May/June 2015 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Southern Peanut Growers Conference Schedule n Irrigation Guidebook A communication service of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

Contents May/June 2015

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

The Southern Peanut Growers Conference is set for July 23-25 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The three-day event provides farmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions.

Director of Advertising Jessie Bland jessie@gapeanuts.com Contributing Writers John Leidner johnleidner@bellsouth.net Teresa Mays Teresa2@alpeanuts.com 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.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference schedule of events

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2015 Irrigation Guidebook The 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer’s Irrigation Guidebook features information on irrigation scheduling, remote monitoring, precision irrigation and new options for growers to use in 2015.

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Georgia Peanut Commission increases research funding The Georgia Peanut Commission board members approved an increase in research project funding for the 2015 year. The research projects include 29 project proposals from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service.

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

Washington Outlook ............................................................................ 16 Southern Peanut Growers Update ........................................................ 18 Cover Photo: Irrigated peanuts at the USDA ARS National Peanut Research Lab in Dawson, Georgia. Photo by Joy Crosby.

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Editorial

Calendar of Events

A G.I.’s simple request for peanuts he request was a simple one during the Vietnam War. Harold Bascom “Pinky” Durham Jr. requested Georgia peanuts on behalf of a mother of one of the men in Vietnam. The mother shared with Durham her son’s desire to get some peanuts in order that he might share them with the men in his company and with some of the Vietnamese people of the town where he was located.

Durham served in the armed forces and was a Tifton, Georgia native and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) alumnus so he knew who to reach out to in 1966 to request the Georgia peanuts. He mailed a letter to Pete Donaldson, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC). Donaldson had previously served as president of ABAC in Tifton, Georgia.

The GPC shipped several cases of Georgia peanuts to Durham, which were greatly appreciated. Through a course of several months in 1966, Donaldson corresponded back and forth with Durham about the peanuts and how they were distributed in Vietnam. In one letter, Durham explains how excited individuals were to receive the peanuts.

“Man you should have seen the eyes of my First Sergeant light up when I said, ‘These are honest grown Georgia peanuts.’” Then he said, “Wait, till my Commander chaws down on some of these.”

That is just one of the many interesting statements in a letter from Durham to Donaldson. The entire letter from Durham was filled with interesting news, generous acts and words of appreciation.

According to Durham’s letter to GPC, every man in the company got a least one pack of peanuts. The Harold Bascom other six boxes were taken downtown. Durham gave “Pinky” Durham Jr. them to a school where he taught at night. The school was the Vietnamese Division Culture Center, a non-profit, self-supporting school that was run by G.I.’s like Durham who donated their time so that the Vietnamese may have a future. The people at the school felt a need to put this gift of peanuts to better use, therefore on Sunday night about eight p.m.

Durham explains how the group took the boxes of peanuts to the Korean hospital and gave them to the Vietnamese who had been wounded at war.

Durham was an ambassador for peanuts while in Vietnam and he served our country well. Recently, he was remembered and honored by ABAC during a reception prior to the Carry the Load Step Off event, which attempts to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. Durham is the only Medal of Honor recipient in the history of Tifton and memorabilia from his life will be housed on the campus of ABAC. All of the state grower organizations have sample bags of peanuts that are distributed throughout their state, nationally or even internationally.

Sometimes you never realize the impact that is made until nearly 50 years later when the memory of a local soldier is being recognized and you search the archives to learn a little more about the connection with peanuts!

So, take time to honor those who have served and gave their life for our freedoms and for those who are currently serving. t

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Joy Carter Crosby Editor

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

u USA Peanut Congress, June 13-17, 2015, Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. For more information visit peanut-shellers.org or call 229-888-2508. u Stripling Irrigation Research Park Field Day, July 8, 2015, Camilla, Ga. For more information visit striplingpark.org or call 229-522-3623. u Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, July 9, 2015, Moultrie, Ga. For more information visit sunbeltagexpo.com or call 229-985-1968. u American Peanut Research & Education Society Annual Meeting, July 14-16, 2015, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, S.C. For more information visit apresinc.com or call 229-329-2949. u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 23-25, 2015, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. For more information visit southernpeanutfarmers.org or call 229-386-3470. u American Peanut Shellers Association Pre-Harvest Meeting, Aug. 4-5, 2015, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga. For more information, call 229-888-2508 or visit www.peanut-shellers.org. u Brooklet Peanut Festival, Aug. 15, 2015. For more information visit the festival’s website at brookletpeanutfestival.com. u Georgia Peanut Tour, Sept. 15-17, 2015, Thomasville, Ga. and surrounding area. For more information visit the tour blog at gapeanuttour.wordpress.com. u Plains Peanut Festival, Sept. 26, 2015.

For more information visit plainsgeorgia.com. u Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 20-22, 2015. For more information visit sunbeltagexpo.com or call 229-985-1968. u Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Dec. 6-8, 2015, Jekyll Island, Ga. For more information visit gfb.org. u American Peanut Council Winter Conference, Dec. 8-10, 2015, Atlanta, Ga. (Let us know about your event. Please send details to the editor at joycrosby@gapeanuts.com.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference 2015 Tentative Schedule Thursday, July 23 1:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Conference Registration Hospitality & Ice Cream Social

6:30 p.m.

Welcoming Reception

7:00 p.m.

Welcoming Dinner & Casino Night Sponsored by Bayer CropScience Proceeds will be donated to Peanut Proud

Friday, July 24 6:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

In it for the Long Run 5K & Fun Run Sponsored by Syngenta Proceeds will be donated to MANA Nutrition Prayer Breakfast Sponsored by Valent U.S.A. Corporation Featuring The Akins The Akins are three brothers and a dad whose faith and family values shape everything they do. Their musical talent, tight family harmonies, and live instruments create a unique sound that is enjoyed by all ages. In recent years, God has nationally expanded The Akins' ministry with their fresh sound and original songs. They have had multiple chart-topping songs in cluding their recent #1 song, "I Want My Stage To Be An Altar." They are two time "Horizon Group of the Year" nominees by Singing News Magazine, and have received multiple nominations at the Inspirational Country Music Awards, including "Entertainer of the Year," "Vocal Group of the Year," and "Christian Country Song of the Year."

