January/February 2022 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer by SEPF

Vol. 60 No. 1 | Jan./Feb. 2022

In it for the Long Haul 99-years-young and planning 71st crop

2022

Peanut Variety Guidebook Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

2 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

A Look Inside

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Peanut Variety Guidebook

IN THIS ISSUE 6 | IN IT FOR THE LONG St. Elmo Harrison, 99, is looking forward to his 71st peanut crop.

16 | 100 YEARS OF RESEARCH The North Florida Research and Education Center celebrated their 100th anniversary in Quincy, Fla.

18 | NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Farmers spend the winter months collecting soil samples to help plan for next season's crop. Learn more about the value of precision soil sampling.

26 | ALFA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

An historical overview of the Alabama Farmers Federation and how they have represented farmers for 100 years.

DEPARTMENTS 8 | CHECKOFF REPORT

Alabama Peanut Producers Association Florida Peanut Producers Association Georgia Peanut Commission Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

28 | WASHINGTON OUTLOOK 30 | SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS UPDATE

10 2022 PEANUT VARIETY GUIDEBOOK

Selecting a variety is a key management step for farmers. SEPF’s 2022 Variety Guidebook highlights varieties available to growers in the Southeast and provides growers with the results of state variety tests. On The Cover St. Elmo Harrison, Whigham, Georgia, wrapped up his 70th peanut crop in 2021. Now, at the age of 99, he is looking forward to planting his 71st peanut crop in 2022. Photo by Becky Mills.

SEPF TEAM Editor Joy Carter Crosby joycrosby@gapeanuts.com 229.386.3690

Director of Jessie Bland Advertising jessie@gapeanuts.com 229.386.3472

Contributing Abby Himburg Writing abby@alpeanuts.com 334.792.6482

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.

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Editor’s thoughts A Ray of Sunshine

hroughout life, we come across people who are always smiling and

happy. As soon as they walk in a room, they light it up with their smile. That type person was Sherry Saunders, long-time secretary with the Florida Peanut Producers Association. Sherry passed away suddenly at her home on Dec. 31, 2021. She was employed for 36 years by the Florida Peanut Producers Association where she was the Secretary/Bookkeeper/Office Manager. She loved teaching others about peanuts at local and state events. She was a (charter member of the former) Graceville Optimist Club, Graceville Garden Club, and Graceville Woman’s Club, where she served in many capacities. She served on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board for several years. She enjoyed judging beauty pageants across the tri-state area. She was also involved with the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama, for many years. Her hobbies included crafts of all types, sewing, cooking, event planning, gardening, and anything to do with family get togethers. She loved going to the beach or “junking” at flea markets with her friends. She loved God. She was a member of the Graceville Church of Christ. She never met a stranger and made friends everywhere she went. She had the most contagious smile and the kindest, most thoughtful heart. Those who had the chance to meet her instantly adored her Sherry Saunders and her spunky, fun-loving personality. She was loved by so many, and she loved unconditionally. She always thought of others and demonstrated her kindness and love through many selfless acts. During her celebration of life, Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, shared a few comments he had received from those in the community and the peanut industry. These comments provide a glimpse into the type of person Sherry was and the impact she made. Sherry was such a ray of sunshine! She was a beautiful soul and such a faithful friend and advocate for peanut farmers. Sherry was a delightful soul. Our world is forever a little more gray. Such a nice lady. She had a genuine smile all the time that was contagious! Sherry was a beautiful, caring and thoughtful friend who will be sorely missed. With her infectious smile she brightened any room she entered. One of the sweetest ladies I ever met! So glad to call her my friend. We’ve lost a true friend and champion for Peanuts. She was such a positive influence on all of the people in our building. I will remember how she always made me feel welcome every time I came into the FPPA office. She was a special lady.

4 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting Jan. 26-27, 2022, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. For more information call 601-606-3547 or visit misspeanuts.com. Georgia Agribusiness Council Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast Feb. 1-2, 2022, Atlanta, Ga. For more info visit ga-agribusiness.org or call 706-3366830. Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show Feb. 3, 2022, National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan, Ala. For more info call 334-792-6482 or visit alpeanuts.com or flpeanuts.com. Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day Feb. 9, 2022, University of Georgia National Environmentally Sound Production Laboratory (NESPAL), Tifton, Ga. For more info visit gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470. National Peanut Buying Points Association Annual Meeting Feb. 11-14, 2022, Charleston, S.C. For more info visit peanutbuyingpoints.org or call 229-386-1716. Florida Peanut Producers Association Annual Meeting Feb. 20, 2022, Jackson County Agricultural Complex and Conference Center, Marianna, Fla. For more info visit flpeanuts.com. Georgia PB&J Day March 1, 2022, Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta, Ga. For more info visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at gapeanuts.com. American Peanut Shellers Association Industry Spring Conference March 1-2, 2022, Albany, Ga. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

We will miss you Sherry!  In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Sherry Saunders Scholarship Fund, Florida Peanut Producers Assn., 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna, Fla. 32448 or the Graceville Church of Christ, 5356 Florida St., Graceville, Fla. 32440.

Events

Joy Carter Crosby SEPF Editor

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

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

In it for The long haul by Becky Mills

Terry Harrison and his grandson, Asher, bring joy to St. Elmo Harrison, farmer in Whigham, Ga. St. Elmo wrapped up his 70th peanut crop in 2021 and plans to continue with his 71st crop at the age of 99.

ome late February or early March, St. Elmo Harrison will head to the cotton field to disk up stalks and start getting his peanut land ready. Other than his first name, which came about because his aunt was reading a novel by the same name when he made his appearance, most folks wouldn’t think much about that statement. The kicker is this will be the 99-year-old grower’s 71st crop.

In 1951, the first year he farmed on his own, he used a tractor to plow up the peanuts, but recalls, “We had to walk behind the plow to guide it. Then we’d pick up the peanut vines with our hands and shake the dirt off of ‘em.” He dug holes in the field to set eightfoot-long poles in a tepee shape, then nailed cross pieces to them. He’d move the peanuts to the poles with a mule-drawn sled, then stack the peanuts and vines to the top. After they dried, which took anywhere from two to six weeks, he’d use a wagon to take them to a stationary picker to get them ready to haul to market. The Whigham, Georgia, grower says it took

at least a day an acre to harvest the five-acre crop, which yielded maybe a ton an acre. In ’52, an area farmer had a tractor-drawn picker and Harrison was able to increase to 20 acres of peanuts. He bought an 8N Ford tractor and grew a total of 60 acres of crops, including corn, which he still had to pick by hand, and tobacco. His next big purchase was a two row John Deere combine. The lack of modern herbicides meant he still had plenty of hands-on work, though. “I had to do a lot of hoeing.” Between his crops and his 20 sows, he was able to pay off his original 120 acres and buy another 120 acres. Even with the painstaking, back crunching work he did with his father, before and after his 1944-1946 stint in the Navy, and more of the same on his own farm, it never occurred to him to do anything other than farm. “I fell in love with it. I never wanted to do anything else. I would get up at 3:00,

6 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

harrow ‘til breakfast, then plant the rest of the day.” “He likes watching things grow,” says daughter Carla Harrison Nix. “He tends to his garden every morning and is finished before I even get up.” He even likes working on equipment, and it’s a good thing. He bought his newest tractors, used, in ’98. “They are sorta old,” Harrison admits. “I don’t like to pay off debts.” Ditto for his peanut pickers, a used KMC four row and Lilliston two row bought in 2011. No problem, he does just fine with the older models. He now manages to harvest 10 to 12 acres a day, a far cry from the early days. Nix also says, “The other farmers want to know how he grows such straight rows without GPS.” Carla’s son, Blair, borrowed a GPSequipped tractor for his Granddad to test drive, but Carla laughed. “He kept reaching for the steering wheel.” So, his current John Deere tractors will stay in service.

Harrison has no trouble choosing his favorite crop, the only one he’s stuck with for his 70-year career. “Peanuts. I like to grow ‘em and eat ‘em.” “He’ll boil him a boiler full for supper,” says Nix. “He likes ‘em boiled, parched, fried, roasted and in candy.” “I was always used to growing them with Daddy,” says Harrison. “They were a pretty good cash crop back then.” That was after his Daddy started harvesting them for sale. When Harrison was a young boy, his Daddy would plant four rows of corn and a row of peanuts, then repeat. After the corn was picked, he’d turn the hogs in to eat the peanuts. Marketing is one of the many changes he’s seen. For a time, he grew 30 acres a year of boiling peanuts for Roddenberry’s in Cairo. “We’d plow them up and pick them green and put them in boxes.” Farmers Peanut Company in Whigham has been his mainstay, though. “He’s been a valued customer of Farmers Peanut Company since 1977,” says general manager Mike Wilde.

Although he’s dropped down to 36 acres now and leases out the land for a two-year rotation with cotton, his yields have stayed fairly consistent, especially for a dry land crop. “We usually make around two tons an acre,” he reports. In ’84, he even earned membership in the Georgia Money Makers Peanut Club, with a yield of 4,937.8 lbs. an acre on 17 acres. The exception was 2014, when a severe drought made it a losing proposition to run the picker. “He didn’t harvest a single acre,” says Wilde. “It was heart breaking.” The crop wasn’t a total loss, though. Harrison baled the vines for his cows. The weather tried to wreak havoc on Harrison’s peanuts again in 2018. When Hurricane Michael blasted through, neighboring farmers helped him get his crop out of the field just in time. However, the hurricane, as well as the tornado that ripped through that summer, destroyed around 95 of his pecan trees.

