May/June 2023 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

From Farm to Fabulous Peanuts run in the family for the founders of T. Porter's

6 | FARM TO FABULOUS

With roots based in peanuts, T. Porter's offers a variety of nuts, candies, freshbaked goods in the Florida Panhandle.

16 | IRRIGATION TIMING

When you water a field of peanuts is as important as how much moisture with new technology.

17 | SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE

The 24th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference is set for July 27-29 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.

18 | SUNBELT EXPO FIELD

DAY

The Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is set to feature the latest updates in new technology and research July 20, 2023.

8 | CHECKOFF REPORT

Alabama Peanut Producers Association

Florida Peanut Producers Association

Georgia Peanut Commission Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

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22 | SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS UPDATE

The 2023 Peanut Irrigation & Water Management Guidebook features key tips for irrigation management, an update on Irrigator Pro, a look at costly irrigation mistakes and expansion of irrigation technology efforts.

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 229-386-3690.)

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.

2023 |

Terry and Helen Spears mark their days by which peanut candy is on the cooking schedule at their candy business, T. Porter's, in Pace, Fla.

Photo by Pam Caraway.

Editor’s thoughts Events

Saving Water and Making Candy

At this point in time, many of you have wrapped up planting or will be finished soon. Now is the time of the year to monitor your crop, protect it from wild hogs, disease, insect pressure or weeds. Another primary consideration is water management. This issue features the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Guidebook which has various tips for this season, an Irrigator Pro update, a look into costly irrigation mistakes and more. Knowing when and how much water to apply is critical for your peanut crop and their are so many new technology options to assist you with those irrigation decisions.

This issue also features a family with roots based in agriculture in the Florida Panhandle who help grow the peanut market through their candy business, T. Porter's. The local candy business in Pace, Florida, offers customers Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle, Butter Crunch Toffee, Cherry Peanut clusters and more. Be sure to read their story on page 6 in this issue and stop by the store if you are in Pace, Florida.

This year the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is hosting the 24th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, July 27-29, 2023. If you have not yet made plans to attend, then it is not too late. The early-bird registration ends June 30 so register today!

Editor

USA Peanut Congress

June 12-15, 2023, Amelia Island, Fla. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

American Peanut Research & Education Society Annual Meeting

July 11-13, 2023, The DeSoto, Savannah, Ga. For more information visit the APRES website at apresinc.com.

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day

July 20, 2023, Moultrie, Ga. For more information call 229-985-1968 or visit the Expo's website at sunbeltexpo.com.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference

July 27-29, 2023, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Stripling Irrigation Research Park Field Day

Aug. 3, 2023, Camilla, Ga. For more information call 229-522-3623.

American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Meeting

Aug. 8-9, 2023, Albany, Ga. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

Georgia Peanut Tour

Sept. 12-14, 2023, Bainbridge, Ga. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit georgiapeanuttour.com.

Brooklet Peanut Festival

Sept. 16, 2023, Brooklet, Ga. For more information visit the festival's website at brookletpeanutfestival.com.

Plains Peanut Festival

Sept. 23, 2023, Plains, Ga. For more information call visit the festival's website at jimmycarterfriends.org.

Sunbelt Ag Expo

Oct. 17-19, 2023, Moultrie, Ga. For more info call 229-985-1968 or visit the Expo's website at sunbeltexpo.com.

Please send details to the editor at joycrosby@gapeanuts.com.

Joy Carter Crosby SEPF

from farm to fabulous

Peanuts Run in the Family for the Founders of T. Porter's

by Pam Caraway

Terry and Helen Spears mark the start of their relationship by the peanut variety planted to his grandfather’s fields: Sunrunners.

Today, 38 years into the marriage that followed those peanut-flavored days of dating in Santa Rosa County, Florida, the couple mark their days by which peanut candy is on the cooking schedule at T. Porter's in Pace: Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle, Butter Crunch Toffee, Cherry Peanut Clusters. They also roast peanuts. And make cheesecakes, including toffee cheesecakes that feature the Butter

Crunch Toffee. As a candy shop, they also make and offer products that feature almonds and locally sourced pecans. With smoked pork butts on the product list, the couple also found demand for their sauces and rubs, marketed under their Blue Tarp brand. But the peanuts are the focus of their romance and their business. After all, those recipes are rooted in their beginnings.

"Some of these are Mom's recipes from the old church-going days," Helen says. Others are from Terry's mom. The recipe for cocoa fudge was

originally printed on Hershey's Cocoa cans in the 1960s.

"We make everything like it used to be made," Terry says. "We try to keep that same type of recipe for everything we make."

"Our recipes," Helen says, "are simple."

The complexity is in the art, the process. For that, they apply their cooking prowess and call on the ingenuity of a farmer's son, a farmer who inherited the innovator's gene from his farming father.

Terry and Helen Spears mark their days by which peanut candy is on the cooking schedule at their candy business, T. Porter's, in Pace, Fla.

Photo credit: Pam Caraway

Wastle Spears and his father, Louie Glenn Spears, were innovators in peanut farming, adopting new technology as it became available. At T. Porter's, Terry builds the machines their small-batch operation needs to create the candies that promote Santa Rosa County's top crop. The Terrybuilt motorized table is heated with a lamp to make it easier to work the peanut brittle. The mixer is on a Terryengineered stand that slides easily over the table for pouring. The Terrybuilt roaster cranks out 35 pounds of peanuts in each tasty batch.

"I've always been a tinkerer," Terry says. His latest project is a shaker table that separates the peanuts and blows out the husks to decrease the labor needed for their roasted peanut products.

