Peanut grower february 2018 by One Grower Publishing

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

FEBRUARY 2018

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

Farm Bill News Genomic Mapping Offers New Breeding ‘Tool Box’

2 0 18

VARIETY GUIDE

24 pg_CF 11/13 template 1/17/18 3:17 PM Page 2

At Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, we’ve made a commitment to providing the highest quality, best performing peanut seeds in the market. And we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for trusting us as your partner. Together, we’re setting new standards for success.

If you’d like to partner with Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, call your local buying location. Or, visit us at goldenpeanut.com.

Serving NUTrition to the World™

The

FEBRUARY 2018

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

FEBRUARY 2018

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

Farm Bill News

Volume 30 • Number 2

Genomic Mapping Offers New Breeding ‘Tool Box’

2 0 18

VARIETY GUIDE

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Ambitious, forwardthinking project ends

News Briefs Trucking crisis anticipated with new regs

Market Watch Many uncertainties as planting approaches

20 New Products John Deere offers award-winning equipment

12 Features

Farm Bill News The President’s goal for the Farm Bill includes crop insurance.

21 Peanut Pointers How did certain varieties perform in the field?

10 The Code Is Unlocked

Stay Connected

12 Variety Guide

Scientists complete a five-year quest to map the peanut’s genetic code.

Study the latest varietal descriptions and data when determining what to plant.

18 Know Your Production Costs

Keep good records to know how increased costs, low prices will affect the bottom line.

19 2018 Estate Tax Changes

An explanation of changes to the federal estate tax in the ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.’

Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox. T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

Cover photo by Amanda Huber FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

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 © 2018 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.

WWGWCT?

esearch projects begin and end often in our business. Yet, the announcement of the ending of the five-year Peanut Genomic Initiative is different. The goal was lofty — mapping all the genes in the peanut. The price tag was even more so: $6 million. But now that the project is complete and we have a map of genetic information in the peanut, which is almost as much information as in the human genome, the industry has gotten their money’s worth. Amanda Huber New articles are making their way Editor, The Peanut Grower around the circuit, including one on page 10. Cleverly, the National Peanut Board began their article like this, “Hop in the DeLorean, crank up the flux capacitor, and set the date and location to around 8,000 BC in the Andean mountains where you’ll find the ancestor of today’s modern peanut…We don’t have time travel technology, but a team of peanut researchers were able to unearth the static history of the 10,000-year-old peanut while mapping the peanut genome.” When I read this, I thought, “I don’t want to go back 10,000 years. I only want to go back to the 1920s to Tuskegee Institute and find the father of our modern peanut industry: George Washington Carver.” If you figured out my play on the tagline, WWJD, you’ll see that I would really like to know “What would George Washington Carver think?” This great scientist, this great inventor — what would he think about mapping the entire peanut genome and knowing the real building blocks of what goes into a peanut seed. First, I know he would be fascinated and ready to experiment and learn even more. But I also firmly believe that he would be so proud of the industry that he helped to create being so forward-thinking and ambitious as to undertake the quest in the first place. Maybe Carver’s discovery of the peanut’s diversity and ability to create so many products is because, as scientists now know, the total genetic information in the peanut is very large compared to other legumes, such as soybeans, and rivaling that of the human being. Although Carver isn’t here to witness this momentous achievement, our peanut researchers are ready to take up the cause and use these building blocks to make the peanut even better.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 6515 Goodman Rd., Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: 901-767-4020

4 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Crisis Coming For Trucking

The new rules governing trucking will cause driver shortages according to Larry Barton of Great West Casualty Company, who further told members of the American Peanut Council that the industry needs to be aware. Truck drivers are being forced to record the hours they work with new electronic logs, which carriers are scrambling to get loaded. If caught without the log, it is a 10-hour penalty. The number one concern will be a shortage of drivers. Thousands of new drivers will be needed nationwide as the new rules governing the amount of time spent on the road and mandatory rest periods is enacted. Because the median age of truck drivers is increasing, drivers will be needed to replace those retiring. Hugh Nall, Southern Ag Carriers in Albany, Ga. has also been warning the peanut industry about trucking, given the new sanitary transportation rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Tyron Spearman of the National Peanut Buying Points Association says that these new rules will create further back-ups at buying points, which already experience log jams during harvest. While changes are being implements, Spearman says everyone should be respectful of others and appreciative of the drivers.

Secretary Of Ag Addresses Farmers

In addition to President Trump (details on page 7), Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue also spoke to delegates at the 99th American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January. Perdue said, “The Trump administration has cut out 22 regulations for every new one that’s come on the books.” He added that those efficiencies will save $56 million annually. Besides rolling back onerous regulaT WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

tions all across the federal government, Perdue said USDA is also being restructured to be more responsive to the people it serves, moving agencies like Farm Service Agency, Risk Management and National Resources Conservation Service under one roof because they are intricately interconnected. “The idea is to better serve agriculture,” Perdue said.

More Digital Technology

Mark Pryor, chief executive officer, SEAM, says the peanut industry is moving to more web-based technology. For 2017, new SEAM technology operating at buying points sent more than 15,000 messages and text messages to the producers. Pryor says, “We are moving from mounds of paper to more electronic with on-line availability. It is a digital transformation for agriculture.” Pryor says the mountains of data must be simplified, be graphic and allow the segments to ask questions of the data. “Watch for electronic digital signatures, a new grower i-phone and i-pad app to track his/her peanuts and peanut contracts that are signed with your finger!”

Renominations To The GPC

Tim Burch, Baker County farmer, and Joe Boddiford, Screven County farmer, were both renominated without opposition to the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors at nomination meetings held on Dec. 14, 2017. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation conducted the nomination meetings for the commission’s district one and three. Burch and Boddiford previously held the seat for their respective district, which expired Dec. 31, 2017. Now, after renomination, they will serve Georgia peanut farmers on the board for the next three years. The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and addition-

In Brief: • Thousands of new truck drivers needed. • USDA restructuring to be more farmer friendly. • A digital transformation is happening in all of ag. • International peanut meeting planned in Greece. • Boards announce officer elections for coming year.

al board members include: Armond Morris of Tift County, chairman, representing district two; Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County, representing district four; and Donald Chase of Macon County, representing district five. The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 3,400 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

International Peanut Forum

Registration is underway for the 2018 International Peanut Forum, set for April 11-13, 2018 in Athens, Greece. Registration is $825 through the American Peanut Council. The IPF is an ideal opportunity to network with the whole peanut supply chain: farmers, shellers, exporters, brokers, dealers, manufacturers, testing laboratories and equipment suppliers participating from around the world. The theme of the 2018 conference is “Peanuts – the Protein for Tomorrow’s Champions,” with session topics ranging from nutrition and allergy research to new product launches and supply and demand. For more information, email Louise McKerchar at lmckerchar@peanutsusa.org.uk. 5

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

APC Elects Officers

At the recent Winter Conference, newly elected officers of the American Peanut Council were installed for 2017-18. They are as follows: • Charles Birdsong, Chairman (Birdsong Peanuts) • Sid Levy, Vice-Chairman (SGL International) • Monty Rast, Secretary-Treasurer (South Carolina Peanut Producers) • Nick Melhuish, Immediate Past Chair (Algood) A budget of $697,040 was approved. The organization has 44 manufacturer members, 112 allied members, 13 grower groups, 15 shellers and also assists with the Peanut Foundation. Ten new members were added since June 2017. Off icers for the A PC’s Export Committee are as follows: • Brent Cuddy, Chairman (Golden Peanut) • Bob Sutter, Vice Cha irma n (North Carolina Peanut Producers) • Joe West, Secretary Treasurer (Olam/McCleskey) • Jeff Roper, Immediate Past Chair (Texas Peanut Producers) An approved export budget totaled $588,972. The organization has 15 sheller members and 40 international or allied members. Funding for U.S. peanut producers comes through the National Peanut Board. The APC’s export committee coordinates the International Peanut Forum. For information on the APC, go to www.peanutsusa.com.

NPB Appointees: Corcoran, Adams Tom Corcoran, Barbour County, Alabama, farmer, is a newly appointed member to the National Peanut Board by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Also from Alabama, Thomas Adams, Henry County, is a newly appointed alternate to the board. The appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2018, and ending Dec. 21, 2020. “Research and consumer education 6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

are keys to growing the $1 billion peanut industry in America,” said Perdue. “Both the new and continuing members of the board bring great insight to this work from their many years of experience helping America’s 7,000 peanut-farming families improve production practices and continue to produce the world’s highest-quality peanut product for people around the globe.” The National Peanut Board is a research and promotion program that is industry-funded and authorized by Congress. The board is composed of 12 producer members and their alternates. Eleven members and alternates are from the primary peanut producing states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. An at-large member and alternate represent the minor peanut producing states.

