Peanut Grower March 2021 by One Grower Publishing

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MARCH 2021

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

Wait For Warmer Soil To Protect Your Seed Investment

E X TENDED

Economic OUTLOOK

Record Consumption Improved Quality

Longer disease control. Higher yield potential. Just what the doctor ordered. When it comes to preventing diseases, The Peanut Doctor, aka Syngenta Agronomist Wilson Faircloth, prescribes a premium program to reduce risk and increase profit potential. Miravis® and Elatus® fungicides provide industry-leading residual and more flexibility. Which means a higher yield potential for you. Or, as the Peanut Doctor himself would put it, a premium program promotes premium yield potential. Ask your Syngenta retailer about Miravis and Elatus fungicides. It’s the doctor’s orders.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. ©2020 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service to ensure registration status. Elatus,® Miravis®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MW 0MIR02453-Doctor-AG78 08/20

The

MARCH 2021

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MARCH 2021

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

Wait For Warmer Soil To Protect Your Seed Investment

Volume 33 • Number 3

E X TENDED

Economic OUTLOOK

Record Consumption Improved Quality

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Product news and an online tool

News Briefs Peanut storage capacity increased 13% from 2019 to 2020

Market Watch Rotational crop prices bring market positives

20 Peanut Pointers 13 practices for a successful crop

Supplement

CornSouth Southern Production & Marketing Strategies

Features

10 Extended Economic Outlook

Will consumers stick with the budget friendly protein as much in 2021?

14 Surprising Seed Situation

Effective seed treatments are critical to a good stand. In 2020, one treatment improved germination rates.

16 Wait For It

Nutrient Management

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

March 2021

Warmer soil temperatures offer the best possible start for your seed investment.

18 Ready, Set, March

Growers gear up for planting and hope for fewer hurricanes.

A Supplement to Cotton Farming and The Peanut Grower Magazines

Look for the Corn South supplement following page 12 in the Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi versions of The Peanut Grower. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Cover photo by Amanda Huber MARCH 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Vicky Boyd vlboyd@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 Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com For subscription changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 or email peanutgrower@omeda.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Scott Monfort Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Dan Anco Extension Peanut Specialist Clemson University

Emi Kimura Extension Agronomist 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 at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2021 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 60065-1388. 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.

Editor’sNote Editor’s Note Product News And An Online Tool

irtual peanut production meetings are nearly complete in preparation for the 2021 planting season. Although this format is not good for stocking up on pens, pads, hats and the yearly rain gauge, it is still useful for relaying needed information to start the crop year. Here are a couple of news items I learned recently. The first is a useful tool for managing peanut disease risk demonstrated by University of Florida peanut breeder Amanda Huber Barry Tillman during UF’s Panhandle Editor, The Peanut Grower crop update. It’s not a new tool. Peanut Rx has been around for years, and researchers continue to update it as new data is acquired. However, now it is an online tool that can be found at www.peanutrx.org. As Tillman demonstrated, with a few selections such as plant population, at-plant insecticide and row pattern, the risk chart turned from mostly red, indicating high risk, to more yellow and green, the low-risk color. To achieve an even more reduced risk of tomato spotted wilt virus, he changed a few more selections choosing a longer rotation and different tillage plan, and more green squares appeared. Changing your production practices is not as easy as the click of a button, but the online tool is an easy way to see how all these practices, varieties and planting date fit together to affect risk. In a bit of product news, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait says that, more than likely, Velum Total will undergo a label change, dropping the insecticide imidacloprid from the mixture. The new product will just be Velum. Velum Total has been used in furrow for both nematode and thrips control at planting. “If you are going to use Velum on your peanuts for nematode control in 2021, then you are going to need to use something else for thrips control, whether it is an imidacloprid insecticide or Thimet. Ag Logic, the new formulation of aldicarb, is also an option for nematode control. Producers just need to be aware of the change and plan accordingly.” Anyone that has Velum Total on hand can still use the product.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

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NewsBriefs News Briefs Storage Space Growing

The U.S. Warehouse Act is one of the oldest federal agricultural laws dating back to 1916. The act authorizes the secretary of agriculture to license warehouse operators who store agricultural products. Warehouse operators that apply must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards established within the USWA and its regulations. A look at the USWA annual report from 2020 shows 33 licenses, 333 functional units and 4.7 million tons of capacity. Compared to 2019, this represents a 10% increase in licenses, less than 1% decrease in functional units and a 13% increase in capacity. New entries in the warehousing sector signal positive growth in the industry. Overall, the number of peanut licenses has remained steady.

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not signed a contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to make an appointment. Program enrollment for 2021 is required in order to participate in the programs, but elections for the 2021 crop year are optional and otherwise remain the same as elections made for 2020. ARC and PLC provide farmers with income support as a result from a substantial drop in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms. FSA recently updated the annual and benchmark yields for ARC/PLC program years 2019, 2020 and 2021. This data may be helpful in choosing a program. More information and the webbased decision tool can be found at farmers.gov/arc-plc. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Vilsack To Return As Ag Secretary

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack recently made comments about serving another term as ag secretary. “We have the world’s most productive and innovative farmers. But the farm economy is suffering due to the pandemic, years of consolidation and natural disasters brought on by climate change. If confirmed, USDA will lead the federal government in building and maintaining new markets in America that diversify rural economies; producing healthy, local and regional foods; investing in renewable energy; creating a thriving bio-based manufacturing sector; embracing sustainable and regenerative practices that enhance soil health; and delivering science-based solutions to help mitigate and reduce climate change. “We must stop the farm debt cycle and create transparency in pricing throughout the supply chain; expand overseas markets and give U.S. agriculture a level playing field; and harness USDA’s expertise in science and conservation to work with farmers, ranchers and forest owners to create new sources of income tied to their good climate practices,” Vilsack says.

