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The Precipice of Change Editor’s Note
It’s a simple fact of life that we all need something to look forward to. Whatever that “something” is, it provides a crucial mental lift that offers you a respite from today’s reality. That something in peanut production may have been found in a recent presentation at the South Carolina peanut grower’s meeting in January.
At the meeting, Josey Peele, senior engineer of AMADAS Industries, discussed technological advances in peanut harvesting with a review and a look at the future. His review went all the way back before the 1900s, but I will skip ahead to this century.
Amanda Huber Editor, e Peanut Grower
For the nearly quarter century from 2000 to 2024, Peele calls this a period of increased efficiency and precision with many advancements. His examples included that the standard pull-type combine is three times bigger than a decade before. Unload-on-the-go and dump carts increased field efficiency by 20% to 25%. Diggers now include speed monitors to improve setup, and Global Positioning System guidance and AutoSteer become the standard for peanut digging. With self-propelled combines, 10-row harvesting has become more practical, and also rotary peanut combines had been introduced in the United States.
Increased efficiency on the peanut farm has been a necessity since average yields have gone from 2,500 pounds per acre to 4,000 pounds per acre. Today’s combines can pick 1,000 pounds per minute, and a six-row digger and combine can harvest one acre every 20 minutes.
But this is what we have now. What is it that we can look forward to?
Peele says that 2025 is the precipice of change in that what will happen in the next decade in peanut farming is what has happened in cotton and grain over the past 30 years. In other words, we will see yield monitoring and mapping, on board in-shell moisture measurement, fully integrated in-cab controls, in-field combine telematics, vision-based monitoring and “the smart combine.”
Part of the reason peanuts lag behind these other commodities is simply based on economies of scale, Peele says. Peanuts average 1.6 million acres in the United States, whereas corn, soybeans and wheat total 223 million acres.
“There are thousands of grain combines sold each year but only a few hundred peanut combines are sold each year,” Peele says. Overcoming actual physical limitations unique to the peanut industry has also been a challenge.
Still, if there’s something we can eagerly anticipate, then that’s what we all need to do. Seeing these innovations come to fruition is something to look forward to.
News Briefs
Peanut Caucus Organizes
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) re-registered the Congressional Peanut Caucus and will serve as the caucus’s bipartisan co-chairs. The caucus works to ensure that policy issues related to peanut production, management and marketing are considered in agricultural legislation. It also serves as a means by which members can become familiar with industry-related issues and express support for peanut growers, shellers and manufacturers.
“As we continue to work on the next Farm Bill, it is crucial that the Congressional Peanut Caucus provides a strong voice and demonstrates the important role that the peanut industry plays in our country,” says Rep. Bishop.
“Alabama peanut producers farm more than 160,000 acres across our state,” says Rep. Moore. “I am proud to join Rep. Bishop in leading the Peanut Caucus to ensure Alabama producers, along with the thousands of peanut producers across our country, have a seat at the table as we craft a new Farm Bill.”
The United States is the world’s fourth-largest producer and exporter of peanuts, with U.S. peanut production valued at $1.6 billion a year. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, over 4,900 U.S. farms grow 6.5 billion pounds of peanuts on 1.8 million acres.
Farm Bill Update
In December 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed a one-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. This extension will expire on Sept. 30, 2025. U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman have expressed their commitment to passing a new Farm Bill this year.
“This committee’s number one priority for this Congress will be the passage of a bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill. One that
restores the farm safety net, prioritizes voluntary, locally led and incentive-based conservation programs, advances our competitiveness through robust market access and trade promotion opportunities, strengthens programs, including those in the nutrition title, to demand transparency and accountability to the taxpayer and revitalize rural communities and restore their prosperity,” Thompson says.
“There are many pressing needs of agriculture producers that we will work to address including passing a Farm Bill that provides farmers and ranchers the policies and support they desperately need to continue feeding, clothing and fueling the world. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues to implement an agenda that delivers certainty and predictability for hardworking farm families, improves the regulatory landscape to ensure it’s fair and transparent and bolsters rural communities,” Boozman says.
On the topic of tariffs and trade, Rep. Thompson offered these comments. “After four years of the Biden-Harris Administration’s failure to expand foreign markets, which led to an inflated agricultural trade deficit of $45.5 billion, America’s producers deserve an administration that will fight for them. I look forward to working alongside of President Trump to support our hardworking producers and to make agriculture great again.”
USPF Letter To President Trump
The U.S. Peanut Federation, representing growers, buying points and shellers, along with other commodity organizations, recently sent a letter to President Trump emphasizing the importance of continuing the success of commodity checkoff programs.