Challenge Raises 10 Tons Of PB

Florida Panhandle residents donated more than 20,000 pounds of peanut butter to this year’s UF/IFAS Extension Peanut Butter Challenge. Combine nearly 9,000 pounds in donations to UF/IFAS Extension county offices with 11,340 pounds from the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA), and you get 20,258 pounds of peanut butter to feed the hungry in the Panhandle’s 16 counties. Since 2012, the Extension faculty, volunteers and the FPPA have collected jars of peanut butter in the 16 counties that make up the UF/ IFAS Northwest District. The peanut butter will go to food pantries from Pensacola to Monticello. “The Peanut Butter Challenge raises awareness of the important contribution of Florida’s peanut growers and helps provide a healthy, locally produced product to Panhandle families who do not have easy access to nutritious food,” says Libbie Johnson, Escambia County Extension agent and the co-organizer of the challenge. Leading the way in this year’s

Calendar • Feb. 5-6 – Georgia/Alabama Crop Consultants Annual Meeting, Lake Point Resort, Eufaula, Ala. Contact Sheila Hobbs, 229-567-9403 or sheila_gapac@windstream.net. • Feb. 7 – Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day, NESPAL, Tifton, Ga. For more information, visit www.gapeanuts.com. • Feb. 8 – Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show, National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan, Ala. For information, go to www.flpeanuts.com, www. alpeanuts.com or call 334792-6482. • Feb. 14 – Virginia Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting, Workforce Development Center at Paul D Camp Community College, Franklin, Va. The meeting will be in conjunction with the statewide peanut production meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. For information, contact Dell Cotton at 757-562-4103. • Feb. 16-18 – National Peanut Buying Points Association Winter Conference. Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Miss. For information, go to www.peanutbuyingpoints.org.

Challenge was Escambia County with 2,495 pounds, followed by Jefferson County with 1,575, Santa Rosa with 1,161 and Bay with 1,092. The FPPA donated seven pallets of peanut butter to the challenge. Ken Barton, FPPA executive director, thanked Peanut Proud for helpbuying peanut butter at cost. Peanut Proud delivered more than 430,000 jars to disaster relief efforts and food banks in the Southeastern United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in 2017. PE ANUTGROWER.COM

Farm Bill News

According to Don Shurley, Professor Emeritus, UGA Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, the proposed cotton policy would: • Establish “seed cotton” as a covered commodity under Title I of the 2014 Farm Bill and eligible for ARC/PLC. • Be effective with the 2018 crop.

• Propose a reference price is 36.7 cents per pound. This is a weighted average price for both lint and seed.

t had been more than 25 years since a sitting U.S. President addressed the A merican Farm Bureau Federation, but that’s why President Donald Trump is different. Not only did he give a rousing speech at the Farm Bureau’s 99th annual meeting in Nashville, he promised to attend next year’s 100th anniversary and help celebrate the centennial for the grassroots organization that serves as the voice of agriculture. From tax and trade to immigration and infrastructure improvements, he touched on a myriad of important issues during a 35-minute speech. Yet, it was his comments about farm policy and crop insurance that proved to be one of the afternoon’s biggest applause lines. “I’m looking forward to working with Congress to pass the Farm Bill on time so that it delivers for all of you,” President Trump told the group of nearly 5,000. “And I support a bill that includes crop insurance.” Other Issues Affecting Ag He also said he was working very hard to get a better deal for farmers and manufacturers in the present North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump said, “We know that our nation was founded by farmers. Our independence was won by farmers. Our continent was tamed by farmers. Our armies have been fed by farmers and made of farmers. And throughout our history, farmers have always led the way.” He warned the Farm Bureau delegates that a change of direction in midterm elections could lead to a reverse of the new tax cuts and reduction in regulations that he has implement-

T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

ed. When he mentioned reversing the Obama administration’s Waters of the U.S (WOTUS), the crowd gave him a standing ovation as they also did when he talked about doubling the estate tax exemption. Trump praised Ag. Sec. Sonny Perdue and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), but also spoke about the outstanding students from the premier youth organizations: FFA and 4-H. During a special ceremony, President Trump signed two executive orders intended to help expand broadband into rural communities. Cotton Attempts To Addresses Need For ‘Safety Net’ The House Appropriations Committee has inserted in the disaster aid package a program that would make cotton growers eligible for the Price Loss Coverage program. The cotton provisions drafted by the House Appropriations Committee would create a PLC reference price of 36.7 cents a pound for “seed cotton,” defined as “un-ginned upland cotton that includes both lint and seed.” Because of congressional budget rules, enacting cotton and dairy provisions in an appropriations bill would reduce budget pressures on the House and Senate Agriculture committees when they write the new 2018 Farm Bill. The seed cotton provisions wouldn’t add any costs to the overall disaster bill because the payments would be offset by changes in the bill, said Conaway. The bill would require growers to reallocate their “generic” base acres, former cotton base acres on which farmers have been receiving payments for other crops. Cotton growers who sign up for the PLC program would no longer be

• Cause generic base on a farm to no longer exist. Instead, the landowner would have several options to convert generic base to seed cotton base and/or bases of seed cotton and other covered commodities.

• Offer landowners the option to retain the farm’s current cotton CCP yield or update this yield to be used to establish the seed cotton Payment Yield. • Determine seed cotton yield based on a conversion factor for pounds of seed cotton per pound of lint yield.

allowed to purchase the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) revenue insurance policy as authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Don Shurley, professor emeritus of cotton economics with the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics says that a seed cotton PLC payment would be made if the market year average price for seed cotton is less than the reference price. The proposed reference price is 36.7 cents per pound. The market year average price would also be a weighted average of the lint price and seed price. Any payment would be made on 85 percent of seed cotton base acres. Shurley says, “Regardless of what happens with cotton policy, generic base, as we now know it, will likely cease to exist in the next Farm Bill. Therefore, it is vital that generic base, which is former/previous cotton base, now or in the new Farm Bill be converted into something of value for the cotton grower.” The Senate Ag Committee must pass the Disaster Provisions if the bill moves forward. If approved for 2018, it is hoped that the seed cotton program will be continued into the new Farm Bill effective in 2019. PG 7

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Many Uncertainties Remain As Planting Approaches

SDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has lowered the peanut crop estimate for 2017. The early prediction of 3,819,500 tons may have been possible until the hurricane and late drought caused the peanut crop to shut down. Scientists are still scratching their heads a bit at what caused the fairly significant yield reduction. The final crop estimate was still a record high 3,616,800 tons up 30 percent from 2016. Harvested area was estimated at 1.78 million acres, up 16 percent from 2016. The average yield was estimated at 4,074 pounds per acre, up 440 pounds from 2016. Planted area for peanuts was estimated at its highest level since 1991. Harvested area increased in all states from last year, except for New Mexico. In Georgia, growers realized the highest production on record. Record high production was also estimated in Arkansas and South Carolina. Record high yields were estimated in Arkansas, South Carolina and Virginia. Peanut Holding Pattern With a demand of 3,300,000 tons, 700,000 tons for export with domestic food use at 1,600,000 coupled with seed, crush and residual, the carry-forward is now at 1,300,000 tons. Pipeline requirement is about 500,000 tons leaving about 800,000 tons extra. That is a market depressor and one reason that shellers are not pushing for contracts. If uncertainty and gambling are synonymous with agriculture, this is the year. Peanut markets have dropped to loan value. No 2018 contracts are available and bankers want answers to make operating loans. The “seed cotton” insert into the disaster bill could cause the loss 8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (Jan. 12, 2018) 2017 Acreage Planted up 12 % ................................... 1,870,000 acres 2017 Production Est. (4,074 ac) ......................................... 3,616,800 tons 2017 FSIS Inspections (1-9-18) ............................................ 3,514,342 tons 2017 Market Loan ............................................................... 2,648,144 tons 2017-18 Domestic Usage (4 Mo.) .................................................Up 1.8 % 2017-18 Exports (3 Mo.) ......................................................... Down 10.5% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.43, Spanish - $409.00, Valencia and Virginias - $429.97