Federal Crop Insurance Update

For 2020, more than 1.5 million acres of peanuts were insured, the second-highest insured acreage since 2017. This corresponds to $854 million in total liability, which is third highest behind 2012 and 2017. As of mid-February, with a few claims left to be settled, the overall loss ratio on the 2020 insured acres is 1.13. This means that $1.13 dollars of indemnity were paid out for every dollar of total premium paid by the insured and the USDA. The long-term average loss ratio should represent a dollar in indemnity for every dollar in premium. The states suffering the highest relative losses were Texas and New Mexico, together mak-

In Brief • Peanut storage capacity increased 13% from 2019 to 2020. • Program sign up deadline is March 15. • Second-highest number of peanut acres insured in 2020. • NPB works to educate pediatricians reluctant to endorse early peanut introduction. • Buying points, international group announce new meeting schedules. • APC welcomes new leader, offers fond farewell to long-time president.

ing up 40% of all insurance payments. Insured acres totaled 1.5 million, with insured liability at $854 million. Total premiums paid from growers and government were $72 million, and the total indemnity was $81million. Federal crop insurance policies provide coverage for loss of production/ yield or a loss in value due to a change in market price during the insurance period in addition to the perils covered by the standard loss of yield coverage.

NPB Funds Videos For Pediatrician Education

Studies consistently show a handful of issues keep some pediatricians from recommending early introduction of peanut foods to prevent allergies — despite growing evidence and endorsements. That’s why the National Peanut Board has worked closely with the American Academy of Pediatrics to create programming that helps health care providers work through those challenges and champion early feeding with new parents. In January, the Peanut Allergy Prevention Through Education video series launched on AAP’s PediaLink learning center. Supported by an NPB MARCH 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

NewsBriefs News Briefs grant, the videos feature allergy experts addressing issues ranging from the number of peanut foods to give an infant to how to identify a potential reaction. Any health care provider can access the videos through PediaLink.

Buying Points Announce Meetings

The National Peanut Buying Points Association has canceled the 2021 annual winter conference and rescheduled it for February 2022 at the Emeline Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The summer conference, jointly held with the American Peanut Shellers Association, is Aug. 10-11, 2021, at the Doublegate Country Club in Albany, Georgia. “Every buying point should be a member,” says President Monty Rast of Carolina Peanut LLC in Cameron, South Carolina. “Membership is $600 per year and you will receive Tyron’s newsletter with all the marketing news, plus invitations to all meetings. Buying points have a seat at the table at the Federal State Inspection Service, the U.S. Peanut Federation and state organizations. Growers and companies can also join for $400 per year.” To join, contact Angela at 229-3861716 or spearmanagency@friendlycity.net.

International Peanut Forum Rescheduled

The American Peanut Council has announced that the International Peanut Forum will be a virtual meeting April 28-30, 2021. The next in-person meeting is tentatively set for April 27-29, 2022, in Budapest, Hungary. For questions, email the IPF Secretary Louise Mckerchar at lmckerchar@ peanutsusa.org.uk.

PB2 Now In Crunchy

In yet another first for the peanut butter market, PB2 Foods, the pioneer of powdered peanut butter, has launched its newest innovation: PB2 6/

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

Crunchy Powdered Peanut Butter. “Finally, health-conscious peanut butter lovers who prefer crunchy over creamy no longer have to pick a side,” says Craig Entwistle, chief executive officer of PB2 Foods. Like other offerings in the brand’s portfolio, PB2 Crunchy is made using high-quality peanuts sourced from Georgia. With 70% fewer calories and 85% less fat than traditional peanut butter, PB2 Crunchy delivers 5 grams of plant-based protein per serving. The product is also gluten-free and GMOfree, as well as certified vegan and kosher. “No one in our category has tried anything like this to date,” says Entwistle. “And as the original powdered peanut butter brand, we pride ourselves on bringing consistent innovation to the market so more consumers can enjoy the better-for-you benefits of PB2.” PB2 Crunchy is available online through the PB2 website, the brand’s Amazon store and is expected in retail locations in early 2021. For more information, visit pb2foods.com.

APC Selects New CEO

Richard Owen has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the American Peanut Council, effective Feb. 1. Owen has held senior leadership positions at the Produce Marketing Association for the past 11 years. Earlier

in his career, he served as director of agricultural affairs in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative and as executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association. With a degree in agricultural education from Virginia Tech University, Owen has a track record of working to strengthen American agriculture, with expertise in international marketing and market development. “The APC spent several months collaborating with industry stakeholders to identify qualities needed in the next leader. In our selection of Richard Owen, we believe we have found the best person to lead the organization into the future,” says Monty Rast, APC chairman. “We are excited to work with Richard in laying out a comprehensive strategy to develop international markets, reduce tariff and non-tariff trade Richard barriers, and expand Owen sales of U.S.-origin peanuts around the world in a sustainable manner.” Owen says, “To be able to lead an industrywide organization of APC’s stature into the next chapter of its growth is a great personal and professional opportunity. Throughout the selection process I was impressed with the leadership’s commitment to both the organization and the broader peanut industry. I look forward to partnering with all of the industry stakeholders in this new endeavor.” The APC will work closely with the National Peanut Board, leading domestic marketing and peanut allergen efforts; the U.S. Peanut Federation, leading advocacy, policy and regulatory efforts; the Peanut Institute, coordinating peanut nutritional research and outreach, as well as state grower and segment organizations. Patrick Archer, the APC’s long-serving president, announced his retirement in mid-2020. Best wishes to Patrick in his future endeavors. PEANUTGROWER.COM

