Peanut Grower April 2019

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

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The

APRIL 2019

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

APRIL 2019

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Combo Proven In The Field

Volume 31 • Number 4

Prepare Planting Equipment

Growing Resistance

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Has it really been 10 years?

5

News Briefs Farm Bill called ‘a miracle’

6

Market Watch Carryover expected to be more balanced

Features

18 Peanut Pointers Advice for planting to post emergence

10 Overcoming Uncertainty

Stay Connected

12 Proof Is In The Yield

Hope for higher prices in peanuts or other row crops diminishes.

Testing products on the farm is standard for this crop consultant and the growers he works with.

14 Growing Resistance

Another case of herbicide resistance is evidence of widening problem.

16 Think Inside And Outside The Box Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

When calibrating a planter, it is very important to check every row.

www.peanutgrower.com Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower T WIT TER : @ @PE ANUTGROWER PE ANUTGROWER

On the cover: Baker County, Georgia, producer Matt Bryan and his son John.

APRIL 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

3

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (847) 559-7324 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD John Beasley Extension Agronomist Auburn University Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Craig Kvien Coastal Plain Experiment Station,Tifton, GA

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist Texas A & M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico.

Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2019 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim.

The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

Has It Really Been 10 Years?

A

s the spring rolls on, the hope for better crop prices in peanuts or any rotation partner continues to diminish, as does the hope for a reduction in the peanut stockpile or improved trade. Frequent rains are keeping producers out of the field when they should be planting corn.

When this happens, it tends to lead to more peanuts because it is a later-planted crop. Unexpected and/or additional peanut acres is something that is not needed.

All of this had me wondering what was happening 10 years ago. Since I Amanda Huber have been around that long and then Editor, The Peanut Grower some, I pulled a file off the shelf and went through the magazines until I found April 2009. Recognizing the cover instantly, I know exactly what was going on at that time. In early 2009, the peanut industry was reeling from the salmonella outbreak and the subsequent recall of peanut butter and products containing peanut butter.

Tyron Spearman, Marketing Editor, wrote, “The difficulty in today’s farming environment is to be optimistic about anything. The entire peanut industry has been battered about the recall. All segments are searching for ways to improve markets and remain optimistic.”

He continued, “The [National Peanut Board] survey shows that almost 20 percent of consumers have stopped eating peanut butter, even though it was not part of the recall.”

The industry crisis came on the heels of a 2008 acreage increase of nearly 25 percent, which meant a big carryover. The factors creating the market lull are different now, but the result is nearly the same.

I said I instantly recognized the cover of that April 2009 issue and that’s because it was a picture of Roger Neitsch, Texas producer and NPB chairman at the time. Long before the salmonella situation unfolded, the NPB had planned a big event in New York City to unveil their new tagline, “Energy For The Good Life.” An event at Grand Central Station targeted consumers and another at the Astor Center involved well-known chefs and the culinary press.

As I wrote in my editorial then, the response was very positive and it was a tremendous boost to producers and industry folks in attendance. Think of how far that energy-promoting slogan took peanut consumption, and energy benefits are still highlighted today. There’s always an ebb and flow to peanuts and we just have to hope we reach low tide soon and we’ll begin to rise again.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Farm Bill Called ‘A Miracle’

At the National Peanut Buying Points Association Annual Convention, U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Chairman, Collin Peterson (D-Mn) said, “It was a miracle with all the problems we had to face that we got a Farm Bill!”

Peterson said that it was good news the way it played out, but it was hard fought and took bipartisan teamwork.

Chairman Peterson said that only 30 to 40 representatives are from rural districts in Congress. The real sticking point on this Farm Bill is the Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program, but as Peterson said, “Incorporating it is the only way to keep this thing together.”

Peterson also expressed his concern about farmers. “The trade issues will not back off. Right now, the steel guys are running the trade show. We get out negotiated. We need trade and we will continue to fight to increase our commodity exports. We have maintained the Market Assistance Program to promote more exports.”

He also said the price of commodities is not covering the cost of production. “This year, rent costs even went up. We may have to consider increasing the CRP program to take land out of production.”

On disaster relief, Peterson said, “We tried to get disaster funds for the Southeast through appropriations, but a dispute over a few hundred million dollars for Puerto Rico disaster assistance cost the Southeast about $3.0 billion.”

Redding Talks Farm Bill, Disaster, Trade, Ag Labor

Bob Redding of the Redding Firm, who represents the producers of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, discussed top peanut policy issues at the NPBPA Winter Conference. The top priorities for peanut farmers included the 2018 Farm Bill, status of disaster legislation, a trade update and ag labor outlook as part of immigration reform legislation.

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The 2018 Farm Bill kept critical peanut provisions in place including the $535 per-ton reference price, storage and handling provisions and the separate peanut payment limit. The administration may have some limited agreement with China by early March.

House and Senate bills have been introduced on ag labor.

Redding noted that U.S. House and Senate disaster bills contained agriculture disaster provisions. Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott offered a floor amendment increasing the $1.1 billion package to $3 billion. With the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills sent to the President for signature, Senator David Perdue introduced a stand-alone ag disaster legislation.

Redding said, “What is important to peanut growers is Senator Perdue’s efforts to include 2018 disaster assistance for those peanuts harmed by excessive rains.”

Hurricane Disaster Relief

What’s less predictable than the path of a hurricane? When Southeast farmers will be provided hurricane disaster relief, that’s what. Federal and state officials recently told about 400 producers in Tifton that hurricane disaster relief for Southeast farmers will be coming – eventually. Farmers and agriculture officials are frustrated about the delays in disaster aid on the federal level. In South and Middle Georgia, Northern Florida and Alabama, farmers and rural communities are still awaiting federal assistance to aid in damages to property, crops, public infrastructure and utilities caused by Hurricane Michael.

