Peanut grower july 2017

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JULY 2017

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

Know The Sustainability Message Prepare Your Equipment For Harvest

Weighing Optimum Maturity In The

Digging Decision

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The

JULY 2017

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

JULY 2017

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

Know The Sustainability Message

Volume 29 • Number 7

Prepare Your Equipment For Harvest

Weighing Optimum Maturity In The

Digging Decision

Departments 4

Editor’s Note A long campaign on sustainability.

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News Briefs Third largest U.S. crop expected.

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Market Watch Demand spurs global drawdown.

20 New Products Popular pesticides get new owner.

21 Peanut Pointers Another reason to plant good quality seed.

10 Features

10 Harvest Principles

Yield, grades for the total farm are the ultimate drivers of decisions.

12 Abounding In Efficiency

Producers have a great story to tell on sustainability.

Stay Connected

14 Get Ready For Harvest

Prepare equipment before pulling into the field.

16 More Acres, More Threats To Yield

Will this be another year of significant white mold pressure?

Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

Follow The Peanut Grower on Twitter @PeanutGrower Cover photo by Amanda Huber T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

JULY 2 017 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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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 © 2017 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.

A Long Sustainability Campaign

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he mission to show how sustainable the peanut is began with the man we consider our founding father: Dr. George Washington Carver. With cotton devastated by the boll weevil and farmers desperate for an alternative, it was Carver who showed them that peanuts added nitrogen to the soil instead of taking it away and that every part of the peanut plant could be used more than 300 ways.

The U.S. peanut industry is continuing Carver’s work in talking about, and even improving upon, the sustainability of the peanut. The American Peanut Amanda Huber Council has set up a task force which Editor, The Peanut Grower is measuring the carbon footprint and other indicators of sustainability throughout the peanut supply chain from the farm through processing and even the life cycle of the packaging of food products. Through the task force, the APC also seeks to provide members with the tools and support needed to incorporate sustainability in their business operations.

According to The National Peanut Board, today’s consumers are looking for foods that are grown and manufactured in a sustainable system.

An important aspect of sustainability is water-use efficiency. Recently, the NPB, along with funding partner USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), awarded research grants totaling $1.4 million, with nearly half of that amount going toward improvements in water-use efficiency in peanuts.

Knowing that peanut producers need innovative methods of mitigating loss of revenue through decreased yield or quality because drought or inefficient use of water, the NPB, through these projects, seeks to further reduce the amount of water necessary to produce peanuts, develop a more drought-tolerant peanut variety or develop efficient agronomic methods that decrease the amount of water used in peanut production.

Further information on sustainability can be found in the article on page 12, including a breakdown by Marshall Lamb, USDA ARS National Peanut Research Lab lead researcher, as to the reasons why the various parts and attributes of the peanut plant make it a sustainable crop. All of these researchers, associations, industry segments and you, the producers, are simply carrying on the work Dr. Carver started nearly 100 years ago.

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

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Worldwide Production, Demand The Foreign Agricultural Service of USDA reports that global peanut production in 2017/18 is forecast to rise almost one million tons to 43.3 million, as area harvested in China, India and the United States is projected to grow. While this would be the third largest peanut production on record, growing demand is expected to lead to a drawdown in global stocks.

Global peanut trade is projected to rise for the fifth straight year as demand continues to grow. Export growth is primarily limited to India where supply growth is greatest.

Argentina will continue to be the world’s largest exporter despite a marginal decline in exports because of slight decline in total supplies.

U.S. exports are projected to stay unchanged at 635,000 tons, maintaining the high export level, which began in 2015/16. China will remain as the world’s second largest importer after the European Union, bolstered by continued strong demand for peanuts for crush.

Highlights of the global markets are as follows:

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

• U.S. exports are forecast to stay unchanged at 635,000 tons.

• Argentina’s exports are down 20,000 tons to 880,000 on reduced supplies though remain near record volume.

• China’s imports are forecast at 580,000 tons and exports are projected to rise 30,000 tons to 580,000, with an expected increase in domestic production.

• India’s exports are up 100,000 tons to 1.05 million due to further gains in production.

• EU peanut imports are 10,000 tons higher at 875,000.

S.C. Seeks Representation

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina has introduced a bill that would give South Carolina representation on the Peanut Standards Board.

As evidence of being a top-producing state, Marshall Thomas, S.C. Farm Bureau, says, “South Carolina totaled about 10,200 acres of peanuts in 2001, which was 0.007 percent of all U.S. peanuts. In 2016, the state’s farmers grew 106,000 acres of peanuts in 2016, which is about 7 percent of all U.S. peanuts now.”

In Brief: • Global demand increases for fifth straight year.

• South Carolina seeks seat on standards board.

• Allowance for damaged kernels to move up one percent.

• Dollar-for-dollar research fund match to benefit producers.

• NPB promotes new allergy guidelines at physician assistant conference.

• TPPB's Nutt joins advisory board of Peanut & Tree Nut Processors.

• See the Calendar of Events.

Thomas says the other peanut-producing states have told him they don’t plan to oppose South Carolina’s bid for a seat on the board. However, no additional seats will be added to the board, and it is unknown at this time whose seat South Carolina would take on the board. Other states increasing in acreage in the last decade include Mississippi and Arkansas.

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Growing Demand Expected To Spur Drawdown In Global Stocks

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hanks to some timely spring showers across the entire peanut belt, the U.S. peanut crop is off and running and looking good. North Carolina, Virginia and Mississippi were a bit behind schedule in planting because of wet fields, but were able to get peanut seed in the ground before the crop insurance deadline. Some earlier planted peanuts in Georgia and Florida were lapping in the middles by June 1.

Some problems with seed of certain varieties were reported, but, overall, stands are good. Specialists were warning farmers to look for more Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, though there is little that can be done after planting.

Producers were also encouraged to apply at least 500 pounds of soil-test Calcium per acre in the top four inches of soil and 1,000 pounds per acre if the crop is being grown for seed next season.