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MarketWatch Market Watch Rotational Crop Prices Bring Market Positives

he 2021 season opens with lots of positive trends. The pandemic is winding down as vaccine distribution continues. Row-crop farm prices have increased going into planting season with cotton near 85 cents per pound and corn over $5 per bushel. Both are crop rotation partners for peanuts and offer the producer options to plant the most profitable crop for the land. Pea nut a nd pea nut butter consumption has increased more than 8%, an unbelievable increase that has plants operating around the clock to keep shelves stocked. Some processors say that once schools and restaurants reopen, peanut butter demand will fall, and the market will have some slack. Brokers are concerned that if peanut producers reduce acres, the peanut supply will be short before the 2022 crop. A leveling of average yield per acre also factors into production totals. The U.S. peanut market is firming with thin trading. Blanched material for current crop is more difficult to source. Crop quality is so good that little blanching is needed unless a buyer wants it that way. Competition Shelled goods have not gone up much, despite shellers offering $500 for 2021 crop farmer stock in the Southeast. Buyers are refusing to either believe it or support it so far. Farmers may be reluctant to sign because for the first time in many years, there is competition from two crops, corn and cotton, for newcrop acres. Both are trending upward. As prices for alternative crops increase, farmers can hedge, and, if this continues, we will possibly have a decrease in planted peanut acres for the 2021 crop.

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

LEADING MARKETING INDICATORS (Feb. 1, 2021) 2020 Est. Acreage (+16%) .................................................1,623,000 acres 2020 Est. Production (+12%) ............................................. 3,066,950 tons 2020 Est. Yield ......................................................................... 3,796 lb/ac 2020 Market Loan .............................................................. 2,424,184 tons 2020 Remaining in Loan.................................................... 1,980,032 tons 2020-2021 Domestic Usage (5 Mo.) ....................................... Up + 7.8 % 2020-2021 Exports (4 Mo.) ....................................................... Up + 3.7 % POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners - $424.55; Spanish - $415.57; Valencia and Virginias - $428.74

Shellers are unaggressive to sell current crop. With little new crop contracted, shellers are unwilling to sell much quantity for 2021 crop and be short with most contracting still to come. Contracts Peanut buying points are reporting some action on peanut contracts. In the Southeast, the offer is $475 per ton for runner-type peanuts. Each buying point has an allocation to be distributed to customers. Premiums include an additional $25 per ton for seed production and $25 or $50 per ton for high-oleic peanuts. Some contracts are limited to 50% of last year’s production. Options include the runner pool at $425 per ton now and dividends that will be determined at the end of the season. The min-max runner pool offers $400 per ton minimum and $500 per ton maximum. In the Virginia-Carolina region, the offer is $520 per on Virginia-type peanuts with limits. Some areas are offering a $25 per-ton premium for irrigated

peanuts. For runner type, contracts are at $475 per ton, plus $25 for high oleic, if available. A premium of $25 more per ton goes to the seed producer. Crop Size The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that peanut acreage in 2020 rebounded by 16% to 1.66 million planted acres. Georgia, alone, accounted for 59% of the increase. In contrast, the national average yield declined to 3,796 pounds per acre from 3,934 pounds in 2019. The combination raises U.S. production to 6.13 billion pounds or 3.06 million tons, the third largest harvest ever. This is up 12% from 2019. However, lower beginning stocks for 2021 would moderate the gain in total supplies. USDA believes there is a good supply of peanuts available to support demand this season. Growth in domestic use of peanuts is anticipated to increase 14% to 4.87 billion pounds. In contrast, exports may decline moderately from 1.6 billion pounds in the 2019-2020 marketPEANUTGROWER.COM

MarketWatch Market Watch ing year to 1.5 billion in 2020-2021. That would still represent the third-largest export amount on record. Seasonending peanut stocks could end up 6% lower at 1.99 billion pounds, which will help provide support for prices. New numbers on supply have been posted, and disappearance shows domestic food use up 3.4%. Exports declined from 804,000 tons to 750,000 tons, a 7.2% drop. At present, peanut usage is 7.6% (four months) and exports are down 1.3% after three months. The industry still has 1.13 million tons in ending stock per USDA’s Economic Research Service.

Export Market China keeps buying U.S. peanuts. They are the leader of in-shell peanuts, up 67.4% over last year for the fourmonth marketing year. Shipments of raw-shelled peanuts are down 22%; however, Chinese shipments are up 95% versus November. Canada and Mexico led buying for raw-shelled and peanut butter. Exports of peanut butter were down 11.1% for the first four months, but held steady compared to November. Peanut exports are up 3.7%. In addition to the non-tariff barriers, the European Union has imposed 25% tariff on peanut imports. The U.S. Peanut Federation has asked U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and USDA to assist in resolving these trade issues with the EU. The EU imported nearly $180 million in U.S. peanuts and peanut products. Nearly all of these exports are in-shell and shelled peanuts. U.S. exports were $168 million in 2019.

‘‘

It is nearly time to kick off this season, and pregame conditions are looking good.