Reducing labor is essential because T. Porter's is a one couple operation. They have a part-time employee, but they do the bulk of the work. With 100 pounds of peanuts to roast and 400 pounds of candy going out the door in-season, time to run the business and market their products is at a premium.

Putting in the hours necessary to run a business is nothing new for the Spears. Prior to T. Porters, the couple ran Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, for eight years and developed and managed the Ashley Industrial Complex in Milton, Florida. They also started and still operate Trent's Prints,

a printing company.

The candy shop was instigated by daughter Ashley and started out of their home.

"Ashley wanted to open a pastry shop and we said 'why?'" Terry recalled. "We asked her what would make her pastries different from all of the other shops around here."

So, she switched to candies. The Spears credit their daughter with the recipe for Cherry Peanut Clusters. The first sales for T. Porter's were made out of Trent's Prints in 2018. They opened the shop in 2019 and started offering online purchases at tporters.com shortly after that.

Ashley was involved in getting the business started, and then she left. "She dragged us into it, then she got a job offer she couldn't refuse," Helen said.

Ironically, Helen is now the chief

cook for candy and cakes that she herself doesn't eat. "I stopped eating sweets after high school," she says. "The only time I ate sweets after that is when I was pregnant." She does, of course, taste test each batch before packaging.

Ashley is now working in human resources for a non-profit in California, where she also pursues a career as an artist. Son Trenton works in telecommunications in Atlanta, Georgia. And their youngest, Terrian, is 22, living in California, and figuring out what his career will hold.

If those names sound familiar, they should. Three children. Three businesses.

"T. Porter's is named after our youngest," Terry admits. "Before that we had the Ashley Industrial Complex, and we still have Trent's Prints. No more businesses after this. We don't have any more kids."

The peanut history of the owners of T. Porter's candies starts with Louie Glenn Spears who farmed 160 acres in Chumuckla, an agricultural community in Santa Rosa County, Florida. The elder Spears moved to Chumuckla from Geneva, Alabama.

His son, Wastle, farmed until the late 1980s, when he sold the family's peanut allotment and exited the business.

Terry never farmed, though he and Helen now live two miles from the farm where he grew up and they fell in love. Though they don't farm peanuts, they help grow the market – one 20-pound batch of peanut brittle at a time.

Terry and Helen prepare peanut brittle at the store.

An assortment of peanut products are available at T. Porter's in Pace, Fla.

A Peanut-Studded Family History

Photo credit: Pam Caraway

Photo credit: Pam Caraway

Checkoff Report

Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry

APPA exhibits at the Alabama School Nutrition Association annual meeting

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association attended the Alabama School Nutrition Association Industry Show on April 21, in Birmingham, Alabama. The meeting hosted school nutrition directors, managers and cafeteria workers from across the state. APPA distributed peanuts and a variety of up-to-date nutrition and allergy information for the school nutrition attendees. Priester's Pecans shared table space with APPA, as they introduced a 1 oz. bag of roasted, salted peanuts that will be available for schools to purchase next school year as a protein alternative.

APPA attends Taste of Alabama reception in the state capital

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association offered their infamous grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the Taste of Alabama reception held on April 5 in Montgomery, Alabama.

More than 100 legislators and farmer-leaders enjoy coming to the Alabama Farmers Federation home office to taste the delicious flavors of Alabama-grown products. Also in attendance was Gov. Kay Ivey, who joined the farmers and elected officials in conversation regarding the promotion and representation of Alabama agriculture.

FPPA promotes peanuts during National Peanut Month

The Florida Peanut Producers wrapped up National Peanut Month in Santa Rosa County, telling the story of peanuts. Ken Barton, FPPA executive director, grilled 100 sandwiches to share with elected officials and the general public as they conducted business in the county administration building. Santa Rosa Extension engaged the crowd with educational games. Peanut farmers Ryan Jenkins & Lucas Killam were there to talk about the production and process of growing peanuts in Florida.

FPPA scholarship program deadline is July 1

The Florida Peanut Producers Association is offering two $1,200 scholarships which 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, not necessarily a member of FPPA. For an application contact the FPPA office at 850-526-2590 or visit the FPPA website at www.flpeanuts.com. The scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2023.

Florida peanuts promoted during a Day on the Farm in Baker

A Day on the Farm in Baker Florida, was a community event that engaged people of all ages to learn more about agriculture. Among the food trucks, local producers and fresh honey; antique tractors lined the field to show how farming has evolved through the years. Local farmers provided tractor rides and equipment demonstrations.

One of the highlights of the day included a crop duster demonstration. The attendees were able to see how crop protection materials are sometimes applied by an airplane. The University of Florida Extension Agents discussed the importance of specialized equipment that increase production on the farm. The Florida Peanut Producers Association gave out seed packs for growing peanuts, roasted peanuts, educational materials and general information on peanut production in Florida.

American Farm Bureau tours

Florida peanut farms

American Farm Bureau Federation

President Zippy Duvall and Florida Farm Bureau

President Jeb Smith spent time touring farms in Washington and Jackson Counties. The group visited the UF/IFAS North Florida Research Center and toured the peanut cold storage and lab. Barry Tillman, University of Florida peanut breeder, led the conversation on ongoing peanut research at the center. It was an honor to have each of them spend time in the Florida Panhandle and share some of the diverse agriculture in our state.

Ryan Jenkins, Okaloosa Peanut Farmer; Ken Barton, Florida Peanut Producers executive director; and Lucas Killam, Okaloosa Peanut Farmer, serve a crowd favorite, grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for National Peanut Month.

Alabama Peanut Producers Association provide literature during the Alabama School Nutrition Association Industry Show.