The letter read, in part, “Research and promotion boards exist to develop new markets and strengthen existing channels for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities. They also work to
In Brief
• Bi-partisan congressional caucus formed to advance farmer, industry interests, educate members.
• USPF letter to President Trump touts importance of check-o programs.
• Peanuts promoted as feed ingredient in world’s largest poultry expo.
• Producers attend winter shows to prepare for planting.
educate consumers on behalf of a particular commodity to expand total demand to the benefit of all producers. Using the pooled resources and stakeholder investments obtained through checkoff assessments, they promote the product as a whole to create an industry-wide benefit through increased sales, consumer awareness and higher overall demand. For every dollar invested into a commodity checkoff, producers see several more in return.”
During the recent Georgia Peanut Farm Show, longtime Georgia Peanut Commission executive director Don Koehler announced plans to retire Aug. 1, 2026. The GPC board of directors is now seeking candidates for the position to oversee the management of commission resources and serve as the staff team leader.
Founded in 1961, the GPC is funded through a grower assessment on all peanuts produced and marketed in Georgia. The commission carries out programs in the areas of research, education, promo-
News Briefs
Awards Highlight Georgia Farm Show
Peanut growers from around Georgia gathered at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference on the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus in January. More than 1,500 participants had the opportunity to learn about research, products and the latest trends in the peanut industry.
The one-day show, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission, offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of nearly 100 exhibitors and education opportunities. The University of Georgia peanut team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on the impacts of multiple weather events in 2024 and what to expect in 2025, management of foliage feeders and soil-borne insects, history of tropical spiderwort in Georgia and how to manage it and effects of the expanded season and weather on leafspot management. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2025.
During the show, the PB&J team was busy grilling hot peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The JIF and apple jelly were contributed by Smuckers. During the show program, the GPC presented the following awards to those who have contributed to the advancement of the peanut industry:
■ Distinguished Service Award – T.E. Moye, Jr., President of Georgia Federal State Inspection Service
■ Research and Education Award – Dr. Tim Brenneman, Professor, UGA Peanut Disease Management
■ Media Award – Jim Wallace, Retired, Anchor, WALB-
tion and advocacy.
“We are looking for someone with a huge passion for agriculture, specifically peanuts,” says Joe Boddiford, GPC chair-
TV-Karla Heath Sands accepted the award on his behalf.
■ Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer – Ryan Ireland of Turner County.
■ Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year – District 1: Martine Phillips, Colquitt; District 2: Billy Senkbeil, Sylvester; District 3: Daniel L. Johnson, Alma; District 4: Wayne Peavy, Vienna; District 5: Sauls Partnership, Shellman.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the grand door prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was Robb Lane, Omaha, Georgia, who received one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the season, as well as a cash prize.
Amadas Industries also provided the grower door prize to Melissa Williams, Lenox, Georgia. Williams received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. Williams also received a certificate for Amadas parts.
Amadas Industries had a second drawing with the winner receiving $1,500 of Amadas Parts Credit and a Grizzly cooler. The winner was Joey Williams of Lenox, Georgia.
The PAC (political action committee)-sponsored Great Cash Giveaway of $5,000 was won by Mike Roberts, Jr., of Sylvester/Warwick, Georgia.
man. “The Georgia Peanut Commission needs someone with great leadership qualities, exceptional communication talents and a strong advocate for Georgia’s
peanut farmers.”
Ideal candidates will be energetic leaders with experience in agriculture. This position operates in a high-pressure
News Briefs
environment and requires a great deal of time commitment of the individual. It is also a very diverse position that requires an individual with broad vision to truly lead. It requires a combination of depth and vision, people skills, management ability and dedication to the commission’s purpose.
For more details about the position and job description, visit the GPC website at gapeanuts.com/executivedirector.
Peanuts Promoted As Feed Ingredient At Poultry Expo
The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts as a poultry feed ingredient at the International Production and Processing Expo hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 28-30, 2025.
Georgia is the No. 1 producing state for both broilers and peanuts, and it ranks sixth in egg production. In recent years, GPC has funded research conducted by Dr. Ondulla Toomer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service examining the use of unblanched high-oleic peanuts as a preferred alternate feed ingredient in layer and broiler diets. The feeding trials have resulted in a premium quality, nutritionally enriched end product.
IPPE is the world’s largest annual display of technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production of processing eggs, meat and poultry and those involved in feed manufacturing.
Representatives from GPC, the research team and industry suppliers, were available to answer questions and provide additional information during the event, and Toomer presented a TECHTalk presentation on her research as well.
Alabama-Florida Peanut Show Well Attended
Peanut growers from Alabama and Florida were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show Jan. 30, 2025, at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. The trade show was hosted by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Florida Peanut Producers Association and sponsored by the National Peanut Board. The venue sponsor was the National Peanut Festival.