Apply 5 pounds of liquid boron per acre to prevent hollow heart, and make a plan to prevent leaf spot and stem rot, don’t wait too late or the plant will begin to lose too many leaves. Peanut specialists and county agents are doing an excellent job helping growers with their production questions.

Major Change On Peanut Grade The Peanut Standards Board is to be commended for proposing an increase in the allowance for damaged kernels from 2.49 percent to not more than 3.49 percent for Seg. 1 peanuts. Last year, many farmers suffered when peanuts graded Seg. 2 because of this one percent dropped the loan price to $120 per ton, instead of $355 per ton or the contract price.

Selling 2016 Crop The market loan tonnage continues to dwindle and should sell out by the end of October. The producer has nine months and many are waiting until the last minute to see if peanuts get short and prices might increase. Runners in the Southeast are at $500 to $510 per ton.

A Price Loss Coverage payment will be paid in October on base yields/acres.

Prices were depressed last year with the nine-month average of $386 per ton, which allows for a $149 per-ton payment on 85 percent of base.

2017 Plantings USDA expects a peanut acreage increase to push production higher.

Intentions to increase acreage by 5 percent to 1.75 million acres would be the highest acreage since 1991/92. Harvested acreage is expected to increase nearly 9 percent, since last year an unusually increased number of acres of dryland peanuts in West Texas were not harvested.

The yield trend in peanuts may be retreating from its former highs.

Reduced crop rotations has increased disease problems. USDA predicted an

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (June 7, 2017) 2017 Acreage (USDA) ...................................................... 1,751,000 acres 2016 Acreage Harvested ................................................ 1,681,000 acres 2017 Production Est. (3,638 lbs/A) .................................... 3,057,500 tons 2016 FSIS Inspections (5-25-17) ......................................... 2,779,409 tons 2016 Market Loan (5-31-17) ............................................... 2,270,000 tons 2016 Market Loan Redemptions ...................................... 1,598,638 tons 2016-17 Domestic Usage (9 Mo.) ................................................. Up .98% 2016-17 Exports (8 Mo.) ..................................................................Up 9.6% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.43, Spanish - $409.00, Valencia and Virginias - $429.97

average of 3,638 pounds per acre, down from last year’s 3,675 pounds per acre.

U.S. peanut production in 2017/18 is forecast up 8 percent to 6.1 billion pounds (3,057,500 tons). Domestic food demand for peanuts for the year is forecast up 3 percent to 3.3 billion pounds. Strong export demand for U.S. peanuts may continue as well—supported at the 2016/17 level of 1.4 billion pounds (700,000 tons).

China has quickly emerged as the leading foreign market for U.S. peanuts. Imports

by China are likely to stay firm as processors there are seeking to augment the production of peanut oil.

Selling 2017 Crop Many buying points report that contract signing was higher this season as early Southeast runners were $500 per ton, some at $550 per ton for high oleic, later dropping to $450 per ton on runners. Some buying points report 100 percent signup indicating farmers were pleased with the offer. A high average will also reduce peanut program costs PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

(PLC payment) at a time when legislation is being negotiated.

Shelled prices above 60 cents have caused some manufacturers to back-off major sales and promotions. Although peanuts are still a low-priced ingredient, a big crop would cause peanut prices to drop lower than the present 60 cents per shelled pound.

April was not a good month for peanut usage according to Stocks and Processing. The 9.6 percent drop is the largest one-month drop during the past two years. That drops the annual usage increase to only .98 percent, a disappointing number for the industry.

Global peanut production in 2017/18 is forecast to rise almost one million tons to 43.3 million, as area harvested in China, India and the United States is projected to grow.

While this would be the third largest peanut production on record, growing

demand is expected to lead to a drawdown in global stocks. World-wide peanut trade is projected to rise for the fifth straight year as demand continues to grow.

Argentina will continue to be the world’s largest exporter despite a marginal slide due to a small decline in total supplies, depending on weather.

United States exports are projected to stay unchanged at 635,000 tons, maintaining the high export level that began in 2015/16. China will remain as the world’s second largest importer after the European Union, bolstered by continued strong demand for crush peanuts. U.S. exports were up 9.6 percent through March 2017.

Seeking A Balance Depending on the weather, the U.S. peanut industry is off to a good start.

The market needs to find a profitable balance for all segments. Farmers seem

“

Consumers are ready for some good quality, nutritious peanuts. The industry should be proud of the versatility and variety of selections on the grocery shelf. It’s impressive.

to be pleased with the $500-$550 perton level; however, costs are rising each year. Shelled prices need a balance between 45 cents per pound and 62 cents per pound….one is too low, the other too high at present. Consumers are ready for some good quality, nutritious peanuts. The industry should be proud of the versatility and variety of selections on the grocery shelf. It’s impressive. PG

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JULY 2 017 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Grading Change Possible The Peanut Standards Board published in the “Federal Register” on May 25, 2017, the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States. The Board advises the Secretary of Agriculture regarding potential or needed changes to the quality and handling standards and is comprised of producers and industry representatives.

The published change would relax the allowance for damaged kernels in farmers-stock peanuts when determining segregation. This change would increase the allowance for damaged kernels under Segregation 1 from not more than 2.49 percent to not more than 3.49 percent. The requirements for Segregation 2 would also be adjusted to reflect this change.

The Georgia Peanut Commission issued comments in full support of the proposed rule issued from the Peanut Standards Board to revise the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States.

“Segregation 1 peanut standards are an ancient regulation, and the technology in the industry is vastly improved,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.

Comments on the proposed change were taken until June 26, 2017.

Research Funding Collaboration The National Peanut Board has announced the approval of three research topics with available funding totaling $1.3 million for production and peanut nutrition research that is funded jointly with USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Collaborating with three peanut industry funding partners, Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative, The Peanut Foundation and The Peanut Institute, the National Peanut Board is allocating $650,000 for research topics, while NIFA is matching these funds dol8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

lar-for-dollar for a total of $1.3 million.