Patty and Joel Sirmon of Baldwin County, Ala., provide samples of PB&Js during the Taste of Alabama reception.

Zippy Duvall, AFBF president, Larry Ford, FPPA president, and Jeb Smith, Florida Farm Bureau president.

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 Carah Pulliam from Franklin County FFA. The additional state finalists included Catherine Roach from Tift County FFA and Peyton Merier from Jenkins County FFA. The Georgia Peanut Commission also exhibited during the two-day career show. The event provided GPC with an opportunity to showcase the various careers within the peanut industry.

Alabama Peanut Referendum Passes

Alabama peanut farmers voted to continue the current assessment on peanuts collected by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and administered by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA). In a referendum conducted April 20, 2023, ninety-one percent of those who voted said "yes" to continuing APPA's programs in education, promotion and research.

For the continuance referendum to pass, a majority of eligible producers voting needed to vote in favor of continuing the assessment. Growers who produced peanuts in 2020, 2021, and 2022 were eligible to vote.

The referendum for peanuts is conducted every three years, which is a requirement of the Alabama Legislature. However, a bill was passed recently to change the requirement to every 5 years after 2026.

"The check-off funds we receive fund production research, grower, and consumer education. It's important that we continue to promote our nutrientpacked peanuts, peanut butter, and other peanut products," says Carl Sanders, APPA president and farmer from Coffee County, Alabama. "The referendum results are indicative of the great work APPA does on behalf of our peanut farmers."

In the last three years:

• More than $500,000 has been invested toward peanut production research in partnership with Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which directly benefits Alabama peanut farmers. This research has contributed to yield increases and more efficient production practices.

• More than $600,000 has been utilized in peanut promotion activities around the state, contributing to increased peanut and peanut butter consumption. Peanut allergy education efforts and early introduction recommendations have been promoted to Alabama pediatricians and parents.

• More than $400,000 has been allocated to grower education to share relevant research results, legislative information and other pertinent information for Alabama growers. This information is dispersed through grower production meetings, the APPA website (alpeanuts.com), quarterly newsletters, social media, and emails. The annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show is supported by these funds as well.

Georgia Peanut Commission and The Peanut Institute partner with The Feast Kings

The Georgia Peanut Commission and The Peanut Institute partnered with the social media account, The Feast Kings, in March to conclude National Peanut Month. The Feast Kings share delicious food ideas with their more than 1 million social media followers. For this partnership, they created a noodle stir fry featuring Georgia peanuts, Oliver Farms peanut oil, steak, chicken, shrimp and vegetables, which garnered more than 85,000 impressions and 300+ shares.

Georgia Peanuts exhibits at the Georgia School Nutrition Association annual meeting

The Georgia Peanut Commission exhibited at the Georgia School Nutrition Association's annual meeting April 20-22 in Jekyll Island, Georgia. The three-day event hosted 700 attendees from across the state of Georgia. GPC had the opportunity to provide school nutrition personnel, including directors, managers and others, nutrition information related to peanuts and peanut butter, as well as peanut recipes and encourage consumption in schools across the state.

Additionally, material on peanut allergy management in schools and peanut promotion kits, which satisfy school nutrition education requirements, were also distributed at the event.

Jessie Bland (left) with the Georgia Peanut Commission and Leslie Wagner with Southern Peanut Growers exhibit during the Georgia School Nutrition Association's annual meeting.

Rodney Dawson, Georgia Peanut Commission, presents the Star in Agriscience Awards to Catherine Roach, south region winner from Tift County FFA, Carah Pulliam, state winner from Franklin County, and Peyton Merier, central region winner from Jenkins County FFA.

2023

Peanut IRRIGATION & WATER MANAGEMENT Guidebook

KEY tips for peanut Irrigation management

By Joy Crosby

As farmers begin to plan for their 2023 peanut crop, water needs and irrigation may come to the forefront of their mind. A farm's return on investment is directly affected by the way water is applied to its crops.

Therefore, it is critical for farmers to maintain irrigation equipment and to utilize one of the scientifically proven irrigation scheduling methods throughout the season to make sure they do not have down time from breakdowns and are efficiently applying the correct amount of water when needed.

According to Brenda Ortiz, precision ag specialist with Auburn University, farmers should check for clogged or worn nozzles, missing sprinkler heads and leaking boots.

"Failure to properly operate and maintain irrigation systems causes problems that can lead to improper water application, which can cause crop yield losses, increased energy use, plant diseases, and even nitrogen

losses due to leaching or surface runoff," Ortiz says. "As more center pivot irrigation systems are used in the Southeast, farmers and consultants must be able to identify the most common problems."

One way a farmer can check water application uniformity of their pivot system is through a catch can test. The Extension service offers mobile irrigation labs where a catch can test can be performed on a farmer's pivot system. Farmers should contact their local county Extension agent to schedule a test.

"Non-uniform application may result in streaking of crop growth and yield," says Wes Porter, University of Georgia irrigation specialist. "A quick calibration check with rain gauges will tell you if your application rate is correct and it is critical to know and be confident in how much water you are applying during each event."

Once pivot systems are checked and a uniformity test is performed

then farmers can utilize irrigation scheduling systems to determine how much water to apply when to their peanut crop. The amount of water needed for peanuts ranges from 0.01 inches per day the first 7 days after planting to 0.23 inches per day 64 - 77 days after planting.

According to Porter, at a minimum farmers should track irrigation and rainfall to determine the crop requirements and make a decision on the amount of irrigation to apply based on irrigation efficiency and current weather conditions.

Farmers can also take advantage of advanced methods such as the SmartIrrigation Apps, Irrigator Pro, PeanutFARM.org or moisture sensors to estimate actual crop water needs.