Congressmen Bishop and Scott have introduced a bipartisan bill in the House for $3.1 billion and Senator Perdue and others have introduced a stand-alone bill in the Senate for all U.S. disasters for a total of $13.6 billion. Efforts are underway to unite the two bills and vote before the end of March. Senator Isakson said the chairman of the Senate assured him that if

In Brief: • Disaster relief remains elusive • Inspection service with labor shortage

grapples

• NPB approves 66 research projects • Douglas Peanut And Grain honored as Buying Point of the Year • Per capita consumption up; snack category needs attention

the bill was not approved by the end of March, ‘he would personally get it on the floor for a vote.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black are ready to move with the approval of the new budget. Kemp said he would sign proposed state legislation adding $18 million to a loan program for farmers hit hard by Hurricane Michael and another $2 million for damaged rural hospitals.

The approval is added to the $470 million in aid the General Assembly previously has approved in a called session. Assistance for program crops assistance would be managed by FSA, and non-program crops such as pecans, vegetables and timber would be handled

by Georgia Department of Agriculture through block grants.

Grading Reported Smooth

T. E. Moye, of the Federal State Inspection Service, recently reported that in spite of weather problems, peanut grading went smoothly this season.

Conveyance size is increasing with tons per certificate or load now at 12.21 tons (more semis) compared to only 9.11 tons in 2014. No-sales of loads declined this year. The reasons for no sales, which require a new grade, were high moisture – 26.02 percent, grade – 22.63 percent and foreign material or Continued on page 8

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APRIL 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Carryover Expected To Be In More Balanced Position

P

eanut production in 2018 in the United States was 2,730,800 tons.

The 23 percent reduction from the previous year was a move in the right direction to balance the U.S. supply with world demand. However, it is now apparent that it was not enough to move the market as demand for peanuts in the United States and the export market has slowed and even declined.

That makes marketing the 2019 crop difficult for the farmer. With shelled peanuts on hand up 8 to 10 percent and even purchased peanuts delayed in delivery plus prices at rock bottom, shellers are only offering the minimum to protect the business and the farmers who want to have a future in peanuts.

One peanut leader said it well, “The U.S. finally delivered about 2.7 million farmer-stock tons, which should have put the expected carryover in a more balanced position. However, both domestic and export demand for U.S. peanuts are stagnant and well below expectations. In 2018/19 the high carryover is a function of demand. To get back to a carryover estimate that is good for the entire industry, we do need to reduce acreage in 2019 if demand doesn’t improve.”

What Are The Facts?

Ending stocks are still high. The U.S. peanut industry will enter 2019 with a carry forward about 12 percent less than last year at 1,191,000 tons. 2019 farmer stock opening contracts are at $400 per ton for Southeast Runners, $425 per ton for high oleic variety and $450 per ton for Virginia type in the Virginia-Carolina region. Farmers are not happy that prices are at or below the cost of production.

Response has been slow as farmers eye the cotton market and pray that China 6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (March 7, 2019) 2018 Production (3,991 lbs/A avg. yield).......................... 2,730,800 tons 2018 Market Loan ............................................................... 2,335,398 tons 2017 Market Loan (2017 crop).......................................................... 0 tons 2017 Forfeits (1-2-2019) ........................................................... 121,684 tons 2018-19 Domestic Usage (6 Mo.) ........................... Down – 3.1 percent 2018-19 Exports (4 Mo.) ................................................. Up + 11.9 percent NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.49, Spanish - $415.84, Valencia/Virginias - $429.80

might buy more peanuts and cotton. At press time, most shellers have withdrawn from the farmer-stock market.

Another factor is that USDA is holding 121,684 tons of forfeitures from 2017 crop that will be up for sale soon.

USDA has issued a call for inquiries on bartering for peanut butter. Officials have been slow to offer the stored peanuts for sale because of time spent on new regulations from the Farm Bill.

Not Meeting Expectations The Federal State Inspection Service reports deliveries of 2,735,398 tons, about the same as the final crop estimate of 2,730,800 tons. USDA predicts a domestic food use increase of 2.7 percent, but through January peanut usage is down 3.1 percent. Peanut exports are predicted to decrease 5.7 percent, but boasted an 11.9 percent increase through November.

The Price Loss Coverage is a safety net that farmers will have to depend on this year. The average price of all peanuts is estimated by USDA at $430 per ton; however, that is declining. A payment in October of $105 per ton

is indicated for farmers having a farm base, which will be applied to 85 percent of the base.

2018/2019 Supply And Demand With a 2018 peanut crop of 2,730,000 tons and an estimated ending stock of 1,191,000 tons, the supply of peanuts could be estimated at 3,921,800 tons.

USDA estimates demand at 2,936,000 tons leaving a new carry forward of 985,800 tons. With usage for the three months until the new crop at about 225,000 tons per month, that leaves a pile of peanuts of about 300,000 tons with no home. Any kind of weather problem in the peanut production areas could change market dynamics.

What Is Wrong With Demand?

The National Peanut Board reports that per capita consumption of peanuts has grown 12 percent since 2012. The charts show per capita consumption of peanuts at 7.42 pounds per person in 2016, 7.42 pounds in 2017 and 7.50 pounds in 2018. The NPB survey concludes that peanut consumption is rising, particularly among millennials.