The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and is in addition to NPB’s ongoing and annually budgeted production research projects, which to date amounts to $25 million in production research allocations. “Working as a funding partner with other peanut organizations allows us to maximize the value of our production and nutrition research dollars as never before,” says Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO. “The matching funds from NIFA are a boon to America’s peanut farmers and the industry. The benefits will be felt for generations to come.”

NIFA has issued a Request for Proposa ls to orga niz ations t hat might qualify for grants in the NIFA Agriculture and Research Initiative’s program areas.

Peanut Tour Scheduled

More than 200 attendees from all over the United States and abroad annually attend the Georgia Peanut Tour to learn about the level of technology involved in producing high quality peanuts in Georgia. The 2017 Georgia Peanut Tour will be held Sept.

19-21, 2017, in the Albany, Ga., area.

For more information on the 2017 Georgia Peanut Tour, go online to www.gapeanuts.com.

Promoting To Northern Neighbors

In May, the A merican Peanut Council staff and export board members traveled to Toronto to participate in the 92nd annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Tradeshow.

Canada is the second largest importer of U.S. peanuts and the number one importer of U.S. peanut butter. APC’s trade promotion activities specifically target retail buyers, with the goal of increasing orders specifying products with U.S.-origin peanuts.

Calendar • July 11-13 — American Peanut Research Education Society Annual Meeting, Alburquerque, N.M. For more information, go to www.apresinc.com.

• July 13 — Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Darrell Williams Research Farm, Moultrie, Ga., Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., trams depart at 8 a.m.

Tour ends at noon.

• July 20-22 — Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. For more information, visit southernpeanutfarmers.org or call 229386-3470.

• July 27 — C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park Field Day, Camilla, Ga. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m, with the first tour at 9 a.m. Lunch provided.

• Sept. 19-21 — 2017 Georgia Peanut Tour, focusing on areas around Albany, Ga. For more information, go to www. gapeanuts.com.

According to Nielsen research, approximately 30 percent of Canada’s peanut sales are under private label, and many of these are sold in the produce department. Retail buyers and merchandisers responsible for purchasing decisions regularly attend CPMA, and exhibiting at the show is an efficient way for the American Peanut Council to meet with them to promote U.S.-grown peanuts.

U.S. peanut producers contribute to the American Peanut Council through state associations.

Important Audience: PAs

In the world of healthcare, increased patient demand and access to healthcare professionals has expanded the PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

roles and presence of physician assistants (PAs). Their growth in numbers and areas of specialty makes them an important influence group for communicating information to patients.

Because of this, the Nationa l Peanut Board recently exhibited at the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) annual conference, which attracts nearly 6,000 attendees, to share resources on the new guidelines for introducing peanut foods early to prevent peanut allergy.

“The field of physician assistants has grown exponentially over the past decade,” said J.J. Levenstein, MD, FAAP and chair of NPB’s Food Allergy Education Advisory Council.

“Today, patients are just as likely to receive medical advice and care from a PA as from a medical doctor, which is why it is so important that we’re here

providing them with information on the new guidelines.”

Levenstein, and NPB marketing and communications associate Keegan Treadaway, provided handouts and thumb drives with information about the new guidelines, and an infographic for parents on easy ways to introduce peanut foods to infants. Many of the PAs were unaware that the food allergy guidelines were changed earlier this year, though most had heard about the research supporting early introduction. Several attendees commented that they saw National Peanut Board on the exhibitors list and made it a point to stop by the booth to receive resources and information.

Besides interacting with NPB in the exhibit hall, the conference program also featured two sessions on food allergies, with one on anaphylaxis

Nutt Joins PTNPA Board Shel ly Nut t, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board, recently joined the Peanut & Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) as an industry affiliate member. The PTNPA is an organization dedicated to advocating for the nut industry from large global organizations to small family-owned businesses. Their mission is to advance the nut industry through professional networks, advocacy and education.

Nutt continuously advocates for the peanut industry through research, education and promotion and is passionate about agriculture and improving Texas' peanut farmers profitability. She has been with the TPPB since April 2003 and was appointed to the National Peanut Standard Board by the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, in December 2013 as the Southwest Industry Representative.

“

It’s ... great that we’re here to reinforce the message that peanut farmers are fully invested in being part of the solution to peanut allergies.”

and the other on the new early peanut introduction guidelines.

“It’s wonderful that the medical community is readily adopting and disseminating the early introduction guidelines,” said Levenstein. “It’s also great that we’re here to reinforce the message that peanut farmers are fully invested in being part of the solution to peanut allergies.”

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Harvest Principles The maturity profile gives a sense of when a field has the greatest capacity for high yields and grades, but ‘ready’ encompasses much more than this.

By David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension peanut agronomist

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roducing high yields a nd high-quality peanuts takes a lot of effort with timely implementation of production and pest management being one of the most essential elements of success. This statement embodies one of my strengths and weaknesses – pointing out the obvious. Many farmers, consultants, county Extension agents, agronomists, agricultural engineers, food scientists, pest managers, especially pathologists, have long understood the importance of timely operations, especially when it comes to harvest.

The relationship of yield and quality has long been established. Likewise, the critical need for effective and sustained disease control and protection of peanut vines and pods are also well established.

These fundamentals have been passed along from the prior generation of farmers, and those that support them, to us. We know what is needed to grow peanuts, optimize yield and maximize profit. But, we don’t do that every year, at least not everyone. There are many things that can cause lower-than-possible or desired yields.

Dialogue Important Too One area that we know a lot about is the method of determining when to dig peanuts and invert vines. Extension agents across the peanut belt are involved in pod maturity clinics or pod blasting to help farmers estimate when they should dig a field. Sometimes that information is used with a particular day in mind, while in other cases farmers just want to know where to start and the sequence.