Now, computers help the humans keep track of the loads each farmer brings in, but that wasn’t always the case. Harrison had his late wife, Kathryn, to thank for that.

While Harrison’s yields are normally consistent, prices are another matter. His latest contract was for $500 a ton, after seeing prices get as high as $700.00 a ton. His son, Terry, who helps his father after he runs his mail route, comments, “Expenses have kept going up.”

Nix laughs. “Mama was the business-person. If the loads didn’t match up, she’d make the people at the buying point walk her to every wagon until she found all of them.” At one point, Harrison grew 120 acres of the legume, which meant a lot of walking for Kathryn.

Even with the fluctuating prices, Harrison hasn’t slacked off on his management. “He takes pride in his crop and doesn’t take any short cuts,” says Wilde. “He looks after his crop just like he does his own family.” He adds, “He’s hard working, he’ll outwork most young people.”

Left: This spring, St. Elmo Harrison will plant his 71st peanut crop. Above: Team Harrison. Carla Harrison Nix (right) and her brother, Terry Harrison, help their father, St. Elmo Harrison, when needed.

He finds the joy in life and in what he does. He’s still fighting the good fight every day. Wilde also says it is no mystery why Harrison, who he says is like family, keeps going. “He is one of the most genuine, fun-loving people. He has a loving attitude towards people, his community and family.” Besides Nix and Terry, his family also includes daughter Faye. He also had a son, Audry, who passed away in ’87. Then there are his six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Terry also says it is because he doesn’t waste energy on worrying. “That’s what I’m for,” he jokes. When he isn’t farming, Harrison enjoys watching NASCAR and old westerns, and hauling his youngest family members around in his Kubota to feed the fish and his cows. However, one thing he doesn’t do anymore is tend to his hogs. He sold them in the eighties. While he blames poor prices, Nix just laughs. “They all had names, and he’d use them when they would get out.” In the meantime, although he counts on day to day help from both Terry and Nix, Harrison still lives by himself and drives. He also intends to be back in the field come late winter or early spring. “My doctor said he wants to come to my 100th birthday party,” says Harrison. “I told him I want him to.” His longevity, especially with his peanuts, has turned him into a bit of a celebrity. When he harvested that 70th crop, he heard from Bob Parker at the National Peanut Board, as well as Georgia governor Brian Kemp. A video of his fall harvest went viral and now he has a fan base in New Zealand. Harrison takes it all in stride. Wilde says, “He finds the joy in life and in what he does. He’s still fighting the good fight every day.” 

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Checkoff Report

Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry FPPA attends Florida School Nutrition Association Conference

Ken Barton, FPPA executive director, visits with Judd Crane, president of the Florida School Nutrition Association, during the annual conference.

The Florida Peanut Producers Association attended and exhibited at the Florida School Nutrition Association Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. Even though some school districts in Florida still have travel restrictions in place, a large crowd of school food service personnel gathered to learn the most up to date information on providing Florida’s students with healthy choices for school breakfast and lunch menus.

“We were happy to see many different peanut butter products offered for school food service menus,” says Ken Barton, FPPA executive director. “As we visited with school district food service directors, managers and dietitians we found, in many districts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are still the most popular menu item offered. We encouraged school districts to make sure they know that Florida Peanut Producers Association is available to assist when allergy concerns or issues arise.” FPPA provided the attendees with health and nutritional information and brochures developed by the National Peanut Board that help to distinguish fact from fiction in regards to peanut allergy. FPPA also provided roasted peanuts and single serve packages of peanut butter for snacks and food service size recipe cards for cafeteria staff.

APPA makes peanut butter donation to Wiregrass Food Bank

Jacob Davis, APPA executive director, presents David Hanks, executive director of Wiregrass Area Food Bank, with a pallet of peanut butter.

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the National Peanut Festival kicked off the Wiregrass Area Food Bank’s “Dream Big Food Drive” by donating 2,880 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter. The Wiregrass Area Food Bank hosted the food drive November 10 during the National Peanut Festival. “We are so thankful for this donation of peanut butter because it is one of the most requested items," says David Hanks, executive director of the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. “This donation will go a long way to spread joy to families in the Wiregrass. There are approximately 47,720 people in the Wiregrass who are food insecure.”

“On behalf of the over 900 peanut farm families, we are proud to be able to support those who are food insecure in this area,” says Jacob Davis, APPA executive director. “Recent figures from the National Peanut Board states annual peanut product consumption is at an all-time high of 7.9 pounds per capita. The perfectly, powerful peanut is a delicious and nutritious plant protein for society.”

APPA promotes peanuts at fall events

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association staff participated in several events this fall. Abby Richardson attended the Fall Alabama Chapter - American Academy of Pediatrics Meeting in Birmingham on September 24 & 25. Kaye Lynn Hataway attended the Auburn College of Ag Annual Ag Roundup on September 25 while Jacob Davis attended the Fall Harvest Day at Enterprise Farmers Market. Davis, Richardson and Hataway all attended both the Fall Farm Day at Landmark Park on October 16 as well as the Peanut Butter Festival in Brundidge on October 30.

8 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

Southern Peanut Shortcut recipes

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association has partnered with Kathleen Phillips of Grits and Gouda to produce a “Southern Peanut Shortcut Recipes” booklet. Phillips, an Alabama native, is known for her southern shortcut recipes. This booklet features 6 delicious and easy recipes packed with our favorite snackpeanuts. Packed with protein, peanuts are the perfect addition to any recipewhether sweet or savory. The booklet is available on the news section of the APPA website at alpeanuts.com.

APPA exhibits at National Peanut Festival

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association hosted the Peanut Pavilion at the 2021 National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama, Nov. 4-14. More than 200,000 attendees visited the National Peanut Festival. APPA handed out over 450 pounds of fried peanuts, as well as Alabama roasted peanuts (in shell and shelled) and 150 pounds of dry roasted samples from Flagstone Fairgoers from across Foods. Visitors the Wiregrass visit the Alabama Peanut Producers to the Peanut Association booth at the Pavilion were National Peanut Festival in able to sample Dothan, Ala. Skippy peanut butter (donated by Hormel), peanut butter fudge, peanut butter granola bites and grilled PB&J sandwiches. APPA also sponsored the National Peanut Festival Recipe Contest, and awarded the Overall Adult and Student winners with a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. APPA also awarded the winner of the Miss National Peanut Festival pageant peanut knowledge test with a $1,000 scholarship.

Reports by

GPC promotes peanuts at Peach Bowl and College Football Hall of Fame

Joy Crosby, assistant executive director with the Georgia Peanut Commission, visits with fans during the Peach Bowl FanFest.

The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored and exhibited at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the MercedesBenz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 30, 2021. The game included the Pittsburg Panthers and the Michigan State Spartans vying for the win. During the event, GPC promoted peanuts at an exhibit in the Fan Fest, reaching an estimated 16,200 fans. In the exhibit, fans had the opportunity to sample roasted peanuts and pick up a peanut butter spreader and koozie.

To further the promotion, GPC designed a full-page ad in the game program and promoted peanuts through the videoboard and LED ribbon board throughout the game, which had an attendance of 41,230 fans. GPC was listed as an official sponsor on signage at the game and the bowl game website. Additionally, GPC has a yearlong sponsorship with the College Football Hall of Fame. In September, the hall of fame celebrated Georgia Peanut Month where fans could pick up a bag of roasted peanuts or promotional items when leaving the hall.

GPC promotes peanuts through digital and billboard advertising

The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts this past fall through a variety of advertising methods including digital banner ads, billboards, print and television campaigns.

Atlanta-area digital billboard advertisement sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.

During the fall, the Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored targeted display and native ads with Salem Media. The ads ran from Oct. 1- Dec. 31 and included a harvest focus during the month of October, a Peanut Butter Lovers Month focus in November and a holiday focus for the month of December. During the campaign, digital display and native ads targeted consumers across Georgia in a variety of ways, such as geo-targeting, geo-fencing, contextual targeting and site retargeting. The campaign garnered nearly 1.04 million impressions with a click through rate of 0.19 percent, which is above industry average. The Georgia Peanut Commission also teamed up with WSAV-Savannah for a multimedia campaign which featured digital banner ads, television advertising and interviews for their local show, The Bridge. Outdoor digital billboard ads aired in the Atlanta area and Times Square in New York highlighting Peanut Butter Lovers Month in November.

GPC presents Education for Excellence awards

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented the 2021 Georgia Peanut Education for Excellence awards to county Extension agents at their annual meeting in the fall. GPC project coordinator Justin Odom presented the awards to the agents. The winners, pictured left to right are Odom, Holly Anderson, 2nd place junior agent from Ben Hill County, Ben Reeves, 1st place junior agent from Berrien County, Bill Tyson, 2nd place senior agent from Bulloch County and Phillip Edwards, 1st place senior agent from Irwin County. Eric Prostko, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist, assisted with the presentation.