PE ANUTGROWER .COM

However, the way that millennials are consuming peanuts is different than other generations. Millennials are more likely to have tried peanut candy, peanut oil and peanut powder compared to the general population.

For the peanut butter category, the artisanal brands are hot food trends, high quality or distinctive product made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods. Buying indicates less big jars possibly. There may be a lull in the market, but consumers still love their peanut butter.

Export Issues China appears to be out of the discussion. The tariff issue is not being discussed and marketers indicate China has a good supply and is expected to plant about the same hectares as last year. Argentina has a good crop they are about to harvest, overcoming no rains in February with showers return-

ing in March to the peanut production region. Acreage was down 16 percent, but yields up.

U.S. export of peanuts were up 11.9 percent through November. Information expected during the December/January government shutdown was expected to finally be released in March.

The trade mitigation is a positive for the peanut industry with USDA purchasing 5.4 million pounds of peanut butter for domestic food funded by $5.3 million in foreign ag funds. Another $1.9 million was a llocated to the American Peanut Council for promotion programs in Japan, Columbia and the European Union over the next three years.

Other Marketing Factors Watch for the March 30 acreage estimate. That could impact market offers.

Hurricane Michael is still affecting the peanut industry as more aflatoxin

“

Growers are encouraged to cover the peanut production basics before spending on unnecessary inputs. Protect seed quality at planting time. Be conservative on planting and wait — markets will get better.

is being reported in warehouse storage caused by wet conditions. Early spring rains have delayed corn plantings and that might put more pressure on peanut acres. Growers are encouraged to cover the peanut production basics before spending on unnecessary inputs. Protect seed quality at planting time. Be conservative on planting and wait — markets will get better. PG

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APRIL 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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Continued from page 5

LSKs – 51.16 percent.

Labor is a major issue since more than 1,000 graders or assistants are needed for the two-month harvest. The use of the Department of Labor job fairs has been successful, and temporary service companies have also been used.

Moye said another area that has been successful and will expand has been the part-time employment of FFA students.

$1.8 Million For Research

The National Peanut Board recently held a quarterly meeting to address funding for FY-20 state production research projects. Recommendations for 66 projects totaling $1,801,224 were reviewed and approved.

“Today’s seed varieties that produce higher yields, withstand diseases, nematodes and other obstacles are the result of years of high-quality production research,” said Dan Ward, National Peanut Board chairman and North Carolina member. “Our research dollars continue to give farmers the critical information that makes them more productive and ensures peanuts remain competitive, now and into the future.”

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

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

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

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

Douglas Peanut Wins Honor The National Peanut Buying Points Association annually honors a buying point as the Buying Point of the Year.

This award honors growth and efficiency, staff and development, education, community involvement and hard work.

Joe Parker, NPBPA president said, “With over 300 buying points across America, it is difficult to select one as the Peanut Buying Point of the Year.

Once nominated, the board votes to determine the winner.”

This year, the Buying Point of the Year is Douglas Peanut and Grain.

Douglas Peanut Company is owned

by Ralph Evans and managed by Peter Brown. Located in Douglas, the buying point started in 1984 with Golden Peanut Company. They joined the Premium Peanut, LLC in 2016. While with Golden, the buying point bought 10,000 to 12,000 tons per year. In 2017, Douglas Peanut Company bought 58,000 farmer stock tons and was said to be the biggest buying point in Georgia. In 2018, after two hurricanes, the buying point bought 46,500 tons.

Upon learning of the honor, Brown said, “I want to pay tribute to my staff on the yard and in the office, we could not have made this possible without them.”

Brown is a board member of the National Peanut Buying Points Association and active on the PAC Committee selling tickets each year. He is active in the community with the Boys and Girls Club, his church and in his girls’ participation in softball.

Per Capita Consumption Up Bob Parker, National Peanut Board chief executive officer, reports that the per capita consumption of peanuts has grown 12 percent since 2012. The statistics show per capita consumption of peanuts at 7.42 pounds per person in 2016, 7.42 pounds in 2017 and 7.50 in 2018.

By category, the breakdown shows per capita consumption of 4.02

pounds per person for peanut butter, 1.60 pounds for snacks, 1.16 pounds for candy, .43 pounds for in-shells and .29 pounds for other products. Reports indicate that peanuts are getting traction as the snack category expands.

For the peanut butter category, the artisanal brands are hot food trends with high quality or distinctive product made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods. Buying indicates less big jars.

Other trends impacting peanut butter are diets prescribing no bread, a strong economy that causes consumers to eat out more often. The perception of the healthfulness has pushed consumers to almond snacks, which are supported by major advertising dollars.

Consumer research shows that consumers consider price, favorite flavor, health and natural ingredients when selecting a snack. The global market for snack food is expected to grow 5.8 percent annually through 2021.

The Peanut Allergy Message

Getting the message to consumers that a small amount of peanut butter at age four to six months will help to reduce the likelihood of peanut allergy continues to be a priority of the National Peanut Board.

The ground-breaking LEAP study showed that it is possible to reduce the development of peanut allergies in highrisk infants by 86 percent by introducing peanut foods at an early age.

Bob Parker, NPB chairman, says that of the 4 million live births each year, with an allergy rate of 2 to 2.5 percent, about 90,000 infants are likely to develop a peanut allergy.

“We have the potential to reduce peanut allergy prevalence from 90,000 to 13,000. Recommend the guidelines to family, friends, pediatricians, organization members, churches, hospitals and schools.

For FACT cards, call 678-424-5750.

A video to share on social media is available at www.preventpeanutallergies. org. PG PE ANUTGROWER .COM

NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD

ADDING VALUE THROUGH PRODUCTION RESEARCH

WHERE WE’VE BEEN The National Peanut Board has invested $34.5 million toward groundbreaking production research in its 19-year history.