of generic base in 2018, but generic base from cotton is likely to be eliminated in the 2018-2022 Farm Bill anyway. Uncertainty in the cotton legislation has the peanut market in a holding pattern. Farmers have lots of 2017 peanuts in the market loan with offers of only $20 per ton above loan and some even at the loan of $354 per ton. Some farmers have peanuts in farm storage hoping for a better offer before the Market Loan deadline of January 31. Warehouses are jammed with 2017 peanuts and marketers are quietly waiting for markets to improve. China Not The Answer China reports a good crop and may not have to buy U.S. peanuts as they did last year. United States production was up about 27 percent over last year and usage up only 3 percent, a carry-forward of about one plus million tons will be in the hands of the government or the shellers next October. At the same time, the cotton market is strengthening. The crop rotation partner with peanuts has prices near 78 cents per pound and, if a farmer can book it, he

will choose to plant cotton over peanuts. It is all about the money and competition for land. The cotton/peanuts marriage is one to watch. Cotton has a futures market and if you book it, you’ve got to deliver or buy it. During times of excess peanuts and lower prices, customers will switch to USA-grown peanuts, but often the criticism is that the industry only produces for the domestic market. Will Timing Work Out? The disaster aid package with the “seed cotton” provision has yet to be passed in the Senate. Cotton leaders are hoping for a miracle so the provision can be switched to the Farm Bill and provide a PLC program the next five years. The bill requires a re-allocation of “generic base” and that impacts peanuts as many farmers planted “generic base” from cotton to peanuts. Farmers have to decide in March on what to plant so seed can be prepared for April planting. Peanut seed should be plentiful this season on some varieties. Then farmers are back to the regular “peanut base” and contract prices will likely dictate acreage planted. The PLC PE ANUTGROWER.COM

payment will remain on peanut base tonnage, but that’s next October and the estimate is about $50 per ton versus last year’s $130 per ton. Will farmers plant peanuts at $400-$500 per ton or plant cotton at 78 cents per pound? Cold Weather Help Farmers should check with their buying point to determine together how many peanuts are needed. Although prices may be low at the start of the season, a farmer must plan a rotation scheme with the goal of reducing disease, nematode and insect pressure. The cold winter should help reduce insects by not allowing their production over the winter on volunteers and growing weeds as happened in last winter’s mild, and even warm, temperatures. Scientists have mapped the peanut genome and now many opportunities await peanut breeders to make the peanut plant even better and more resistant to pest problems. More manufacturers and health food companies are discovering that the peanut is magic when it comes to nutrition. Will peanut milk open a whole new market for our humble crop? We can hope so.

Investing In Infrastructure Expansions continue to pop up across the peanut nation, and new investment in peanuts and peanut infrastructure, even in non-traditional peanut states. Remember, the market loan is a tremendous asset to the farmer. It is

designed for the farmers to have market protection until the market develops. Use it and teach the banker how to use it. Buy an extra jar of peanuts and peanut butter this winter and help eat up the surplus! Remember, it is good for you! PG

U.S. 2017 PEANUT CROP ANNUAL ESTIMATE - USDA NASS Peanuts: Area Harvested, Yield and Production by State and United States, 2015-2017, Annual

State

Area Harvested

Yield

Production

(1,000 Acres)

(Pounds/Acre)

(Tons)

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

Alabama

196.0

173.0

193.0

3,250

3,600

3,650

318,500

309,200

352,225

Arkansas

23.0

29.0

4,800

5,100

55,200

73,950

Florida

180.0

147.0

186.0

3,600

3,800

3,550

324,000

277,400

330,150

Georgia

777.0

709.0

825.0

4,330

3,900

4,380

1,682,205

1,376,700

1,806,750

Mississippi

41.0

38.0

43.0

3,500

4,000

4,100

71,750

76,000

88,150

N. Mexico

4.9

8.0

7.6

3,130

2,800

3,500

7,668.5

11,200

13,300

N. Carolina

87.0

99.0

117.0

3,480

3,530

4,100

151,380

174,735

239,850

Oklahoma

9.0

13.0

20.0

3,400

3,700

15,300

22,200

37,000

S. Carolina

82.0

106.0

118.0

3,200

4,000

131,200

169,600

236,000

165.0

210.0

3,650

2,730

3,600

264,000

279,650

378,000

19.0

21.0

27.0

3,845

3,650

4,550

34,675

38,325

61,425

1,560.9

1,547.0

1,775.6

3,845

3,634

4,074

3,000,678.5

2,790,785

3,616,800

Texas Virginia US TOTAL

T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

The Code Is Unlocked An international group of scientists completed a five-year quest to map the peanut’s genetic code.

he Peanut Foundation recently announced the culmination of a research project that will give scientists around the world a map with which to unlock some of the genetic potential of the peanut plant. This discovery by the Peanut Genome Consortium, a group of scientists from the U.S., China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, India, Israel and several countries in Africa, gives scientists the capability to find beneficial genes in cultivated and wild peanuts that can lead to greater yields, lower production costs, lower losses to disease, improved processing traits, improved nutrition, improved safety, better flavor and virtually anything that is genetically determined by the peanut plant. Finding The Clues “Study of peanut genome structure and order makes a great detective story,

The Peanut Foundation says the Peanut Genomic Initiative has been completed on time, within budget and with great success.

where many clues are found and linked together to unlock mysteries of genetics and gene regulation. This is exciting work,” says University of Georgia Professor and Eminent Scholar Scott

Jackson, chair of the Peanut Genome Consortium. The U.S. team included scientists from University of CaliforniaDavis, University of Georgia, Texas A&M Universit y, North Carolina

Advancing Peanut Science As a result of Peanut Genomic Initiative (PGI), 150 scientific papers have been published to date, including the landmark paper on genome sequences of the wild diploid parents of current cultivated peanut, published in the prestigious journal “Nature Genetics,” and more in various stages of development. PGI funding helped to develop a website and database known as PeanutBase, which serves as the publically available site to store and utilize peanut genomic data. All PGI data is in the public domain and cannot be owned or patented by anyone. New sources of disease-resistant germplasm have been found, and additional accessions of peanuts have been added to the USDA Peanut Germplasm Collection for breeders’ use. Techniques have been developed to move genes, and the resulting traits, from wild peanut species into cultivated peanut with more desirable agronomic characteristics. While mapping the peanut genome is a huge academic accomplishment in itself, support for breeding programs has always been the ultimate goal of the PGI. With the genome map now available, highly specific regions on that map (markers) can

10 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

be discovered that confirm genes that confer specific traits. For example, PGI research has already discovered markers for high oleic oil chemistry and resistance to early and late leafspot, rootknot nematodes and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV).

Newly Registered Cultivars These high quality markers will allow breeders to quickly determine if their breeding lines contain certain traits and develop cultivars that better meet the specific (and diverse) needs of the industry. This breeding technique – known as marker-assisted selection (MAS) – allows breeders to make selections based on quick genetic tests rather than having to grow out hundreds of breeding lines to determine which ones have the desired trait. MAS does not result in genetically modified organisms. The information generated in the PGI has already resulted in the registration of new cultivars, such as Tamrun, OL12, Schubert, NuMex-01, Olé, FloRun™, Georgia 14N and TifNV-HiO/L, as well as several varieties derived from wild species that can now be utilized in cultivated peanut breeding programs. PG PE ANUTGROWER.COM

Highlights of Research Accomplishments: • The diploid wild parent species of todays’ cultivated peanut were sequenced and used to construct the cultivated peanut genome in the proper molecular sequences and positions. • The cultivated peanut has also been sequenced, and the assembly of the genome is 99.996 percent complete. HudsonAlpha says the genome is the best tetraploid genome ever assembled. • Molecular markers have been developed from the sequencing data, which led to the 2nd generation of a single nucleotide polymorphism chip currently being used to evaluate breeding populations. With the capacity to find beneficial genes in both cultivated and wild peanuts, as shown here, peanut breeders have a complete genetic tool box to work with.