Porter and Ortiz both agree that farmers should consult their local Extension agent with any issues or concerns with their pivot or irrigation scheduling methods for the 2023 season.

It is critical for farmers to maintain their irrigation equipment and utilize proven irrigation scheduling methods throughout the season to make sure they do not have down time from breakdowns and are efficiently applying the correct amount of water when needed.

Photo credit: Nelson Irrigation

Irrigator Pro Update

New Trial Version uses Volumetric Water Content Sensors

By Joy Crosby

Anew version of Irrigator Pro Version 2.1 is being released which includes the ability to use volumetric water content (VWC) data directly from the sensors. The new version is available for both the smartphone and web platforms.

According to University of Georgia precision agriculture specialist, George Vellidis, this version currently allows users who use VWC probes and AgSense telemetry to automatically populate the model with data. Researchers will be adding more telemetry options going forward.

"Users can also manually enter VWC data," Vellidis says. "Consequently, any peanut grower with VWC probes can use the new version of the model."

In earlier versions of Irrigator Pro, the model converts the soil matric potential readings to available water content, which is a portion of the total VMC of the soil using very generic relationships.

"Using VMC measurements makes that calculation of available water a little more direct and simplifies the calculations," says Chris Butts, engineer with the National Peanut Research Laboratory. "Incorporating the ability to read and utilize VMC measurements into Irrigator Pro makes the program more versatile to a wider variety of growers and consultants."

Irrigator Pro will have the ability to use data from whatever types of sensors that growers are using in their fields and have the backup

Soil Moisture Sensors Help Take the Guesswork out of Irrigation Decisions

By Jason E. Mallard University of Georgia Area Ag Water Agent

Soil moisture sensors can be a huge benefit by removing the guesswork from on-farm irrigation scheduling. Before purchasing a sensor there are a few things to consider in order to be sure farmers make the best purchase for their particular farm.

Some key points for consideration before purchase are field conditions such as soil type, field variability, number of sensors desired per field, rooting depth of crop/desired reading depths and lease versus purchase options. Proper installation with good sensor to soil contact is the next step that will ensure farmers receive quality data from the sensors.

Farmers should be sure to follow directions from the dealer for proper installation. Once the sensor is installed and transmitting data to the web and mobile apps, the fun begins. Farmers can be almost anywhere and have the ability

to check soil moisture and make irrigation decisions.

The old way of watching the crop as it begins to stress, while losing yield, will become irrelevant. Research has shown making good decisions on irrigation scheduling can have a great financial benefit in a row crop production operation.

Farmers should be sure to get a good understanding of how the apps and websites work. Some companies do a great job of summarizing data from the field and presenting this in an easy to understand format.

It is good to monitor the summary graphs and gauges, but the Extension service encourages farmers to monitor moisture levels at the different depths and be sure the decisions made are in relation to the rooting depth of the crop. Choosing the right product and knowing what is actually going on in the field will make irrigation decisions easier. 

of the original "checkbook" with soil temperature. Soil temperature is still used in irrigation scheduling recommendations regardless of the original data source.

"We will be doing extensive field testing of the VWC option at the Stripling Irrigation Research Park near Camilla and the Hooks-Hanner Environmental Resource Center near Dawson, Georgia, during the 2023 growing season and are in the process of identifying peanut growers with VWC probes who are interested in working with us for the on-farm beta testing," Vellidis says.

Irrigator Pro was first introduced as EXNUT in 1995. Throughout the years, researchers made significant changes in estimates of water use relative to fruit initiation date within peanuts.

Around 2010, scientists at the National Peanut Research Laboratory began developing versions of Irrigator Pro for cotton and corn that utilized matric potential measurements at depths 8, 16, and 24 inches.

In 2015, a partnership between the National Peanut Research Laboratory and the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District resulted in the integration of soil water potential measurements into the peanut version of Irrigator Pro as well as the migration from the desktop software to a webbased and mobile application. Users can utilize the checkbook feature plus soil temperature to schedule irrigation or use the soil water potential measurements to schedule irrigation.

In 2018, Irrigator Pro integrated the ability to automatically retrieve data from UGA and commercial vendors and run the irrigation scheduling tool.

Farmers can learn more about Irrigator Pro online at https://irrigatorpro.org/.

Costly Irrigation mistakes

By David Hall University of Georgia Extension Water Educator

Throughout the past twenty-five plus years around irrigated crops, there have been many interesting sites and mistakes spotted. In some cases the issues with a pivot or field site are worth picturing for future teaching moments.

There are multiple irrigation mistakes that can be costly for the growers. Unfortunately, producers often turn on water to their crops without fully realizing that the little things really do affect the bottom line.

Lack of observation, maintenance and uniformity

Pivot maintenance and upkeep are often overlooked. What should have been inspected, fixed or replaced before planting season rarely seems to happen. In a rush, many pivots are operated while issues are present that need to be addressed. The most common yield reducing issue is clogged sprinkler orifices and incorrect end gun settings.

The costs associated with pumping water through a center pivot is inevitable, but the return on the invested dollars can vary greatly. A very large percentage of acres are covered under the end gun application area.

If a farmer is under watering by 3050 percent on the last 90-100 feet due to incorrect end gun settings, dollars are being left on the table. Farmers need to ensure their end gun setting angles are set to design specifications.

A grain of sand or a spec of rust partially blocking the flow of water through a sprinkler can easily go unnoticed unless it is a dry year and "circular rings" begin to show up in the field. At this point, the damage has been done and again, dollars are left on the table.