Georgia Peanuts featured on Small Town Big Deal

Georgia Peanuts were highlighted this past fall on an episode of Small Town Big Deal. The segment, highlighted the humanitarian efforts of the peanut industry through Peanut Proud, the local efforts of PB & Jesus and the international feeding efforts of MANA Nutrition. The show gave viewers a glimpse into the various ways the peanut industry gives back and provides nourishment for consumers across the globe. To view the episode, visit the GPC Youtube page or watch on the Small Town Big Deal website at www. smalltownbigdeal.com. Small Town Big Deal is viewed on 268 local television stations across America and reaches 1 million weekly viewers.

Georgia Peanuts featured on VeryVera

Georgia Peanuts were highlighted this past fall on an episode of Very Vera. The VeryVera show, currently in Stewart, host of its 10th season, airs Very the VeryVera show, in 30 metropolitan interviews Ben Boyd, markets across 14 peanut farmer from Sylvania, Ga. states. The show reaches 17 million U.S. households. The first segment which aired in October 2021, featured Ben Boyd, farmer from Sylvania, Georgia. Boyd provided an overview of how peanuts grow and the importance of Georgia Peanuts within the state. Georgia peanuts were also highlighted on two additional episodes, one focusing on Healthier Options which included a No-Bake Oat & Nut Energy Bite and the second episode featured a charcuterie board with Georgia Peanuts. To view the episodes, visit the VeryVera Youtube channel.

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

2022

Peanut Variety Guidebook

tate, federal and private peanut breeding programs are actively involved in the development of improved varieties with desirable traits for increasing dollar value, yield, grade, disease resistance, insect resistance, virus resistance, nematode resistance, aflatoxin resistance, drought tolerance, better shelling characteristics, longer shelf-life and enhanced flavor and nutritional qualities. In the U.S., there are four peanut market types (runner, virginia, spanish and valencia), and within each market type, there are different varieties. The varieties contained in this guidebook reflect those varieties commonly planted in the Southeast and those varieties recommended by agronomists for this area due to resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Variety selection is an important process in the overall management of the farm. This guidebook serves as a resource for growers when they select a variety for the 2022 crop year.

Runner Type ACI 3321 is a large seeded, higholeic runner peanut. ACI 3321 is a top yielding variety for ACI Seeds and in State Variety testing in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. ACI 3321 has a high level of TSWV resistance, best in class white mold resistance and very good leaf spot resistance. ACI 3321 has demonstrated stability across diverse U.S. peanut production areas. ACI 3321 is well adapted to irrigated and dry-land production. ACI 3321 was developed by Kim M. Moore of ACI Seeds, a privately funded peanut research and development company based in South Georgia with ongoing research and development across all U.S. peanut growing regions. ACI 3321 seed will be commercially available for the 2021 planting season. ACI 789 is a high oleic runner variety with a high percentage of medium kernels. The variety matures in about 135 days in South Georgia and has good resistance to TSWV. This variety has very good peg strength giving flexibility during harvesting when weather condition delay digging and/or picking. ACI 789 was released in 2015 by ACI Seeds under the Plant Variety Protection Act. ACI 789 was

developed by Kim M. Moore of ACI Seeds, a privately funded peanut research and development company based in South Georgia with ongoing research and development across all U.S. peanut growing regions. ACI 789 has demonstrated stability and success across many U.S. peanut production areas. AU-NPL 17 is a runner type peanut with high-yielding and medium maturity, very good resistant to TSWV, highly tolerant to leaf spot, very good resistant to white mold and superior shelling characters. AU-NPL 17 has a prostrate growth habit with main stem and with large vines. It has high oleic fatty acid content and excellent flavor. AU-NPL 17 is well adapted to irrigated and non-irrigated lands across diverse U.S. peanut production area. AU-NPL 17 has a very decent grade. The seeds have pink testa and medium large runner seed size, which is a little smaller than Georgia-06G. AU-NPL 17 was released by Auburn University and USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in 2017. FloRun™ ‘331’ is a high-yielding, medium maturity, disease tolerant

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runner-type variety released from the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, Florida, in 2016. It has medium runner seed size with very good grades. FloRun™ ‘331’ has had excellent pod yield in both irrigated and non-irrigated trials over several seasons of testing across several locations in Florida. Of the runnertype varieties tested for resistance to leaf spots and white mold, FloRun™ ‘331’ has had among the best pod yield and lowest disease scores and it is moderately resistant to TSWV. FloRun™ ‘331’ has high oleic oil chemistry beneficial for extended shelf-life and marketability of peanuts and peanut products. Georgia Greener is a highyielding, TSWV-resistant, typicalseeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2006 by the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia. Georgia Greener has a high level of resistance to spotted wilt disease caused by TSWV and CBR. In multilocation tests conducted in Georgia during the past several years, Georgia Continued on page 12

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

VARIETY GUIDEBOOK

Variety Guidebook Continued from page 10

Greener was found to have among the lowest disease incidence, highest pod yield, highest TSMK grade and highest dollar value return per acre compared to other runner-type varieties tested each year. Georgia Greener has darker green foliage, a typical runner seed size, and a medium maturity similar to Georgia Green.

Alabama State Variety Test Results 2019 Runner Variety

2020

2021

Headland Headland Headland Headland Headland Headland Fairhope Tallassee Irrigated

Dryland

Irrigated

Dryland

Irrigated

Dryland

5705.8

4900.5

6244

5989

4464

3944

3752

AU Barkley

4213

5159

4826

3946

AU-NPL 17

5778.3

5227.3

5958

5685

5038

5159

5175

4528

5144

4864.3

4494

5059

4031

5194

4060

4330

Georgia Greener

6624.5

6012.8

5458

4977

Georgia-06G

6461.5

6031.3

5919

5333

4050

5388

4127

5346

Georgia-07W

5354.3

5499.5

5493

4959

4834

4440

4093

4104

Georgia-09B

5426.8

5444.5

5706

5441

3885

4686

4110

4095

ACI 3321

FloRun™ ‘331’

Georgia-06G is a highGeorgia-12Y 6418.5 5480 5884 5758 3847 5935 5941 4793 yielding, TSWV-resistant, Georgia-14N 4564.8 4234.5 4855 4995 3612 5107 4044 3369 large-seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was Georgia-16HO 5844.5 6306.3 5954 5476 4597 5475 4643 4146 released in 2006 by the Georgia-18RU 6376 5154.8 5812 5048 3648 4457 4509 3923 University of Georgia, Georgia-20VHO 3448 4931 4593 4154 Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia. Tifguard 5808 5316 5721 5792 4751 4668 3877 3791 Georgia-06G has a high TifNV-HG 4231 5265 4426 3407 level of resistance to TifNV-High O/L 5126.5 4791.8 5350 5256 3962 5651 4593 3177 TSWV. In multilocation tests conducted in Georgia TUFRunner™ ‘297’ 5868.8 5408.8 6009 5399 3867 5230 4892 4595 during the past several Georgia-12Y had significantly higher years, Georgia-06G was found to have resistance to spotted wilt disease caused by TSWV. Georgia-09B also has pod yield and higher dollar value among the lowest disease incidence, the high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty return per acre compared to Georgiahighest pod yield, highest TSMK acid ratio for improved oil quality and 10T. Georgia-12Y also has a smaller grade and highest dollar value return longer shelf-life of peanut and peanut seed size (greater number of seed per per acre compared to other runnerproducts. Georgia-09B originated pound) than Georgia-10T. Georgia-12Y types tested each year. Georgia-06G from the fi rst backcross made with should be an excellent variety for an combines high TSWV resistance with Georgia Green as the recurrent parent. earlier planting (April) option in the medium maturity and excellent yield It has an intermediate runner growth Southeast because of its high TSWV and high TSMK grade which results in habit and medium maturity, similar and white mold-resistance and later greater dollar value return per acre. to Georgia Green. Georgia-09B has maturity. Georgia-07W is a high-yielding, a medium runner seed size. GeorgiaGeorgia-14N is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant and white mold09B combines the excellent roasted high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, and RKNresistant, runner-type peanut variety flavor of Georgia Green with the resistant, small-seeded, runner-type that was released in 2007 by the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-life and peanut variety that was released in University of Georgia Coastal Plain improved oil quality of peanut and 2014 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. peanut products. Experiment Stations. It was developed Georgia-07W has a high level of Georgia-12Y is a high-yielding, at the University of Georgia, Coastal resistance to TSWV and to white mold TSWV-resistant, white-mold resistant, Plain Experiment Station in Tifton. or stem rot. Georgia-07W combines medium-seeded, runner-type peanut Georgia-14N is similar to other highhigh TSWV and white mold resistance variety that was released in 2012 by oleic, runner-type varieties in having with medium maturity and excellent the Georgia Agricultural Experiment high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid yield, grade and dollar value return Stations. It was developed at the profiles. However, during threeper acre. University of Georgia, Coastal Plain years averaged over multilocation Georgia-09B is a high-yielding, Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. tests in Georgia, Georgia-14N had high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, mediumGeorgia-12Y is similar to another significantly less TSWV and total seeded, runner-type peanut variety runner-type variety Georgia-10T in disease incidence and higher yield, that was released in 2009 by the having low TSWV disease incidence grade and dollar value return per acre University of Georgia Coastal Plain and total disease incidence. However, compared to Tifguard. Georgia-14N Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. during several years averaged over combines high-yield, TSWV resistance Georgia-09B has a high level of multilocation tests in Georgia, and root knot nematode resistance

12 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

leaf scorch-resistant, medium-large seeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2018. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia. During five-years averaged over multiple location tests in Georgia, Georgia-18RU had the highest percent TSMK grade and the lowest number of seed per pound compared to the Georgia-06G runner-type variety. Georgia 18RU was also found to have a similar low percent TSWV and total disease incidence, high yield and dollar value return per acre as Georgia-06G. Georgia-18RU combines high yield, high grade, high dollar value and TSWV and leaf scorch resistance with the desirable normal-oleic trait requested by peanut butter manufacturers. It also has similar roasted flavor, blanchability and maturity as Georgia-06G.