9:30 a.m.

General Session I Research - The Future is Now Q&A with a Panel of Researchers.

This first session covers genomics and the various characteristics and traits that will be available in the future for full utilization.

Moderator: Steve Brown, The Peanut Foundation Kris Balkcom, Auburn University Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Doug Britton, Georgia Tech Diane Rowland, University of Florida Corley Holbrook, USDA Jason Ward, Mississippi State University Scott Jackson, Peanut Genomics Initiative

10:30 a.m.

Spouse Program An Overview of Callways Gardens and Horticulture Tips Edward Callaway, Vice Chair of Ida Cason Foundation and Grandson of the Founder of Callaway Gardens Horticulturist with Callaway Gardens

10:45 a.m.

General Session I continued Research - The Future is Now Q&A with a Panel of Researchers.

This second session focuses on new technologies including UAV’s, sensors and equipment.

11:45 a.m.

Luncheon Sponsored by BASF Keynote Address by Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden Krysta Harden was sworn in as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on August 12, 2013 after unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Deputy Secretary Harden helps lead the department, working to strengthen the American agricultural economy and revitalize our nation's rural communities. Raised in Camilla, Ga., Harden comes from three generations of southwest Georgia farmers with a proud farming heritage that dates back to the 1800s. As a daughter of farmers, she understands the changing face of agriculture over time, and the need for commonsense policies and programs that create and expand opportunities in rural America. In her role as Deputy Secretary, Harden builds on Secretary Vilsack's leadership to support a diverse and abundant agriculture sector, expand new markets for agriculture at home and abroad and further strengthen conservation of our nation's resources.

1:15 p.m.

General Session II The Future Generation Keeping the Farm for Future Generations - Dr. Martie Gillen, University of Florida

2:00 p.m.

Survey on Future Conferences

6:30 p.m.

Cookout at Robin Lake Sponsored by Dupont Additional evening activities include: FSU Flying High Circus* Movie at Robin Lake Beach * Limited Availability

Saturday, July 25 7:30 a.m.

Breakfast - Farm Press Peanut Profitability Awards Sponsored by National Peanut Board

9:15 a.m.

General Session III The Future in Washington, D.C. Moderator: Andy Robinson U.S. Agricultural Trade Policy - Congressman Ted Yoho (R-Florida) Peanut Policy Outlook - Robert L. Redding Jr., The Redding Firm Future Trade Opportunities with China - Stephanie Grunenfelder, American Peanut Council & Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut Commission

Noon

Lunch on your own and afternoon free!

12:30 - 6 p.m.

Golf Tournament

7:00 p.m.

Reception

7:30 p.m.

Dinner and Entertainment Sponsored by Syngenta Featuring the Bushmen The Bushmen got their start in their hometown of Douglas, Georgia in early 1962 as The Revelons. Their love for both white and black Southern roots music, as well as most good Top 40 radio tunes, helped to enable them to perform pretty much anything that hit the airwaves.

Register online at southernpeanutfarmers.org by June 30.

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

Florida peanuts promoted at Epcot The Florida Peanut Producers Association and other members of the “Fresh From Florida” promotion campaign returned to Epcot again this year for the seventh annual Garden Market Weekend. The annual three-day event is held during the International Flower and Garden Festival hosted by Disney at Epcot in Orlando.

The event allows Ken Barton, Florida farmers, ranchers, com- Peanut Producers modity organizations, Association, visits with etc., who are members attendees during the International Flower and of the “Fresh From Garden Festival hosted Florida” promotion

by Disney at Epcot. campaign to visit with thousands of attendees and share the message of Florida agriculture.

Florida Peanut Producers Association exhibited at the Garden Market Weekend and provided peanut growing seed kits, recipe cards, health and nutritional brochures. The FPPA also had live peanut plants that were blooming and pegging on display for the attendees.

“This is a great opportunity for us to visit with thousands of Disney attendees and share the healthful message of peanuts and peanut products and the importance of the economic impact that peanut production has on the state,” says Ken Barton, FPPA’s executive director.

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association promotes peanuts during National Peanut Month The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association prepared peanut goody baskets for television stations across Mississippi during March. The baskets were used as talking points since they contained all kinds of peanuts and peanut butter products and peanut facts. In fact, the baskets helped to secure interviews at five television stations across Mississippi during the first week of March. Each state interviewed Malcolm Broome, MPGA’s executive director, for approximately five minutes of air time. One of the television stations allowed Broome to prepare three peanut breakfast items on their kitchen set. Two other television stations taped additional interview footage to show throughout the month of March.

“For a very small cost, we get quite a bang for our buck as the saying goes,” Broome says. “We even received positive responses from viewers.”

Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors Georgia FFA The Georgia Peanut Commission and the Peanut Institute teamed up to sponsor the Georgia FFA Star in Agriscience Award during the state convention held in Macon, Georgia. The State Star in Agriscience Award was presented to Sarah Spradlin of Madison County. The state finalists were Auriel Wright of Northeast Bibb FFA Chapter and Ian Bennett of Lowndes County FFA Chapter.

The Georgia Peanut Commission also exhibited during the career show and sponsored the Georgia FFA Alumni photo booth during the career show.

Each member received a 4x6 print with the Georgia Peanuts logo displayed on the photo.