WHERE WE’LL GO We’re meeting the challenges of tomorrow with emphasis on funding research to advance Precision Breeding, helping peanuts become hardier, more drought-resistant and more efficient to grow.

Overcoming Uncertainty

B

ecause of losses suffered during the last growing season and new tariffs, Georgia farmers are facing a sense of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming production season, says University of Georgia agricultural economist Adam Rabinowitz.

Just four months removed from Hurricane Michael — the devastating October storm that contributed to more than $2 billion in agricultural-related damage — farmers are unsure of how to proceed. Crop insurance does not fully cover those losses. Farmers are also unsettled about the current tariffs and how they will impact commodity prices that are already extremely low.

Peanut Farm Gate Value By Year “We had the market facilitation program last year to cover some of 2012 - $891,855,186 those losses that were a result of trade 2013 - $507,455,693 2014 - $563,933,740 and Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has 2015 - $684,626,931 said he doesn’t want to do that again 2016 - $624,380,318 this year,” says Rabinowitz. “If those 2017 - $825,040,700 tariffs do not get removed, then there’s questions on what’s going to happen in terms of prices and whether there will be any other type of government support.”

Increasing Peanut Prices Rabinowitz says peanut farmers need to continue to reduce peanut acreage if prices are going to improve. Georgia produced 628,000 acres last year, down from 714,168 acres in 2017. Another 5 to 10 percent reduction in peanut acres would start to move prices favorably for farmers, he says.

Corn acreage could increase this year depending on the future of soybean exports to China. Prices remain at $4 per bushel, though Rabinowitz believes an increase to $4.50 is likely.

Cotton prices are 71 cents per pound, far below the 93 cents

2017 Georgia Ag Commodity Rankings Rank

Commodity

1

Broilers

2 3

Farm Gate

% Of Total

$4,422,695,768

32.06

Cotton

$901,546,722

6.54

Eggs

$850,689,401

6.17

4

Peanuts

$825,040,700

5.98

5

Timber

$669,471,994

4.85

per pound farmers received last June. Georgia producers planted 1.45 million acres in 2018, an increase from the 1.28 million acres in 2017. If cotton prices continue to drop, farmers may shift some of those acres to peanuts.

Positive And Negative In Input Costs “There’s certainly hope for higher prices, but it doesn’t look like there will be on the row crop side. There may be a little bit of an increase on corn, but the fact that we’re going to see increased acreage in the United States just because prices have gone up a little means that, overall, it’s not going to be that impactful,” Rabinowitz says.

More discouraging news for farmers is that, while prices remain low, input costs are rising.

“We’re seeing some increases on fertilizer costs, machinery, labor, interest rates. They’ve all gone up a little bit,” Rabinowitz says. “Diesel prices have come down, so that certainly helps.”

Land values remain stable, with a small decrease on the cost of irrigated land rent. This is good news for farmers who need equity when they apply for this year’s loans. PG Information provided by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences based in Tifton.

Peanuts In Top 5 For Georgia Farm Gate Value Among University of Georgia agricultural economist Kent Wolfe’s list of job responsibilities is determining the value of Georgia’s agriculture commodities. Wolfe is director of the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Development.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service uses the market year price for the whole year to determine farm gate values, but Wolfe, with the help of Cooperative Extension agents across the state, uses crop prices at the time of harvest.

The UGA farm gate information is merged with the university’s Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, an online, database-driven system that collects information from crop advisors, county agents and Extension specialists to provide a clear picture of current pest and disease activity.

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

With the information, EDDMapS IPM is better able to target pest and disease information, says Joe LaForest, associate director of the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health system, also known as the Bugwood network, and leader of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Forest Health programs.

Farm gate data is generally released a year after the crop year. The 2018 crop year will be completed later this year.

For 2017, the total farm gate value for Georgia agricultural commodities is $13.7 billion. The top five commodities in order of value were broilers, cotton, eggs, peanuts and timber.

To access the Georgia farm gate values, visit the CAED website at www.caes.uga.edu/content/caes-subsite/caed/ publications/farm-gate.

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Crop Consultant, Paul Wigley: • Works with 16 top-yielding producers in Georgia • Consults in Calhoun, Baker, Clay, Carroll, Randolf and Early counties • Won’t recommend a product he hasn’t worked with in on-farm trials

Proof Is In The Yield Testing products on the farm is standard for this crop consultant and the growers he works with.

By Amanda Huber

P

aul Wigley is a well-known name in South Georgia.

Even though he retired as Calhoun County Extension Agent in 2011, Wigley has stayed busy as a crop consultant with his business Paul Ventures Inc. working with some of the best producers in the state.

Wigley says these 16 high-yielding producers are almost always willing to adopt new technology of their farms, but only after looking at it under their own field conditions and management. Since Wigley won’t recommend a product he hasn’t worked with yet, this pairs well with his top-notch producers.

One of the product combinations he has looked at recently with impressive results is Velum Total plus Propulse.

On-Farm Testing The first year that I looked at it was a trial with Mike

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

Newberry on his Early County farm. “Mike is a stickler for getting things right, so we put in nine repetitions. We thought we might have a nematode problem that year, but we didn’t end up seeing heavy pressure, and yet there was still about a 400 pound difference in the Velum Total plus Propulse treatment versus the untreated check. We thought, ‘If that’s what it does with less nematode pressure, what will it do under heavier pressure?’”

Matt Bryan, a Baker County producer Wigley also consults for, put Velum Total and Propulse in trials on his farm and also had good results.