Georgia-16HO is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, largeseeded, runner-type peanut variety that was released in 2016 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-16HO is similar to other higholeic, runner-type varieties in having the high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid profile. However during several years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-16HO had less TSWV and total disease incidence and higher yield, grade and dollar value return per acre compared to TUFRunner™ ‘511’. Georgia-16HO was also found to have a large runner seed size similar to TUFRunner™ ‘511’, but not as large of seed size as TUFRunner™ ‘297’. Georgia-16HO combines high-yield, TSWV resistance with large runner seed size, and the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products.

Tifguard is a high-yielding, medium-maturity, runner market-type peanut variety. It was jointly released by the USDA-ARS and the University of Georgia. It was the first peanut variety with a high level of resistance to both the peanut root-knot nematode and TSWV. Tifguard has a runner-type growth habit with dark green foliage

Georgia-18RU is a high-yielding, normal-oleic, TSWV-resistant and

and a prominent main stem. It has demonstrated very good yields and grades when tested with no nematode pressure in tests in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. When tested in fields with high nematode pressure it has demonstrated very good yields and grades without the use of nematicides. Tifguard also has a moderate level of resistance to leaf spot. TifNV-High O/L is a high oleic peanut variety developed and released by USDA-Agricultural Research Service peanut breeder Corley Holbrook. It’s a new high oleic version of the nematode resistant Tifguard that Holbrook released several years ago. The new variety offers high yields, nematode resistance, a high concentration of oleic acid, resistance to spotted wilt virus, moderate resistance to leaf spot and medium maturity. TifNV-High O/L resulted from a cross between Tifguard and the Florida-07 varieties. Holbrook worked with University of Georgia researchers Peggy OziasAkins and Ye Chu in using molecular markers for nematode resistance and the high O/L trait. Using the molecular markers, they were able to greatly Continued on page 14

Florida State Variety Test Results 2018 Runner Variety

Marianna, Gainesville, Live Oak

2019

Marianna, Marianna, Gainesville & Gainesville, Jay Live Oak

2020

2021

Gainesville

Marianna & Gainesville

Marianna

Marianna, Gainesville & Live Oak

Marianna, Gainesville & Jay

Irrigated

Dryland

Irrigated

Dryland

Irrigated

Dryland

Irrigated

Dryland

6889

4847

6636

5154

5964

4968

AU-NPL 17

7315

6161

6259

5058

6267

5078

5641

4995

FloRun™ ‘331’

6907

6118

7017

5270

7041

5746

6761

5552

Georgia-06G

7189

5107

6603

5293

6247

5470

5624

4263

Georgia-09B

7126

5663

6473

4964

6669

5121

6013

3819

Georgia-12Y

7512

5629

6455

4089

6875

5547

6534

4947

Georgia-14N

6837

5720

Georgia-16HO

7942

5914

6887

4970

6764

5278

6395

5039

Georgia-18RU

6660

5526

6969

5175

6594

5307

Tifguard

5721

4309

5754

5214

6081

5090

TifNV-High O/L

7175

5625

5905

3461

6220

5071

5903

4807

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

7221

5844

7020

5256

6574

5497

5989

4789

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

6795

4972

6668

5008

6597

5184

5963

4580

AC3321

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

VARIETY GUIDEBOOK

with smaller seed size, and the higholeic trait for longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products.

VARIETY GUIDEBOOK

Variety Guidebook Continued from page 13

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

speed up the process of developing the new variety. TUFRunner™ ‘297’ is a high yielding, extra-large seeded, medium maturity runner-type peanut with high oleic oil chemistry developed by the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, Florida. It was released

TUFRunner™ ‘511’ is a large seeded, medium maturity runner-type peanut with high oleic oil chemistry. The University of Florida, North

Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, Florida released TUFRunner™ ‘511’ peanut in 2013. It has very good resistance to white mold, moderate resistance to TSWV, and is susceptible to leaf spots. Yield and grade of TUFRunner™ ‘511’ have been excellent. The seed size is similar to Georgia-06G with a similar out-turn of medium, number one and jumbo kernels. The growth habit of TUFRunner™ ‘511’ is prostrate. 

Mississippi State Variety Test Results 2019

2020

2021

Runner Variety Beaumont Raymond Stoneville Verona Beaumont Raymond Stoneville Verona Beaumont

Crystal Springs

Stoneville Verona

AU-NPL 17

6197.3

3045

2369.3

4896.9

6735.8

5512

6627.8

4763.6

6898

8508

7196

7051

FloRun™ ‘331’

5506.6

3533.2

2728.6

6086.2

6349.3

6716.7

7611.2

5328.4

8579

7708

7931

6804

Georgia-06G

5657.9

3393.4

3568.9

5664.1

5791.6

4627

6687

5046.1

7249

7370

8111

6548

Georgia-09B

5610.7

2963.3

1637.4

5660

5724.2

3625.8

7676.3

4759.2

7336

6810

8385

5957

Georgia-12Y

6398.3

3431.2

3903

5664.4

6300.6

5908.1

7012.2

4940

8058

7590

7770

5637

Georgia-14N

5074.3

2711.8

1796.6

5099.4

5431.3

3619.7

5251.9

3927.3

7619

4831

7862

4345

Georgia-16HO

6261.7

3877.4

1583.9

6330.6

7150.7

5840.4

7881.3

5613.2

7252

8497

7760

6522

Georgia-18RU

5696

3550.5

1372.2

6343.4

5543.8

5271.6

7332

5207.9

6521

8281

8218

6604

6830

7130

7707

4278

Georgia-20VHO TifNV-High O/L

5667.3

3506.9

2224.1

5996.3

6271.1

5250.4

6293.8

4364.5

6944

7846

7022

6355

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

6481

3761.9

1942.9

5854.7

6320.2

5806.6

7107.8

5368.9

7010

8416

7667

7181

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

6194.2

6099.6

7096.7

4928.5

6818

7570

7392

7355

Georgia State Variety Test Results 2019 Runner Variety

Tifton

2020

Midville

Plains

Tifton

2021 Tifton

Midville

Plains

Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland Irrigated Dryland AU-NPL 17

6449

5899

7006

2057

5560

4435

2975

3513

6069

5519

5444

4721

4504

4514

FloRun™ ‘331’

6879

6207

7786

2577

5905

5034

3652

4587

6028

5487

6268

5116

4852

4419

Georgia Greener

6867

5009

6480

2626

4205

4646

3929

4018

6797

5639

5342

4416

4583

4096

Georgia-06G

6716

5953

7363

2753

5034

4683

3395

3867

7068

5667

6246

4563

5213

4132

Georgia-07W

6716

5699

6667

2335

4870

4961

3634

4135

5935

5385

5938

5415

4398

3808

Georgia-09B

6437

5572

7659

2323

5130

4501

3434

3599

6650

5311

5628

4798

4297

3752

Georgia-12Y

7109

5711

7883

2505

6262

4979

4030

3696

6740

5814

5824

5677

4863

4874

Georgia-14N

6177

5052

7097

2099

4501

3860

3362

3706

5663

5397

5391

4959

4698

4225

Georgia-16HO

6933

6195

7145

2626

5106

4961

3932

4415

6121

5773

5872

4607

3882

4031

Georgia-18RU

6867

6062

7314

1936

5808

4731

3921

4286

5853

5391

6114

4789

5340

4541

6400

5666

5094

4461

4577

3798

Georgia-20VHO Tifguard

6510

5572

5826

2232

3781

4223

3392

4007

5917

5173

4808

4266

3919

3216

TifNV-High O/L

6244

5136

6002

1960

5058

4622

3770

4178

5664

5071

5173

4472

4309

3756

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

6516

6346

6709

2087

5530

5003

3668

4351

6150

5287

5602

4323

4394

4717

Due to COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, variety trials were not able to be planted in Midville and Plains for the year 2020.

14 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

VARIETY GUIDEBOOK

New peanut varieties

here are five new peanut varieties released for growers. However, there will be limited seed available for each variety.