State University, Auburn University, University of Florida, USDA-ARS in Tifton, Ga., Griffin, Ga., Stillwater, Ok., Ames, Iowa and Stoneville, Miss., and NCGR at Santa Fe, NM. Many researchers contributed to this project, with The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology coordinating the assembly of the final peanut genome. “The quality and completeness of the peanut genome sequence exceeds anything to date that has been produced for a tetraploid crop plant. It’s much more complete than our cotton assemblies. It’s really, really good!” says Jeremy Schmutz with HudsonAlpha. Largest Industry Project Ever In 2012, the U.S. peanut industry urged The Peanut Foundation to initiate a research program to map the genetic code of the peanut plant. The International Peanut Genome Initiative (IPGI) was – and remains – the largest research project ever funded by the industry, with the $6 million cost shared equally among growers, shellers and manufacturers. For decades to come, the IPGI work will lead to improved sustainability and profitability of every segment of the industry and maintain peanut’s competiveness among other crop choices that farmers may have. These accomplishments have opened doors for breeders to manipulate peanut traits like never before, and without using controversial and expensive GMO techniques. T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

Today, peanuts are a staple in diets across the globe, from the Americas to Africa and Asia. They are also a key ingredient in Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) that have been proven to treat severe acute malnutrition. Moreover, they are a crop that farmers in 50 developing countries around the globe count on to advance personal and community economic well being. Making The Best Even Better “Peanuts are already more sustainable and affordable than any nut available today, and consumers choose them for their flavor and familiarity,” explained Bob Parker, president and CEO of the National Peanut Board. “I don’t know that any of us can fully articulate what this advance means to our ability to grow more peanuts with fewer resources to feed the world. But I’m excited just thinking about the promises ahead of us.” “Mapping the genetic code of the peanut proved to be an especially difficult task, but the final product is one of the best ever generated,” says Steve Brown, executive director of The Peanut Foundation. “We now have a map that will help breeders incorporate desirable traits that benefit growers, processors, and most importantly, the consumers that enjoy delicious and nutritious peanut products all over the world.” This complete report is available on the Peanut Foundation website at www.peanutfoundation.org. PG

• Molecular markers for genes conveying resistance with late leaf spot, early leaf spot, white mold, TSWV, root knot nematode and rust and for high-oleic oil chemistry have been identified and are being used in breeding programs. • Populations, for breeders use, have been developed with high levels of leaf spot resistance from wild species.

Many genes have been identified that express traits at different developmental stages of growing peanut.

• Hybrid populations have been generated that contain an array of highly desirable characters for use by breeders to associate molecular markers with specific traits. • Interspecific hybrid populations have been generated that are being used to introgress desirable genes from diploid peanut species into the cultivated genome. • Peanut collections from all over the world are being genotyped to document the genetic diversity. Progress has been made in accessing the ICRISAT peanut germplasm collection in India. • Thousands of different lines of peanut are being phenotyped for dozens of different traits. These phenotypes are being matched with genotypes which will help identify markers for even more desirable traits. • PeanutBase, the on-line Breeders Toolbox, was developed and is widely used as a resource for genomic information and tools – as well as information about germplasm and the peanut community in general. • The Peanut Foundation has sponsored Advances in Arachis Genomics and Biotechnology conferences, which have fostered international collaboration on peanut genomics. PG

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

2 0 18

VARIETY GUIDE

eanut varieties of today have resistance to multiple diseases, but the best variety choice is still one that will achieve a rapid, uniform stand and provide good yields and grades over a wide range of growing conditions. With so many varieties to choose from, careful consideration should go into this part of your planting decision. Many factors affect the decision of what variety to plant including field history, irrigation,

12 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 2 018

planting and harvest capabilities, seed availability and quality and marketing. On a field-byfield basis, weigh all of these factors to determine how the variety may fit into your situation and on your farming operation. Study the variety descriptions and the trial data. If you are thinking of planting a new variety, follow up by asking questions of researchers and other growers about their experiences with those varieties. PG

PE ANUTGROWER.COM

2018 VARIETY GUIDE RUNNER-TYPE VARIETIES AU-NPL 17: The high-oleic runner-type peanut was released by Auburn University and the National Peanut Research Lab in 2017. It is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant cultivar with tolerance to leaf spot. Seed will be limited in 2018. Florida-07: This medium-to-late runner market-type peanut was released from the University of Florida. It has shown excellent yield potential with good grades. Seed are larger and, for this reason, gypsum is recommended for additional calcium. It has good-to-excellent resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), some white mold resistance and tolerance to leaf spot. Florida-07 has high-oleic oil chemistry with good-to-excellent roasting, blanching and processing characteristics. FloRun™ ‘107’: This is a medium-maturity (135 to 140 days) runner-type variety released by the University of Florida. Seed size is similar to Georgia Greener, and it produces a high percentage of medium kernels during grading. The variety has demonstrated very good yields and grades with good resistance to TSWV and moderate resistance to white mold. FloRun™ ‘107’ has high-oleic oil chemistry. FloRun™ ‘331’: This high-yielding, medium maturity, disease-tolerant runner-type variety was released from the University of 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 runner-type varieties tested for resistance to leaf spots and white Yield Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties In Tifton, Ga., Irrigated, 2015-2017. Variety

2015 Yield (lbs/A)

Georgia-16HO

2016 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 TSMK (%)

5167

6470

75.0

Georgia-12Y

5288

4799

6120

75.0

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

5357

5108

6117

75.5

Georgia-06G

5572

4651

6104

76.0

6053

77.0

5809

74.0

5599

72.0

5498

72.0

Georgia Greener FloRun™ ‘331’ FloRun™ ‘107’

5091

4689

AU-NPL 17 TifNV-High O/L

5295

74.0

Georgia-09B

5515

4200

5157

75.0

FloRun™ ‘157’

4922

3751

5076

75.5

Georgia-13M

6123

4755

5001

76.0

Tifguard

4858

4898

4853

74.5

Florida-07

5049

5068

3869

72.5

Georgia-14N

4501

4343

3626

78.0

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

4998

5351

3602

74.5

Georgia-07W

5866

4994

3260

74.5

Source: Daniel Mailhot, Ph.D. UGA SWVT Program Director, Griffin Camput T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

Yield Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties In Tifton, Ga., Non-Irrigated, 2015-2017. 2015 Yield (lbs/A)

2016 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 TSMK (%)

Georgia 12-Y

5999

6461

73.5

Georgia-06G

6885

6440

6433

74.5

5889

74.5

6271

5864

74.5

Variety

Georgia Greener Georgia-16HO Georgia-13M

6407

6209

5755

75.5

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

6253

6434

5510

77.0

Georgia-09B

6428

5105

5485

74.0

5346

74.5

FloRun™ ‘331’ TifNV-HighO/L

5551

5287

5144

73.5

FloRun™ ‘157’

6377

5290

5137

75.5

5093

74.0

AU-NPL 17 FloRun™ ‘107’

5596

5363

5043

73.5

Tifguard

5611

5878

4663

74.5

Florida-07

5696

6160

4453

75.5

Georgia-07W

5793

6246

4441

77.0

Georgia-14N

5415

5059

4369

77.0

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

6059

5900

4259

75.5

Source: Daniel Mailhot, Ph.D. UGA SWVT Program Director, Griffin Camput.

mold, FloRun™ ‘331’ has had among the best pod yield and lowest disease scores and it is moderately resistant to tomato spotted wilt. FloRun™ ‘331’ has high oleic oil chemistry beneficial for extended shelf-life and marketability of peanuts and peanut products. Georgia-06G: A high-yielding, large-seeded, runner-type variety, Georgia-06G was developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The variety has shown a high level of resistance to TSWV. Georgia-06G has an intermediate or decumbent runner growth habit, dark green foliage and medium maturity similar to Georgia Green. Georgia-09B: A high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV resistant, medium-seeded, runner-type peanut variety, Georgia09B was developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton. The variety has shown a high level of resistance to TSWV. Georgia-09B has an intermediate runner growth habit and medium maturity. It combines high TSWV resistance and high-oleic oil chemistry with medium maturity and excellent yield, grade and dollar value return per acre. Georgia-12Y: This is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant and white mold resistant, medium seeded, runner-type variety released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and developed at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton Campus. During three years averaged over multiple location tests in Georgia, Ga. 12Y had significantly higher yield, dollar value return per acre and number of seed per pound compared to Georgia 10T. However, Georgia 10T has a higher TSMK grade than Georgia 12Y. 13

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

2018 VARIETY GUIDE Georgia 12Y is most similar to Georgia 10T in later maturity. Both should be excellent varieties for an early planting date option in the southeast U.S. peanut production area. Georgia-13M: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV resistant, small-seeded, runner-type peanut variety released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station. During a three-year period, it averaged over multiple location tests in significantly less total disease incidence and greater dollar value return per acre when compared to other high-oleic, runner-type varieties. Georgia 13M has a smaller runner seed size. Georgia 13M combines high yield, TSWV resistance with the excellent roasted flavor of Georgia Green and the high-oleic trait for longer shelf life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products. Georgia-14N: Released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station and developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station, this small-seeded, runner-type peanut variety is high-yielding, resistant to spotted wilt and root-knot nematodes and has high-oleic oil chemistry. In a three-year trial, Georgia-14N had significantly less TSWV and total disease incidence, higher yield, grade and dollar value return per acre compared to Tifguard. The high-oleic trait offers longer shelf-life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products. Georgia-16HO: is a new high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWVresistant, large-seeded, runner-type peanut variety released

Yield And Grade Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties, Midville, Ga., Irrigated, 2015-2017.