Peanut Program Is Working Corn and cotton prices give farmers competitive alternatives to planting peanuts; therefore, farmers will want more money to contract peanuts for the 2021 crop. The dilemma for the sheller is paying the farmer a higher price if the buyers are unwilling to purchase at those levels. The Price Loss Coverage payment helps pick up the slack in times of low prices. The next PLC payment will be paid in October because of low prices this past year. The estimated PLC payment is $115 per ton. If shellers buy low, the government will pay more, as manufacturers and consumers are eventually the recipients of a nutritious product at an inexpensive price. It is nearly time to kick off this season, and pregame conditions are looking good. PG

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD

Domestic Market December showed peanut usage continuing to rise. Shelled edible grade, season-to-date utilization, was up almost 7.8% from last year. Peanut stocks in commercial storage totaled 4.37 million pounds, down 5%. Peanuts used in candy continued at a record pace, up 31%. Peanut snack use was up 7%, and even peanut butter showed a 4.7% increase and a 3.8% increase in one month. Government purchases were down 68% for the

month and down 70% for the year as processors did not have time to bid for production.

Peanuts used in candy continued at a record pace, up 31%. Peanut snack use was up 7%, and even peanut butter showed a 4.7% increase and a 3.8% increase in one month. TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

MARCH 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

Extended Economic Outlook Will consumers stick with the budget friendly protein as much in 2021? By Amanda Huber

arket news offers many bright points. Consumption has hit record numbers. The quality of the 2020 crop is much better than 2019, and producers have more options this year with increased prices of rotational crops. However, there are negatives in the mix. Although China has been an important buyer recently, other countries that typically purchase a more quality peanut have reduced buying. Average yields decreased in 2020, and peanut prices remain stagnant. In 2020, producers planted 1.66 million acres and are projected to have harvested 1.62 million acres, a 16% increase from 2019. However, average yield decreased from recent years and is projected at 3,796 pounds per acre, down 3.5% from 2019. 10 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

Record Demand As a comfort food, peanuts and peanut butter were needed in 2020. University of Georgia ag Extension economist Amanda Smith says, “Unlike other commodities that took a hit to both price and demand as a result of COVID-19, peanuts saw a significant increase in demand by consumers who were looking for a budget friendly protein. “In terms of food use, 2020 was a record year at 1.61 million tons, and we expect to reach another record with the 20202021 crop. “Total peanut food use rose during the 2019-2020 marketing year as a result of greater demand for affordable protein. PEANUTGROWER.COM

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Compared to the previous year, peanut food use in candy rose 3.9%, snack peanuts rose 2.9% and peanuts used in peanut butter rose 5% to a record-high usage of 1.4 million pounds of shelled peanuts. This trend is expected to continue. “From August to December 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, we saw an increase in candy consumption of 31.3%, an increase in peanut snacks of 7% and an increase in peanut butter of 4.7%. Total for all grades is up 8.8%. This is all great news as far as demand and consumption of peanuts.” Clemson University ag Extension economist “In terms of food use, Nathan Smith says, 2020 was a record year “Strong domestic use at 1.61 million tons, should continue into and we expect to reach 2021 with the pandemic having a positive another record with impact on peanut butthe 2020-2021 crop.” ter sales. Even so, growers can expect prices to remain low. It’s going to take a major shock to production or trade to move peanut prices up over the next couple of years.” Amanda Smith says quality of the 2020 crop is looking good, and that’s a welcome change from the year before. “The 2019 crop had quality problems from aflatoxin that created challenges for shellers at the same time as demand for edible peanuts was increasing. “We are seeing contracts for 2021 peanuts that range from $450 to $475 a ton on a portion of production with a slightly higher price for high oleic or seed peanuts. Georgia peanut producers planted 20% more acres this past year over 2019.” The Virginia Market For Virginia-type peanuts, it is a different story. Dell Cotton, manager of the Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association, says the biggest difference between supply and demand was with Virginias. “Acres were up, but supply was down, not only in the V-C area, but also in the Southwest where Virginias are also grown. Demand was somewhere in the range of 362,000 pounds and supply was 335,732 pounds or 11% down, leaving a difference of 26,268 pounds. Nationwide, it was our fourth largest crop on record, so it wasn’t like we had a bad crop.” George Lovatt, president of Lovatt and Rushing peanut brokerage firm, says, “In Virginia, with a $450 per-ton contract, total acreage was almost completely unchanged. However, because of the horrible harvest conditions in the V-C region, we have 12.5% fewer tons of Virginias this year than we did in 2019. That’s a deficit of 48,000 tons, and that’s huge. When we start looking at supply and demand, people who buy Virginiatype peanuts are people who need that type. This year, they will have to buy some runner peanuts just to keep their plant running. There’s a significant shortage of Virginia-type peanuts.” Export News Good And Bad Exports to Canada and Mexico present an upward moving trend line that shows solid growth since 2006 for the U.S. peanut industry. Otherwise, Lovatt says, exports have been relatively flat for the past five years. “In Europe, because of aflatoxin restrictions and now this 12 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