“I used to put Temik out, and then when it went away, I went for a few years without putting out anything for nematodes. I didn’t really think we had a major nematode problem, but that first year when we looked at Velum alone compared to Thimet, we got 300-pound advantage,” Bryan says.

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Effective Under Adverse Conditions Baker County Producer, That next year, Bryan says they Matt Bryan: put out Velum Total plus Propulse.

• Winner of the Georgia Peanut The Velum is mixed with his inocAchievement Club in 2018 ulant and applied at planting. The • Plants a corn, cotton, corn, Propulse was applied about 40 days peanut rotation • Achieved nearly a 1,000-pound after planting but couldn’t be incorincrease in yield in field trials porated right away. using Velum Total and Propulse “It was about eight days before it could really be incorporated and we still got an 800-pound increase in yield,” says Bryan, whose rotation is corn behind peanuts, then cotton, then corn again.

Wigley says, “Matt found out that if adversity hits, it will wait on you and still be effective.”

Target Areas Velum Total is a nematicide and insecticide applied in-furrow at planting. It also offers some suppression of leaf spot and white mold early on. Propulse, applied at 45 to 50 days after planting, extends that nematode protection and solidifies the disease protection. Propulse is a combination of the nematicide in Velum Total and prothioconazole, or Proline. According to Bayer CropScience, Propulse controls nematode, leaf spot, Rhizoctonia limb rot, and peg and pod rot. It also suppresses Cylindrocladium black rot and white mold.

Good Combo Wigley says that it was best to put the two products together because Velum Total is not really a stand-alone product.

“When growers had Temik, they would put out 10 pounds at planting, then come back with a second application. When Velum came out, I said, ‘What are we going to do when that product runs out in the field?’ Propulse fills that need,” he says.

Wigley says the combination offers brighter, shinier hulls because of less disease and nematode issues. Treatments gave nearly 1,000 pounds per acre in yield. You’ll get your investment back with significant return on yield in fields with nematode issues.

“You really get two for one with the nematode control and disease protection. I have been using it every year and plan to continue using it,” says Bryan, who was recognized in 2018 as a statewide winner of the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club for a yield of 6,892 pounds per acre on 228 acres in 2017.

Good Yields, Phenomenal Grades In 2018, Bryan found himself in the path of Hurricane Michael, but his problems didn’t end after the storm passed.

“The first field we picked before the storm and it yielded 7,200 pounds per acre,” he says. “After the storm, the average was 6,400 to 6,500 pounds and we were thankful to get that.

Grades were phenomenal. But we lost a lot in the field, a lot.

“What hurt us more than the actual storm was the rain after the storm. Because of rains at planting, we didn’t even get half of the crop planted until June 15, so it was going to be a late year. It was November before we started harvest. Then, some peanuts laid on the ground for 35 days.”

He’s hoping for a little drier year, but already this spring is proving to be too wet to start planting corn. PG T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

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13

Growing Resistance Another case of herbicide resistance is evidence of widening problem.

H

erbicide resistance continues to spread across the peanut belt with multiple resistances and new weeds becoming part of the mix. Greater attention to the ways in which resistance can be avoided or delayed is needed to protect the remaining herbicides and crops.

David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension agronomist, says one of his greatest concerns is the evolution of herbicide resistance across the peanut belt. We have ALS resistant pigweed (Cadre, Pursuit, Strong Arm).

In North Carolina, we also have ALSresistant ragweed.

My colleague, Eric Prostko from the University of Georgia, has confirmed ALS-resistant yellow nutsedge.

“As we continue to use these herbicides, we are getting more resistance,” Jordan says. “The one herbicide group we are really concerned about are the PPO-inhibiting herbicides: Cobra, Blazer, Valor and Storm.”

Multiple Resistances Jordan says a screening project was conducted in the North Carolina Coastal Plain area where peanuts and sweet potatoes are grown along with other crops.

“In that screening, we had four out of 125 populations of Palmer amaranth that we collected that appeared to be resistant to the PPO herbicides,” he says.

“Confirming that resistance is a more complicated scientific process, but we do think we have possible resistance in these populations or at the very least enhanced tolerance in some way. in these populations. As we rely more heavily on the PPO herbicides in peanuts and other crops, if we are not careful, we’ll move into that direction.”

Jordan says Arkansas and Tennessee have considerable amounts of PPO resis14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

Treating weeds that are beyond optimum size has helped to increase the rate of resistance.

Diligent early season weed management includes: • The use of overlapping residuals regardless of crop • Incorporated treatments • Pre-emergence applications • More residual herbicides applied at early postemergence

tant Palmer amaranth but not a lot of peanuts.

More Diligence Needed “We want to avoid that if at all possible. One of the populations has greater tolerance to ALS herbicides, PPO herbicides and the HPPD inhibitors, which are not used in peanuts, but is a herbicide used in corn and other crops as well. We are beginning to see multi-

ple resistances in our populations. Even more than expected,” he says.

“We have got to be more diligent with our weed management by using overlapping residuals regardless of crop.

We need to use incorporated treatments and pre-emergence applications. We also need to apply more residual herbicides at the early postemergence timing.”

“In my opinion, we are better off to spend more up front on residual herbicides than to spend the same amount later trying to catch up,” Jordan says.

“Yields are lower and you control fewer weeds relying on post emergence applications.

“Multiple residuals up front pay for themselves.”

Spraying Weeds Too Big Another factor that leads to increased PE ANUTGROWER .COM

Susceptible yellow nutsedge population (left) and suspect resistant population (right) treated with various rates of Cadre 2AS - 28 DAT.

resistance is spraying weeds that are bigger than the optimum size of four inches or less.