Center pivot water application being applied uniform is crucial, especially if a farmer is planning

to chemigate or fertigate. A yearly uniformity test using catch cans is highly recommended by the University of Georgia Extension Service. Farmers can contact their local UGA Extension agent for more information or assistance.

Low flow rates

Calculations can be done that are specific to your covered center pivot acres. But as a general rule, to get 2 inches on a crop in a week, you need a minimum of 6 gallons per minute (GPM) per acre. For example, a hundred acres being irrigated requires a well capable of producing a minimum of 600 GPM. Most center pivots are now being designed for 8 to 9 GPM per acre to reach high water demand for crops such as corn and to account for any downtime.

Remember, if a center pivot has to be shut down during peak power demand, the flow has to be increased to offset the downtime during the week. My advice is for farmers to produce split crops, maybe one pivot with corn and the other with peanuts in situations where additional irrigated acres have been created from the original design of the well.

Planning of irrigation events

There may be enough moisture to get peanuts up, but dry weather afterwards sets up several scenarios. If the soils turn hot and dry, aspergillus crown rot can attack young seedlings. Secondly, the efficacy of chemicals will be greatly reduced if not activated by irrigation leading to unwanted grasses and weeds.

Getting behind on irrigation scheduling can be punishing. UGA Extension recommends irrigation scheduling using methods such as UGA Checkbook, soil moisture sensors, apps, IrrigatorPro, etc. Peanut research over the years has done a

Moisture sensor placement is critical for irrigation scheduling. This sensor was placed between plants after emergence and soon after plants near sensor died for whatever reason. The sensor needs to be removed and installed between growing plants in order to provide more accurate data.

great job in developing the optimum irrigation timing events and amount of irrigation required during the growing season. Producers are encouraged to take advantage of these irrigation scheduling tools. 

Pivot operating with numerous clogged nozzles.

Peanut field where the producer has gotten behind on irrigation events and "circular rings" are present.

UGA expands irrigation technology efforts

By Joy Crosby

The University of Georgia is expanding irrigation efforts to help producers across the state. One of those ways is through the hiring of Extension water agents that will work with farmers and conduct research focused on irrigation. The university is also expanding their efforts through the master irrigator program, mobile irrigation audits and irrigation scheduling apps.

The research is ongoing and some of the research focuses on irrigation management which yields the best return on investment with the best water use efficiency. The Extension water management agents plan to have multiple on-farm projects in more than 30 counties across South Georgia focused on irrigation scheduling.

David Hall

"These programs were developed to address the growing importance of water conservation," says David Hall, UGA Southeast District water management educator. "Georgia has received a black eye in the past with water usage law suits, but our farmers have and continue to implement proven cost and water saving techniques when it comes to irrigation."

Another part of the expansion includes the addition of multiple brands of sensors that are being added to farms at little or no cost to the producer. Each of these sensors have their own individual design and may appeal to different farmers according to their needs.

One of the newest water

Southeast District Water Management Educator

David Hall began his career in water education almost 17 years ago with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission. On July 1, 2017, he transferred over to the University of Georgia Extension Service and is located in the Bleckley County office.

Hall serves as the Southeast District water educator for the UGA Extension Service. This role allows him to cover a very large territory. Some of his duties include hands on mobile irrigation labs, water conservation education through crop irrigation scheduling, soil moisture sensors, irrigation apps and production meetings. Hall educates farmers and homeowners on water quality and conservation. Additionally, he works with schools and organizations across the Southeast District teaching youth the importance of water and how to protect this vital resource.

Daniel Lyon

Southwest District Water Management Educator

Daniel Lyon is originally from Columbia, South Carolina and he recently graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) with a bachelor's in agricultural technology management. While at ABAC, he served as the Ag Engineering and Technology Club president as well as AGRI-Life Club president.

Last summer, Lyon worked as the water intern for the University of Georgia Extension in the Southwest District office. During college, he also worked for the Crop and Soil Science department at the UGA Tifton Campus. Lyon is the newest Extension water educator hire and begins his role as the water educator for the Southwest District June 1, 2023.

management agents, Phillip Edwards, looks forward to continuing his work with farmers and being able to specifically focus on water issues and concerns.

"It is exciting to see some of this amazing technology operate, and it is my hope many farmers will adopt some of these technologies. Even with all the new technology, it is important to remember that there are multiple other options that have been available for many years just like the checkbook method and others," Edwards says. "It is important for farmers to adopt some type of scheduling method. Some older, more familiar, options are still available for farmers to use to make irrigation determinations. I hope to be able to share the information gathered through our research."

Jason Mallard

Southeast District Water Management Agent

Jason Mallard began working as a University of Georgia Extension Lead Area Ag Water Agent for South Georgia in March of 2022. In this position, he promotes irrigation scheduling, water conservation and other water educational programming across the southern portion of the state. Mallard is also a Certified Irrigation Designer with the Irrigation Association.

Previously, Mallard worked with the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission as an irrigation specialist and a resource specialist for a total of 10 years. In 2015, he began working with UGA Extension as an ag and natural resources county agent. Mallard has a bachelor's of business administration emphasis in management from Georgia Southern University and a master's of plant protection and pest management from UGA.

Phillip Edwards

Southwest District Water Management Agent

Phillip Edwards has been employed with the University of Georgia Extension Service since 1986 when he started as the county Extension 4-H agent in Screven County. Since then, Edwards has worked as the 4-H/ag and natural resources agent in Terrell and Irwin counties. Most recently, Edwards served as the ag and natural resources agent and county Extension coordinator in Irwin County. Edwards transitioned to the UGA Southwest District water management agent in April 2023.