Joy Crosby, Georgia Peanut Commission, congratulates the Star in Agriscience winners for Georgia FFA. Pictured left to right, Crosby, Sarah Spradlin, State winner from Madison County; Auriel Wright, Central Region winner from Northeast Bibb; and Ian Bennett, South Region winner from Lowndes County.

Scholarship money available from the Florida Peanut Producers Association The Florida Peanut Producers Association is pleased to announce the opening of their 2015 Scholarship Award Program. Two $1,200 scholarships will be awarded to deserving high school seniors and/or college students. The applicant or someone in the applicant’s family must be an actively-producing peanut grower in Florida.

It is the intent of the Scholarship

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Award Committee; however, that the award recipients attend a Florida junior college or four-year university. Each winner will receive $600 when the scholarship winners are announced. The remaining $600 will be awarded after the completion of one semester and documentation of passing grades is submitted to the FPPA Office.

“The Florida Peanut Producers

Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

Association is committed to helping further the education of young people in Florida, and the scholarship program is evidence of our commitment,” says Ken Barton, executive director of the FPPA. For an application, contact the FPPA office at 850-526-2590 or visit the FPPA website at flpeanuts.com. The scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2015.

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

Alabama Peanut Producers Association promotes peanuts during the March for Babies events

Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors recipe contest at Georgia School Nutrition Conference

Members of the 2015 Alabama Peanut Producers Association’s “Peanut Teams” participated in two March of Dimes’ “March for Babies” annual walks during April and May. The first event was held at the Geri Moulton Children’s Park, located in front of USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. The second walk Children have fun in the Kids Activities was held at Eastgate Park in tent during the March for Babies walks Dothan, Alabama. sponsored by the Alabama Peanut This year marked the sixth consecutive year the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) has sponsored the Kids Activities tent at the walks. Children of all ages, along with their parents, enjoyed the special tent area where they made peanut arts and crafts, won prizes, received a packet of Alabama peanuts along with educational brochures on the health benefits of peanuts.

“March for Babies” is held annually in 1,100 communities across the nation. Over 7 million people, including more than 20,000 company and family teams, as well as national sponsors, particpate in the event that has raised more than $2 billion since 1970.

Funds raised are used toward research focusing on the prevention of premature births, birth defects and infant mortality.

Every year, more than half a million babies are born prematurely and more than 120,000 are born with serious birth defects in the United States. Seventy-six cents of every dollar raised in “March for Babies” is spent on research and programs to help prevent these issues.

The Georgia Peanut Commission attended the Georgia School Nutrition Association annual conference held April 9-11 in Athens, Georgia. During the GSNA meeting, school nutrition personnel from across the state of Georgia attended educational seminars, visited with food industry representatives and received recognition for outstanding performance at their respective schools.

One of many awards given was the peanut recipe award sponsored by GPC. This award was given to GSNA members who developed new peanut and peanut butter quantity recipes to be used in Georgia schools for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

“We are excited to sponsor the peanut recipe awards contest for Georgia’s school nutrition personnel,” Armond Morris, GPC chairman said. “We applaud all GSNA members for striving to develop new peanut recipes to be included in Georgia’s school nutritional programs throughout the year.”

In the breakfast category, Ann Hamner from Britt Elementary in Snellville, Georgia, won first place for her “Peanut Butter Fruit Roll” recipe, second place went to Jane Raburn from Carrollton Elementary in Carrollton, Georgia, and third place went to Dare Howze with Westside Elementary in Valdosta, Jessie Bland (right), Georgia Peanut Georgia. In the lunch Commission project coordinator, congratucategory, first place was lates representatives from Clayton County awarded to Ann Hamner Schools for winning first place in the Georgia School Nutrition Association from Britt Elementary Peanut Usage Contest. for her “Peanut Ricotta Lasagna” recipe, second place went to Jane Raburn from Carrollton Elementary and third place went to Helen Sellars from Southside Elementary in Cairo, Georgia. For the snack category, Dare Howze from Westside Elementary took home first place for her “Triple Cereal Snack Bar” recipe and second place went to Jennifer Scott of Langston Road Elementary in Perry, Georgia. Clayton County Schools was the winner of the peanut usage contest, which is awarded to the school system with the highest per capita consumption of peanuts and peanut butter.

The entries were prepared and judged as part of the GSNA Culinary Competition in March 2015, at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Tucker, Georgia.

Chase promotes peanuts on CBS46 in Atlanta The Georgia Peanut Commission is continuing its partnership with CBS46 in Atlanta by having a peanut farmer on air. Donald Chase, GPC board member and farmer from Oglethorpe, explained how peanuts grow, his use of GPS and showed video from his phone of harvest time to host of Atlanta Plugged In, Annalee Penny. The show is available to view online at gapeanuts.com.

Georgia Peanut Commission board member Donald Chase discusses how peanuts grow with Annalee Penny, host of Atlanta Plugged In on CBS46.

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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IRRIGATION GUIDEBOOK Fine tuning peanut irrigation scheduling esley Porter has concluded his first year as the Extension irrigation specialist for Georgia and Alabama. He’s been on the job long enough to reach some conclusions about the need for peanut irrigation and the best way to go about scheduling irrigation for peanuts.

Peanuts require about 23 inches of water during the growing season to make a good crop, according to Porter. Water requirements for peanuts are low up until the eighth or ninth week of growth, when water use reaches about one inch per week.

Porter says about 78 percent of the water is needed from weeks 10 through 17 of a typical 20-week growing season.

Peanut water use peaks during the fruiting peanut growth stage. This takes place about the 14th week of the growing season. At that time, the plant can use up to 2.1 inches of water per week or 0.3 inches of water per day.

In the Southeast, the probability of receiving 20 to 25 inches of rainfall evenly distributed during the growing season is quite low. This means non-irrigated peanuts will rarely achieve their full yield potential.