AU-Barkley is a high-oleic Virginia-type peanut variety. It is a high-yielding and medium maturity cultivar with very good resistant to TSWV, highly tolerant to leaf spot, very good resistant to white mold and superior shelling characters. AU-Barkley has excellent flavor and is suitable for boiling peanuts. AUBarkley is well adapted to irrigated and non-irrigated lands across diverse U.S. peanut production areas. The seeds of AU-Barkley have pink testa and small Virginia size. AU-Barkley was released by Auburn University and USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in 2021. FloRun™ ‘T61’ is a new runner type peanut variety from the University of Florida that has high yield potential, high grades and outstanding resistance to spotted wilt. The variety, released in 2020, was developed at the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, Florida. During several years of testing, FloRun™ ‘T61’ has proven to resist TSWV and produce high yields when disease pressure from TSWV reduced yield of other varieties. FloRun™ ‘T61’ has a medium seed size with about 650 seeds per pound and just over 40 percent medium kernels on an in-shell basis. The vine growth of FloRun™ ‘T61’ is moderate, allowing good performance in twin rows without excessive vine production. The maturity of FloRun™ ‘T61’ is in the medium range of 140145 days after planting under irrigation in Florida. The pod yield of FloRun™ ‘T61’ has been excellent and better than Georgia-06G in tests across several Florida locations in the past two years. FloRun™ ‘T61’ has higholeic oil and should be an excellent choice for farmers, shellers and manufacturers who need peanuts with the high-oleic trait. Georgia 20VHO is a new high-yielding, high-grading, TSWV-

resistant, very high-oleic to linoleic ratio, runner-type peanut variety that was released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2020. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. During five-years and three-years averaged over multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia-20VHO had significantly higher percentage of total sound mature kernel grade compared to Georgia-09B and six other high-oleic runner varieties, respectively. It was also among the lowest in TSWV and total disease incidence and among the highest in pod yield and dollar values compared to the other high-oleic runner varieties in Georgia. Georgia20VHO, as the name implies, has a very high O/L ratio, similar to another VHO virginia-type variety Georgia-11J. Georgia 20VHO combines high yield, grade and dollar values with TSWV resistance and very high O/L ratio for longer shelf-life of peanut and peanut products. TifJumbo is a virginia-type peanut variety release by the USDAARS and the University of Georgia. Marker assisted selection was used to select for nematode resistance and the high-oleic to linoleic (O/L) characteristic. TifJumbo has a high level of resistance to both the peanut root-knot nematode and TSWV

and has a high ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid. When tested in fields without nematode pressure TifJumbo exhibited yields that were at least similar to other currently grown peanut varieties. When tested in fields with nematode pressure, TifJumbo exhibited significantly higher yields in comparison to other viriginia-type peanut varieties. Commercial seed will be extremely limited in 2022. TifNV-HG is a runner-type peanut variety release by the USDAARS and the University of Georgia. Marker assisted selection was used to select for nematode resistance and the high-oleic to linoleic (O/L) characteristic. TifNV-HG has a high level of resistance to both the peanut root-knot nematode and TSWV and has a high ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid. When tested in fields without nematode pressure TifNV-HG exhibited yields that were at least similar to other currently grown peanut varieties. When tested in fields with nematode pressure, TifNV-HG exhibited yield that was at least equivalent to the nematode resistant varieties, TifNV-High O/L and Georgia 14N, and significantly higher than susceptible varieties. TifNV-HG exhibited higher grade in comparison the TifNV-High O/L. Commercial seed will be extremely limited in 2022. 

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

100 Years of Research

North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy celebrates 100 years of research By Lakin Whatley

he University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) celebrated their 100th anniversary Oct. 1, 2021, in Quincy, Florida.

Farmers in Quincy and the surrounding area grew what was referred to as shade tobacco, which was dried to a crisp and used to wrap premium cigars. Beginning in the 1890s, growing and processing this tobacco became the leading agricultural industry, and within a few years, Gadsden County was known as the shade tobacco capital of the world. In 1921, the research center was founded to save the region’s primary crop, tobacco, from a disease called black shank. In fact, when the center was first established, it was called the Tobacco Experiment Station. “The old Tobacco Experiment Station was created out of a need to solve a problem that was threatening a whole region’s economy. By continuously growing and diversifying, NFREC remains relevant 100 years later,” says Thomas Obreza, interim dean and director for UF/IFAS Extension. “That’s the way UF/IFAS teaching, research and Extension work—fill a specific gap in knowledge and then branch out and adapt as conditions and needs change.” In 1976, shade tobacco acreage decreased, resulting in a shift of research efforts to include entomological work on peanuts, an increased pathological program with

Photo credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.

“Even more important than 100 years of research, teaching and extension are the transformative discoveries for agriculture in North Florida,” says Barry Tillman, interim director of the center and peanut breeder. “We have grown from a single Tobacco plant pathologist appointed in 1922, to 14 current faculty programs.”

Barry Tillman, interim director of the North Florida Research and Education Center and peanut breeder, provides an overview of the 100 year history during the celebration at the research center in Quincy, Florida.

field crops and production studies on soybeans. Since then, many facets of agricultural research have been conducted. Along with the industry saving tobacco varieties, successes at the center include groundbreaking methods to control plant disease and insect pests, agronomic techniques that increase soil organic matter, reduce fertilizer use, improve soil water holding capacity and many other things, according to Tillman.

“Even more important than the 100 years of research, teaching and extension are the transformative discoveries for agriculture in North Florida.” Barry Tillman, North Florida Research and Education Center interim director “From our very small beginnings in 1921, with a single plant pathologist and 23 acres, the NFREC now encompasses over 2,300 acres in three locations spread across 160

16 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

miles,” Tillman says. “It’s among the most diverse agricultural and natural resource programs in the state within the UF/IFAS system. We look forward to the next 100 years of serving the needs of our clientele and stakeholders in North Florida.” NFREC has a deep history in developing peanut varieties. In the late 1960s, the original Flo Runner peanut variety was primarily developed at the center. This variety has increased yields by 15 percent. Irrigation and nutrient scheduling improvement has also been a monumental advancement originating from NFREC. The research center has saved U.S. growers over $300 million a year, according to Scott Angle, University of Florida vice president of agriculture and natural resources. Angle discussed the need for extension, research and education to support the future of farming. “We have a lot of challenges on this planet,” Angle says. “We’ve got to double food production by the year 2050. A lot of that will happen here in Florida.” 

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Precision Soil Sampling has Value by Joy Crosby

he winter months provide farmers the opportunity to review the previous production season and make plans for the next season. Proper nutrient management is one of the key components of successful crop production farmers should consider when planning their 2022 crop. Soil sampling and testing is generally performed to determine the soil pH and nutrient status of a field and develop an appropriate lime and fertilization schedule for optimal crop production. “It is important for peanut farmers to take a soil sample every year to ensure that their soil pH and nutrient levels are optimum for economic yields,” says Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension Soil Fertility specialist. According to Harris, maintaining the correct soil pH helps utilize essential nutrients in the soil and also “tie up” unwanted elements such as aluminum and zinc which can be toxic to peanuts and severely reduce yields.

then growers will need to apply these nutrients,” Harris adds. “The only way to know if you need to correct a pH problem or apply P&K is to soil test every year.” Annual collection of soil samples allow the producers to feel confident that they are putting out the right amount of lime and fertilizer to meet crop demands. “Soil nutrients are variable and change over time,” says Audrey Gamble, Auburn University Extension soil specialist. “Throughout the year, nutrients can be lost from soil through processes like runoff, leaching and crop removal.” According to Gamble, another advantage of collecting soil samples annually is the ability to monitor

“It is important for peanut farmers to take a soil sample every year to ensure that their soil pH and nutrient levels are optimum for economic yields.”

“Peanuts are also good scavengers of phosphorous and potassium but if the levels get too low

18 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

Glen Harris Soil Fertility Specialist University of Georgia

whether current practices are building soil fertility, maintaining soil fertility, or mining soil nutrients over time within a given field or soil type. Based on this information, farmers may choose to alter their management strategies slightly. As an example, consider a field in which P&K has been building over time and is well above soil test critical levels. In a year with high fertilizer prices, a producer may choose to cut back on “maintenance fertilizer applications” and take advantage of the “bank” of P&K they have saved. The traditional method of soil sampling involves soil samples collected randomly throughout the field to get an average representation of soil nutrient status, which in most cases fails to represent the actual

spatial soil pH and nutrient variability within a field. “Without knowing the actual in-field spatial nutrient variability, this approach can also easily result in under- or over-application of lime and fertilizer, which can affect both crop yield and profit,” says Simerjeet Virk, University of Georgia Extension precision ag specialist. “In contrast to traditional soil sampling approach, precision soil sampling strategies can provide a better estimate of spatial soil pH and nutrient variability within a field, which can further be used for variable-rate “site-specific” application of lime and fertilizer.” Regardless of which method a farmer chooses, traditional or precision soil sampling, farmers should not cut corners when it comes to nutrient management. “Farmers should not skimp on soil tests,” says Audrey Gamble, Auburn University. “The cost of soil sampling is cheap in comparison to the cost of unnecessary fertilizer or yield losses from low fertility.” Generally, there are two commonly used precision soil sampling methods – grid and zone sampling. Grid-Based Sampling

field. Grid size can range between 1 and 5 acres but a smaller grid size (mostly 2.5-acre) is generally recommended for accurately capturing the differences in nutrient levels. Larger grid sizes are mostly used in fields which are fairly uniform, but also sometimes used to reduce the number of samples and sampling costs in larger fields. The grid-based method is commonly used when there is no or little information available about the nutrient variability across a field or where variability is expected but the field history is unknown. Zone-Based Sampling This method involves dividing the field into zones that can be managed uniformly and then taking soil samples within each zone to determine the average soil pH and nutrient levels within that zone. The number and resolution of management zones depend on the type and quality of data available for a field.

soil type, topography, aerial images, yield, soil EC (electrical conductivity measure of the amount of salts in soil) and any other previous management data can be used individually or two to three data layers can be used together to create management zones. The soil samples within each zone can be sent for soil test analysis separately or can be combined to create a composite

Generally, data layers such as

Continued on page 20

RISING COSTS OF INPUTS For 2022, farmers have many concerns regarding the rising cost of inputs as well as the shortage of gypsum or other products they use throughout the year. According to University of Georgia Extension soil fertility specialist Glen Harris, gypsum has been harder to get but not impossible the last two years despite some warnings of a drastic shortage. He advises farmers to take a pegging zone soil test on all peanut fields soon after they emerge after planting and base any gypsum needs on the results.

