NewsBriefs News Briefs 2020 Crop Estimate
Peanut production is forecast by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 6.64 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous forecast but up 22% from the revised 2019 total of 5.47 billion pounds. Harvested area is expected to total 1.62 million acres, up 17% from 2019. Based on Nov. 1 conditions, the average yield is forecast at 4,093 pounds per acre. This figure is down 32 pounds per acre from the previous forecast but is up 159 pounds per acre from 2019. Recordhigh production is forecast in Georgia with record-high yield in Mississippi.
PLC Or ARC Sign Up
It’s time for producers to make their annual program selection and enroll in either the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2021 crop year. These key USDA programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or prices for certain crops. “Although commodity prices are starting to show a glimmer of improvement, recent depressed prices and drops in revenue compounded by the effects of the pandemic have seriously impacted the bottom line for most agricultural operations,” says Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “Through safety-net programs like ARC and PLC, we can help producers mitigate these financial stressors and keep the ag industry moving forward.” Enrollment for this crop year closes March 15, 2021.
Part Of Price-Fixing Suit Settled
A group of peanut farmers filed an antitrust class action lawsuit in September 2019 against Olam Peanut Shelling, Birdsong Peanuts and Golden Peanut Co., who the producers say conspired together to reduce the price of runner peanuts. A $50 million settlement was reached with Birdsong that resolves allegations that the company violated antitrust laws 6/
THE PEANUT GROWER • JANUARY 2021
by conspiring to lower the value of peanut crops. Birdsong also agreed to cooperate with the farmers if the case continues. In return, Birdsong escapes liability and avoids risk and costs associated with continuing the case. Had the proposed settlement not been reached, the court was scheduled to hear both sides in a January trial. In late 2020, the farmers reached a $7.75 million settlement with Olam Peanut Shelling Co. After Birdsong’s settlement, only Golden Peanut Co. remains as a defendant in the case. Plaintiffs D&M Farms, Mark Hasty and Dustin Land sold runner peanuts to these companies. They alleged they and other peanut farmers were financially injured by the price fixing. The peanut farmers filed their bid for class certification in September. By moving forward as a class-action lawsuit, it would avoid potentially hundreds of separate trials, which would be inefficient and wasteful. The proposed settlement would include peanut farmers nationwide who sold runner peanuts to one of the three shellers between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019.
Georgia Farm Show Is A Go
The 45th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference is set for Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Jan. 21, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives. It is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with more than 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers are able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research during the University of Georgia peanut production seminar and industry-sponsored seed seminar.
In Brief • 2020 crop production 22% more than previous year. • Farmers reach settlement with two of three shellers in price-fixing suit. • Golden Boy Foods to expand peanut butter production in Troy, Alabama. • Georgia congressman, first African American to head U.S. House Ag Committee. • UGA Extension plant pathologist, Irwin County Extension coordinator honored.
For additional information and the conference schedule, visit https:// gapeanuts.com/newsroom/.
Golden Boy Foods Expands In Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that Golden Boy Foods, a leading manufacturer of private label food products, plans to invest more than $13 million in an expansion project at its production facility in Troy. The investment will create an additional 67 fulltime jobs. To expand peanut butter production, Golden Boy will modify its existing Alabama facility and occupy a 170,000 square-foot building being constructed by the city of Troy’s Industrial Development Board and leased on a long-term basis to the company. The project calls for Golden Boy to install $13.3 million in equipment to expand peanut butter production at the Alabama site. Troy’s industrial board is investing $12.5 million to purchase land and construct the building to accommodate the company’s growth plans. “Golden Boy Foods is excited to expand our Troy, Alabama, facility,” says plant manager Robert Jacobs. PEANUTGROWER.COM