During Porter’s first year on the job, he focused on a peanut irrigation scheduling study. Porter conducted the test during the 2014 growing season at the University of Georgia’s C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park near Camilla, Georgia. In the test, he evaluated a dryland treatment along with five other irrigation scheduling methods.

A University of Georgia-developed Smart Sensor Array system proved to be the best method for scheduling peanut irrigation in Porter’s test. This system was developed by irrigation researchers George Vellidis and Calvin Perry. It used a total of about 22 inches of water in Porter’s test, including 9.4 inches of irrigation water. This water helped to produce peanut yields of 6,052 pounds per acre for Porter.

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Photo by Clint Thompson, University of Georgia.

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Wesley Porter, Extension irrigation specialist for Georgia and Alabama, says fewer than eight percent of farmers use irrigation scheduling services, computer simulation models, or plant and soil moisture sensors in deciding when to water their crops.

“For the Smart Sensor Array, we loaded up the plots with soil moisture sensors,” Porter says. “We placed these sensors at depths of four, eight and 16 inches in the soil. We used a weighted average of these three sensor depths to determine when to irrigate the peanuts.”

The other irrigation scheduling methods in Porter’s test included the Smartfield SmartCrop system that relies on temperature measurements taken from the plant canopy.

Another scheduling method for the test was the University of Georgia’s Easy Pan system. This system was originally developed by now retired Extension irrigation specialist, Kerry Harrison. The Easy Pan is a low-cost system that calls for irrigation when the water in a washtub pan reaches certain levels. This system is

Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

an adaptation of other pan evaporation irrigation scheduling methods.

The University of Georgia’s checkbook method of irrigation scheduling was also included in Porter’s test. The checkbook method is fairly easy to use and involves using rain gauges to keep up with rainfall amounts, while also using addition and subtraction of available water, depending on the stage of crop growth and the plant’s water use at each stage of growth.

The final scheduling method in Porter’s test was the University of Florida’s Peanut Farm system. This method offers irrigation advice online. It relies on data from local weather stations along with estimates for peanut maturity in offering irrigation scheduling recommendations.

Continued on page 13

Irrigation Guidebook

Remote monitoring improves pivot performance emote monitoring of center pivot irrigation is paying off for Rufus Short and his son-in-law Adam Walker who farm near Americus, Georgia.

Short and Walker started using this technology when interruptions in electrical power disrupted their pivot performance. “Now, if we have a power outage, these monitors notify us immediately,” Walker says.

In recent years, Short and Walker added an alarm system to their pivots that helps prevent the theft of the copper wire.

“We have about ten center pivots and we’ve had no copper thefts since we started using the WireRat technology,” Short says.

WireRat is a product of Net Irrigate, an Indiana-based firm that specializes in wireless irrigation monitoring devices.

The WireRat is a battery-powered security system that operates without an external power source. It uses cell phone technology and can alert up to 10 people whenever there is a cut in a pivot’s copper wire.

“This is our third year to use the Net Irrigate products,” Walker adds.

“The WireRat is a stand-alone security system that works on all brands of center pivots,” says Julie Upchurch, director of sales for Net Irrigate. “It uses a cellular network to send out notifications. It will monitor your pivot during winter months when the pivot is not normally in operation.”

As a result, thieves can often be caught on the farm before they’ve completed stealing the copper. In the past year, 60 thieves were arrested when Net Irrigate systems notified farmers. In another 200 cases, thieves were stopped but got away. In a number of these cases, the farmers chose not to call law enforce-

Photo by John Leidner.

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Photo by John Leidner.

Adam Walker of Short Farms can monitor pivot and pump performance using a cell phone app.

Adam Walker can relax knowing he can remotely monitor his pivots.

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ment authorities.

“During the past several years, copper wire theft has been a big problem in our community,” Walker adds.

Short says copper theft is a crime that is usually committed by local thieves.

“Once word got out that we had a deterrent system in place, we’ve seen no copper thefts on our pivots,” he explains.

“This has been a tremendous help to us in our farming operation.”

In addition, Short and Walker are using other Net Irrigate products. One is called PivotProxy. It notifies farmers if a pivot stops working. PivotProxy features WireRat technology, plus a global positioning system to keep tabs of the location and the operating status of the irrigation system. “We can check the status of our pivots using PivotProxy by using either our smart phone or our laptop,” Short adds.

“PivotProxy will send alerts when the pivot starts and stops,” Upchurch says. “It also gives farmers the ability to remotely shut off a pivot.”

Walker says he was able to turn off an electric pivot last year while he was on vacation in Florida.

Another Net Irrigate monitor is called PumpProxy. It allows single- and threephase electrically powered irrigation pumps to be remotely started or stopped.

Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

PumpProxy also provides WireRat technology to receive alerts of well wire tampering. It can be used with timers to turn a pump off at a given time using a website or a mobile phone app. It will send alerts if there is a power failure, and will also send alerts every time a pump starts or stops.

Upchurch says the basic version of the WireRat sells for a suggested retail price of $1,099, and the PivotProxy has a suggested retail price of $1,349. Once the units are purchased and installed by local irrigation dealers, there is no subscription cost or additional costs to the operators.

The newest version of WireRat features a battery that should last up to seven years.

Short says the remote monitoring allows him to have a life off the farm.

Before adding this technology, he spent much of his time going from one pivot to another to check on its operating status, often at night. “With this technology, I can leave the farm and go to my grandkid’s ball games without worrying about whether my irrigation is working.”

His son-in-law agrees. “We are able to enjoy our time off when we take our early summer vacations at the beach,” Walker says. “We can leave for the beach with the pivots running, and then turn them off while we are away.” t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

Irrigation Guidebook

The case for precision irrigation esley Porter, Extension irrigation specialist for both Georgia and Alabama, makes a strong case for adopting variable rate or precision irrigation.