In this method, the field is divided into equally sized grids (square or rectangular) and soil samples – to create a single composite sample per grid – are taken from each grid to determine the spatial soil pH and nutrient variability across the whole

Zone based sampling

“There should be a good number of peanut fields that have adequate calcium level in the pegging zone, and a proper calcium to potassium ratio where no gypsum will be recommended in the first place,” Harris says. “If gypsum supply gets really tight then grid sampling and variable rate gypsum applications may be considered an option in the future.”

“We are not anticipating a gypsum shortage in Alabama which is a good thing, since there are not many economically-feasible fertilizer products that deliver as much calcium to the plant as gypsum,” says Audrey Gamble, Auburn University Extension soil scientist. “Ag lime will of course supply enough calcium, but it should only be applied if pH is below 6.5.” Gamble encourages farmers to reach out to local Extension agents to assess options available within a region if a shortage does occur. Fertilizer costs of P&K are also on the rise and has many farmers concerned. “The best advice is to soil test and apply lime and any P&K that is recommended,” Harris says. “Use inoculates at planting to ensure good nitrogen fixation and save cost on nitrogen fertilizer.” If additional fertilizers are needed, then Harris recommends a 1/4 pound per acre of foliar boron.

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Nutrient Management Continued from page 19

sample to reduce the total number of samples for the whole field and the cost of analyses. The zone-based soil sampling is mostly used when field history is known for multiple years (3-5), changes in topography can be used to create zones, or consistent low and high yield areas are present within a field. Overlaying aerial imagery or other data layers can further help in defining the management zones. Grid vs. Zone - Which One is Better? According to Virk, one of the most common questions he receives from growers or consultants is about which soil sampling method – grid or zone – is better. “The answer is not always as easy as just one or the other, as both methods can be very useful and provide valuable insights about spatial variability as well as the yield limiting factors within a field,” Virk says. “Also, the choice of sampling method largely depends on the amount of variability and how much historical data is available for a given field.” In general, grid sampling should be used in a field initially during first

year of production, in a new field or when there is no field history available, in order to get a baseline of nutrient variability. In consequent years, the baseline information along with data such as soil type, soil EC or yield should be used to eventually transition to a zone-based management as it tends to provide the better combination of cost and effectiveness for most situations. While grid sampling generally is more effective in describing nutrient variability when smaller grid sizes (1 – 2.5 acres) are used, that also translates to a greater number of samples and high sampling costs each year. According to Virk, using management zones, especially with yield or in-season aerial imagery, also helps in learning more about the field every year than arbitrarily placing grids in the field for soil sampling. “Therefore, the best approach may be to initially perform a onetime intensive grid-sampling for the whole farm to determine a baseline nutrient status and use management zones thereafter,” Virk says. “If needed, another grid-sampling can be performed every 5 to 10 years to verify if the zone-based method is still effective and is not missing any low or high nutrient areas within a field.”

Mobile/Software Options According to Virk, growers utilizing a traditional soil sampling approach can definitely benefit from precision soil sampling strategies on their farm for site-specific management nutrient management.” Precision soil sampling, when combined with variable-rate nutrient application, is among the top of the precision ag practices, which when implemented appropriately usually pays for itself within a short time period. Currently, there are several free and low-cost software options available through different ag equipment or technology companies that can be utilized for precision soil sampling. According to Virk, most of these are pretty basic applications that can be installed on any smartphone or tablet and do not require a lot of prior knowledge or experience of spatial data collection and management. “These are not all the options currently offered but just few to make growers aware about the free or lowcost options available out there to get started with precision soil sampling on their farm,” Virk says. 

MOBILE APPS (ANDROID/IOS) FOR SOIL SAMPLING Soil Test Pro https://soiltestpro.com/ Ag PhD Soils https://agphdsoils.com/ FieldAlytics Mobile https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fieldalytics-mobile/id1151565425 Sirrus https://proagrica.com/products/sirrus/ Soil Sampler https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noframe. farmissoilsamples&hl=en_US&gl=US SMS Mobile https://www.agleader.com/farm-management/sms-software/ Farmer Pro https://agriculture.trimble.com/product/farmer-pro/ AgStudio MAP https://www.farms.com/agriculture-apps/technology/agstudio-map Granular Agronomy https://granular.ag/agronomy/

20 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | Jan./Feb. 2022

“The answer is not always as easy as just one or the other, as both methods can be very useful and provide valuable insights about spatial variability as well as the yield limiting factors within a field. Also, the choice of sampling method largely depends on the amount of variability and how much historical data is available for a given field.” Simerjeet Virk Extension Precision Ag Specialist University of Georgia

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Peanut Leadership Academy CLASS XII Begins by Jessie Bland

PARTICIPANTS Alabama Joe Corcoran, Eufaula Brian Harrison, Uriah Greg Resmondo, Foley Jason Vinson, Hartford Jason Weber, Atmore Florida Lance Jackson, Graceville Scott Walker, McDavid

The Peanut Leadership Academy Class XII participants gathered for their first leadership session in Starkville, Mississippi. Sitting (left to right): John Layton, Lance Jackson, Scott Walker, Brian Harrison, Brandon Arnold, David Leary Jr. and Joe Corcoran. Standing (left to right): Brad Ward, Peter Froesse, Drew Monahan, Jason Vinson, Jeff Lollar, Jason Weber, Allison Randall, Lehman Nevil, Karla Thompson, Greg Resmando, Caleb Weaver, Matthew Blitch, Charles Rogers, Chad Mathis and Garrett Besler.

wenty-five peanut growers and sheller representatives from across the Southeast, Texas and the Virginia-Carolina area began Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy Dec. 12-15, 2021, in Starkville, Mississippi. The Peanut Leadership Academy is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, the American Peanut Shellers Association and grower organizations. The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Since then, the academy has grown to include farmers from Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and sheller representatives. Activities in the leadership program are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. peanut industry. Throughout the course of 18

months and five sessions, program attendees participate in activities ranging from field trips, meetings with industry leaders and professional development training, as well as an overview of legislative activities in Washington, D.C. During this time, participants build on leadership skills, discuss and debate key industry issues and build relationships. During the first session of the program, the class members were introduced, presented an overview of the peanut industry, discussed industry issues, completed etiquette training and attended the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation annual meeting. Session two of Class XII is scheduled for April 2022. For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, contact PLA coordinator, Jessie Bland at the Georgia Peanut Commission or visit southernpeanutfarmers.org. 

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Georgia Matthew Blitch, Statesboro David Leary Jr., Unadilla Chad Mathis, Arlington Lehman Nevil, Metter Jacob Sandeford, Midville Karla Thompson, Thomasville Russ Worsley, Colquitt North Carolina John Layton, Edenton Brad Ward, Manteo South Carolina Charles Rogers, Hartsville Texas Jeff Lollar, Tokio Brett Verstraeten, Pearsall Virginia Drew Monahan, Waverly Sheller Representatives Brandon Arnold, Golden Peanut & Tree Nuts Garrett Besler, Birdsong Peanuts Pete Froesse, Trico Peanut Allison Randell, Premium Peanut Caleb Weaver, Olam

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show by SEPF Staff

Peanut growers who attend will not only be able to fine tune their farming operations, but will have a chance to win prizes valued at thousands of dollars. The Grand Door Prize, sponsored by Kelley Manufacturing Co., is a $5,000 voucher for any one piece of KMC equipment or parts for KMC equipment.

The 15th annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show is set to be held Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, located on Hwy. 231 South in Dothan, Alabama. The trade show was postponed in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Florida Peanut Producers Association, the one-day event offers farmers a full day to view the industry products and services of more than 60 exhibitors. The trade show opens at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until noon with a lunch immediately following. During the catered lunch, the

Attendees have the opportunity to view the products and service of more than 60 exhibitors at the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show, Feb. 3, 2022, in Dothan, Ala.

program will include speakers Marshall Lamb, National Peanut Research Lab, and Darlene Cowart, Birdsong Peanuts.