tariff, we are on a downward path. “China is an opportunistic buyer that you can’t necessarily identify as a customer. When prices are cheap, quality is poor or peanuts are in surplus, they buy up peanuts as they did in 2012, 2015 and then last year. This year we have better quality peanuts, and I’m forecasting exports to be down.” Cotton says the export numbers are often misleading. “We’ve been down in Japan, down in the European Union and in the Netherlands. We’ve been down with those traditional markets, but we’ve been up in China. However, what’s going into China is farmer-stock and it goes straight to the crushing plant for oil. For the most part, that is Seg. 3 peanuts or the aflatoxin peanuts we’ve had from the prior two years. “While it’s great to move those surplus peanuts, in the meantime, we have lost some of these markets that have historically been pretty strong for us in Europe and also in Japan,” Cotton says, “I’m hoping that the crop being run through shelling plants right now has the quality needed to help us take back some of the markets we’ve lost because we didn’t have the quality peanuts.” Are Buyers Watching Other Commodities? “For the industry to be healthy, we have to have balance in supply and demand and everyone in the chain has to be making some money,” Lovatt says. “This may be the first time since 2014 and maybe 2011 that growers have had consistently favorable prices for corn, cotton and soybeans. I’m concerned that the peanut manufacturers are not paying attention to those commodity markets. “When I speak to the Peanut and Tree Nut Manufacturers Association, one of my favorite lines to the manufacturers is ‘you’ve got to remember peanut growers have options; tree nut growers have orchards.’ When peanut growers find peanut prices at a disadvantage, they can turn to corn or cotton pretty quickly. And they’ve shown a willingness to do that.” Quite A Bargain Lovatt says no matter what, peanuts remain an outstanding bargain for the consumer. For Cotton, he hopes the industry can continue selling the number of peanuts that we have over the past few months. “Between sustainability and the nutrition information coming out about peanuts, there’s a whole lot of good stuff going on, and I think we are going to be able to reap those benefits.” Lovatt, too, hopes the growth continues but knows it will be difficult to maintain. “I think the peanut business is in great shape. I wish we could continue this growth trend another four or five years, but I’m thinking we will not be able to sustain it that long.” PG Key Takeaways: • Quality of the 2020 crop looks good. • Food use is expected to stay up. • Exports are expected to be stable. • Ending stocks are ample. • Acres are likely to be down. • Season average prices: $450/ton (range $425-$500).

PEANUTGROWER.COM

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Surprising Seed Situation Effective seed treatments are critical to a good stand. In 2020, one treatment improved germination rates. By Amanda Huber

A Definite Difference According to Brenneman, the range of pathogens that can affect peanuts include Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Rhizopus, but the primary problem in recent years has been Aspergillus niger. “Aspergillus species are well adapted to the hot, dry conditions often present late in the peanut season,” he says. As expected, based on the high levels of aflatoxin in the stored peanuts from 2019, A. flavus contributed to the lower germination rate found in seed lots. However, what was unexpected was that seed lots treated with Rancona V PD resulted in an increased germination rate than was obtained with no treatment or with Dynasty PD. In both plated tests and

PHOTO BY DEE DEE SMITH

he questionable seed quality going into the 2020 season was well known, given the problem with aflatoxin in 2019. What was discovered as seed labs conducted germination tests prior to 2020 planting was that the seed treatment would make a significant difference in in the viability of those seed. Dynasty PD has been the primary seed treatment for a number of years, and more recently Rancona V PD has looked good in trials, says University of Georgia plant pathologist Tim Brenneman. “Rancona and Dynasty PD both contain several fungicides; however, they do not contain the same fungicides. Many different pathogens can attack peanut seed and seedlings. Some are seedborne, and some are soilborne. No single fungicide covers that wide spectrum, so combinations of active ingredients are needed.”

in grow-out trials, Brenneman and other researchers found results to be similar to the germination data. “Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were big players in the seed quality problem, and both of these are becoming resistant to the group of fungicides found in Abound and Dynasty. In spring 2020, the seed industry rapidly switched to Rancona seed treatment, which helped reduce the problem, but there were still issues with both seed and bad weather. “Seed treatment fungicides help us manage the fungi that attack seed and seedlings. They are essential,” Brenneman says, “but do not expect miracles. They cannot turn bad seed into good seed.” Scaled Up Production UPL marketing manager Andy Hurst says with Rancona V PD being a newer product, they were working from a production-limited availability in early 2020. “We did not expect the incredible demand, but it was a matter of the industry having the seed it needed. Going into this season, we scaled up production.” Rancona V PD contains three fungicides — ipconazole, carboxin and metalaxyl — which brings two new modes of action to peanut growers to aid in resistance management. PG

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Wait For It

Warmer soil temperatures offer the best possible start for your seed investment. By Amanda Huber

he University of Georgia recommends waiting to plant until a soil temperature at the 4-inch depth reaches 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days with favorable conditions forecast for the next 72 hours. Most other states use a 65-degree recommendation, but agree that the warmer, the better. UGA Extension peanut specialist Scott Monfort says, “The soil should be buffered from a few hours of cold temperatures during the night if it is warming back to the high 70s to mid80s during the day. However, temperatures in the low 70s daytime and 50s at night for more than one to two days will drive the soil temperatures back down.” South Carolina Extension peanut specialist Dan Anco says, “When soil temperatures warm up into the upper 60s and lower 70s, with a warm outlook ahead, this helps remove the uncertainty of planting and provides better growing conditions overall, provided moisture doesn’t cut off.” Soil Type And Moisture Level Besides air temperature, soil type, soil moisture level, presence of crop residue and tillage impact soil temperature as well. Kris Balkcom, Auburn University Extension peanut agronomist, explains the relationship between soil type and soil