Many farmers are already using variable rate fertilizer and lime applications, along with variable rate seeding. Porter says the benefits of these precision farming technologies will not be fully realized if water is not properly managed.

He says research studies show water is the most important crop input in many regions of the world, and he notes water conservation and water use efficiency are becoming critical issues in many areas where water resources are limited.

“We are already seeing regulatory actions restricting agricultural water use,”

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Adopting variable rate or precision irrigation can save farmers money and conserve water.

Porter says. “Also, it is expensive to irrigate.”

It costs about $7 to apply an acreinch of water using electricity as the

power source, according to Porter. In 2015, it will cost about $12.50 to apply an inch of water on an acre using diesel fuel.

Diesel irrigation costs were even higher in 2014, about $16.50 per acre-inch.

In a typical example, Porter says 1,000 acres of farmland would receive about 10 inches of irrigation water at a cost of about $12 per acre-inch. So the farmer would spend about $120,000 to apply this water. “If 10 percent of the land does not require water, just a simple onoff switch for a variable rate system could save about $12,000,” Porter explains.

“You’re wasting money and you’re wasting water when you apply irrigation water to non-farmed land such as swamps or drainage ditches.” t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

AgSense releases ultimate precision irrigation package AgSense®, LLC, recently announced its release of the “Field Commander® Ultimate” precision irrigation package.

The package combines the industry’s most-installed controller, the Field Commander, with AgSense Crop Link® telemetry units and is available through the AgSense worldwide distribution and irrigation dealer network.

The affordable package provides unmatched versatility in remote monitoring and management of virtually all irrigation equipment, regardless of brand, age or current capabilities.

The Field Commander Ultimate package allows growers to remotely monitor and precisely control center pivots and pumps, along with monitoring flow, pressure and weather. Capabilities include Variable Rate Irrigation and custom prescription programming by growers or their agronomists. Soil moisture monitoring can also be added by including an AgSense Aqua Trac Pro® or Aqua Trac Lite® soil moisture monitoring device.

“Pivots are controlled and monitored from the Web at WagNet.net or from the WagNet® App for iOS and Android smart

phones,” said AgSense Chief Executive Officer Terry Schiltz. “By packaging these devices together, growers gain ultimate visibility and control of their fields by leveraging their existing in field irrigation infrastructure with AgSense technology.”

AgSense products remotely manage more irrigation center pivots than all other manufacturers combined, with installations in more than 40 states and 20 countries.

For more information, visit www.agsense.net. t

Fine tuning peanut irrigation scheduling - Continued from page 10 Porter tested these methods on four peanut varieties, including the widely grown Georgia-06G. The highest yields came from the University of Georgia’s Smart Sensor Array system. Depending on variety, either the SmartCrop or the Easy Pan system produced the next highest yields. Porter reports that the University of Florida’s Peanut Farm system tended to under-apply irrigation, while the University of Georgia’s Checkbook method tended to over-apply water to the peanuts.

Porter says the over-application of irrigation using the Checkbook recommendation may have actually reduced

yields in these plots. And based on his test, Porter has worked with the developer of the University of Florida Peanut Farm system Diane Rowland, to fine-tune the system for 2015 to become more precise in producing high yields.

Overall, Porter says any of the scheduling methods should produce better yields than irrigating randomly.

“According to USDA, 80 percent of irrigation is based on visual observation of the crop,” Porter says.

He says some farmers feel the soil for signs of moisture stress. Others irrigate when their neighbors irrigate. Some use a personal calendar with pre-set irrigation

dates. Still others rely on weather reports in the news media.

Porter says fewer than eight percent of farmers use irrigation scheduling services, computer simulation models, or plant and soil moisture sensors in deciding when to water their crops.

For farmers who use no scientific irrigation scheduling method, Porter suggests starting with a fairly simple and low-cost system such as the Checkbook or Easy Pan systems before investing in the more expensive system such as the Smart Sensor Array or other sensor-based irrigation scheduling systems. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Georgia Peanut Commission increases funding for research projects in 2015 The commission approves $357,570 in peanut research projects he Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $357,570 in research project funding for the 2015-16 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March and April board meetings. The research projects approved include 29 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“We are proud of our close relationship and partnership with research institutions in the state,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman.

“Peanut growers are pleased to invest in the future by providing monetary support for research and education that has continued to demonstrate a return on our investment. Due to the continuing success enjoyed by Georgia peanut farmers over the past few years, we were able to increase research funding again for 2015.”

The GPC board approved additional funding this year to provide a tractor for the UGA Peanut Team. The tractor is compatible to four-row equipment and is equipped with GPS guidance.

“We would like to thank the Georgia Peanut Commission and the peanut grow-

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ers in Georgia for providing the needed funds for purchasing a John Deere 6125R tractor for use in research and extension efforts to advance the production capabilities of Georgia producers,” says UGA peanut agronomist, Scott Monfort, on behalf of the UGA Peanut Team. “The purchase of this tractor will allow the peanut team to begin to evaluate new tillage, planting, pest management and harvest technologies in the future. The peanut team is very appreciative of the growers in Georgia continuing to support the efforts of the University of Georgia’s Extension and research efforts in peanut production.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which include research, promotion and education. Research comprises 22 percent of available funds in the commission’s budget.

“The commission recognizes the importance of research to Georgia peanut farmers through this investment to provide better cultivars, technologies and information, along with providing support for a world-class education and Extension program to ensure our farmers remain the lowest-cost producers and sustainable in

today’s markets,” says Jamison Cruce, GPC director of research & education.

“The number of peanut and related researchers, such as a peanut entomologist and an irrigation specialist, has increased in the past few years allowing for further opportunities in research and Extension that will enable the farmers’ success even more.”