Yield Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties In Midville, Ga., Irrigated, 2015-2017. Variety Georgia-13M

2015 Yield (lbs/A)

2016 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 TSMK (%)

6447

5791

6830

76.5

6815

74.5

FloRun™ ‘331’

by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2016. Georgia-16HO combines high dollar value and TSW V resistance with the high-oleic trait for longer shelf-lide and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products. Lariat: A high-oleic runner variety developed by the USDA in conjunction with the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Peanut Commission and released in 2016. This variety exhibits medium maturity at about 140 days. Lariat is the result of varietal crossing with Red River Runner to increase disease resistance, yield and improve seed germination. Lariat has demonstrated resistance to Sclerotinia blight and to pod rot. Seed size is medium to large. Tamrun OL11: This variety is well suited for the West Texas growing region and has performed well under Sclerotinia blight conditions. Tamrun OL11 has resistance to Sclerotinia blight equal to that of Tamrun OL07, and it grades equal to or better than Flavor Runner 458, which is about two percentage points higher than Tamrun OL07 on average. Tifguard: Developed by USDA’s Agriculture Research Service in Tifton, Ga., Tifguard has resistance to nematodes so as to be characterized as “near immunity,” and it offers good yields and grades, especially in places where there would be no yield from other varieties. It offers good resistance to TSWV and maturity is similar to Georgia Green. TifNV-HighO/L: Released by USDA-ARS, in Tifton, Ga., this variety has near immunity to root knot nematodes as does

2015 Yield (lbs/A)

2016 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 Yield (lbs/A)

2017 TSMK (%)

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

6253

6434

5494

74.0

Georgia-09B

6428

5105

5439

74.0

5551

5287

5329

72.5

6271

5286

73.0

5172

71.0

Variety

Georgia-14N

6262

5511

6772

77.5

TifNV-High O/L

Georgia-12Y

6787

5527

6725

72.5

Georgia-16HO

Georgia-09B

6557

6437

6667

74.5

FloRun™ ‘331’

Georgia-06G

6314

6336

6588

76.5

Tifguard

5611

5878

5172

71.5

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

6171

6532

6538

75.5

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

6059

5900

5081

77.0

5914

6507

73.0

Georgia Greener

4996

74.0

6360

74.0

FloRun™ ‘107’

5596

5363

4916

70.0

Georgia-16HO AU-NPL 17 TUFRunner™ ‘511’

6767

6258

6340

74.5

AU-NPL 17

4853

71.5

FloRun™ ‘107’

6378

6042

6249

73.0

Georgia-13M

6407

6209

4728

76.5

6096

75.0

FloRun™ ‘157’

6377

5290

4726

72.0

TifNV-High O/L

6003

74.5

Georgia-06G

6885

6440

4686

74.5

Georgia-07W

5973

6185

5669

75.5

Georgia 12-Y

5999

4596

73.5

FloRun™ ‘157’

6305

5199

5410

76.0

Georgia-07W

5793

6246

4582

75.5

Florida-07

5783

5596

5385

73.0

Georgia-14N

5415

5059

4572

77.0

Tifguard

6346

5706

5153

72.5

Florida-07

5696

6160

4194

73.5

Georgia Greener

Source: Daniel Mailhot, Ph.D. UGA SWVT Program Director, Griffin Camput.

14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

Source: Daniel Mailhot, Ph.D. UGA SWVT Program Director, Griffin Camput. PE ANUTGROWER.COM

Three-Year (2015-2017) And Four-Year (2014-2017) Average Irrigated Field Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties In Two Or Three Florida Locations Yield (lbs/A)

Variety

TSMK (%)

TSWV (1-10)*

Leaf Spot (1-10)*

3 YR

4 YR

3 YR

4 YR

3 YR

4 YR

3 YR

4 YR

FloRun™ ‘331’**

6733

6678

78.1

77.2

1.5

1.4

2.4

1.9

TUFRunner™ ‘297’**

6713

6669

78.6

78.3

1.2

1.3

2.8

2.2

Georgia-06G

6608

6652

80.1

79.5

1.3

1.2

2.1

1.77

TUFRunner™ ‘511’**

6505

6518

78.6

78.4

1.5

1.6

3.8

2.9

Georgia-12Y

6544

6503

76.7

76.2

1.1

1.9

1.8

Georgia-13M**

6326

6228

79.0

78.2

1.1

1.2

3.8

2.9

FloRun™ ‘107’**

6184

6153

77.1

76.3

1.4

3.2

2.5

‘157’**

FloRun™

6039

6106

79.1

78.2

1.9

1.7

2.3

1.9

Georgia-09B

5954

6047

80.0

80.1

1.4

2.7

2.2

Florida-07**

6076

6014

75.8

75.5

1.3

2.3

1.9

Tifguard

5728

79.5

78.9

1.3

1.4

2.2

1.9

TifNV-High O/L/**

6148

Least Sig. Diff.

232

77.5 207

1.0

1.3 0.7

2.1

0.2

0.3

*TSWV ratings (1= no disease); ** High-oleic oil chemistry; tests from two or three locations in Florida. Souce: University of Florida

Tifguard, with the high-oleic oil trait. It also has resistance to TSWV. It is similar to Tifguard in plant and seed characteristics. TUFRunner™ ‘297’: Developed by the University of Florida, this variety is an extra-large seeded runner-type peanut with high-oleic oil chemistry. Released in 2014, this variety has demonstrated very good resistance to white mold, good resistance to TSWV, but is susceptible to leaf spot. Yield and grade have been excellent. It has a prominent center stem with semi-prostate growth habit. TUFRunner™ ‘511’: This University of Florid a rele a sed va riet y i s a large-seeded, medium-maturity runner-type peanut with high-oleic oil chemistry. It has very good resistance to white mold and moderate resistance to TSW V. Yield and grade of TUFRunner™ ‘511’ have been excellent. The seed size is similar to Georgia-06G with a similar outturn of medium, No. 1 and jumbo kernels. The growth habit of TUFRunner™ ‘511’ is prostrate with a good center stem. TUFRunner™ ‘727’: This is a medium to medium-late maturing (135-145 days), high-oleic, runner market-type peanut cultivar with very good resisT WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

Yield Performance Of Runner-Type Peanuts In Various Locations In Mississippi, 2015-2016. Variety

2016 Avg (lbs/A)

Starkville (lbs/A)

Raymond (lbs/A)

Stoneville (lbs/A)

Average (lbs/A)

GA-16HO

7207

7676

7490

7458

FloRun™ ‘331’

7066

7666

7072

7268

TUFRunner™ ‘297’

5143

6509

7910

6790

7070

Georgia-06G

5112

7200

7214

6517

6977

Georgia-09B

4775

6081

7892

6691

6888

TUFRunner™ ‘511’

4865

6960

7165

6502

6876

FloRun™ ‘107’

4660

6440

7414

6574

6809

Florida-07

4474

6530

6831

6641

6667

Georgia-12Y

4681

6202

7049

6633

6628

FloRun™ ‘157’

4989

AU-NPL 17 Georgia-13M

6759

6908

6584

7262

5935

6511

5135

6796

6864

6265

TifNV-HI O/L

5682

6969

5849

6141

Tifguard

5644

6929

5849

6141

Georgia-14N Average

4518

6085 6337

4095

5543

6155

4755

5484

6308

7179

6480

6656

Source: 2017 Peanuts - Official Variety Trials, Mississippi State University, phone (662) 325-2390.

tance to white mold, resistance to TSWV and some resistance to late leaf spot. It has a prostrate, runner growth habit with large vines and large runner seed size. Yields and grades of the

variety TUFRunner™ ‘727’ have been excellent. Webb: Released by Texas AgriLife Research in 2012, it is the first high-oleic, nematode-resistant runner-type variety 15

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

2018 VARIETY GUIDE

released by the program. It is medium maturing at approximately 140 days. It has moderate resistance to Sclerontinia blight and should be suited for production in all areas of the Southwest. Seed size is considered medium.

