts.

Over the 9 years he has been actively farming, he has produced soybeans, corn, cotton and peanuts on their operation.

Although farming is a full time job,

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

Fulford is a devoted family man. When asked about his family Clay said he was most thankful for his wife, Keri because she stood by him this year and provided great support.

Fulford serves as an advocate for the industry by serving as a district representative for the Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher group.

During the Annual Meeting Ken Barton, executive director of the association gave a presentation outlining many of the promotional and educational activities the association was involved in over the past several months.

William Carte, Florida board member on the National Peanut Board made comments and introduced Lauren Highfill Williams, NPB marketing and communications manager who gave a presentation on NPB activities. t

BY JOY CROSBY

Georgia Peanut Farm Show provides a day of education ore than 1,200 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 43rd annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference on Jan. 17, 2019, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of 102 exhibitors, as well as a day of education. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar with a question and answer segment focused on overall agronomic production, economics, weed, insect and disease control, as well as irrigation. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2019.

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States. The award recipients were: Distinguished Service Award – Marcus Evans, retired director of farm and field services at the Georgia Peanut

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The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States during the 43rd annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show held Jan. 17, 2019, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton, Ga. Pictured left to right: Armond Morris, GPC chairman; Special Award - Karl Zimmer accepting on behalf of the American Peanut Shellers Association; Special Award Joe West accepting on behalf of the Univeristy of Georgia Tifton Campus; Media Award – Brad Haire, Southeast Farm Press; Research & Education Award – Corley Holbrook, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award – Ryne Powers, Baxley, Ga.; Distinguished Service Award – Marcus Evans, retired farm and field services director from the Georgia Peanut Commission and David Hinson, BASF business representative and sponsor of the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award. Not pictured: Special Award - Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black.

Commission; Research and Education Award – Corley Holbrook, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant breeder;

Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year

Five farmers receive the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year award during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference held Jan. 17, 2019, in Tifton, Ga. Pictured left to right: Armond Morris, Georgia Peanut Commission chairman from Tifton; District 1 – Joe Heard, Newton; District 2 (posthumously) – Ray Peele, Lenox (accepting on his behalf is his son, Gerold Peele Jr.); District 3 – Bobby C. Smith Jr., Rocky Ford; District 4 – Windell Gardner, Cordele; District 5 – James Gaston, Americus; and Matt Cato with Agri Supply. The farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

Media Award – Braid Haire, editor of Southeast Farm Press; and three Georgia Peanut Special Awards to Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the University of Georgia Tifton Campus.

The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF, was presented to Ryne Powers of Baxley, Georgia. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. Powers’ farming operation includes 2,000 acres of cropland where he grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, corn, wheat and rye. He also raises beef cattle and has three breeder poultry houses with Claxton poultry. Powers also operates a custom harvesting operation for farmers in his area.

In addition to the Outstanding

Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show held in February he 14th annual AlabamaFlorida Peanut Trade Show was held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. More than 300 peanut growers and industry partners from Alabama and Florida attended to view industry products and services offered by more than 60 exhibitors. The trade show is sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) and the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA).

A catered lunch was provided by the National Peanut Board, APPA, and FPPA. After lunch, Marshall Lamb, from the National Peanut Research Lab, spoke to growers about the 2019 crop outlook as well as the current market status.

Bob Parker, president of the National Peanut Board, updated growers on the promotions and research projects of NPB. He also discussed several initiatives NPB is working on involving a new clothing line for children 4 to 6 months of age to help promote the early introduction of peanut products to babies 4 to 6 months of age to prevent peanut allergies.

Bob Redding of the Redding Firm in Washington, D.C., provided legislative updates relating to the farm bill and disaster assistance.

A special presentation was made to the American Peanut Shellers Association (APSA) to recognize their success as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Jamie Brown, vice-president and president-elect for APSA, was on hand to accept the award.

Several door prizes were given out throughout the morning of the trade show, but the prizes everyone was most looking forward to winning were announced at lunch.

The Grand Door Prize, provided by Kelley Manufacturing Co., of one season’s use of a six-row peanut combine, and the option to purchase at the end of the season with $15,000 of the list price was won by Mitch Danford of Cottonwood, Alabama.

The Grower Prize, provided by Amadas Industries, of one season’s use of a peanut digger/inverter or $10,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 towards the purchase of a new pull-type combine was won by Greg Kaiser of Elberta, Alabama. The Amadas parts credit for $1,000 was won by Ashby Massey of Graceville, Florida.