Once digging starts, it generally keeps going. Thanks to Dr. Williams at the

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University of Georgia and other pioneers across the peanut belt, both in earlier days of developing the hull-scrape method and pod-blasting technique and more recently work with pressure washers and turbo nozzles, farmers and their advisors can make informed decisions on digging in a relatively rapid manner. Others have made good attempts at automating the process, using thermal imaging and soil-moisture data, to take some of the subjectivity and art out of the process.

While success has been realized in some of these areas, the human eye and the art of placement of pods on the profile board continues to be our “state of the art technology.” While the percentages in a particular mesocarp color category and the distribution across categories are extremely important, the dialogue between farmer, consultant, county agent and Extension specialist adds a great deal

to the decision, most often in a positive manner; although I have added confusion to a simple answer more than once.

Mature Versus Ready Over the years, I have been careful to use the phrase, “these peanuts ought to be at optimum maturity in 10 days” rather than “these peanuts will be ready in 10 days.” Maturity can be predicted using pod mesocarp color and peanut profile boards. But “ready” varies from farmer to farmer and even from field to field for a particular farmer.

In this issue, in my regular Peanut Pointers column, I listed questions related to challenges that affect disease control and digging. Expanding on that, growers have more than peanuts to deal with in terms of crops, which are all important. On top of that, soil characteristics and unpredictable weather PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

patterns can interfere with plans.

The crop mix, the level of stress someone can or is willing to take on and equipment and logistical capacities are all important and yet differ from farmer to farmer at harvest time. That’s why “will be mature” and “will be ready” are two different things. The farmer decides on ready with all of the available information at hand under his or her constraints. A part of that is the maturity profile that gives a real sense of when a field has the greatest capacity to have both high yields and market grades.

Many More Factors Regardless of weather, stress capacity, soil conditions, market type and total farm logistics, mesocarp color and the march toward optimum maturity are quite objective and independent of what the farmer has going on. Like time, pods advancing in maturity, staying on the plant at optimum yield and market grade, and shedding from the plant are a continuous process and stop for no one.

Time marches on for an indeterminate crop that develops into a mature crop and then sheds its pods. For that reason, when I help a farmer and agent with the decision to dig, I don’t try to guess at the psychology of the grower.

During the discussion, I try to stick with “based on what I see now these peanuts will most likely be at optimum maturity in X days.” Weather, logistics, disease, vine health, soil conditions and a host of others items influence “ready” and is up to the farmer to work through.

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An Example During our 2017 peanut grower meetings in North Carolina and at state meetings in South Carolina and Virginia, for which I appreciate the invitation to participate, I showed dry weight of pods with various mesocarp colors (page opposite), yield data and quality data from historical research (below) and two profiles of peanut maturity with yield data from a 2016 trial (above). This always initiates a range of responses, and many folks just can’t leave peanuts in the ground that long. Many producers would dig on Sept. 18, but waiting a week or so later increased yield by about 5 percent.

This is often driven by concern over the ramifications of waiting.

Does a consistent 3-5 percent loss on the front end of harvest due to “early digging” result in the best economic return, say over a decade, than a major loss due to digging delays past optimum maturity? And, as a relatively new peanut agent, but one with a lot of experience in the peanut industry, pointed out to me, ultimately at the end of the day, yield and market grades for the total farming operation and not just the one field in question are the ultimate drivers of the decision. Many farmers can accept an opportunity loss each year but not a catastrophic loss. This makes perfect sense.

Starting Point The first piece of information is pod maturity in a field, for which the pod mesocarp color helps, and the proven relationship of the maturity profile of pods and the yield that it reflects. The use of “x days to optimum maturity” in the information application from the profile board is the next step, and that is where subjectivity and the human dimension come into play.

One reality that makes digging and harvesting such a challenge is the increasing amount of acreage per farm and being able to get the crop out of the field in a timely manner with one's time and equipment capacity. Farmers can make it work when they have maxed out on both, but only if weather cooperates.

As farms get bigger, this will become more difficult and potentially costly. PG 11

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Abounding In Efficiency If consumers are looking at sustainability and nutrition, peanut producers have a great story to tell.

By Amanda Huber

W

hile the Southeast appears to be pulling out of the most recent drought, another one will come along soon enough. Recent work by Marshall Lamb, research leader of the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Ga., dug into the efficiency of the peanut plant to determine the level of sustainability, which is a factor affecting consumer purchasing patterns.

Lamb found that peanuts have a good story to tell and that sustainability exists throughout the peanut supply chain.

“Our sustainable footprint is because of the inherent properties of the peanut as well as proactive industry initiatives,” he says.“We’re fortunate that peanuts are a deep-rooting crop, which makes the plants resourceful at finding and using water.

“It also goes back to the caliber of producers we have these days growing peanuts,” says Lamb. “They’re quick to adopt all of this irrigation technology, they’re quick to adopt the genetics or new varieties that come out, and they’re using irrigation scheduling models and soil moisture monitoring to help make decisions with.

So they really are applying the science in the field.”

Why Peanuts Are Efficient Some of the reasons the peanut plant is considered sustainable are as follows:  Root Depth – Peanuts are a deep-rooting crop, with some plants having roots measured more than six feet. They also establish a good lateral root system, growing cross ways within the soil. This allows the peanut plant to better utilize water resources during 12 /