February 3, 2022 National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds Dothan, Alabama

Registration/Trade Show 8:30 a.m. Door Prizes Catered Lunch More than 60 exhibitors For more information contact: Alabama Peanut Producers Assn. Ph. 334-792-6482 www.alpeanuts.com

Florida Peanut Producers Assn. Ph. 850-526-2590 www.flpeanuts.com

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All peanut growers are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information on the show, contact APPA at 334-792-6482 or FPPA at 850-526-2277. For exhibit space availability, contact Kaye Lynn Hataway at klhataway@alpeanuts.com. 

2022 Alabama Peanut Production Meetings Monday, Feb. 21, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Cullman County Extension Office, Cullman 6:00 p.m. - Lazenby Farms, Society Hill

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Geneva County, Ketchem’s Restaurant, Hartford 6:00 p.m. - Henry County; Wiregrass Research & Ext. Ctr., Headland

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Dallas County; Sportsman’s Lodge, Tyler

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Mobile County; Lighthouse Restaurant, Irvington 6:00 p.m. - Baldwin County Farmers Federation, Robertsdale

Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Escambia County, Grace Fellowship Church, Atmore

For more information contact: APPA at 334-792-6482 or www.alpeanuts.com

National Peanut Board Officers elected

he National Peanut Board held its last meeting of 2021, Dec. 7 – 8, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Les Crall, a peanut farmer from Weatherford, Oklahoma, was elected chairman of the National Peanut Board during the quarterly meeting. Last year, Crall served as vice chairman. He begins his one-year term as chairman January 1, 2022. Andy Bell of Climax, Georgia, is immediate past chairman.

Also, the National Peanut Board elected Paul Rogers of Wakefield, Virginia, as vice chairman; Greg Baltz of Pocahontas, Arkansas, as treasurer; and Casey Cox of Camilla, Georgia, as secretary. Officers will serve one-year terms beginning January 1, 2022. Committee meetings were also held including Domestic Promotions, Export and International Trade, Budget and Finance, Evaluation and Measurement and Grower and Industry Communications. The next

board meeting is planned for inperson attendance Feb. 16 – 17 in Atlanta, Georgia. USDA appoints new members and alternates to the National Peanut Board The United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently appointed four members and four alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms, from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024. Casey Cox of Camilla is the new member from Georgia. Cox previously served as alternate member. Wesley Webb of Leary is the new alternate from Georgia. Neal Baxley Jr. of Mullins is the new member from South Carolina. Baxley previously served as alternate member. Doug Jarrell of Estill is the new alternate from South Carolina. Jeff Roper of Lubbock is the new

member from Texas. Roper previously served as alternate member. Mason Becker of Brownfield is the new alternate from Texas. Micah Barham of Oak Ridge, Louisiana is the reappointed at-large member. Lucy Shackelford of Bonita, Louisiana is the reappointed at-large alternate. The Board is comprised of 12 producer members and their alternates. Twelve members and alternates are from the primary peanut producing states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. An at-large member and alternate represent the minor peanut producing states. For more information on the promotions and activities of the NPB tional Peanut Board, visit their website at nationalpeanutboard.org. 

Peanut Buying Points Winter Conference set for February The National Peanut Buying Points Winter Conference is set for Feb. 11-14, 2022, at the Emeline Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina. The 2022 conference theme is “Building and Growing Together." All buying points, shellers and industry associates are invited to attend. The program will kick off on Friday night with a President's Welcome Reception. Educational sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will also be a Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning. The Great Cash Giveaway Reception and Auction will be held Sunday evening. Registration is available on the NPBP website at peanutbuyingpoints.org. For more information or to obtain a registration form, email Angela Elder at spearmanagency@friendlycity.net. 

45th Annual Membership Meeting February 24, 2022 Jackson County Agricultural Complex & Conference Center 2741 Penn. Ave., Marianna, Florida Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. (CST) Dinner at 6:30 p.m. (CST)

For More Information: Phone: 850-526-2590 www.FLpeanuts.com Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

ALFA Celebrates 100 Years by Debra Davis

From livestock-led plows such as this one in Franklin County to high-tech modern equipment, agriculture has evolved through the years. So has the Alabama Farm Bureau, now the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Two years prior, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) formed in Chicago to give farmers a seat at the table with major economic players — business, manufacturing, railroads and labor.

century. One hundred years. Ten decades. That’s how long the Alabama Farmers Federation has represented farmers, giving them a voice in local, state and national affairs affecting their livelihood. While the organization focuses on the future of agriculture, it’s important to recognize and honor the past, especially in its centennial year. In 1921, Alabama Extension Service Director L.N. Duncan asked farmers, bankers and businessmen to form a farm organization. Those groups met Jan. 31 at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and voted to form the Alabama Farm Bureau, now known as the Alabama Farmers Federation. The organization’s stated purpose

was simple. “The object of this Federation shall be to effectively organize, advance and improve in every possible way the agricultural interests of the great commonwealth of Alabama, economically, educationally and socially through the united efforts of the county organizations of the state.”

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The relationship between Extension and Farm Bureau was mutually beneficial. Duncan sought to maximize Extension’s service and effectiveness while increasing benefits to farmers. County agents were a major force in organizing local groups, often collecting dues and soliciting memberships. Montgomery County, led by Charles W. Rittenour, was the first county to formally organize in April 1921. Rittenour was county president and was elected the first president of Alabama Farm Bureau. Annual dues were $10. Organizations soon

formed in Lauderdale, Limestone, Hale, Calhoun, Autauga, Geneva and Baldwin counties. It wasn’t long before Dale, Pickens, Lee, Pike and Colbert counties organized. In less than a year, 55 counties had united. Three years later, Wilcox County joined, formalizing memberships in all 67 counties. After successfully improving cotton prices by forming a marketing association in 1922, membership sprouted to 17,000. Growth prompted establishment of the organization’s first home office building in Montgomery in 1922. In 1923, Edward O’Neal III, the first president of the Lauderdale County Farm Bureau, was elected Alabama Farm Bureau president. The organization experienced exponential growth under his leadership, catapulting him to AFBF president in 1931, a position he held until 1947. Robert Croom served the remaining three months of O’Neal’s term as state president, followed by John Edwards (1931-38); William Howard Gray (1938-40); Walter Randolph (1940-61); J.D. Hays (196178) Goodwin L. Myrick (1978-1998); Jerry Newby (1998-2012); and Jimmy Parnell (2012-present). O’Neal’s political prowess parlayed into work with the nation’s highest government officials. Serving as AFBF president through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, O’Neal developed a relationship with then newly elected U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and convinced him to implement programs that benefit farmers today. O’Neal helped create the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, the first farm bill, which helped end the Great Depression. While improving cotton prices was a catalyst to unite farmers, the Federation recognized Alabama’s agricultural diversity. It now represents 17 commodity divisions. AFBF was among the first national organizations to note the important role women have in agriculture and politics. It formed the first women’s committee in 1920, the same year the amendment giving women the right

Alabamian Edward O’Neal, pictured speaking in Chicago, served as American Farm Bureau Federation president from 1931-1947.

to vote was ratified. In the Federation, the first woman to hold state office was Mrs. John S. Morris of Talladega County, who served on the Executive Committee in 1924. Now called the Women’s Leadership Committee, the group continues to be a source of strength for Alabama’s largest grassroots farm organization.

from their insurance coverage and service. Membership swelled as nonfarm members joined.

Alabama began its Young Farmers Program in 1957 to develop farm and community leaders. Its success is evident by many current and former state Federation leaders and state political leaders who are program alumni.

After a 24-year split, Alabama farmers voted to rejoin the national organization in 2005, bringing more than 400,000 family memberships and returning as one of the largest member states.

Improving the lives of Alabama farm families helped herald Alfa Insurance Co. In 1946, the state Federation formed an insurance company to write fire insurance on farm homes and buildings. Today, Alfa offers a full line of insurance products for customers in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. It covers more than 1.1 million cars, homes, farms, businesses and churches and has more than $30 billion of life insurance in force. Alfa offers non-standard auto coverage in 11 states through its Trexis Insurance division. Through the insurance company, urban families began to recognize the value Federation members received

Its strong membership ranked Alabama among the largest state Farm Bureaus. Alabama resigned from AFBF in 1981, dropping the Farm Bureau name and becoming the Alabama Farmers Federation.

When the Alabama Farm Bureau was organized 100 years ago, agriculture was the state’s largest industry. Agriculture and forestry continue to be a leading economic engine with an annual economic impact of $70 billion and 500,000 jobs. The Federation continues to “organize, advance and improve” life for Alabamians. Its strength is also the same — its members.  Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission from the Alabama Farmers Federation. Information for this story was gathered from a variety of sources, including the Federation’s 75th annual meeting program, Neighbors magazine, AFF archives, Auburn University archives, books, newspaper articles and personal accounts from members.

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Washington Outlook By Robert L. Redding Jr.

U.S. House Ag Hearing “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply Chain” The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing, “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply Chain” on Nov. 3, 2021. Members of Congress heard testimonies from witnesses across ag industries express the challenges of our Nation’s widespread supply chain issues. This bipartisan conversation highlighted the additional costs producers and shippers have taken on since the COVID-19 pandemic to meet increased consumer demands during a labor shortage. Chairman Davis Scott, D-Georgia, opened the hearing saying, “While these supply chain disruptions are serious and unprecedented, it is important to remember that we are not facing a scarcity of food and agricultural commodities. The U.S. is still the world’s best producer of an abundant, secure food supply. Despite the challenges our agricultural industry is facing, it is also still on pace to set record export levels. And in the cases of commodities that have enjoyed higher prices recently, those prices are welcomed by farmers, many of whom suffered from low prices for years prior to the market improving. I do not want to understate that these complex disruptions are causing economic hardship, delays, limited product choices, increased costs of production, and most notable for much of the American public, increased prices for consumer goods… I look forward to helping our incredible food and agriculture industry get through these formidable challenges.”