The Ag Trip of a Lifetime, provided

by Colombo North America, of a trip to Brazil to visit Columbo’s manufacturing

Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. The GPC board members started this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continue to be the highest quality.

Winners include: District 1 – Joe Heard, Newton; District 2 (posthumously) – Ray Peele, Lenox; District 3 – Bobby C. Smith Jr., Rocky Ford; District 4 – Windell Gardner, Cordele; and District 5 – James Gaston, Americus. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the

Georgia Peanut Commission.

At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize package donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Jason Cox of Pelham, Georgia, and Mike Roberts Jr. of Sylvester, Georgia. Cox received one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2019 season. Roberts received one season’s use of a new KMC digger shaker inverter or dump cart and the option of purchasing the peanut digger or dump cart from a KMC dealer with 10 percent off the list price at the end of the 2019 season.

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Caleb Bristow, former Alabama Peanut Producers Association executive director, presents Jamie Brown, vice president of the American Peanut Shellers Association with an award recognizing their 100th anniversary at the 14th annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show held at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Ala., Feb. 7, 2019.

plants during harvest season, including farms, shelling plants, and local tourism, was won by Tammy Long of Bascom, Florida.

Mike Newberry, of Blakely, Georgia, won a free trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. Keith Watford, of Gordon, Alabama, won a Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun. t

BY KAYE LYNN HATAWAY Amadas Industries also provided the Grower Door Prize to Mike Bruce of Rochelle, Georgia, and Mark Knowles of Milan, Georgia. Bruce received a certificate for $10,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas pull-type peanut combine or $1,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart. Knowles received a customized Grizzly cooler and a $1,000 certificate for Amadas parts.

For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at gapeanuts.com. t

BY JOY CROSBY

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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& QA with Brendan Zurweller

Mississippi State University peanut agronomist

Brendan Zurweller is a native of Missouri where he first became interested in agronomic related research and extension work.

After completing his master’s degree at the University of MissouriColumbia he completed a doctoral degree at the University of Florida. It was here where he was first introduced to the peanut crop and industry. During his time at UF he focused on a wide range of physiological and agronomic related research in peanut.

Zurweller has recently started as the peanut agronomist at Mississippi State University. He is very excited to serve the peanut industry in the state of Mississippi by developing and delivering new information to improve peanut production systems. Zurweller can be reached at brendan.zurweller@msstate.edu or 662-325-2311.

1

What is your background with agriculture and peanuts?

I began working in agriculture in my home state as a graduate student at the University of Missouri. After this experience, I wanted to continue pursuing a career as a research/extension scientist in agronomy. This led to the beginning of my work with peanuts at the University of Florida in 2014. During my time at UF, I had the opportunity to complete a doctoral degree researching peanut management practices and learning about the peanut industry from Dr. Diane Rowland and Dr. Barry Tillman.

2

What goals do you have for peanut research at Mississippi State University?

Much of the peanut production in Mississippi and across the mid-south is relatively new. The environment and soil types in this relatively newer peanut production region are quite different than the Southeast. This creates a lot of opportunities to implement applied research that possibly refines many of the current peanut agronomic practices for

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this growing region. My initial research goals are to use research to begin developing and extending best management practices specific to the mid-south region.

3

How do you see your role in working with growers?

My role in working with growers is to first listen to the challenges they are faced with on their farms. Once I understand any specific needs they want addressed, our teams at MSU can begin identifying solutions. Sometimes the answer to these challenges has already been developed and it’s about providing the existing information to the grower.

When no definitive solution exists, then it’s my job to conduct applied research to develop new information/technologies that can be delivered to the growers.

4

What goals do you have for your role with MSU and as the Extension Peanut Agronomist?

One of the great things about my position is it’s a dual split between peanut agronomy research and

Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

Extension. This allows me to implement research that addresses current challenges, but also evaluate new practices that may help growers be more productive or profitable in the future. In addition, I am able to extend this information through various Extension education platforms.

My overall goal is to utilize these responsibilities so I can be another resource that contributes to the success of peanut farmers in the state.

5

How do you think the university can effectively serve and educate growers throughout the state?