In 2020, Edwards received the D.W. Brooks Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Service Extension. Edwards has conducted 139 applied research trials resulting in more than 50 state and/or national presentations and posters.

Irrigation Timing and technology When

You Water a Field of Peanuts is as Important as How Much Moisture With New Technology

By Pam Caraway

IIrrigation timing once required a sharp pencil and a strong focus. Peanut fields were dotted with irrigation pans. And the checkbook method of irrigation mostly deducted time from other tasks. Today, farmers and their consultants can call on technology to add efficiency and precision to irrigation timing.

"New irrigation scheduling systems take a lot of that time and responsibility off of the user, making it a lot easier for our farmers to make those decisions," says University of Georgia Precision Ag and Irrigation Extension Specialist Wesley Porter. "Proper irrigation is not about total amount of water. It's about the correct timing to deliver water when the crop needs it."

With new irrigation technology, that calculation often becomes the simple part. The difficult part is choosing the irrigation technology that is programmed for your geography and suits your management style. To help take out some of the guesswork, peanut farmers can look to the research that flows from the University of Georgia. UGA has tested many irrigation scheduling apps, soil moisture sensors and other tools that help minimize water use and maximize production.

As a front-end decision, Porter says, choosing to employ irrigation technology in an operation is an investment that pays off in efficiency and irrigation expense.

"It's important for farmers to find a system that integrates with their

management," Porter says. "Our role is to make sure these tools are working in our environment so our farmers and consultants can move forward with confidence to use these tools to maximize their time and efficiency."

Porter's top recommendation is to evaluate soil moisture. "In all of my trials, I see the maximum benefit from using soil moisture sensors," Porter says.

Given that irrigation technology is largely developed in the Midwest, Porter says testing systems locally is essential to ensure the models are adapted to the southern environment.

"We have to make sure we're confident that the tools we're using are adapted to our environment and our crops," he says.

Porter has seen positive results with several systems. Systems that test well in his trials, with no particular ranking, include the following.

FieldNET Advisor from Lindsey Corporation uses local rain data or predictive models coupled with growing degree day calculations to create two variable rate prescription maps each day for a given field. To create the maps, Porter says, the program uses local information about a field and site-specific information, such as soil type, planting date and crop type. FieldNET doesn’t require soil moisture sensors.

The Valley Smart Farm Solutions is from Valley Irrigation. The Valley system employs a soil moisture sensor and user-provided parameters such as

crop and soil type, to make irrigation recommendations based on rooting depth and moisture requirements at each crop stage.

ReinCloud and CropX Agronomic Farm Management System, a partnership between Reinke Irrigation and CropX Inc. Soil moisture sensors calibrated for soil type are used to make daily irrigation recommendations. Those recommendation can be accessed and initiated either online or through a mobile device.

Irrigator Pro, calculates the available water in the soil and the daily water needs of the crop based on its growth stage. If the water needs of the crop exceed the available water in the soil, irrigation is recommended. Irrigator Pro notifies users on irrigation needs and crop phenological changes.

Additionally, Irrigator Pro can calculate the available soil water content using manually entered rainfall and irrigation data or manually entered values from soil water potential sensors. Irrigator Pro uses soil water potential sensor values wirelessly transmitted to the UGA data repository or from the UGA Probe and Bridge device or from Trellis - Wireless Soil Moisture System.

Porter has seen consistently positive trial results with the hybrid systems that focus on local data and are integrated with moisture sensors. Consultants and farmers who have questions about precision irrigation options can contact Porter or their local Extension agent. 

Photo credit: Senninger.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference Set for July

Schedule of Events

Thursday, July 27

3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hospitality Room & Conference Registration

6:30 p.m. Welcoming Reception

7:00 p.m.

Friday, July 28

Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 27-29, 2023, at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, peanut promotions and production issues. The registration fee for growers is $195 which includes all conference events and meals. The registration deadline is June 30. The registration fee increases by $50 on July 1.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Building on Our Strengths,” plans to focus on marketing, precision ag and the 2023 Farm Bill. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Georgia, vice chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

Welcoming Dinner featuring The Big Game Show

Be ready to play along with multiple games throughout the night such as Jeopardy, Family Feud and more!

7:00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast featuring Kermit George

8:30 a.m. General Session I

Exploring the Future of Non-food Uses of Peanuts

Dr. Marshall Lamb, National Peanut Research Lab

Dr. Nino Brown, University of Georgia

10:00 a.m. Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. Ladies Program

Floral Arranging with Kirby Holt

Spouses can join Holt to learn more about floral arranging during this fun and informative program.

10:30 a.m. General Session II

Strengths of Precision Agriculture

Dr. Steve Li, Auburn University

Dr. Ian Small, University of Florida

Dr. Simer Virk, University of Georgia

Noon Luncheon

The Strength of Advocating for Ag

Michelle Miller, The Farm Babe

Miller is an internationally recognized speaker; published writer & columnist, and an online influencer as a full time advocate for agriculture. She started her social media outreach over seven years ago as a way to better bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, making a name for herself as a dedicated “mythbuster” in food and farming.

Farm Babe has hundreds of thousands of followers and an average social media reach of 4+ million monthly.

3:00 p.m. FMC Pirate Cruise

Saturday, July 29

7:00 a.m. Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards Breakfast

9:00 a.m. General Session III

State of the U.S. Peanut Policy

Congressman Austin Scott, R-Georgia

Congressman Scott represents the 8th Congressional District in Georgia. He currently serves the as vice chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and the chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit.

Bob Redding, The Redding Firm

Dr. Stanley Fletcher, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

10:15 a.m. Refreshment Break

Noon Lunch on your own and afternoon free!