“When you spray big weeds, you will move toward resistance more quickly.

The more we spray big weeds, the more we select for the more tolerant ones and the quicker that population moves toward resistance. Spraying in a timely way becomes more important.”

Jordan says for pigweed escapes that are well above the recommended timing, it is best to leave out the PPOs, Cobra, Blazer and Storm, which would not kill the weeds anyway.

“My recommendation is to make two applications of 2,4-D-B at 14 days apart.

You won’t completely eliminate the pigweeds, but you’ll beat them up enough that they’re not going to be a big issue to harvest. And if we’re making applications later in the season with PPOs, we are hurting the situation more than helping. We need to try hard not to get into this situation.

Residual Herbicides Critical Another scenario, Jordan says, is if you’ve got some big weeds, but a lot more small ones, you will get the small ones with PPOs, but not the big ones.

“Once you get past overlapping residuals, preplant incorporated and preemergence, I am a big fan of an early post application of Gramoxone, plus a residual,” he says. “Always include Basagran in there and if we’ve got thrips beating us up a little bit, you can put acephate in the tank and be okay.”

Jordan says you will want to avoid Gramoxone or paraquat applications if you’ve got a lot of thrips injury. That’s when soil insecticides become important. “There’s a lot of options,” he says.

T WIT TER : @ PE ANUTGROWER

The Newest Herbicide-Resistant Discovery A population of yellow nutsedge resistant to the ALS herbicide, Cadre, was recently confirmed by Eric Prostko, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist.

As Prostko explains in his weed science blog, “We collected yellow nutsedge tubers from a peanut field that were a strong suspect for resistance to Cadre (imazapic).”

The tubers were sent off for greenhouse testing.

“Unfortunately, it looks like this population of nutsedge has developed resistance to Cadre.”

Prostko says on the positive side, the yellow nutsedge does not appear to have developed cross-resistance to Sandea/Permit (halosulfuron).

The field in question was continuous peanut under dryland conditions with the use of Cadre each year. This underscores the need for rotation of crops and the application of herbicides with different modes of action.

Further investigation is ongoing, but Prostko offers these consideration in regards to this find and that of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth: } At this time, only one case of herbicide-resistant yellow nutsedge has been officially confirmed world-wide. In 2013-2014, Arkansas researchers confirmed halosulfuron resistance in a yellow nutsedge population in rice. In comparison, 61 cases of herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth have been confirmed. } In Georgia, Cadre was first used in peanut in 1996, so it took more than 20 years for this resistance to occur in yellow nutsedge. It took 3-4 years for glyphosate resistance to evolve in Palmer amaranth after the introduction of Roundup Ready soybeans (1996) and Roundup Ready cotton (1997). } Yellow nutsedge can produce a significant amount of seed, but seed is not the primary propagation mechanism. Some research has shown that less than one percent of yellow nutsedge seed can develop into viable seedlings. Seed is the only propagation mechanism for Palmer amaranth. } Yellow nutsedge mostly propagates through tubers. In Georgia, a single yellow nutsedge plant, growing without competition in a bareground area, can produce 700 tubers after 6 months of growth. } The primary mechanism of yellow nutsedge tuber dispersion in fields is through normal field operations such as tillage/disking and equipment movement (i.e. human action). } Foraging and soil disturbance from feral hogs has been reported to promote the long-term population maintenance of yellow nutsedge. Slight dispersion from waterfowl may also occur, though not to the extent of Palmer amaranth seed. PG

“I encourage Gramoxone applications three weeks after planting, about two weeks after emergence. If you get much later, weeds get too big. Gramoxone will not kill a four-inch weed consistently, and we want to give the crop enough

time to recover from any possible injury.

By following these recommendations, and with good activation of the herbicides, the peanut crop should be able to come through this critical first few weeks without the competition of weeds. PG 15

APRIL 2 019 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

T hink Inside And Outside T he Box

I

t’s that time of year again. Planting is right around the corner. Florence and Michael have come and gone. What’s going to be different this year? When planting time rolls around, calibration is key to getting the most “bang out of the buck.”

The first factor that should be considered is something a grower can control, according to experienced crop advisors.

“You can’t do anything about the hurricanes or the rain, but you can set yourself up for the best possible results when you’re applying a nematicide, insecticide or herbicide,” says Jerry Adams, crop consultant in Bishopville, South Carolina.

“Relatively speaking, it only takes a half an hour or so to get it right. Even if you have to adjust the planter several times, it’s a relatively small investment in time.”

Don’t Skip The Details Calibration is one of the most overlooked details when it comes to application. “It’s a simple calculation, but growers often skip it completely or take shortcuts,” Adams says. “It’s ironic because they’re paying a premium to protect their crop, but they often skimp on the details that would help them get the most out of their investment.”

Planters are notoriously inconsistent no matter what brand a grower pledges allegiance to. Usually it’s an environmental factor(s) rather than a manufacturing glitch, according to Adams.

“If you have a planter that’s been sitting in the shed for 8-10 months, When calibrating a planter, it is you’re going to have all very important to check every sorts of potential problems row, not just one or two rows or that affect the performance every other row. of that machinery,” Adams says. “It could be anything from dust to mud daubers to a mouse who’s decided to take up house. Who knows? The key is to realize ‘stuff happens’ and you should take steps to make sure your equipment is operating properly.”