The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality; economics; conservation methods; irrigation and water management; pests, weed and disease management; and peanut allergy research.

However, GPC is stepping up their efforts by funding research focusing on the development and evaluation of new cultivars with an emphasis on disease resistant genetic markers and using long range internet connectivity and other newer technologies to improve management on the farm.

For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit gapeanuts.com. t

BY JOY CROSBY

Peanut farmers approve the Georgia Peanut Commission by 92 percent eorgia peanut farmers reaffirmed the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) by a vote of 92.41 percent during the recent referendum, held March 16 through April 15.

“I appreciate the farmer’s confidence in the commission and we are committed to continue earning that confidence,” says Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Ocilla, Georgia, and GPC chairman. “The commission continues to work together as a partnership between Georgia’s peanut farmers, the commission board and staff,

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in funding research projects to assist with increasing yield, promoting peanuts and working on the farmers’ behalf in Washington, D.C.” As required by Georgia state law, the state’s peanut farmers vote on the commission every three years. The ballots were mailed to peanut growers the week of March 16 and the Certified Public Accounting firm of Allen, Pritchett and Bassett counted the ballots returned on April 28.

“Our staff is humbled by the overwhelming support of our growers,” says

Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

Don Koehler, GPC’s executive director.

“We will continue to seek opportunities through programs in research, education and promotion to enhance profit opportunities on the farm.”

Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton each year to the commission that is used in the program areas of research, education, promotion and communication.

For additional information on the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit their website at gapeanuts.com. t

BY JOY CROSBY

Peanut pop-up in the Big Apple merica’s peanut farmers were able to take a bite out of the Big Apple in April – with peanut butter, of course. The National Peanut Board staff and board members were in New York City for four days of peanut and peanut butter sampling and engagement, encouraging people to share their experiences on social media with the hashtag #peanutpower.

From April 1-2, inside the Perfectly Powerful Peanut Pop-Up space, NYC locals and visitors were able to meet and have their picture taken with peanut farmers, learn about peanut farming and sustainability and find out more about how peanuts are helping feed people in need around the world. And of course, attendees were able to sample peanuts and peanut butter – as well as easy on-trend recipes like ancient grain bagels with peanut butter and peanut butter yogurt parfaits.

Prior to the opening of the pop-up space, the NPB held a media and VIP preview event, as well as a Twitter sandwich

delivery initiative -- where people within a certain area who tweeted using #peanutpower were selected to be receive a free PB&J lunch.

The day before the pop-up opening, local, media-savvy dietitians had the opportunity to meet peanut farmers and taste peanut and peanut butter inspired recipes. On the last day of the event, peanut growers and other volunteers made more than 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Bowery Mission – which helps the hungry and homeless of New York City.

The #peanutpower efforts reached more than 1.5 million accounts resulting in 2.3 millions impressions. Top social contributors included Food & Wine Magazine, Kate Krader (editor of Food & Wine), Jacque Reid (NBC New York Live) and Class Pass. Notably, Parade magazine covered PB&J Day and the Spreading Party in their Community Table segment.

Sponsors and partners for the pop-up event include Hampton Farms, Jif, New York Apple, One Sandwich at a Time,

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day set for July 9

Crawford and Nicholson pass away

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Are you looking for a one stop shop for the latest and most pertinent Agricultural research and technologies?

Look no further. The Sunbelt Expo Field Day is scheduled for July 9, 2015 at the Darrell Williams Research Farm, located at the Expo Show Site.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and will be followed by a complimentary biscuit breakfast, exhibit viewing, and welcome from Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau.

Attendees will have a chance to win some great door prizes as well as receive a free Expo cap. The trams will depart for the field tour at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The field day is free and open to those involved in agriculture and agribusiness. The tours will conclude by noon with a BBQ lunch provided by Ameris Bank.

For additional information on the field day, check the Expo website at sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo at 229-985-1968. t

The peanut industry was saddened to learn about the recent passing of two valuable individuals to the industry.

Jeff Crawford Jr. passed away April 14, 2015 at the age of 76. Jeff served on the Board of the Florida Peanut Producers Association from 1988-1995 and served as president from 1993 to 1995. He then served as executive director of the association from 1995 to 2003. He served on many other agricultural organizations including Jackson County Farm Bureau, Florida Soybean Association, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Jackson County FSA Committee, Florida FSA State Committee, Jackson County Planning Commission and the Chipola College Board of Trustees.

“Jeff Crawford was a great friend of mine and even in his retirement years he continued to be a true advocate for agriculture and especially for peanuts and the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

Although, not taking an active role in farm bill negations after he retired, he visited the FPPA office regularly to keep updated

Lonnie Fortner, National Peanut Board Mississippi Alternate, counts peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that peanut farmers donated to feed the hungry in New York City. National Peanut Board partnered with Which ‘Wich Sandwich Company and One Sandwich At A Time to meet their goal of making 1,000 PB &J sandwiches in two hours.

Peanut Butter & Co., Peanut Butter for the Hungry, Planters, Skippy and Which Wich.

The NPB is taking the pop-up experience on the road with additional events in several cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C. To find out more and to follow the fun, visit perfectlypowerfulpeanut.org for upto-the-minute updates. t

on policy and new farm programs related to peanuts,” says Ken Barton, FPPA executive director. “Jeff was always willing to discuss any issue or provide input and council, I only had to ask for it and I did on many occasions. We cherish the memories and friendship of Jeff Crawford.”

Maylon Nicholson, age 79, of Donalsonville, Georgia, passed away May 13, 2015.

Prior to retirement, Nicholson was the export advertising manager for Kelley Manufacturing Co. and was editor of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer from 1965 to 1977. He was also a former member of the Lions Club and a honorary member of the Young Farmers.