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Efficient Technologies Peanut farmers have been embracing technologies that make their farms and crops more sustainable for many years. Technologies such as low pressure and Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) irrigation systems, for example, have reduced irrigation water usage with lower evaporation, wind drift and water runoff. Variable-rate irrigation allows farmers to target specific locations for irrigating based on information like soil moisture and topography. End-gun shutoffs ensure that water is applied to the crop and not wasted on roads or non-crop areas. Using an irrigation scheduling method ensures that irrigation is applied when

periods of drought. They can grow deeper to get water to sustain the plant and obtain nutrients from the soil.  Nitrogen Fixation – As a legume, peanuts form nodules on the roots of the plant, which allows for a symbiotic or mutually beneficial relationship to develop with soil bacteria (Rhizobia) to take nitrogen from the air and feed nitrogen into the plant automatically. Therefore, peanuts don’t need any additional nitrogen added to the plant to sustain them. That helps sustain the soil by not depleting the available nitrogen, and helps sustain production costs by not requiring as much fertilizer.  Efficient Fertilizer Use – On many other plants farmers add phosphorus and potassium as fertilizer. But peanuts do not respond to direct fertility of phosphorus and potassium. A lot of that is because the root system is very efficient at taking those from the soil. In addition to the nitrogen fixing characteristics, this is a big benefit to soil conservation and sustainability.  Indeterminate Fruiting Pattern – The indeterminate fruiting characteristics of a peanut means that it will continue to put on new flowers that become new pegs or peanuts over time. In periods of dry weather, the peanut plant will pause fruiting. Once it receives rain, the plant will start flowering again and continue to put on new fruit, which is especially beneficial for non-irrigated plots. For irrigated peanuts, this feature allows the plant to continue the fruit addition process through T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

needed, which lowers input costs and saves water usage through eliminating needless irrigation applications.

Even without planning to, peanut producers have become more water efficient simply through the seed they plant. Newer peanut varieties have increased yields without increasing water consumption, which makes them more efficient at water use in terms of production and reduces their water footprint.

Although sustainability encompasses more than water-use efficiency, peanut producers can be proud of the crop they produce and seek out ways to let consumers know the good message about peanut production.

the onset of new flowers, significantly increasing yield.  Biomass-To-Fruit Ratio – There are two major benefits to a peanut plant’s size and structure. First, the peanut canopy creates a micro-climate that contributes to water conservation.

Second, the peanut plant has a minimal amount of foliage so there is less water required for the biomass. Instead, a lot of that water consumption goes toward fruiting and peanut yield.

Who’s Listening To The Message?

Because the National Peanut Board is plugged in to what’s shaping today’s food trends, current presentations and illustrations, such as the graphic “Water Usage: How Does Your Snack Stack Up?” highlight both the sustainability and health aspects of peanuts. A new video, “Peanuts Are the Crop of Now,” includes peanut farmers talking about the sustainable benefits of peanuts for their farms, livelihoods and local economies, as well as the low carbon and water footprint of peanut crops.

“The video has a positive impact and shows how peanuts meet the demands of consumers for sustainable foods and plant-based sources of protein,” says Ryan Lepicier, NPB’s vice president of marketing and communications.

Producers, too, should be prepared to engage consumers with the message of how sustainable and nutritious peanuts are as a crop and food option. PG 13

JULY 2 017 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Get Ready for

Harvest Prepare equipment before pulling into the field.

P

lanting is complete and the crop is well on its way. The production factors from here until harvest are all about protecting potential yields and reducing stress on the crop.

As always, be timely with inputs, especially fungicides. Rain and increased temperatures provide a perfect environment for disease. If it turns off dry, for those fields with irrigation, remember the water needs of the peanut plant are increased during peak bloom and pod fill.

Scout for potential problems and know what insects are more likely for the given weather conditions.

Finally, remember that maturity can be sped up or delayed depending on conditions. Don’t dig based solely on days after planting. More yield is lost from improper digging date and also during the digging operation than most any other time in the season.

Before pulling the trigger to dig, work to prepare equipment for the rigors of harvest.

Knowing when to dig may be the most important decision producers face. However, by the time peanuts have reached optimum maturity and producers have the proper weather and conditions to dig, digging equipment should already be ready to go. For maximum harvest efficiency, Kelley Manufacturing Co. offers the following steps for preparing equipment.

Digger Check Points ü Check the rattler bar chain for wear and tension. The distance from the bottom of the rattler frame to the top of the chain should be 2½ inches. ü Set the knocker wheels. Adjust wheels such that they strike the bars with sufficient force to remove dirt. Avoid excess agitation that would wear the chain prematurely.

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

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Adjust the rattler frame to be parü allel to the 45-degree frame member.

Check PTO driveline. With driveü line attached to tractor, raise and lower the inverter checking driveline travel. It should not separate in the up position or bottom out in the lower position.

Check tractor and gauge wheel tire ü inflation for proper pressure as to the tire manufacturing recommendation. Make sure they are the same on the machine and same on each of the rear tractor tires.

Level the inverter with the tracü tor axle by sighting a frame member with the tractor axle. Adjust lift arms as needed.

Set inverter gauge wheels. Normal ü vertical position is with two holes showing above the mounting bracket for 8 x 10 tire and one hole for 8 x 8 tires. With the stem located to the outside of the 2 x 5 frame is the correct position for 36-inch rows. ü For shank placement, the center of the plow standard should be located 12-13 inches off the row. For twin-row peanuts, use the center of the two rows as the measuring point.

Set the pitch of the blade. With ü the inverter on a concrete slab (or level surface) set the tractor top link so that the machine rests on the blade tips and gauge wheels. Adjust the frogs to provide three-fourths inch of clearance between the rear cutting edge of the blade and the concrete. ü Set the vine cutters. Coulters should be set as close to the row as possible without cutting off peanuts. The distance will normally be one to two inches outside the front tip of the blade.

The height of the coulter should be two to three inches below the plow blades, but never so low that they drag when turning at row ends. Make sure the springs are tensioned properly to cut.

Set the inverter rods. All recently ü manufactured machines have a decal attached showing proper rod location.

Operator’s manuals have this information also. Again with the inverter on a level surface measure and set the inverter rods to their correct position. Twin row peanuts may require a slightly wider setting of the lower rods.

Reasons For Digging Losses 1. Blade depth too shallow.

2. Dull blades. Blades are dull when they do not cut cleanly through the taproot. If they push on the root, they will drag the plant.

3. Vine cutter springs too loose or coulters too dull.

4. Conveyor pickup running too high above the lifter rods.

5. Tractor RPM or hydraulic flow too fast.

6. Vine flow not synchronized with ground speed and conveyor speed.

7. Inventer not precisely aligned with the row (indicated by tap roots leaning left or right).

tance from the end of the PTO to the center of the hitch pin should be 16 inches. For 1¾-20 PTO shafts it should be 20 inches. See decal regarding driveline lengths.