16 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

moisture level. “Sandy soils warm up more quickly than clay or loamy soils. The coarse texture of sand has a lower water-holding capacity than the finer textured clay soil. This moisture changes temperature more slowly. “A clay soil with plenty of moisture is slower to warm up but is more likely to stay at a stable temperature even if a cool front moves through. Sandy soil, with its lack of moisture, will drop in temperature more quickly from a cold front.” Tillage And Crop Residue Crop residue and tillage are two factors that also work together to affect soil temperature. “Cover crops keep the soil cooler for a longer time period by shading the soil from the sun,” Balkcom says. “Tillage, on the other hand, stirs up the soil and exposes it to direct sunlight, which allows it to warm at a faster pace.” Creating planting beds is another scenario involving tillage. North Carolina State University Extension peanut specialist David Jordan says, “Peanut planted in beds in conventional tillage will likely have less stress because the soil will be warmer. However, peanuts planted in strip-till and no-till are more vulnerable because soils are likely cooler and wetter. “I have planted peanuts under cooler conditions and ultiPEANUTGROWER.COM

Then

Soil is freshly tilled

It will be cooler to start, but will warm up more quickly than with a cover crop.

Seed quality is questionable

Delay planting until warmer conditions.

Moisture is adequate

Planting can be more shallow, but no less than 2 inches.

Planting in dryland and moisture may be lost

Consider proceeding with planting to use what moisture is in the field.

Planting under irrigation

Be sure the proper soil temperature is achieved and only use as much irrigation as needed to activate herbicides.

Planting into sandy soil

It will warm up but also cool down more quickly than clay or loam soils.

The field is in strip-till or no-till

It will take longer to warm up than conventionally tilled soil.

You want to achieve a higher germination rate

Wait until the soil temperatures reach 68 to 70 degrees for three consecutive days rather than 65.

mately made a stand, but it took three weeks. The third week was very stressful waiting on the peanuts to emerge. Once soils warm in the spring, they tend to stay relatively warm unlike air temperatures, which fluctuates considerably. “Seed is the single most expensive input. Yields are generally the highest when we plant in mid-May rather than early or late May and certainly June,” Jordan says of peanuts grown in the Virginia-Carolina area. “This trend is often observed even when conditions are more favorable in early May than what we are going to experience during the next week or so. “If moisture is adequate, plant more shallow than normal. But no less than 2 inches.” Additional Guidance Monfort offers the following recommendations for planting scenarios producers may encounter. “If you are planting dryland and are afraid of losing needed moisture, then I would go ahead and plant. With questionable seed quality, wait to plant until it warms up sufficiently. “Freshly turned soil will be colder than normal, so let the field sit for a day or so to warm up. For strip-tilled fields with cover, soils are typically colder than conventionally tilled fields, so you may want to allow extra time for soils to warm up in this instance as well. “If you have a lot of acres and need to keep planting, make sure you are planting with good quality seed. Add an appropriate in-furrow fungicide to help with seedling disease, and do not plant more than 2.5 inches deep. “Additionally, do not apply irrigation during the coldest days when nighttime temperatures are in the 40s and 50s and the daytime temperatures are below 70 to 75 degrees. Add no more irrigation than is needed to activate herbicides,” he says. Promoting Germination Determining soil temperature is easily done with most thermometers. Balkcom recommends digital soil thermomTWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Allow more time for the soil temperature to rise in striptilled and no-till fields.

eters that record high and low temperatures each day. “You could also use a regular thermometer to measure the 4-inch soil temperature at mid-day, which tends to be a close representation of the average daily soil temperature.” Studies conducted by UGA show 70% germination after one week at a 65-degree soil temperature compared to 90% germination after a week at the 70-degree soil temperature. Getting off to a good start is worth waiting on the optimal soil temperature. PG MARCH 2021 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

Ready, Set, March Growers gear up for planting and hope for fewer hurricanes in 2021.

s the 2020 crop fades into the books, growers are preparing for what’s next. For peanuts, that means looking forward with an eye on the past. “We put our peanut planter in the shop the second week of February and started our regular pre-plant cleaning and maintenance program — lube, chains, plates, etc. — to get ready for planting,” says Hugh Dollar, partner and manager of Dollar Family Farms in Bainbridge, Georgia. “We start corn in late February so I can pick after July 4. That’s early, but I like to try to take advantage of the basis. “We anticipate planting peanuts around April 5. Of course, that depends on soil temperatures. I won’t put any cotton seed in the ground before May 10 to help dodge storms.” Last year, growers lost track of hurricane names. Dollar is hoping the region will catch a break in 2021. “Obviously, you can’t do anything about the weather, but we’re cautiously encouraged by commodity prices. If they keep inching up, I think this could be a break-out year for a lot of growers. Everyone needs it. In general, growers in this area haven’t had a good year since about 2016.” Aside from weather and price, pest management is the next variable in the mix. “We can’t completely control pest pressure, but we can manage it to a certain extent.” Southwest Georgia is noted for sandy soils that harbor nematodes. “We have root-knot, sting, lesion and others,” Dollar says. “Root-knot is our primary problem due to our sandier soils in a lot of places. No matter what you do, they’re always there.” Wide Range Of Soil Types Even though a substantial portion of the ground at Dollar Farms consists of sandier soil types, it’s not consistent. 18 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

Bainbridge, Georgia, grower Hugh Dollar hopes to start planting in early April, but it depends on soil temperature.