VIRGINIA-TYPE VARIETIES Emery: Emery is a 2015 release by the North Carolina State University named in honor of Dr. Donald A. Emery, peanut breeder at NCSU. Emery is a high oleic large-seeded Virginia-type cultivar with alternate branching pattern, intermediate runner growth habit and medium green foliage. Emery has approximately 67 percent jumbo and 24 percent fancy pods, and seeds with tan seed coat averaging 940 mg seed-1 (480 seed lb-1). It also has 18 percent super-extra-large kernel content, 44 percent extra-large kernel content, and 71 percent sound mature kernel content. Emery is partially resistant to three of four major regional diseases: leaf spot, Sclerotinia blight, and Tomato Spotted Wilt virus, but it should be considered susceptible to Cylindrocladium black rot. Emery has bright pods and flavor comparable with run16â&#x20AC;&#x160;/

THE PE ANUT GROWER â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 2 018

ner-type standards. Yields and the number of days to maturity are similar with Bailey (145 days). Sullivan: Sullivan is a 2013 release by the North Carolina State University. Sullivan is a high oleic Virginia-type cultivar with alternate branching pattern, intermediate runner growth habit and medium green foliage. It was developed from a cross with a sister line of Bailey and it has partial resistance to early leaf spot, CBR, Sclerotinia blight and TSWV. Sullivan has approximately 45 percent jumbo pods and 40 percent fancy pods, and seeds tan with seed coat averaging 931 mg seed-1. Yields and the number of days to maturity are similar with Bailey (145 days). Wynne: Wynne was released by the North Carolina State University in 2013. Plants resemble Sullivan, with which Wynne is related through a Bailey sister line. Wynne has partial resistance to early leaf spot, CBR, Sclerotinia blight and TSWV and has the high oleic characteristic. The percentage of jumbo pods is 68 and fancy pods 21 for this cultivar. Seeds have pink seed coat and seeds average 1051 mg seed-1. Just like Sullivan, Wynne has yields and maturity similar with Bailey, but significantly higher than CHAMPS, Gregory, PE ANUTGROWER.COM

NC-V11, Perry, and Phillips. Bailey: Bailey, released in 2008 by NCSU, is a medium to large-seeded and high yielding Virginia-type peanut. It produces high yields across multiple years and locations, which is an indication of good tolerance to fluctuations of weather and growth conditions. Bailey has a growth habit intermediate between runner and bunch types, bright pods and tan kernel color. More importantly, it is resistant to TSWV and thrips. It matures in approximately 145 DAP, just a little after CHAMPS, but it holds pods much better than CHAMPS if picked later. Sugg: Sugg is a line developed at the NCSU that has resistance to TSWV, CBR, SB, and early leaf spot. Sugg has an intermediate runner growth habit and the color of seed coat is pink. Sugg produces high yields and has larger kernels than Bailey. It also has good blanching and flavor characteristics. Titan: Titan, released in 2010 by Virginia Tech, is an extra-large seeded peanut with an exceptionally high content of jumbo pods and super extralarge kernels. It is suitable for in-shell, gourmet and green boiling products. Yields are relatively low if not irrigated. Maturity is considered early (only 5 later than CHAMPS). This variety is moderate susceptible to susceptible to TSWV, CBR and Sclerotinia Blight. CHA MPS: CH A MPS is a large-seeded Virginia-type peanut with a runner growth habit. It is the earliest maturing variety for the VirginiaCarolina region. Yields at early digging (135-140 days after planting in Virginia) are high, and pod size, shape and color are suited for in-shell market. If an early frost advisory is in effect, CHAMPS can be harvested 10 days earlier than NC-V 11 with no reduction in yield. It is less susceptible to TSWV than most Virginia-type cultivars, but is susceptible to CBR and Sclerotinia blight. High yields and favorable pod characteristics were observed across years and locations and showed good tolerance to growth factors, similar to Bailey. Gregory: Gregory has a growth habit intermediate between runner and T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

Agronomic Performance Of Commercially Available Peanut Varieties; Across Suffolk, VA, And Williamston, NC Locations - Digs I & II - 6 Year Average, 2011-2016. Dig I Variety

Dig II

Yield (lbs/A)

Value ($/A)

Yield (lbs/A)

Value ($/A)

Bailey

4931

847

5117

881

CHAMPS

4930

820

4739

803

Emery

4636

798

4514

771

Gregory

4870

832

5000

843

Sugg

4607

766

4612

803

Sullivan

4502

761

5064

879

Wynne

4405

731

4838

801

Source: Maria Balota, Associate Professor, Tidewater AREC, Virginia Tech, http:pubs.ext.vt.edu/author/b/ balota-maria-res.html.

Agronomic Performance Of Commercially Available Peanut Varieties; Across Suffolk, VA, And Williamston, NC Locations - Dig I - 6 Year Average, 2011-2016. Variety

Fancy Pods (%)

ELK (%)

SMK (%)

Total Meat

Bailey

CHAMPS

Emery

Gregory

Sugg

Sullivan

Wynne

Source: Maria Balota, Associate Professor, Tidewater AREC, Virginia Tech, http:pubs.ext.vt.edu/ author/b/balota-maria-res.html.

Agronomic Performance Of Commercially Available Peanut Varieties; Across Suffolk, VA, And Williamston, NC Locations - Dig II - 6 Year Average, 2011-2016 Variety

Fancy Pods (%)

ELK (%)

SMK (%)

Total Meat

Bailey

CHAMPS

Emery

Gregory

Sugg

Sullivan

Wynne

Source: Maria Balota, Associate Professor, Tidewater AREC, Virginia Tech, http:pubs.ext.vt.edu/ author/b/balota-maria-res.html.

bunch types. Maturity is similar to NC-V 11 (145 – 150 DAP). This variety produces an exceptionally high percentage of ELKs and Fancy pods. Due to large seed size, Gregory has a high soil

calcium requirement which may result in reduced seedling vigor if seed is produced under conditions which limit calcium uptake. It is medium resistant to TSWV. PG 17

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Know Your Production Costs

conomists from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recommend that Georgia farmers understand their production costs before planting next year’s crops. Amanda Smith, a UGA Cooperative Extension economist in the CAES Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, says prices for diesel, some chemicals and land rent have increased, while seed and fertilizer continue to be significant expenses of growing crops. Farmers need to be diligent in their record keeping and know how increased production costs combined with low commodity prices affect their bottom line, she says. Be On Top Of Your Numbers “It’s good business practice to be on top of your numbers and ask, ‘Am I losing money with this crop? Can I afford to pay land rent on these acres?’” Smith says. “If you can’t afford it, you may need to step away and look for an alternative.” Along with UGA Extension peanut economist Adam Rabinowitz and UGA Extension cotton economist Don Shurley, Smith has produced a relative row crop production cost and expected net returns analysis for cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum for 2018. In UGA’s projections, cotton is expected to bring an average price of 72 cents per pound; peanuts could be $400 per ton; corn may be $4.15 per bushel; and soybeans may bring $9.50 per bushel. These price estimates are based on harvest time futures contracts adjusted for expected basis, except peanuts. Peanut prices are a weighted average of expected contracts on limited quantities. Cover The Costs Production costs for farmers are divided into two categories: variable and fixed costs. Variable costs consist of seed, fertilizer, chemicals, labor, land rent, fuel, and repairs and maintenance. Fixed costs refer to the cost of owning machinery, equipment, irrigation and buildings. These ownership costs include depreciation, housing, insurance and taxes. Based on UGA’s projections, soybeans, cotton and peanuts offer growers more return above variable cost per acre for both irrigated and non-irrigated farmland. When making year-toyear planting decisions, growers need to look at the returns above their variable costs, Smith says. In the long run, farmers also need to cover those fixed ownership costs. One significant variable cost for some farmers is land rent. This past growing season, the average land rent for irrigated cropland in South Georgia was $206.25 per acre, according to the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was an increase from the $202 average that landowners charged in 2016. For non-irrigated cropland, rent was $80.50 per acre in South Georgia, higher than the 2016 average of $76.25. 18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

“It’s good business practice to be on top of your numbers and ask, ‘Am I losing money with this crop? Can I afford to pay land rent on these acres?’ If you can’t afford it, you may need to step away and look for an alternative.” AMANDA SMITH, UGA Cooperative Extension Ag Economist