Check drive belts and chains. For ü spring loaded belt idlers, set the springs to the recommended lengths shown on the decals. Fixed belt idlers should be set for a tight belt tension. Chains should have approx. 1 inch of movement in the longest span.

Check concave setting. The clearü ance from the end of a spring tine to the cross rod of its concave should be 9 /16

inches for runner peanuts and ¾ inch for Virginias. Set the rear concave to just clear the teeth.

Stripper adjustment. Start with all ü strippers out. Set in enough to remove the peanuts from the vines. For optimum machine performance and sample grades, adjust a few times during the day. Do not set the strippers past the bracket unless absolutely necessary. This will cause the teeth to break prematurely. When one of the two tines breaks, most of the aggressiveness is gone. ü Set the tailboard as needed to retain lightweight peanuts. On wide body combines, it can be set all the way up in most conditions. Lower it if hay starts to build up.

Check the fit of the air lift ducts ü and liners. This is critical for low looseshelled kernels (LSKs).

Tractor PTO speed. Start at 900 ü to 950 rotations per minute. ü Separator fan speed. Maintain a high speed as possible to obtain a clean sample but not too high that peanuts are blown out of the rear.

Set the delivery air. Begin with the ü air open, then adjust down to minimize shelling.

If vines are green, timing of the rear ü three cylinders will eliminate wrapping. ü Check the fit of air lift ducts.

Check for proper alignment of tank duct to delivery chute. PG

Combine Start-up List ü Set tractor drawbar to correct length. For 1⅜-21 PTO shafts, the disT WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

15

JULY 2 017 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

More Acres, More Threats To Yield Will this be another year of significant white mold pressure?

G

eorgia peanut growers are on track this season to tie the planted acres record set at 785,000 acres in 2015. With more acres, some growers planted earlier and shortened typical crop rotation cycles, making their 2017 crop more susceptible to disease damage.

“The economics are better for planting peanuts than they are for some other crops,” says Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist. “I am concerned that another large peanut crop in 2017 and another season of sacrificing rotation will trigger losses due to disease.”

Continued emphasis on peanuts means continued disease pressure — something peanut growers could do without, adds Kemerait. Hot, dry weather can hinder some fungicide activation, which helped make white mold a significant peanut disease in both 2015 and 2016.

“With another big crop this year, short rotations and coming off a year where we had a lot of white mold, the upcoming growing season is not clear, but white mold continues to be a major concern for us.”

With a combined white mold and leaf spot threat, it’s important to have a complete program to fight disease.

Disease Control Economics Although peanut prices are favorable for 2017, growers may still be trying to economize on fungicide programs.

“Regardless of prices, they need to have a good program in place,” says Kemerait. “Diseases don’t care about price.

They’re going to affect the crop every year.”

He also notes that the best program may cost more, but will

deliver returns at harvest.

“If you use a less expensive program, the only guarantee is that you spent the least amount of money. There’s no guarantee that you’ll make the most money.”

In addition to white mold and leaf spot, Rhizoctonia limb rot can plague peanut growers. “DuPont’s Fontelis fungicide is broad-spectrum and effective against these devastating peanut diseases,” says Marsha Martin, fungicides product development manager, DuPont Crop Protection. “Fontelis delivers powerful control of both foliar and soil-borne diseases.”

She adds that incorporating a three-block spray program of Fontelis has increased grower profitability by providing superior disease control for bigger yields.

Fungicide Planning Mobile Tool The Peanut Rx program developed by researchers and Extension specialists at the University of Georgia, the University of Florida and Auburn University is available at no cost in a mobile version.

With the program, “You don’t need to be at your computer to customize your fungicide strategy,” says Kemerait.

“The Peanut Rx program will help you implement a premium fungicide program in a cost-effective way.” Free downloads are available from the app stores for iPhones (search for Peanut Rx) and for Android phones (search for UGA Peanut Rx). PG Article provided by DuPont Crop Protection. For additional crop protection strategies, go to cropprotection.dupont.com.

Producers may face increased disease pressure this season relating to factors associated with an increase in planted acres and shortened rotations.

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NAVIGATING the Marketplace

July 20-22, 2017 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort • Miramar Beach, Florida For detailed conference information, registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Room reservations at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort can be made online or by calling 800-622-1038 and asking for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference rate.

Brought o to yyou ou by th the he ffa family amily farmers fa armers of the Southern Pean Peanut ut Fa Farmer Farmers armers FFederation ederation ra www.southernpeanutfarmers.org www.southernpeanutfar npeanutfarmers.org

UGA, Georgia Research Alliance Introduce Genetics Expert

D

avid Bertioli, a world-class expert in the genetics and genomics of peanut species, will join the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a professor and the university’s first Georgia Research Alliance (GR A) Distinguished Investigator.

“We are pleased to have David join us as a Georgia Research Alliance Distinguished Investigator,” says Sam Pardue, dean and director of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “His research will be an important element in continuing UGA’s tradition of excellence in plant breeding and genomics.

“We are fortunate in Georgia to have strong support from the Georgia Research Alliance, the Georgia Seed Development Commission, the Peanut Foundation, the National Peanut Board, the American Peanut Shellers, the Georgia Peanut Commission, Mars, Inc., and the J.M. Smucker Company to help recruit Dr. Bertioli to our faculty,” Pardue says. “This valuable partnership shows the commitment to and importance of UGA’s agricultural research programs.”

Focusing On Pest Resistance Bertioli will join the UGA Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, which is home to some of the most respected plant genetics experts in the world. He will lead research important to Georgia’s $600 million peanut industry.