“We have a range of soil types including sand, clay, heavy organic, you name it. We grow peanuts on all those soil types.” Dollar uses rotation to help curb nematode populations, but it’s not a complete solution. “You might suppress one species for a season, but it will bounce back with another crop. We also include corn in that rotation, and in recent years, we’ve included bahiagrass.” Nematicides are a critical input regardless of rotation. In years past, the Dollars used Telone for nematode control. “It’s just not economically feasible anymore,” Dollar says. “Not only that, it’s a headache to deal with. You can run your employees ragged trying to manage it. When aldicarb came back on the market, we jumped at the chance to switch to back to it.” Dollar uses AgLogic aldicarb on both his peanuts and cotton. He applies 7 pounds per acre on peanuts and 3 pounds per acre on cotton. “In both crops, it helps us immensely with nematode control as well as thrips control,” he says. “In terms of nematodes, it picks up a wide range of species, so it’s useful on all of our soil types.” The Thrips Bonus While there are inexpensive options available to control thrips, the use of

AgLogic aldicarb to control nematodes also picks up that pest, largely negating the need to use foliar applications. “I would say nematodes are our most worrisome pest, but you have to keep an eye on thrips. They can be destructive, even well into the season. With AgLogic under the crop, we don’t have to worry about it very much. And it’s always a plus if you can keep from running a spray rig through the field.” The Earliness Factor Whether it’s peanuts or cotton, Dollar says compacting the growing season is a key advantage in southeast Georgia. “The faster you can get a crop out of the field, the better. AgLogic helps us do that. It produces an earlier, healthier plant with a strong root system that is more robust. “All of those factors help fight off nematodes and thrips and helps get that plant to the finish line a lot faster than what we typically see with other options,” he says. With one eye on the weather, another eye on the markets and perhaps a theoretical third eye on past lessons learned, Dollar is optimistic about the upcoming season. PG Article by Brenda Carol on behalf of AgLogic. PEANUTGROWER.COM

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PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers Focus On Positive Variety Attributes Last month’s issue of The Peanut Grower focused on varieties. With it and all the online resources available showing the variety trials from around the states, you have a lot of inforKRIS BALKCOM mation to look Auburn University at. You should Extension Specialist look at trials that are near you, but I would also look at other locations to see if those varieties performed the same there. If so, you

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these factors when trying to split up your planting of different varieties.

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A Tale Of Two Crops Thanks To Other Crop Prices, The Market May Firm Up

Thanks To Other Crop Prices, The Market May Firm Up

2021

VARIETY GUIDE

know it must be a superior variety. If not, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good variety, but the variability may help us find the strengths and weaknesses of a variety. There are a lot of variables from one end of the peanut belt to the other. Don’t select a variety based on one location’s results or one year’s results. Look at multiple-year averages when making one of the biggest decisions: selecting a variety. Georgia 06G has been the main variety for about 15 years. It has shown consistent results in varying conditions for years. Everyone has been confident in that variety when deciding what to plant for their farm. The issue now is we know it won’t last forever. As we transition to another variety, we need to have the same confidence in the next variety that will be planted to most of the acreage. As you look through the data, you will see that newer varieties can outperform the industry standard Georgia 06G. However, we haven’t found the variety that can outperform 06G in all circumstances. Because of this, we are going to have to focus on some of the positive attributes of these newer varieties and use them in the situations where we can benefit most. This will help spread the risk from having all of our eggs in the 06G basket. Remember, yield is important, but it is not everything. Other factors, such as seed size, grade, resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus, leaf spot and white mold, plus vine size, maturity range and oil chemistry are also important. Consider all

Top 13 List For A Successful Crop I prepared this column in the middle of our peanut production meetings in North Carolina. Like many states and organizations, we are using a virtual format. I’m also doing this for the three courses I am teaching on campus this spring semester. This is very different but necessary. I am looking forward to 2022, not to wish my life away, but so I can see people again and discuss peanuts together (and have a good meal.) One thing DAVID JORDAN I provide in North Carolina State the meetings University Extension Agronomist is a list of the top 13 items to consider when growing peanuts. Not sure how I ended up at 13, and I might adjust to 12 or 14 because I am not sure how that whole bad luck thing works. My peanut list is straightforward and for many the information is not new. But the things on the list are very important, and if done correctly create an opportunity for growers to be successful. So here goes: 1) Apply nutrients based on soil test results and lime to obtain a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. If using an average for the field, lime for 6.2 to make sure you get the areas of the field with low pH up to at least 5.8. 2) Avoid excessive magnesium and potassium, but apply these elements if the soil test calls for them. 3) Avoid fields with zinc. In North Carolina, a zinc index of 250 is the threshold with pH playing a role in the amount of possible injury. There is no correction for an issue with zinc. 4) Establish good rotations. Cotton, PEANUTGROWER.COM

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers corn, sorghum and sweet potatoes are best, but tobacco and soybeans can be OK if placed in the right sequence with peanuts and other crops. 5) Plant improved varieties in May. The middle of May is often the best, but sometime in May works well. 6) Plant at least five seed per foot of row to get at least four plants to optimize yield. 7) Plant in conventional tillage with beds unless you have experience with reduced tillage. Setting the field up in the fall for efficient digging and minimizing pod loss can be traced back to seedbed preparation in the spring. Sandy fields give the greatest flexibility, but some caution is warranted on finer-textured soils. 8) Irrigate if possible. Target the first irrigation to help initial pegs be successful. 9) Inoculate with Bradyrhizobia for nitrogen fixation. Historically, we have observed a 40:1 return on investment on new ground with no history of peanuts and a 4:1 return on investment in rotated fields when peanuts were planted in recent years and either a liquid or granular inoculant was successfully delivered in the seed furrow at planting. 10) Apply calcium at pegging. Use the one-time rate for all Virginia market types and at least a half rate for all runner market types. 11) Apply the micronutrients boron and manganese as needed. Make sure the products you use have enough essential element to make a difference when considering cost. 12) Dig and harvest in a timely manner based on pod mesocarp color, and try to get your digging and harvesting capacities in line for your acreage. 13) Control pests using integrated pest management practices. Be timely and incorporate non-chemical practices whenever possible to decrease selection pressure for evolved resistance to all classes of pesticides. In my experience, if you put all of these practices into play, you can be successful. The major culprit can be poor weather at critical times, but regardless of the weather we need to put ourselves in a position to be successful. Sometimes we get lucky, but I do think we also create some of our TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