Mississippi State University has a long tradition of working very closely with all the agricultural stakeholders across the state. I believe continuing to maintain these relationship and finding new ways of reaching other stakeholders is vitally important in continuing to serve the growers as part of the university’s land-grant mission. In today’s world, this will include continuing our traditional information platforms, but also extending our information through digital channels in the form of blogs, social media, podcasts, etc. t

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association holds annual meeting Jan. 29-30, 2019 he Mississippi Peanut Growers Association held its annual meeting and trade show Jan. 29-30, 2019, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Throughout the course of the event, nearly 160 growers and industry representatives had the opportunity to hear from peanut industry leaders, university specialists and visit with 35 agribusinesses during an exhibit trade show.

The event began with updates from peanut industry representatives. Patrick Archer, president of the American Peanut Council and Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, gave updates on the activities of each organization. Following their reports, MPGA held its annual meeting with an update from the promotion board, a review of association activities and election of board members.

The MPGA board members elected include: Joe Morgan, district one representative and president, Hattiesburg; Lonnie Fortner, district two representative and vice president, Port Gibson; Alan Atkins, district three representative, Hamilton; Patrick Martin, district four representative, Greenwood; and members at large Scott Flowers, Clarksdale; Van Hensarling, Richton; and B. Jones, Yazoo City.

Day two of the meeting began with an update from Mississippi Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Andy Gipson, followed by a review of current National

T

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association members had the opportunity to visit with industry representatives during the MPGA annual meeting and trade show held Jan. 29-30, 2019, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Peanut Board programs given by president and CEO, Bob Parker. Barry Tillman, peanut breeder with the University of Florida, discussed new high-oleic peanut varieties and yield responses, and Dr. Marshall Lamb, research leader at the USDA ARS National Peanut Research Lab, discussed current research and provided an outlook for 2019.

The two-day event also included several speakers who covered peanut production topics. Dylan Wann, research director for Algrano Peanuts discussed developing early-maturing peanuts.

Brendan Zurweller, Mississippi State University peanut agronomist, provided best management practices for Mississippi peanuts. Jeff Gore, entomologist with MSU, and Connor Ferguson, weed scientist with MSU, both gave updates on current research. The afternoon also

included a consultant and grower panel, where profitable peanut production was discussed with attendees.

The meeting concluded with door prize drawings from several businesses and organizations including Kelley Manufacturing Co. and Amadas Industries. Joe Morgan Jr. of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, received the Grand Door Prize of one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine. Pete Rutland of Mize, Mississippi, received a certificate for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled combine or $5,000 toward a new Amadas pull-type combine or $1,000 toward a new Amadas peanut dump cart. Steven Seward of Lucedale, Mississippi, was awarded a certificate for $1,000 towards Amadas parts.

For more information on MPGA, visit www.misspeanuts.com. t

BY JESSIE BLAND

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Board President Joe Morgan (District 1) Hattiesburg, Miss.

Vice President Lonnie Fortner (District 2) Port Gibson, Miss.

District 3 Alan Atkins Hamilton, Miss.

District 4 Patrick Martin, Greenwood, Miss.

Members At Large Scott Flowers Clarksdale, Miss.

Van Hensarling Richton, Miss.

B Jones Yazoo City, Miss.

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Board Members pictured left to right: Patrick Martin, Scott Flowers, Van Hensarling, Joe Morgan, B. Jones, Alan Atkins and Lonnie Fortner.

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Congratulations to these Door Prize winners!

Bennie Branch (left), president of Kelley Manufacturing Co., presents the grand door prize to Jason Cox of Pelham, Georgia, during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference. Cox receives one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2019 season.

Walter Bloodworth (left) and Glen Gulledge (right) of Kelley Manufacturing Co., presents the grand door prize to Joe Morgan Jr. of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, during the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting.

Morgan receives one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2019 season.

Roy Moore (right) of Kelley Manufacturing Co., presents the grand door prize to Mitch Danford of Cottonwood, Alabama, during the Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show held in Dothan, Alabama. Danford receives one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2019 season.

Mark Mathis (left) of Amadas Industries presents the Amadas door prize to Mike Bruce of Rochelle, Georgia, during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference held in Tifton, Georgia. Bruce receives a certificate for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas pull-type peanut combine or $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart.

Chris Beaty (left) of Amadas Industries presents the Amadas door prize to Pete Rutland of Mize, Mississippi, during the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting held in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Rutland receives a certificate for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas pull-type peanut combine or $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart.