The genetics and genomics of wild peanut relatives are a primary focus of Bertioli’s work. His goal is to use valuable genetic traits found in wild species to improve cultivated peanuts so they require fewer inputs and are more sustainable and profitable for producers in Georgia and around the world. He will focus on increasing the resistance of the peanut to pests and diseases.

“David’s work on the use of traits from the wild relatives will have a major economic impact on Georgia growers, and we look forward to his contribution to the training of the next generation of scientists at UGA,” said Scott Jackson, a GRA Eminent Scholar in plant functional genomics and director of the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Finding Valuable Traits Bertioli came to UGA in 2013 as a visiting professor on leave from the University of Brasilia in Brazil. His cutting-edge, practical work consistently receives financial support from commodity groups, nonprofits, for-profit companies and federal agencies. He works closely with Jackson at 18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

David Bertioli, an International Peanut Genome Initiative plant geneticist of the Universidade de Brasília, has joined the faculty of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

UGA’s campuses in Athens and Tifton, Ga. Bertioli received his formal training in England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in botany from Durham University and a doctorate from Oxford University. He has served as a professor at the University of Brasilia since 2009. From 2009 to 2012, he was a Fellow of the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. In 2003, he was a visiting scientist at the Sainsbury Laboratory at the John Innes Center in Norwich, England.

“We are proud to welcome David to Georgia,” said Susan Shows, GRA senior vice president. “His expertise will be a unique asset to the UGA team and we are excited to see how they can expand their research portfolio.” PG Article by Faith Peppers, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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Our family of publications provides profitable production strategies to our farmers with information to improve their bottom lines. We cover every stage of production — from land preparation, seed selection, crop protection to harvest. In addition, our editors have their fingers on the pulse of the industry and are experts on marketing and legislation that is critical to our subscribers.

Pest Products Change Owners In a news release, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated ChemChina and Syngenta AG had agreed to divest the three pesticides to settle FTC charges that their merger would harm competition in the pesticides sector in several U.S. markets.

The three pesticides are: • Paraquat, a herbicide used mainly as a burndown herbicide before the growing season. (Syngenta brand name Gramoxone, Adama brand name Bobcat Combi WG—a premix of paraquat and diuron) • Abamectin, an insecticide used mainly in citrus and fruit tree crops to kill mites, phyllid and leafminers. (Syngenta brand name AgriMek, Adama brand name Abba) • Chlorothalonil, a fungicide used mainly on peanuts and potatoes (Syngenta brand name Bravo, Adama brand name Radial) The FTC stated Syngenta owns the branded version of each product, “giving it significant market shares in the United States.” ChemChina’s subsidiary Adama owns generic versions of the same products and is either the largest or second-largest seller of those products in the United States.

In early June, it was announced that AMVAC had acquired those product assets from Adama.

The acquisition includes the trademarks, product registrations, registration

data and commercial information that relate to the marketing and sale of these three products in the crop protection market in the United States.

The brands that AMVAC will be acquiring include: Parazone 3SL (paraquat), Equus 500 ZN fungicide (chlorothalonil), Equus 720 SST (chlorothalonil), Equus DF (chlorothalonil), Abba Ultra Miticide/Insecticide (abamectin), Abba 0.15 (abamectin), Abba 0.15EC (abamectin), and Borrada (abamectin).

Starting June 6, 2017, AMVAC began distribution of these products.

Two New Herbicide Products UPI has launched two new herbicides in the United States: Moccasin and Shutdown. Moccasin is the first post-patent herbicide containing the active ingredient S-metolachlor, the same active found in Dual Magnum.

Labeled for use on a wide spectrum of crops including peanuts, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets and corn, and with multiple application timings, Moccasin is a versatile soil-applied herbicide.

Shutdown is a soil applied, long-residual herbicide designed to be used alone or as an economical tankmix partner with a variety of pre-emergent herbicides.

Labeled crops include soybeans, sunflow-

John Deere Introduces New Display The new John Deere 4640 Universal Display raises the bar for performance, uptime and cost of operation as part of the latest John Deere Generation 4 Operating System. For customers, this translates into better data collection, increased application functionality and greater choice for monitoring and managing many tractor-driven field operations.

The new 4640 Universal Display enables customers to use the most common John Deere applications, including AutoTrac, documentation and Section Control, in a portable display that has the latest internal components, design and user interface.

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

ers, tobacco and several vegetable crops.

For full details on these and all UPI products, go to www.upi-usa.com or call 800-438-6071.

Irrigation Panels Get Even Smarter Valley Irrigation recently introduced the ICON family of smart panels, which replaces the TouchPro, PRO2 and Select2 series of panels. While the new panels are able to initiate a wide array of functions for an irrigation pivot, the user interface is simple to use for anyone who already has mastered the basics of a cell phone or tablet.

With ICON panels, irrigators can start and stop pivots, program variable rate functions and set end gun patterns. The user can monitor and change functions remotely if the panel is connected to the internet via cell modem or private network. Some ICON models can be operated via an Edge-of-Field wireless feature.

The ICON panels also expand use of Valley’s AgSense and BaseStation3 features. These include integrating information from sensors on soil moisture, weather and water applied. Data from those sensors will be incorporated into other data collected by the ICON panels. The data is sent at intervals to the Cloud, where it is easily retrievable.

Farmers can use the data to write new prescriptions or to share with business partners such as crop advisors.

For more information, visit www.valleyirrigation.com.

The time it takes operators to set up and start up the display has been re duc e d a nd d i spl ay n av i g at ion h a s b e en improved. This equates to more uptime for the user, as a quickly learnable display results in reduced training time, more time working, and fewer operator mistakes.

For more information on the new display, see your John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/ag.

JohnDeere.com/ag PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Reasons For Defoliation In July, addressing disease management issues in peanut is the priority, although there can be insect and weed-related issues to take care of as well. In the V-C region foliar-feeding insects and mites can become a problem in areas experiencing hot and dry conditions. Use care in deciding when to apply an insecticide to avoid causing DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State a secondary pest outbreak. For University example, applying chlorpyrifos Extension Agronomist for rootworms can flare spider mite. Weed escapes will need to be addressed to protect yield from weed competition, digging losses and non-uniform deposition of insecticides and fungicides in the peanut canopy.