luck by being prepared and working hard. Finally, I do have a number 14. It does not apply directly to peanut production but relates to a virtual peanut meeting we just had. As I rambled on about various aspects of peanut production and pest management, I could see one person on my screen listening intently, but then for about 20 minutes he took a good, solid afternoon nap. Number 14 is for us to remember that our audio and video might be on for all to hear and see in these virtual meetings. Not to say that it doesn’t happen when we are all together, plenty of good naps have been taken in those meetings as well.

Q & A From Production Meetings The 2021 peanut growing season is closing in on Georgia growers fast. The question is will everyone be ready? To help prepare, growers, Extension specialists and county agents have been busy sharing information through every avenue possible — Zoom meetings, phone calls, email and small in-person sessions per Centers For Disease Control guide-

lines. The University of Georgia peanut team, along with department administration, adapted production meetings to a virtual format to ensure our continued outreach efforts and to provide clientele with up-to-date information SCOTT MONFORT and access to University of Georgia Extension Agronomist Extension specialists. Although untraditional, Zoom meetings have been well received and attended. Who better to adapt to something new than our growers who alter farm management each season to produce the best crop possible. Below are questions received during production meetings along with the appropriate answers or recommendation. ■ How is the quality of the seed for this year? Seed quality should be significantly better this year as harvest conditions in 2020 were much improved over 2019. This does not mean you will not

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PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers have seed issues. Make sure to ask for the percent germination for each lot of seed you purchase. Seed storage is also important. Do not store seed in a place that has significant fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity. If you receive seed over time from the sheller, make sure to adhere to the first in, first out rule. ■ Will in-furrow fertilizers improve plant stands and emergence? First, this is not a recommended practice in peanut. However, there is an increasing trend toward in-furrow fertilizers being sold for application in the past few years. Based on the seed complaint calls I have received, I can honestly say in-furrow fertilizers can and will cause significant stand loss and delayed emergence in some situations of up to seven days. I advise growers to be very cautious in what they put in furrow with peanut seed. Currently, the only thing recommended in furrow with seed is insecticides, fungicides, nematicides and inoculants. Do not put fertilizers in furrow with seed. ■ Does it benefit to apply an inoculant every year? No. Fields in a three- year or less rotation should have enough residual bacteria in the soil to provide nodulation and nitrogen fixation for high-yielding peanut. However, above and beyond our research data, and considering that weather events can alter bacteria levels in fields from year to year, applying an inoculant each year is one of the best insurance policies to guarantee adequate nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Most inoculants cost $8 to $10 per acre. ■ An inoculant is needed and should be applied for fields out of peanut for more than four years. What type of inoculant is best to use? Based on research, liquid inoculants are more effective than granular and hopper box treatments (liquid>granular>hopper box) in fields where peanuts have not been planted in four or more years. In a rotation of less than four years, the difference among inoculant types is minimized. The most important thing is to apply an inoculant of any type to make sure you get adequate nodulation/nitrogen fixation. 22 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2021

Feel free to contact your county Extension office for assistance. You can also find information on UGA Peanut Team website at ugapeanutteam.org.

Soil Temperature Data On Mesonet Texas peanut growers had a tough 2020 growing season because of prolonged drought, especially in the West Texas area. Additionally, the first killing frost seems to come earlier each year, which is what we have experienced in the past three years in the Southwest region. Despite challenging environmental conditions and ever-increasing input EMI KIMURA costs, growers Texas A&M AgriLife will need to do Extension Peanut Specialist what they can to minimize cost while maintaining yield potential. This is not an easy job to do; however, fundamental agronomic practices can assist in important decision makings for profitable peanut production. Knowing the temperature of the top 4 inches of soil is critical in determining the best time for peanut planting. Optimum soil temperature for peanut germination is at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three

consecutive days without a cold front in the forecast. In 2020, cold snaps and dry soil conditions slowed germination of peanuts and cotton. The longer seeds stay in the soil, the more susceptible they become to both soilborne and seedling diseases. Before making a decision to plant, check current soil temperatures for your area on the West Texas Mesonet database at http://rain.ttu.edu/tech/1-output/ soil.php?date=04282020. Establishment of a good stand is the first step for successful peanut production for the 2021 growing season. Water and soil testing in the fruiting zone will help you finalize the in-season application of macro- and micronutrients. Soil testing is the only way to find soil-residual nutrients to determine a fertilization program appropriate for your crop. For those who rotate with cotton, there were many abandoned cotton acres due to the early freeze in late October. If a previous crop yield was lower than average or even abandoned due to drought or other reasons, there is a high chance that the soil residual potassium and other nutrients may be increased. After crop emergence, soil sampling in the pegging zone will help you determine how much calcium is needed for the season. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for peanut production, and a lack of calcium can lead to increased incidence of unfilled pods and pod rot. Make sure to test soils and water, and adjust the fertilizer application based on the residual nutrient status.

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