Chris Beaty (left) of Amadas Industries presents the Amadas door prize to Greg Kaiser of Elberta, Alabama, during the Alabama/ Florida Peanut Trade Show held in Dothan, Alabama. Kaiser receives a certificate for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas pull-type peanut combine or $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart.

u During the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Kelley Manufacturing Co. presented Mike Roberts Jr. of Sylvester, Georgia, with one season’s use of a new KMC digger shaker inverter or dump cart and the option of purchasing the peanut digger or dump cart from a KMC dealer with 10 percent off the list price at the end of the 2019 season.

Thanks to KMC and Amadas for their generous donation!

Contact KMC and Amadas at:

u Amadas Industries presented Mark Knowles of Milan, Georgia, with a customized Grizzly cooler and a $1,000 certificate for Amadas parts during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show. u Amadas Industries presented a $1,000 parts credit to Steven Seward of Lucedale, Mississippi, during the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting and to Ashby Massey of Graceville, Florida, during the Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

KMC 229-382-9393 www.kelleymfg.com

Amadas (229) 439-2217 www.amadas.com

Washington Outlook

by Robert L. Redding Jr.

U.S. Senators Perdue and Isakson introduce ag disaster legislation

Congressmen Bishop and Scott offers amendment to increase ag disaster assistance

U.S. Senators David Perdue, R-Georgia, and Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, announced they will introduce a standalone disaster relief package to provide critical funding for Georgia and other states recovering from recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael.

“Enough is enough. Georgia and other states across the country are hurting from historic hurricanes and devastating wildfires, and the federal government continues to drag its feet,” says Senator Perdue, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “In October, President Trump and Vice President Pence both saw the devastation firsthand and promised to help Georgia and other states rebuild. It’s long past time to make good on these promises. For farmers in Georgia, it’s not a matter of putting a crop in the ground this year – it’s a matter of putting a crop in the ground ever again. I will continue to fight for disaster relief until our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need to recover.”

“The biggest immediate crisis facing Georgia today is the relief money needed for the lost agricultural products from the hurricanes that have hit here and in other states,” says Senator Isakson. “We are in crisis mode for our farmers and agricultural community, and we will not stop until we get needed aid for those who have suffered devastation.

Additional losses grow every day we wait, and it’s far past time we fulfill the promises that were made. Supplemental disaster funding was overwhelmingly supported in funding proposals voted on earlier this year, so there shouldn’t be a reason for further delay on a supplemental disaster relief package to provide critical aid for Georgians.”

The senators plan to introduce a supplemental funding package after the U.S. Senate reconvenes on Feb. 25 that includes $3 billion to provide critical agriculture disaster relief for farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael, along with additional funds for communities in Georgia and other states. Senators Perdue and Isakson have vowed to continue raising this issue in the Senate until Congress approves disaster funding.

U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies and Austin Scott, RGeorgia, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, offered an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 268) which would increase emergency assistance funding to agricultural producers who suffered losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other agricultural related losses in 2018. The amendment was agreed to.

“Hurricane Michael devastated Southwest Georgia and left a path of destruction into Virginia. Across the State of Georgia, many producers suffered near 100 percent crop losses. The pecan, peanut, cotton, vegetable, and poultry industries all experienced significant damages not just in 2018, but for the last three straight years,” Bishop says. “I want to thank Austin Scott and the twelve bipartisan cosponsors of this amendment for our collaboration in developing solutions for these agricultural producers who suffered such great losses.”

“Farmers and rural communities across our country have been reeling from the impacts of devastating losses from natural disasters. In my home state of Georgia alone, damages have been estimated at over $2.5 billion with many producers losing not only this year’s crop but impacting them for years to come,” says Rep. Scott. “For months now, Sanford Bishop and I have worked to deliver relief to farmers and rural communities in Georgia. I thank him for his support on this amendment, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and others to complete this process.”

Congress has not sent the President a disaster assistance package to date.

Background: • On Nov. 30, 2018, Perdue and Isakson sent two letters requesting additional funding for disaster assistance for Georgians recovering after Hurricane Michael: the first letter to Senate appropriators and the second to Senate leadership.

• On Jan. 31, 2019, Perdue and Isakson introduced a supplemental agriculture disaster relief amendment to provide critical funding for Georgia and other states recovering from recent hurricane and wildfire damage.

• On Feb. 13, Perdue and Isakson joined 11 other bipartisan senators in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging immediate action on a supplemental disaster relief package.