U.S. House Passes H.R. 4996 - Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4996 Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 to ensure ocean

carriers don’t decline shipping U.S. exports. This bill could boost agricultural producers who have struggled getting their products to foreign markets amid supply chain bottlenecks. The bipartisan bill prohibits ocean carriers from declining to ship U.S. exports and would give avenues of recourse to U.S. shipping interests within the Federal Maritime Commission. “I think Americans would be shocked to learn that ocean carriers are just rejecting American cargo and choosing to haul empty containers,” said U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, a sponsor of the bill. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, D-California, said the legislation would help U.S. exporters compete as container shipping costs have skyrocketed. A food processor in his district, has seen its container costs soar from $3,000 per shipment to more than $30,000 per shipment in the last year. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, is expected to introduce this legislation in the Senate. The wide margin of passage in the House (36460) could indicate how quickly this bill is expected to move to the President’s desk.

USDA Established Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service released its new the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) program. The purpose of the Local Food Purchase program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. The program will award $400 million through cooperative agreements with state governments to support farmers and

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ranchers. These food products will be distributed locally or within 400 miles. The cooperative agreements allow for the state to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, and unique to their geographic area. These food purchases are intended to help meet nutritional needs, and serve feeding programs, including food banks, schools and organizations that reach underserved communities. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds will help build and expand economic opportunity for local producers.

U.S. Senate Confirms USDA Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation The U.S. Senate voted 76-19 to confirm Robert Bonnie as Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation at the Agriculture Department, a key post that oversees sweeping farm programs, crop insurance and climate-related programs. Bonnie currently serves as deputy chief of staff and senior climate adviser to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He led the Biden-Harris transition team for USDA and, before that, served as USDA’s undersecretary for natural resources and the environment in the Obama administration, when Vilsack previously served as secretary.

Chairman Scott Leads Letter Prioritizing Worker Grants for Truck Drivers U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott, D-Georgia, led more than 60 of his House colleagues in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Marty Walsh expressing growing concern over the nationwide truck driver shortage and its effects on the nation’s supply chain. The letter highlighted alarming turnover rates in the trucking industry and urged

Secretary Walsh to prioritize DOL Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants for applicants seeking to become truck drivers. “Trucking has emerged as one of the two most critical bottlenecks in the persistent freight backlog, the other being long delays at loading docks and seaport terminals,” the lawmakers wrote. “[The] truck driver shortage in the United States coupled with a global economy emerging from the pandemic, has resulted in an uneven economic recovery for millions of American families. Unless we exhaust every possible avenue in which to address this crisis, we risk worsening supply constraints for manufacturers and rising prices on consumer goods.” The nationwide trucking shortage has added to issues across the supply chain, leading to overflowing warehouses, empty store shelves, and congestion at ports. The Bureau of

Labor Statistics recently found that the trucking industry lost 6 percent of its pre-pandemic labor force of 1.52 million workers in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October, the industry recovered about 65,000 of those lost jobs but remains short of effectively meeting supply chain demands.

Members of House Oversight and Reform Committee ask USDA Secretary Vilsack to Delay Vaccine Mandate for Farm Service Agency Employees Twenty members of Congress, on the Committee on Oversight and Reform, wrote a joint letter to USDA’s Secretary Vilsack requesting he delay the implementation of the vaccine mandate to assure adequate staffing of Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Offices.

“While the concern about the loss of staff in local FSA offices and lack of state director appointments is legitimate, the mandate also raises economic, food, and national security alarms. The two major unions representing the Department’s meat, plant, and poultry inspectors and scientists were warning over significant layoffs just the other day. Playing politics with American’s food supply is profoundly concerning. With the threat of African Swine Fever knocking on our door, South Korea’s confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza, and the continuing rising cost of household foods, any further action by the Department that would increase these risks is misguided. We respectfully ask you to delay the implementation of this mandate until the Department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff and when the remaining 43 FSA State Directors will be appointed.“ 

Peanut quality symposium held in tifton

ore than 100 industry stakeholders converged on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in November for a two-day event focused on mapping a path to eliminate or mitigate aflatoxin in peanuts. The event began with an accounting of the economic and global impact aflatoxin is having across the peanut industry, particularly for product being exported.

Attendees were able to learn from other commodity groups as well. A senior official from the Almond Board of California reported on their journey to reduce the incidence of aflatoxin during almond production and distribution. The second day of meetings provided an opportunity for participants to split up into groups for discussion on options to eliminate or mitigate aflatoxin during pre-harvest, post-harvest, handling and storage, as well as shelling and manufacturing. Following the discussions, participants ranked priorities to guide future research and industry collaboration for

During the Quality Symposium, a panel of deans provided an overview of their efforts within each college. Pictured left to right: Nick Place, dean and director, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Ralph Noble, dean, Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, and Scott Angle, vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

mitigating aflatoxin. "I got a sense from the meetings today that the vast nature of this problem is going to take a lot of us working together in different ways for a number of years to get it resolved," says Dean Ralph Noble, Fort Valley

State University College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. "Peanuts are a very important product internationally. I don’t see one answer today, but I do see us all fitting in together to be sure we move forward in the right direction." 

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

1025 Sugar Pike Way · Canton, Georgia 30115 |(770) 751-6615 | lpwagner@comcast.net

Chef Podcast Tour

Georgia School Nutrition Regional Expos

Chef Michael Marshall, the chef/ owner of 7 Myles Craft Dining, and Andy Chapman, founder of EatYall, spent the day with Donald Chase at Chase Family Farms to learn all about peanuts for a two-part series on the EatY’all Chef Podcast. The majority of food sold in the United States is sold through foodservice channels and chefs lead those purchasing decisions. Chefs are only as good as their ingredients and top chefs are natural partners for farmers. This podcast has a regular audience of chefs which represented hundreds of millions of dollars in purchasing power. Chef Michael and Donald Chase quickly find similar passions for sustainability and simplicity as Michael discusses the industry’s shift back to using simpler, fresher and more local ingredients and Donald talks about family peanut farms and shares the

Southern Peanut Growers staffed the Georgia Peanut Commission’s booth at three regional Georgia School Nutrition Association meetings during October in Macon, Tifton and Duluth, Georgia. Georgia peanuts were distributed at the booth along with recipes, peanut butter, nutrition information and allergy information.

Pictured left to right: Chef Michael Marshall, owner of 7 Myles Craft Dining, learns more about peanuts from Donald Chase, Georgia farmer, while Andy Chapman, founder of EatYall, record a podcast episode for chefs.

peanut sustainability story. It is amazing to hear how closely their stories and values align as they discuss growing peanuts and sourcing ingredients. You can listen to this two-part peanut podcast at: https://eatyall.com/ eatyallpodcast/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Love, Joy, Hope & Peanuts Virtual Cooking School with Chef Dwayne Ingraham

Southern Peanut Growers partnered with Eat Y’all and Chef Dwayne Ingraham to host a holiday virtual cooking school on November 16. Chef Dwayne was named Best Baker in America by the TV Food Network in 2015 and Chopped Sweets Champion in 2020. He is a master of combining simple ingredients and southern charm while he teaches foolproof cooking techniques. Chef Dwayne spent a full hour showing participants how to make two peanut butter candies perfect for gifting or holiday parties: Peanut Butter Fudge and Peanut Butter Truffles. Pre-registered participants received the recipes ahead of time so they could cook along live during the class. Approximately 35 people participated in the class live on Zoom and another 70 people watched the video live on Facebook where they could ask questions in real time. 

Algood Food Company donated single serve packets of creamy peanut butter and ordering information for the exhibit. Prior to the trade show opening, Wagner discussed the Algood peanut butter product with food service distributors at the event. During the exhibit, she gave samples to the food service directors and the product information sheet so they could request it from their distributor. Cobb County is the only school system in Georgia who purchased the single serving packets of peanut butter from Algood Food Company for their summer feeding program. Most discussions at the exhibit in Duluth revolved around peanut bans. Wagner is following up with several school districts with information to help them work on overturning the bans they have in place. 

Peanut Butter Fudge Ingredients

2 cups sugar 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup Molasses 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup marshmallow creme

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Directions Combine sugar, evaporated milk, honey, cream, molasses, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook to 243 degrees F on a candy thermometer or the ‘soft ball stage’ when dripped into a bowl of cold water. Remove from heat and stir in salt, peanut butter and marshmallow crème. Stir until mixture turns creamy and opaque. Pour into a greased pan and allow to set. Once cooled, removed from the

pan and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.

Jan./Feb. 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Southern Peanut Growers Conference EDGEWATER BEACH & GOLF RESORT July 21-23, 2022 Panama City Beach, Florida

al u n n A d 23r t! Even

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

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

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

Registration opens April 1, 2022. www.southernpeanutfarmers.org