Look At Your State Budgets UGA agricultural economists urge farmers to look at the enterprise budgets available online at www.agecon.uga.edu/ extension/budgets, and adjust cost estimates to reflect production practices and yield. “For cotton, we budget a 1,200-pound yield. Some growers shoot for three-bale cotton, which is 1,500 pounds of cotton per acre. That’s going to require a different mix of fertilizers and other inputs. They should account for higher costs associated with trying to get a higher yield,” Smith says. One variable cost that Smith says varies is repairs and maintenance. She allotted $54 per acre in peanuts, but producers who operate older equipment may face higher repair bills. Buy Or Repair? “One farmer said, ‘I’ve got 10 years and 8,000 hours of use on a tractor. But the numbers aren’t there to buy a new tractor. I’m going to have to repair and maintain it best I can,’” Smith says. Other variable costs that remain a significant portion of production costs are fertilizers. The price for liquid nitrogen has risen since August of this year, though it’s not expected to keep increasing, she says. Phosphorus has leveled out and will likely stay around the same price. Costs for potash, a form of the element potassium, have gone up just over 7.8 percent from last year but have not shown a dramatic increase as in 2011. Smith and her UGA Extension colleagues offer more agricultural projections at the Georgia Ag Forecast seminars. PG Article by Clint Thompson, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. UGA’s Extension Ag Economists Row-Crop Projections: • Cotton is expected to bring an average price of 72 cents per pound. • Peanuts could be $400 per ton. • Corn may be $4.15 per bushel. • Soybeans may bring $9.50 per bushel. PE ANUTGROWER.COM

2018 Estate Tax Changes

ith the start of a New Year and the passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” there are important changes to the federal estate tax. Everyone should take time to understand the current and any new estate tax law and to evaluate his or her estate to determine if estate tax liability may be an issue. Federal Estate Tax Basics The federal estate tax is essentially a tax on a person’s right to transfer property at death. If a person’s taxable estate is valued over the exemption amount set by Congress, the person’s estate is required to pay taxes on that amount within nine months of death. The exemption is based upon the value of a person’s “taxable estate,” which is essentially the market value of their assets less certain allowable expenses and deductions such as mortgages, funeral expenses and estate administration costs. As recently as the early 2000s, the estate tax exemption was as low as $1 million per person. Certainly, given the value of agricultural land and farm assets, this had the potential to impact a large number of agricultural producers. In 2013, the exemption level was raised significantly to $5 million per individual, which would then be increased for inflation in following years. Studies show this greatly decreased the number of persons facing estate tax liability. According to one estate tax lawyer, in 2016, only 682 taxable estates contained any farm assets at all. There are a number of estate planning tools available to help someone avoid estate tax liability even if his or her gross estate may be worth more than the exemption amount. 2018 Exemptions For persons dying in 2017, the federal estate tax exemption was $5.49 million per person. Due to changes in the tax

T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

reform bill, for persons dying between 2018 and 2025, the exemption will be $11.2 million. This means that in 2018, a couple may transfer $22.4 million without facing any estate tax liability. For persons with estates valued at more than the exemption, a 40 percent tax is imposed on the amount above the exemption level. For example, let’s calculate the estate tax liability for a person with a taxable estate worth $11 million in 2017 and in 2018. If the person died in 2017, the exemption was $5.49 million, meaning that the person’s estate is $5,510,000 over that amount. At a 40 percent tax rate, his tax liability would be $2,204,000. In 2018, however, his estate value would fall below the $11.2 million threshold and he would owe no federal estate tax. Take note that the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” did not repeal the federal estate tax, and it did not make the $11.2 million/ person exemption permanent. In 2026, the exemption level will revert back to the $5 million level, adjusted for inflation. Takeaways It has been said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. In light of this, everyone should be aware of the current law regarding the federal estate tax. For most people, particularly given the increase in the exemption recently passed by Congress, estate taxes are likely not an issue. However, for persons with estates that may be close to the exemption amount, it is critical to talk with an attorney and accountant to determine what steps may be available to help minimize the estate tax liability at death. PG Article by Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Agricultural Law with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Visit the Texas Agriculture Law Blog at https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/home/.

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

a cotton harvester to provide real-time data that corresponds to cotton quality,” Badding explained. “These features help cotton producers to preserve lint and seed quality while optimizing their overall production system to maximize yields and profits.” For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.

Deere Combines and Cotton Harvesters Receive Ag Engineering Award John Deere grain and cotton harvesting equipment have been honored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) with the AE50 Award for 2018. The AE50 Award highlights the year’s most innovative product-engineering designs in the food and agriculture industry, as chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The John Deere S700 Series Combine was recognized for its significant innovations in “smart” technology, improved operator comfort and data capabilities for more efficient grain harvesting, said Matt Badding, John Deere marketing manager for harvesting equipment. “The S700 Combines integrate new technologies that optimize and automate grain harvesting, making it easier, faster and more efficient for the operator,” Badding said. “By automating more adjustment and calibration tasks, we’ve enhanced the operational intelligence of these machines while improving overall durability and productivity, based on each customer’s crop and field conditions.” In addition, the CP690 Cotton Picker and CS690 Cotton Stripper were recognized for innovations in precision cotton-harvesting technologies that include moisture sensing, round module weighing, Harvest Identification, Cotton Pro and John Deere Operations Center Field Analyzer. “This is the first time onboard moisture-sensing and round-module weighing technologies are factory integrated into AGCO Announces Reorganization AGCO Corporation recently announced a new organizational structure aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing aftersales revenue opportunities for their dealers. The One Team One Goal initiative restructures the commercial organization to create a cohesive and coordinated field organization to grow AGCO dealers’ machinery and aftersales business. AGCO Field support team members are now regionally aligned to create a consistent approach and interface with AGCO dealers and customers, and increase the quality of technical support to them. The transition to the new infrastructure is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2018, and dealers and customers will experience no interruption in service. 20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

Brandt Product Finder App Brandt, a leading manufacturer of specialty products for the agriculture market, has released a product finder mobile app, available for iOS and Android. The Brandt Product Finder app will give users the ability to search and mine Brandt’s entire portfolio of U.S. agriculture products. Each Brandt product will feature a label, safety data sheet and brochure. Users will be able to save documents for quick retrieval and offline viewing by adding them to their “library.” There are more than 300 products in the Brandt portfolio. “As information becomes more necessary on-the-go, our goal is to provide access to product information wherever you are and whenever you need it,” said Karl Barnhart, Brandt Chief Marketing Officer. “For example, if you’re in the middle of a field getting ready to apply product, you have application rates and mixing information at your fingertips. And if you’ve saved the information in your library, you won’t even need internet access.” The Brandt Product Finder app includes a smart search feature so users can quickly find the exact product they are looking for. In addition, there is an easy-to-use filtering system based on product category, type and formulation. Users will also be able to find contact information for local Brandt sales reps. Future enhancements include additional tools for purchasing. The Brandt Product Finder app can be downloaded, free, by searching “Brandt Product Finder” in the App Store and Google Play Store. For more information, visit Brandt on the web at www.Brandt.com.

For more information, please visit www.AGCOcorp.com, or follow us on Twitter @AGCOcorp. PE ANUTGROWER.COM

Maintaining Seed Quality One concern for growers in 2018 is seed quality. Many problems were observed last year with seed vigor enhancing seedling disease and herbicide injury. The good news is the 2017 peanut seed crop has been one of the best quality crops seen in several years. This does not mean growers won’t experience problems SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia in 2018, but it should reduce Extension Agronomist potential seed quality issues significantly. A few things you can do to help defend against potential seed problems: 1. Make sure the seed you purchase is of good quality visually (look in the bag). 2. Keep a sample of each lot you plant until they emerge. Make sure to put the one pound sample in a paper bag and in a cool, dry area. 3. Remember, do not keep your seed in any location where you have extreme temperatures for long periods of time. This could cause your seed quality to diminish. 4. Plant seed in the order you receive them from shellers/buying point. First in, First out. 5. If you are planting early in cool, wet conditions, planting farmer-saved seed or in conditions that favor aspergillus crown rot (hot and dry conditions), the addition of an in-furrow fungicide can help ensure adequate germination, emergence and final plant stand. 6. Plant in good moisture and proper soil temperatures (at least 68 degrees for three days with no cold fronts in forecast). 7. Make sure the planter is set and working correctly – vacuum leaks or stopped up lines, seed plates, seed spacing, insecticide and inoculant applicators. Simple problems can cause big issues. Seed Supply and Information on Varieties The most prevalent variety continues to be Georgia-06G with more than 83 percent of the seed acres in 2017. The varieties TUFRunner ‘297,’ TUFRunner ‘511,’ Georgia09B, TifGuard, Georgia-12Y, Georgia-13M, Georgia-14N are available but may be on limited acres. The newest varieties are Georgia-16HO, FloRun ‘331,’ and AU-NPL 17, which are not commercially available and are being evaluated in research and Extension trials. Key things to remember regarding some of the available varieties: T WIT TER: @PE ANUTGROWER

• Georgia 12Y and Georgia 14N are later-maturing and need to be planted by May 12 to ensure yield potential. • Georgia-12Y is more susceptible to Rhizoctonia Limb Rot. Use fungicides to minimize impact of this disease. • Georgia-09B, Georgia-13M and TUFRunner ‘511’ are more susceptible to leaf spot compared to other varieties. Call your Extension agent if you have any questions or comments regarding varieties.