Every Box, Every Tube There are a few new options available this season when it comes to early season crop protection. AgLogic aldicarb is one of them, although it is not exactly new. With nematicide and insecticidal protection, the product has been a welcome addition back into the crop production mix. While growers moved away from in-furrow pesticides in favor of seed treatments over 16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

Jerry Adams, crop consultant in South Carolina, says the brief time spent calibrating equipment is well spent to put out product with accuracy.

the past few years, many are returning to the barn and dusting off their old equipment to apply in-furrow pesticides.

“When something works, you don’t just dump it,” Adams says. “But you have to make sure you’re using the equipment to the best of your advantage. Calibrating your rig is the first step.

“That means calibrating every row, not just one row or every other row. Calibrate every single row, and don’t assume that just because you used a setting last season it will work out okay this season. Things change even if you don’t see it. Who knows what goes on in a barn in the middle of the winter?”

Don’t Guess At Accuracy Whether it’s seed or hopper-box applied pesticides, each box should be calibrated for optimum rate. Calibration tubes are supplied free of charge, so there’s no reason to balk at using an available resource.

“When I’m calibrating a rig for a grower, I put a calibration tube on every row,” Adams says. “The grower and I decide on the rate we want to apply and factor in the speed of the tractor.

Then we run it 300 feet and check each calibration tube to make sure it’s putting out exactly the amount of product that we want.”

Even new equipment fresh off the showroom floor won’t always get it right. “They’ll have recommended settings, but a grower should always test it,” Adams says. Ideally, calibration should take place in the field, but even calibrating a rig in the shed is better than guessing.

Calibration charts are available to growers and consultants for reference. Most are available online, including AgLogic aldicarb at https://www.aglogicchemical.com/calibration or CNI at http://cniag.com/aglogic/. PG Article provided on behalf of AgLogic.

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Postemergence Herbicide Options One of the keys to success in peanut production is effective early season weed control.

Peanut fields must be kept clean for the first 4 to 6 weeks to maximize yields. This is accomplished by the effective use of preplant burndown herbicides or tillage before planting, the use of Prowl, Sonalan, trifluralin preplant followed by PETER DOTRAY Texas A&M AgriLife incorporation either mechanExtension Weed Specialist ical or irrigation, use of Valor, Dual Magnum and Strongarm (where labeled) preemergence, and the use of Gramoxone from ground crack to 28 days after cracking.

Success of preplant herbicides is largely based on thorough incorporation and preemergence herbicides on timely rainfall or overhead irrigation to effectively activate these herbicides. In time, expect these products to give way to weed escapes and be prepared with timely postemergence applications for full-season weed control.

Basagran, Cobra and Ultra Blazer are options for use early postemergence. Basagran has activity on common cocklebur, annual sunflowers and yellow nutsedge; whereas, Ultra Blazer and Cobra are effective on Palmer amaranth, annual morningglory and other annual broadleaf weeds. Weed size and health can impact the efficacy of these contact-type herbicides. As weed size increases, herbicide activity decreases. With no residual activity, thorough spray coverage is important.

Storm, a prepackaged mixture of Basagran and Ultra Blazer, may be used to control a wide range of small and actively growing annual broadleaf weeds. All of these herbicides need a spray additive (e.g. a crop oil concentrate)

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for maximum activity. Herbicide options to control grassy weeds include Select and Poast.

Cadre and Pursuit have good activity on many annual broadleaf and grass weeds, and nutsedge. These herbicides have good foliar and soil activity. One of the major disadvantages of these herbicides is the 18-month rotation restriction following application before cotton and grain sorghum may be planted. The development of weeds resistant to Cadre and Pursuit has increased concern across the peanut belt.

2,4-DB (Butyrac or Butoxone) is also an option for use postemergence, but extreme care must be taken when using this herbicide. 2,4-DB has good activity on most annual broadleaf weeds including morningglory and sunflower and larger and tough-to-control perennial weeds, such as silverleaf nightshade (whiteweed). The use of crop oil with 2,4-DB will increase activity, but will also enhance phenoxy-type symptomology in peanut. Previous research suggests that this injury will not result in yield loss. 2,4-DB may be tankmixed with other herbicides to broaden the spectrum of weeds controlled. Proper tank clean out and drift reduction must be a priority when selecting this herbicide. Even better, designate a separate sprayer for use of all phenoxy-type herbicides.

Preparing For Planting: Part II April is upon us, and many growers are busy preparing ground for planting. Growers need to be aware of seed quality and the weather/soil conditions at planting in order to achieve adequate plant stand establishment. Stand establishment sets the overall yield potential for every peanut field. University of Georgia SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia Extension recommends growExtension Agronomist ers plant 6 seed per foot to obtain, at least, 4 uniform plants per foot. This will aid in the reduction of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) incidence and maintain high yield potential. It is important for growers to know (or ask for) the percent germination of the seed they are planting so seeding rates can be adjusted appropriately.

Please follow your local weather conditions as you approach planting. The average daily temperature at the 4-inch soil depth needs to be 68 degrees F for at least 3 days with no cold temperatures forecasted the week after planting. The only exception is if it is a non-irrigated field where soil temperatures are 65 to 67 degrees F and there is adequate soil moisture but no rainfall in the forecast. Please PE ANUTGROWER .COM

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remember the closer to 68 degrees, the faster the emergence rate. Remember, Easter is on April 21 this year, which could mean a late cold snap. This may not be scientifically accurate, but my grandfather always said it was true.

Moisture is another important factor to consider. Too little or too much can lead to stand issues. Also, do not plant in dry-hot soils and then irrigate afterwards. It can lead to erratic germination and emergence. In these situations, always irrigate 0.25 to 0.5 inches before you plant and then again afterwards to activate herbicides. Hopefully, growers will have adequate moisture to plant non-irrigated fields and receive a shower shortly after planting to activate herbicides.