7:00 p.m. Reception

7:30 p.m. Dinner & Entertainment featuring The American Flyers

2023 FIELD DAY TO FEATURE THE LATEST UPDATES IN NEW TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day set for July 20 in Moultrie, Georgia

The 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is scheduled for July 20, and farmers are invited to attend the event in order to learn practical information from the region's top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies that farmers can use to improve their operations.

The Sunbelt team looks forward to welcoming farmers and professionals in the ag industry to a Driving Tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm. The half-day event will take place at the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm, located at the Expo show site at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia.

Registration is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive through Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to begin the tour. Directional signs will direct those in attendance to a red tent where they will register, receive a welcome bag including snacks, register for CCA credits, and begin the tour. They will never have to step out of their vehicle for this process. Once registered, visitors will then drive-through the tour path while viewing pre-recorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors. In addition, farmers can choose to pull aside at stops that particularly spark their interest to further investigate plots and visit oneon-one with the researchers.

"We have the unique ability to work with university and corporate researchers on our Darrell Williams Research Farm, where we continue to conduct cotton, peanut, corn, sorghum and forage research — all aimed at improving the farmer’s bottom line. We look at the latest seed varieties, crop protection methods, soil fertility, irrigation and

precision ag technology," says Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo executive director.

"Each year, our mission is to provide a place where research can be done to benefit all row crop and forage farmers — especially those who might not have the resources or land to just go out and try a new variety or technology on a hunch," says Cody Mitchell, Sunbelt Ag Expo farm manager. "This year is no different."

"We strive to have the bestlooking farm around. We want the Expo farm to showcase what a farm should look like," Mitchell says. "We work hard all year to ensure that we make a lifelong impression on the guests who come to see us during Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. When they visit here, we want it to be an eye-opening experience that's worth their time."

There are a few tips visitors should keep in mind to enjoy a successful tour. Bring a friend to experience the event with you. Be sure to have a smartphone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the Sunbelt Ag Expo website or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive. Plan to chat with researchers and vendors at plots that specifically interest you. Prepare to explore and learn on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle!

UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Day details, download the Sunbelt Ag Expo app or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com.

Farmers are invited to the 2023 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day scheduled for July 20, 2023. During the event, farmers will be able to learn practical information from the region's top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies they can use to improve their operations.

Washington Outlook

By Robert L. Redding Jr.

U.S. Peanut Federation Testifies at House Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing

The U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit held a hearing on Tuesday, April 26 entitled “Producer Perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill”. Representing the U.S. Peanut Federation was Daniel McMillan of Southern Grace Farms in Enigma, Georgia.

In McMillan’s testimony, he presented peanut priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, namely an increase in the reference price for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Program. Over the last few years, peanut growers have seen a significant increase in the cost of production. According to Dr. Stanley Fletcher of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, the 2021 cost of production was $545.97 per ton, and the 2022 cost of production is approximately $668 per ton.

McMillan also voiced the support of the U.S. Peanut Federation for a voluntary base update that includes growers with and without peanut base acres. While the 2014 Farm Bill allowed for base updating for peanut growers that already had base on their farms, it excluded many young farmers

and new production areas.

Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott, R-Georgia, opened the hearing, stating “Title I programs, specifically the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage—or ARC and

PLC—were established in the 2014 Farm Bill and the reference prices used to determine assistance were set using 2012 cost of production data. Meanwhile, inflation has gone up significantly since 2012, and the price of most inputs have doubled or even tripled since 2021 alone. Farm sector debt is at record high levels, and net farm income is expected to fall 16 percent from 2022 to 2023. These warning signs underscore the importance of our work in the 2023 Farm Bill."

In addition to McMillan, nine other representatives of commodity crop groups testified, including corn, cotton, dry pea and lentil, rice, canola, soybean, sugar cane, wheat, and sorghum.

Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07) closed the hearing by asking each of the witnesses, if they had to choose, what would be the one thing that would be adjusted in the 2023 Farm Bill. McMillan provided the final answer of the hearing, stating “if peanut producers could have one thing, within the PLC program, the framework works, but we need a reference price increase to have a viable safety net.”

U.S. Peanut Federation Signs Letter Opposing OFF Act

The U.S. Peanut Federation signed on to a letter with other commodity organizations opposing S. 557 and H.R. 1249, titled "Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act." This legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, and Mike Lee, R-Utah, and U.S. Congresswomen Dina Titus, D-Nevada, and Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, to target commodity research and promotion boards, better known as "checkoff" programs. As stated in the letter, this legislation

would substantially undermine the research and promotion boards' ability to promote U.S. agriculture.

Research and promotion boards exist to develop new markets and strengthen existing channels for specific commodities while conducting important research and production activities. They also work to educate consumers on behalf of a particular commodity to expend total demand to the benefit of all producers. Proponents of this bill argue this legislation would increase

transparency and close perceived loopholes in the statutes enabling checkoff programs. However, if passed, the bill would stymie research collaboration, undermine producer direction of these programs, and unnecessarily restrict implementation of critical checkoff functions.

The coalition of organizations on the letter includes the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council, and many others.

Daniel McMillan, Southern Grace Farms in Enigma, Georgia, testifies before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit during a 2023 Farm Bill hearing in April.

U.S. Peanut Federation Signs Letter Supporting RUTF

The U.S. Peanut Federation recently signed on to a letter with other commodity groups in support of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) as a proven intervention to address global hunger and childhood malnutrition. The letter encouraged the U.S. Congress to continue supporting funding for RUTF.

In 2022, the U.S. Congress provided the resources for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to make an unprecedented commitment of $200 million to scale up the procurement of RUTF, and for the first time in history 75 percent of children in the 15 highest need countries will have access to treatment.