Examine Each Production Step The 2017 peanut crop was very good for most farmers in the V-C region. Still, there are always things we can learn and apply the next growing season. Hopefully, you have identified some of these and are on your way to developing strategies to address those weaknesses. Contract prices in 2017 DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State were good, but there is conUniversity cern that contracts in 2018 Extension Agronomist will be less because of supply. Often, when prices are lower, we look more closely at production and pest management inputs. This is a good thing, but be careful not to increase risk and vulnerability in the process. There is a core cost to peanut production, and one can only cut so much without doing more harm than good. Taking inventory on each input is always a healthy thing to do. This is where Cooperative Extension budgets can provide a framework that helps you examine each step. Some of the major costs are seed, pest management and, for Virginia-market types, use of gypsum. Our recommendations are to establish 4-5 plants per foot of row. With resurgence in tomato spotted wilt in 2017, planting lower seeding rates that deliver only 3-4 plants increases risk. Pesticides used in peanuts almost always pay for themselves. While we promote IPM practices that, in theory, push us in the direction of applying pesticides only when the pest reaches an economic threshold, we have to be timely with reactive practices and that can be a logistical challenge. Each of you knows your operation and when you need to be protective and when you can “see what develops.” Hopefully, during winter production meetings we are helping folks identify some places to save money without substantially increasing risk. A wise person once told me, “You can save your way to profit or grow your way to profit.” He didn’t fill in the details; that is for each of us to do using the resources we have available in that process. 21

FEBRUARY 2 018 • THE PE ANUT GROWER /

Interested In Organic Production? High demand has increased the interest in organic peanut production. The Southwest is home to the majority of organic peanut acres in the United States, with most acres being planted to Spanish or Valencia cultivars. While there may be economic advantages to growing JASON WOODWARD organic peanuts, several things Texas Agri-Life Extension must be considered before tranPlant Pathologist sitioning from conventional production. For example, fields designated for organic production must have an organic system plan, implement that plan, have it reviewed by a certified agent and be thoroughly inspected. If an operation complies with these requirements and the proper transitionary period has elapsed, then organic production can be initiated. Producers interested in organic production need to pay close attention to cultivar selection, especially as it relates to diseases caused by foliar and soilborne pathogens. The number of products labeled for use in organic production is limited, thus the use of disease-resistant cultivars is critical for maximizing yield and maintaining quality. One limitation to organic peanut production is the lack of effective control of the seedling disease complex. Fungi such as Aspergillus, Pythium and Rhizoctonia spp. are capable of affecting stands. Several products are labeled for use at-plant to control seedling disease, but efficacy can be variable. The use of high-quality, vigorous seed and delaying planting until soil temperatures increase will help decrease the risk of seedling disease. In addition, planting at a shallow depth can limit exposure of germinating seedlings to attack by these fungi. Seed planted too deep often decay prior to emergence and may result in skips in the field. Reduced stands lead to more severe weed competition. Weed control is a major limitation in organic production. Cultural practices can be used to manage weeds; however, hoeing is most effective. Weed pressure is dependent on weed species present, seed densities in the soil and environmental conditions. As in conventional production systems, weed control is most critical early in the season during establishment and early pod fill. Once plants have lapped, peanuts are capable of shading out and out-competing weeds. Fertilizer options cleared for organic production are also limited, thus a detailed nutrition plan utilizing approved nutrient sources must be implemented. Insect issues are seldom a concern in organic systems. Other than these practices, organic peanuts should be 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWER • FEBRUARY 2 018

maintained similarly to conventionally grown peanuts. If you have any questions related to organic peanut production contact your local Extension office.

Thoughts On Variety Selection W hich variet y should I plant in 2018? Even though Georgia-06G has been around for a while and we have seen more damage and TSW V from it in the last few years, this variety showed us this year why we have had it for so long and continue to rely on it. It is a proven variety and continues to show out in certain years. KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University However, I do believe there is Extension Specialist a lot of risk in continuing to plant the whole crop in it. I would encourage everyone to look at all the variety trial data that is available from all across the state and, especially, from your growing region. This is an excellent opportunity to see how these different varieties respond, not only in yield differences, but also how they are affected from the varying amounts of disease pressure at the different locations. I recommend planting a few different varieties, instead of every field in one variety that could fail at any time. Some variety specifics are as follows. Some producers don’t like the amount of vine that comes with Georgia-12Y, considering the drying-down time to get ready to combine. However, even though this is a long-season variety, it is one that has a lot of flexibility at harvest time with a fair grade in the low to mid 70s. It also has good virus resistance coupled with good disease tolerance and the capability to have comparable yield or even out yield Georgia-06G. Looking at some of the high oleic varieties, I was surprised this year in the amount of leafspot in TUFRunner ‘297’ along with its performance in comparison to TUFRunner ‘511.’ We all knew that TUFRunner ‘511’ was weak on leaf spot, but it does a better job holding on to peanuts in tough circumstances than 297. However, the variety FloRun ‘331’ looks like a superior variety in comparison right now, but will have limited availability. Other new varieties with the high oleic trait showing some promise are AU NPL 17, which grows a lot of vine and has a good disease package along with good yield potential, and Tif NV-HI O/L, which is the new peanut root-knot nematode resistant variety that has the high oleic trait along with a respectable yield potential. Georgia-16 HO is yet another high oleic variety to watch in the future. PG PE ANUTGROWER.COM

PG0218 Layout_CF 11/13 template 1/17/18 4:12 PM Page 23

Every day, the National Peanut Board works to help Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7,000 peanut-farming families improve production practices and put the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest-quality peanut can continue to farm the land you love. Learn what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing to improve economics

By Growers For Growers For The Future

PG0218 Layout_CF 11/13 template 1/17/18 4:12 PM Page 24

THE CHOIC CE IS YOURS

PAY LESS PAY PA AY LE ESS OR USE USE MORE M E ’S E L G A E D RE IN Z A X O I M FLU G 51% WD

SA AME 51% ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN EACH. Same outstandi ding weed control. oxazin 51% WDG costs less than n Valor® V SX. Need to save cost? ? Use U the same rate RedEagle’s Flumio w and weed control? Use a higher labelled rate for the you are using now a pay a lot less. Need betterr w eady spending. Either way it’ss a b big bottom-line consideration att ttoday’s crop prices. money you are alre

Less Cost or Better Wee eed Control = Better Valu ue. With RedEagle’s eat performance and you don don’tt need to base rates RedEagle s Flumioxazin 51% WDG you get gre on rebates or high hu upfront costs. RedEagle’s Flumiioxazin pricing lets you save mon ney or use the most effective labeled rate for hard-to-control wee eds, especially the most resistantt ones. o Often, the best weed controll sstrategy is a higher labeled rate eo of what works but costs more th han is economical. RedEagle’s Flumio oxazin 51% WDG changes that ca alculation. Don’t pay more for a big company name. Instead,, a ask your dealer speciﬁcally for Re edEagle’s Flumioxazin 51% % WDG. W RedEagle is a quiet company with top quality products, butt not n top pricing. You’ll be glad you Yo u ttried it, glad you could use the ra ate you need, and glad you saved dm money doing it.

For more information or help obtain ning RedEagle’s Flumioxazzin 51% WDG, send d an email il to: to Fi FindRedEagle@gmail.com. dR dEagl @g il U TURAL AGRICUL

RED

EA AGLE GL

C H EMIIC CALS Valor is a registered trademarkk of Valent V USA Corporation.