With respect to fungicide selection, there are many options and programs that can be effective. All states have very good research and Extension plant pathologists who can help you develop an effective fungicide program for your area. The past two years in the V-C region have been challenging due to dry conditions during the growing season and then excessive rain during digging and combining operations.

Disease control suffered in many fields as farmers moved into mid-September. Are we seeing greater resistance to fungicides? Is the resistance of varieties like Bailey slipping or eroding? Have fungicide applications been stretched too far apart, leaving us vulnerable to lurking pathogens? Have the dry conditions experienced in July and August given us a false sense of security when it comes to disease epidemics? Are we trying to save money by using fungicides that are inexpensive but are less effective because of changes in pathogen resistance or tolerance? Did the impact of disease

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

that developed earlier in the season become a bigger issue than normal because weather conditions caused substantial delays in digging and/or harvesting? Do we simply have too many acres to get everything done in a timely manner?

I just posed several questions that might explain some of our challenges with canopy defoliation and reductions in yield due to pod shed. Regardless of the cause, how can farmers minimize risk, knowing that protection of vines well into the fall pays dividends in providing greater flexibility during harvest? Look at what you did in 2016 and where you had trouble. Determine right now a plan to address those troubles and not have a repeat. We simply cannot stop disease epidemics and prevent canopy defoliation once it gets going. An effective fungicide program is critical, and while some products are more expensive than others, a solid and complete program will almost always pay for itself in the end, many times over the initial investment.

Spend As Much As Budgeted The typical peanut production season: Have you ever seen one? I am not sure I have ever experienced one, but I have heard a lot about it. I doubt this season will be any different. Peanuts are off to a good start this year, but are not without issues. Stand problems related to weather, SCOTT MONFORT seed quality and seedling disUniversity of Georgia ease were troubling for some Extension Agronomist growers through much of May and early June.

With this in mind, growers have been concerned about their plant stand and yield potential and have asked several times, “How much money can I afford to put into this crop?” The answer is the same amount that you planned/ budgeted at the beginning of the year. It is simply too early in the growing season to begin talking about cutting back on inputs.

Yield potential for 2017 hinges on two things: 1.) good weather patterns (rain and temperatures) for the rest of the season; 2.) growers to manage diseases, weeds, insects, irrigation, etc.. Missing parts of either one could mean lower yields and the only one growers can control is No. 2. Please consider the following things as we move into the second half of the growing season: • Experiencing problems or have questions, call your county ag Extension agent.

• Hire a consultant or scout. Knowing your problems early can save you money.

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JULY 2 017 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

• •

Take care of weed escapes.

Stay ahead of disease issues by having a good disease spray program, not a bare-bones program. ú Remember peanuts grown in short rotation are more likely to have disease issues develop.

• Fertility. Apply boron. Apply gypsum and manganese if needed.

• Irrigation. Find a scheduling program to assist in irrigation needs. ú Easy Pan ú Irrigator Pro — http://irrigatorpro.org/farm/ ú PeanutFarm — http://peanutfarm.org/ ú Sma r t irrig at ion — ht tp://vel lid is.org / research-projects/smart-irrigation/ Insect management. Take care of insect problems when they are warranted, not just because you are going across the field.

Water Management Now is the time to focus on keeping up with irrigation. The total seasonal water requirement for peanuts is 24 to 28 inches. This may differ slightly among peanut market-types; however, July often marks the time when water demand by the plant is on the rise. Earlier planted peanuts require more JASON WOODWARD water than later planted peaTexas Agri-Life Extension nuts due to differences in Plant Pathologist growth and development.

Records of planting date, rainfall events and field examinations to determine growth stage can aid in determining irrigation amounts needed to maximize yield potential. Water demand is greatest from peak bloom through pegging and into pod development.

Requirements at this time can be 0.3 to 0.4 inches per day.

It is important to have adequate stored moisture, as well as keeping the soil moist at the surface for pegging. Conditions early in the growing season influenced root growth, which in turn will affect how efficient plants will be at acquiring water. By 60 days, roots can be found more than 30 inches deep assuming soil moisture was adequate during this time.

Close attention should be paid to roots, as the harsh conditions experienced in mid-June may have affected depth.

The application of irrigation also helps create humidity within the canopy that aids in the pollination of flowers and subsequent fertilization. In addition, irrigation moistens and cools the soil surface, which facilitates pegging and favors the developing pod. Routine examination and maintenance of 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • JULY 2 017

irrigation equipment will help avoid application inefficiency.

Inspect nozzle packages to ensure water distribution is uniform and make changes accordingly if capacity declines.

Strong Seed Needed We finished planting the 2017 peanut crop a little later than usual because of the high frequency of scattered rains at the end of May through the first half of June. We also had a few more replant situations this year mainly due to some heavy rains in places coupled with some lower-germinating KRIS BALKCOM seed sprayed with valor or dual.

Auburn University In the past, some producers Agri-Program Associate have been able to slide by with using those lower-germinating seed, but we can’t do that now since we have to use Valor to help in battling weeds. Seed that is not strong and vigorous cannot seem to handle that herbicide.

The crop looks good as a whole, and some producers that did start early have peanuts that look great. We started planting as a whole a little later because of colder temperatures during planting, which caused most producers to have to wait for more optimum planting conditions. Even with the delays, we need the rain and can’t make it without it. I encourage everyone to scout and spray as part of a good fungicide program.

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Every day, the National Peanut Board works to help America’s 7,000 peanut-farming families improve production practices and put the world’s highest-quality peanut

can continue to farm the land you love. Learn what we’re doing to improve economics

By Growers For Growers For The Future

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Enhances Pegging and Pod Set Improves Grade and Quality Stimulates Plants Immune System Field Proven and University Tested

The Industry Standard for High Production Peanuts.

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