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer March 2019

U.S. House Ag Committee chairman addresses peanut industry At the National Peanut Buying Points Association Winter Conference, U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minnesota, discussed the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill, the state of U.S. agriculture and the importance of farm programs. Chairman Peterson has worked hard during his House Agriculture Committee tenure to learn about southern agriculture and the peanut program. When he served as chairman previously, he held hearings throughout the peanut belt including Georgia and Alabama. Chairman Peterson emphasized the importance of working together and of subcommittees being a major piece of policy development moving forward.

Federation supports crop insurance coalition The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation joined with other agricultural organizations in support of maintaining funding for crop insurance. In a letter to U.S. House and Senate Budget Committee leaders, the coalition stated: It’s also important to note that in a time of uncertainty in the farming and ranching community – from natural disasters to trade wars to government shutdowns – the public-private partnership that is crop insurance has been a consistent and reliable risk management tool. The certainty of federal crop insurance also offers lenders the assurances they need to continue to provide capital to America’s hard-working farmers and ranchers.

March 2019 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Southern Peanut Growers March - National Peanut Month March is National Peanut Month, time to celebrate our favorite food! Southern Peanut Growers will be helping everyone celebrate on social media during the month of March. Be sure to like Southern Peanut Growers on Facebook @southernpeanutgrowers and follow us on Instagram @peanut.butter.lovers to see new recipes, new products and to maybe win a prize!

Southern Peanut Growers awarded merit in Region V NAMA awards Southern Peanut Growers was awarded a merit award in the Regional V of the National Agri-Marketing Association for the Plus Up with Peanut Butter: 2017 Foodservice Tour in the Company or Producer-Funded PR Campaign Element Directed to Consumers. This winning program was the launch of SPG’s Plus Up Foodservice Campaign and included a foodservice tour in Mississippi which culminated in an innovation session where the chef’s used Chefs create new peanuts and peanut products peanut inspired recipes during the Southern along with other traditional Peanut Growers Southern agricultural bounty to Foodservice Tour in create a host of new recipe ideas.

Mississippi.

Peanut butter featured at Birmingham Home Show Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, was invited to feature peanuts and peanut butter on the cooking stage at the Birmingham Home Show Feb. 16-17.

“This was a great opportunity to share some delicious and healthy recipes, feature new peanut products Leslie Wagner, Southern Peanut like peanut powder, and share the new Growers executive director, presents recommendations on early introduca cooking demo at the Birmingham tion of peanuts to help prevent peanut Home Show in February. allergy,” Wagner says.

Wagner prepared and sampled the Thai Chicken Salad from the new Peanut Fuel brochure and a new Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup recipe.

Upcoming Events Come see the Southern Peanut Growers at these upcoming events: u March 22 - Cherokee County Ag Expo, Canton, Ga. u March 24 - The Bloody Mary Festival, Atlanta, Ga. u March 29 – 31 - Southern Women’s Show, Savannah, Ga. u April 12 – 13 - Georgia School Nutrition Association, Athens, Ga. u May 2 – 5 - Alabama Chapter, American Association of Pediatrics, Destin, Fla. u June 20 – 22 - Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education, Charlotte, N.C. u June 23 – 25 - USA Peanut Congress, Amelia Island, Fla.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Ingredients:

Directions:

Mini baking cups 20 oz. dark chocolate melting wafers, split 1 cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup peanut powder ¼ cup powdered sugar Optional Toppings: chopped peanuts, dried cherries or blueberries, coconut flakes

Arrange 50 mini baking cups on a cookie sheet. Melt half the chocolate wafers according to package directions, taking care not to burn the chocolate. Spoon a layer of melted chocolate into the bottom of the cups. Lightly tap the cookie sheet on the countertop to level the chocolate and allow to cool.

In a two-cup glass measuring cup, thoroughly combine peanut butter, peanut powder and powdered sugar. Cook on high in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt and stir until smooth. Using two small spoons, spoon a layer of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Lightly tap the cookie sheet on the countertop to level the peanut butter (may not be perfectly flat layer) and allow to cool.

Melt the remaining chocolate wafers. Spoon a layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter layer in each cup. If desired, top each cup with a little bit of topping(s) of choice. Lightly tap the cookie sheet on the countertop to level the chocolate and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.

Makes 50 mini peanut butter cups

Marketing arm of

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

Southern Peanut Growers Conference EDGEWATER BEACH & GOLF RESORT July 18-20, 2019 Panama City Beach, Florida

l a u n n A 21st t!

Even

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, 2019. www.southernpeanutfarmers.org