“Maylon dedicated twelve years to reporting news to farmers through the Southeastern Peanut Farmer,” says Joy Crosby, editor of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer. “Even after his retirement from KMC he visited the Georgia Peanut Commission office and wanted to keep up to date with issues affecting farmers and read current issues of the magazine.” t

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Washington Outlook

by Robert L. Redding Jr.

House Ag Committee reviews “Waters of the U.S.” proposal

USDA proposes actively engaged regulation

The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Waters of the U.S.” proposal. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, RPenn., and the Transportation Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, introduced legislation to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Waters of the United States” proposed rule.

In announcing his support of the legislation to halt the proposal, Chairman Conaway stated: “The United States Supreme Court twice rebuked EPA for overstepping its bounds but, unfortunately, the Obama Administration’s response was to double down. In its current form, this rule continues EPA’s massive overreach, leading to exorbitant permitting costs, red tape and even effective loss of property use for landowners. This could happen even when the land or water in question has no impact on navigable or interstate waters meant to be protected under the law, including virtually every farm ditch and pond in this country. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of The Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 to stop EPA’s power grab.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission has joined other agricultural organizations in opposition to the U.S. EPA proposal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published its proposed regulation that defines a person “actively engaged” in farming. After review, there are important issues that concern Southern agriculture including, but not limited to, the limits on the number of farm managers.

“We want to make sure that farm program payments are going to the farmers and farm families that they are intended to help. So we’ve taken the steps to do that, to the extent that the farm bill allows,” says Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack. “The farm bill gave USDA the authority to limit farm program payments to individuals who are not actively engaged in the management of the farming operation on non-family farms. This helps close a loophole that has been taken advantage of by some larger joint ventures and general partnerships.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission and the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation are part of a coalition of peanut, cotton and rice producers meeting on the proposed regulation. Comments to USDA, on the proposed regulation, were due by May 26, 2015.

Congressional hearings on state biotech legislation The House Committee on Agriculture held a public hearing to examine the costs and impacts of states implementing mandatory biotechnology labeling laws. In 2014, 125 bills mandating the labeling of biotechnology were introduced in 30 different states.

According to the Committee, voluntary marketing programs already exist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provide consumers with this information in an effective and affordable manner, such as the National Organic Program.

“This growing patchwork of mandatory state laws is creating confusion and driving up the cost of food, harming the most vulnerable Americans,” says U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway. “Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most affordable and most abundant food in the world. Unnecessary and conflicting regulations will only make it harder for our farmers and ranchers to feed America and the world. These state laws are not based on science and are both inconsistent and misleading. We have a federal regulatory process for the approval of biotechnology that is both scientifically sound and works. It is incumbent on us to make sure that the system is not undermined. These state laws are a tangible threat to American agriculture and all of us who depend on it.”

2016 Budget process heads to conference The House and Senate have passed their 2016 budget legislation, which includes some cuts to agriculture. The House bill includes $1 billion in cuts for agriculture and major reforms for SNAP or food stamps. The Senate package includes $1 billion in agricultural program cuts and an additional $14 billion reduction in conservation, natural resource and energy programs. House and Senate budget negotiators will now work out the differences in the two bills.

It is important to note the anti-agriculture amendments proposed did not become part of either bill. In the Senate, the GPC and SPFF were concerned about crop insurance amendments proposed by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, including an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) test. Senate leadership did not allow the amendment to come up.

Legislative Updates available online at www.americanpeanuts.com

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Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

Georgia ag groups unite to support trade legislation The Georgia Peanut Commission joined other major Georgia farm organizations encouraging the state’s congressional delegation to support Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation before the U.S. Congress.

The letter (see letter below), initiated

by Georgia Farm Bureau, highlighted the importance of agricultural exports to Georgia’s economy and called on Congress to note that: “The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing economic region in the world. With the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the administration is working hard to close a comprehensive deal that will eliminate barriers to

our exports and raise standards within the TPP nations. But for TPP to become a reality, Congress needs to pass TPA. We urge your authorization of TPA with the support of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.”

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding TPA: “TPA will provide our negotiators with the credibility necessary to conclude the most effective trade agreements possible, by making it clear to the rest of the world that Congress and the Administration are serious about this

endeavor. Trade is crucial for a growing and dynamic American agricultural sector that must maintain and increase access to the world’s consumers, 95 percent of whom live outside of our borders. We cannot sit idly by and allow others to fill consumer demand around the world. That being said, the details of trade agreements are of utmost importance. The Agriculture Committee will do its part to ensure they are favorable to U.S. agriculture. At the end of the day, even with TPA in place, it is Congress who decides if trade agreements will be ratified. But, passing TPA is an essential part of getting to that point.”

May 6, 2015 Dear Member of Congress, The undersigned organizations strongly support the passage of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, otherwise known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry with over $71 billion in economic impact. For Georgia agriculture in Georgia to continue to compete globally, impediments to international trade must be eliminated.

Foreign trade is very important to Georgia agriculture. In 2013, Georgia exported nearly $3 billion in agriculture products up from $1.8 billion in 2009. Georgia’s exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting about 22,500 jobs, both on the farm and in related industries such as food processing, transportation, and manufacturing. Nationwide, U.S. food and agriculture exports reached a record $150.5 billion in 2014, supporting more than one million American jobs.

Each and every one of the trade agreements that delivered these achievements was made possible by the enactment of trade promotion authority bills. Those bills gave U.S. negotiators the ability, with clear direction and backing from Congress, to extract the best deals possible from other countries.