RUTF is a medical food paste made of peanuts, powdered milk, vegetable oil, sugar, soy, and multivitamins that can bring a malnourished child back to health in a matter of weeks.

According to the letter, “The U.S.

is already one of the world’s largest and most cost-efficient producers of RUTF and the agricultural inputs needed to produce it. Typically, USAID reports roughly $45 million in annual procurement of RUTF, which supports the sourcing of peanuts, soy protein, dairy, vegetable oil and sugar from across the country. American farmers have the capacity to expand production to begin meeting more of the emergency global need, but the missing ingredient is sustained funding. An additional $200 million per year for U.S. RUTF procurement would double the global supply to finally reach the majority of wasted children with this lifesaving treatment.”

The U.S. Peanut Federation joined the American Soybean Association, the American Sugar Alliance, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council in signing this letter.

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Hosts Farm Bill Listening Session

On Monday, April 24, members of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee hosted a Farm Bill Listening Session in Newberry, Florida. The listening session was attended by U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Florida, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Georgia, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-California, and Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine.

At the listening session, representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation were able to speak on issues affecting the industry today and peanut priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. The speakers emphasized the rising cost of production for peanuts and the necessity for a raise in reference prices for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program to continue to function as an effective safety net. Industry speakers included Georgia Peanut Commission Chairman Joe Boddiford, Florida Peanut Producers Association Executive Director Ken Barton, and others.

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade held a hearing May 2 entitled "Commodity Programs, Credit, and Crop Insurance – Part 1: Producer Perspectives on the Farm Safety Net." Representing the U.S. Peanut Federation was Karla Thompson of JET Farms Georgia and Integrity Farms in Camilla, Georgia.

Thompson's testimony emphasized the priorities of the peanut industry for the 2023 Farm Bill, including an increase in the reference price for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Program. Inflation on key farm inputs, including fuel, fertilizer, and labor, have all contributed to the rising cost of production for peanut producers. According to Dr. Stanley Fletcher of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, the 2021 cost of production was $545.97 per ton, and the 2022 cost of production is approximately $668 per ton.

Thompson also voiced the support of the U.S. Peanut Federation for a voluntary base update that includes growers with and without peanut base acres. While the 2014 Farm Bill allowed for base updating for peanut growers that already had base on their farms, it excluded many young farmers and new production areas.

During the hearing, Thompson answered questions from U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, on the challenges that peanut producers are currently facing.

Senator Warnock commented, "Georgia accounts for almost half of the peanuts produced annually in the United States, and we are proud of that. That's more than 2 billion pounds a year." Senator Warnock asked Thompson to provide insight on the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) Program and peanut forfeitures.

According to Thompson's testimony, "historically forfeitures [of

Additional Farm Bill Listening Sessions are likely to be held throughout the year and across the country.

peanuts] have been very low. They are typically under 5 percent. In 2017 and 2018 they were around 3 percent, in 2019 there were zero forfeitures, in 2020 it was .17 percent, and in 2021 there haven’t been any forfeitures on record. In response, Senator Warnock stated, "I take that as evidence that the Marketing Loan Program is working well for peanut farmers, and I look forward to supporting this program in this year's farm bill."

In addition to Thompson, Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau Federation, and Rob Larew, president, National Farmers Union, also testified, as well as representatives from other commodities including dry beans, sorghum, wheat, dairy, rice, cotton, soybean, sugar beet, and corn.

U.S. Peanut Federation Testifies at Senate Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing

Georgia Peanuts highlighted on WSAV, The Bridge

Leslie Wagner was interviewed about Georgia Peanuts for The Bridge with Patty Turner on WSAV in Savannah, March 2 and April 4. These interviews were part of a larger Georgia Peanut Commission project with the station.

During the first interview Wagner discussed how easy it is to support local farmers in Georgia by buying any brand of peanut butter in the grocery store. Sustainable peanuts are good for the earth and good for the Georgia economy.

The second interview focused on the latest in peanut allergy treatments and prevention. Wagner covered Palforzia, the first FDA-approved oral immunotherapy drug for peanut allergy, and that some doctors also have oral immunotherapy programs using very small amounts of peanut protein.

Wagner also shared the newest recommendations that all children

Cake Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

should be fed peanut protein within the first year of life and that those at highest risk should be introduced as early as 4 – 6 months. Introducing peanuts at 4 – 6 months to infants at high risk reduces their risk of developing a peanut allergy by 86 percent.

Peanuts promoted at Georgia FCCLA Annual Conference

Abby Wagner represented Southern Peanut Growers at the Georgia FCCLA annual conference. The organization focuses on real-world skills through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. FCCLA advisors received recipes, allergy information and a QR code for SPG's new free curriculum for culinary and food & nutrition sciences which can be downloaded online from PeanutButterLovers.com.

Orange-Kissed Peanut Butter Bundt Cake

Frosting Ingredients

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup whipped cream

Chopped peanuts for garnish

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan. Set aside. In a large bowl mix together butter, peanut butter, orange juice and orange zest until well combined and creamy. Beat in sugar, eggs and vanilla.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then stir half into peanut butter mixture. Stir in half of the buttermilk. Add remaining flour and buttermilk, mixing until just blended. (Don’t overmix or cake will be tough.) Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for about 5-10 minutes, then remove cake from pan and let cool completely.

4. For the frosting, beat all of the ingredients together to a pourable consistency. Pour over cake, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, and Patty Turner, host of The Bridge, discuss the importance of peanuts to Georgia's economy during a March episode.

Abby Wagner visits with students during the Georgia FCCLA annual conference.