Herbicide injury (typically Valor) is always a topic of conversation this time of year. Several people have asked, “Do I need Valor?” or “Are there ways to minimize injury?” The answer is “Yes” to both questions. Eric Prostko consistently says, “The key to managing weeds is to start clean and use the UGA recommended herbicide programs.” With this in mind, one of the key components is Valor. It provides the initial protective barrier needed to allow peanut plants time to emerge and cover the ground before weeds have the opportunity to become a problem. Growers can minimize Valor injury by:  Planting high-quality seed (germination and vigor).

Seed quality is important in 2019. Find out the percent germination of peanut seed.  Planting into good moisture and temperature allowing the seed the best opportunity to germinate and emerge quickly.  Planting peanuts at the correct depth of at least 1.5

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

inches deep. Planting shallower can increase risk of Valor injury along with germination issues if soil dries out too quickly.  Applying Valor no later than 2 days after planting.

The risk of Valor injury goes up significantly the closer Valor is applied to peanut emergence.  Irrigating as soon as possible behind the Valor application to activate herbicide and reduce injury. Valor injury can still occur after a hard rain during cracking and emergence even though a field was irrigated after application.  Not irrigating during cracking and emergence unless the fields are hot and dry and need irrigation to ensure a good stand. Typically, the lack of moisture can result in more stand loss than the loss from Valor injury.

These are critical components in getting the crop started on the right foot. Call your county agent if you have any questions regarding any of the information discussed above or if you need any further information.

Protection Against Thrips By this point in the spring, decisions on acreage and field selection have likely already been made. Past production history in these fields can inform us on what to expect in terms of presence of pests and how we need to keep injury caused by these pests below economic injury levels. In the DAVID JORDAN Virginia-Carolina region, it is North Carolina State almost guaranteed that weed University and thrips populations will be Extension Agronomist well above economic injury levels if we don’t treat for these.

In fact, it often takes more than one application of pesticides to suppress these pests.

For weeds, overlapping applications of residual herbicides is recommended within the first month of the season — preplant burndown or preplant incorporated, preemergence right after planting, early postemergence with paraquat plus Basagran — to make sure the impact of the first flush of weeds is minimized. Because most growers in the VirginiaCarolina region are dryland producers, overlapping residuals or making multiple applications of herbicides so that adequate concentrations of residual herbicides are maintained in the soil stacks things in our favor for getting activating rainfall. The first weed flush after conventional tillage is often the biggest if we don’t disturb the soil later in the season with cultivation. Having adequate residual herbicide in the soil for suppression of that flush is important.

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Carolina region can grow slowly in some years and this leaves plants vulnerable to thrips feeding and possible reductions in yield. Thrips can hammer away at yield potential if left uncontrolled, and they can also transmit tomato spotted virus to more plants in the field. Systemic insecticides are a must to protect yields in our neck of the woods.

Suppression of both weeds and thrips serve as a foundation for success as the season progresses. We currently have a good assortment of products to use for both groups of pests.

No matter what products you use or what your expectations are on performance, scout often in the early stages of the growth cycle so that follow up treatments can be made in a timely manner if needed. Getting behind, both for the peanut crop and the grower, makes for a long and challenging season.

Know The Germ Percentage Spring is here and as I write this, I don’t know how close we are to planting time. However, we were predicted to have an early spring and it has been a warm mild winter. Therefore, we are probably looking to plant some peanuts very soon depending on conditions.

I have some concerns as we KRIS BALKCOM enter the 2019 planting seaAuburn University son. Economics being the first Extension Specialist one. We don’t need to plant a lot of peanuts at the current price. Hopefully, cotton will come around and rally to give us a leg to stand on. Second, the warm winter we’ve had typically brings on increased thrips pressure. That is also alarming since we still plant the majority of the crop in Georgia-06G. We have had this variety for 13 years now, and I feel we are at an increased risk of it being vulnerable to circumstances.

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THE PE ANUT GROWER • APRIL 2 019

The weather pattern is another concern. We have been wet for over a year now. We know that this is likely to change at some point. Therefore, timing is critical to land preparation and conserving soil moisture for planting. We need to be aggressive in having the crop ready to plant as early as we can due to the unknowns. Last year showed us that even though it was just mid-May, we didn’t get an opportunity to plant again for about two and a half weeks.

The last several years have proven that April peanuts are far better than June-planted peanuts. I am not saying that you have to plant the entire crop in April, but it’s a means of spreading risk. If you’re a large producer, you need to be ready to start planting in April, whereas if you’re a small producer, you can plant at more of an opportune time.

Increased nematode pressure is also a concern because of the wet and warm winter. I would encourage those who have peanut root-knot nematodes to consider planting early.

TifNV-HiOL is a new variety that is resistant to root-knot as well as Georgia-14N that we have had for a few years.

Both varieties have great resistance to TSWV in addition to a good disease packages.

Take the time to look at the Peanut Rx. This will give you some idea about the amount of risk with each variety as they relate to TSWV, leaf spot and soilborne disease. Lastly, seed quality is a concern because of conditions during harvest this past year. By law, seed peanuts only have to be 75 percent germination or above. I would suggest that you know exactly the germination of your seed. That way if you have some lots that are 90 percent and some that are 78 percent, you can plant the 90 percent first, when conditions may not be perfect to ensure yourself a better stand, then plant the 78 percent germination seed later, when conditions have warmed up and are more favorable resulting in a chance for a better stand. PG

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