Without TPA, our negotiating partners would be unwilling to make the toughest concessions needed to grow our exports here at home. We would also be ceding potential markets and economic leadership to our competitors.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing economic region in the world. With the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the administration is working hard to close a comprehensive deal that will eliminate barriers to our exports and raise standards within the TPP nations. But for TPP to become a reality, Congress needs to pass TPA. We urge your authorization of TPA with the support of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

Sincerely, Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Georgia Chamber of Commerce Georgia Cotton Commission Georgia Department of Agriculture Georgia Farm Bureau Georgia Forestry Association Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Georgia Green Industry Association Georgia Milk Producers

Georgia Peanut Commission Georgia Pecan Growers Association Georgia Poultry Federation Georgia Urban Ag Council Georgia Watermelon Association Southern Crop Production Association Southeastern Wood Producers Association U.S. Pecan Growers Council

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Southern Peanut Growers Peanuts take center stage in Nashville, Tenn. at Southern Women’s Show Southern Peanut Growers exhibited to a crowd of 55,000 people at the Southern Women’s Show in Nashville, Tennessee, April 30 – May 3. Thursday was Peanut Lovers Day at the show with special announcements throughout Leslie Wagner, Southern Peanut Growers, and Caleb Bristow, Alabama the day, three cooking Peanut Producers Association, demonstrations on the demonstrate Beef Kabobs with Peanut Celebrity Cooking Stage, Sauce and Asian Peanut Slaw on the Georgia Grinders tastings at Celebrity Cooking Stage during the Southern Women’s Show. the booth and a Peanut Butter: Spread the Love cutting board for the first 250 people in line.

The four-day show was staffed by Southern Peanut Growers, Alabama Peanut Producers and Georgia Peanut Commission and included a total of six cooking demonstrations; peanut and peanut butter recipe sampling from the 10 x 20 booth space; distribution of recipe brochures and cards (more than 12,000 Southern Peanut Growers distributed total!); distribution of nutripeanuts, recipes and nutritional infortion information; and distrimation to more than 55,000 attendees bution of promotional items during the Southern Women’s Show. such as t-shirts, peanut butter spreaders and notepads.

Georgia Grinders, a new hand-crafted peanut butter using exclusively Georgia-grown peanuts, sampled from the booth on Thursday and secured Chef Margot McCormack, chef/owner of Margot Café & Bar in Nashville, for the first cooking demonstration on Thursday. Chef Margot uses peanut butter in her French-inspired restaurant and she shared her favorite Peanut Butter Bars with the audience.

The bars are adapted from an old-favorite recipe – the peanut Chef Margot McCormack demonbutter bars served in the school strates her Peanut Butter Bars on the Celebrity Cooking Stage during lunch program years ago!

Upcoming Events Come see the Southern Peanut Growers at these upcoming events: u National Restaurant Association Annual Meeting, May 12-17, Chicago, Ill. u Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, May 28-31, Atlanta, Ga. u USA Peanut Congress, June 14-17, Asheville, N.C. u Sweetest Chefs of the South, July 21, Ridgeland, Miss. u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 23-25, Pine Mountain, Ga. u Farm to Table Chef Taste Challenge, August 7, New Orleans, La.

Chef Margot’s Peanut Butter Bars Ingredients: Bars: 2/3 cup butter 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoons vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butters and sugars.

Add eggs and vanilla and mix. Sift salt, flour and baking powder together and add to peanut butter mixture. Stir until combined. Spoon onto a 1-inch deep 17 x 12 cookie pan. Bake 30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons butter 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter 5 cups powdered sugar pinch salt squeeze of lemon juice splash of milk Frosting Directions: Cream butters and sugar with salt and lemon. Add milk for appropriate frosting consistency and mix until smooth. Frost bars.

Makes 16 servings.

the Southern Women’s Show.

Marketing arm of

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

Innovative project underway at Georgia Federal State Shipping Point Inspection Service Inspection service seeks advancements for peanut inspection Georgia Federal-State Shipping Point Inspection Service (GFSPIS) has initiated a proposal for new grading equipment and procedures and is soliciting applications from interested parties with the ability to design and fabricate new grading equipment for farmers’ stock and re-grade peanuts.

GFSPIS seeks to improve the technology, efficiency and economics of the current grading equipment while resulting in a practical application for the industry.

The current equipment and grading procedures have been utilized by GFSPIS for the past 70 years. The grading procedures using the current equipment is an extensive hands-on process which is both very time consuming and labor intensive.

T.E. Moye, President/CFO of GFSPIS, sees the technological advances made throughout the agricultural industry and has a vision for GFSPIS to progress as well. “We believe there is a better way to

grade peanuts and we are willing to put forth the resources necessary to find it,” Moye says.

A committee of 10 individuals has been appointed by James Sutton, director of operations at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, who serves as the chairman of the GFSPIS Board of Directors. This committee represents all aspects of the peanut industry and will oversee and administer the project. John Harrell, a peanut farmer north of Whigham, Georgia, has been named chairman of the New Grading Equipment and Procedures Committee. As a grower, John recognizes the importance of new technology being brought to the inspection process.

“This project will benefit all areas of the peanut industry. As peanut acreage continues to grow and peanut buying points continue to expand, the need for increased efficiency is warranted to meet the demand,” Harrell says.

GFSPIS began serving the agricultural industry in 1927. The organization provides an honest, impartial and accurate third party service to the members of the agricultural community. They inspect over 35 commodities, including peanuts, fresh fruits and vegetables and pecans. The use of the Inspection Service ensures the shipment of high quality produce and enhances Georgia’s reputation as a supplier of superior agricultural products.

GAFSIS currently staffs 120 employees and will hire approximately 800 more employees for the upcoming farmers’ stock peanut season.

The committee will be sending out proposals on May 22, 2015, and will accept applications until November 2, 2015. For more information or to obtain a proposal, contact Mallory Black at 229432-6201 ext. 107 or via email at mblack@gafsis.com. t

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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