More than 400 peanut growers and industry partners from Alabama and Florida attended to view industry products and
services offered by more than 60 exhibitors.
Researchers from Auburn University and the University of Florida were on hand to showcase the peanut research they are working on with the support of grower check-off dollars. Growers could talk to the researchers one-on-one about the research projects.
Trade show attendees enjoyed a special visit from the Planters NUTmobile and Mr. Peanut. The Peanutters, as the NUTmobile crew is called, visited with growers and learned more about how peanuts are grown. Mr. Peanut provided joy and entertainment to the trade show attendees.
During the lunch program, attendees received an update from the National Peanut Board by Lindsay Dominy. Bob Redding of the Redding Firm gave a legislative update, and Dr. Marshall Lamb, from the National Peanut Research Lab, spoke to growers about the 2025 peanut market outlook.
The Grand Door Prize, provided by Kelley Manufacturing Co., was a voucher that could be used toward $5,000 off the price of any one piece of equipment or for $5,000 worth of parts for KMC equipment, was won by Gaylan Shelly of Brewton, Alabama.
Rene Jordan, of Bascom, Florida, won a free trip to the 2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. Allen Mininger, of Walnut Hill, Florida, won a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun.
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Market Watch
Be Happy At Continued Strong Demand Here And Abroad
The peanut market mystery begins again. How many acres will be planted in peanuts this season? Peanut leaders are urging caution. Another 10% increase in acres is likely to oversupply the market for 2025-26. The decision to plant peanuts is an easy one as rotating crops, like cotton and corn, are priced lower than a reasonable cost of production.
At recent peanut production meetings in Georgia, a survey showed that 45% of farmers present would plant the same peanut acreage as last year. Remember, peanut acreage was up 9% in 2024. The survey showed 18% of the growers planned to increase acreage 10%, and another 14% of farmers said they would increase acreage by 5%.
Good Quality, Reduced Average Yield In 2024
The Federal State Inspection Service report the grading of 3,229,028 tons, 100% of the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate of 3,224,040 tons. Quality evaluations show that 13,871 tons were graded as Seg. 2s (0.4%) and only 4,950 tons graded as Seg. 3s. The average yield computed to 3,668 pounds per acre, or 141 pounds per acre fewer than 2023. This was disappointing; however, the reduced production has kept shelled prices firm and farmer prices of peanuts bought from the loan as high as $625 per ton for Southeast runners. At press time, 331,194 tons have been redeemed from the loan leaving about 2,097,187 tons.
Will Anything Wake The Market?
Confusion in Washington, D.C. has farmers worried whether any economic assistance will be deposited into their farm accounts by the USDA Farm
Service Agency by planting time. Will banks be willing to take the risk that the money is in the mail?
For peanuts, the estimated economic assistance payment of $76.30 per acre is our part of the $11 billion package. Kernels are being indicated for the remainder of calendar year 2025 around 63 to 64 cents per pound, but buyers don’t seem keen to buy at those levels today. One broker commented that the market was asleep. With shellers working around the clock and supplies in cold storage, there is no rush.
Concerns About Overplanting
With the Farm Bill extended into 2025, the industry still has the $355 per-ton loan available and the reference price of $535 per ton. The average price is predicted to be $536 per ton resulting in no payment to peanut producers from the program.
With cotton at 68 cents per pound and corn at $4.50 per bushel, farmers are strongly talking about increasing peanut acres. Leaders are warning farmers not to overplant.
J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, e Peanut Grower
As this person said it best, “If things go right, we’re going to bust the bank. We’re going to flood the market with peanuts. If we go 850,000 to 900,000 acres in Georgia, and we have 4,100 pounds per acre, we’re going to bust the market. We’re going to go back down to a $400 to $350 contract price, potentially. In previous years that’s what’s happened. You go from $500 down to $375.”
Domestic Demand
The demand for peanuts has improved the past few months, and that is good news for the farmers, provided manufacturers pass along higher-priced orders to shellers. Raw peanuts in primary products is down only slightly in August to December, compared to the same five months of 2023.
Peanut butter usage is a favorable 9.6% increase comparing this past December to December 2023. The peanut butter comeback shows the category about the same as last year. Candy usage is down 5.5% for the five months after a 4.9% decline in December verses the past year.
in snacks are up
Market Watch
13.8% for the year-long period and is now up 3.8% for the five months.
The USDA summary says overall demand is down slightly from last year, much better than the 4% decline the previous year.
In good news for moving inventory, the government is purchasing and there is a campaign to get peanuts and peanut butter back in the schools. December government purchases were 2.377 million pounds of peanut butter and 51,849 pounds of roasted peanuts. For the five months, government purchases totaled 12 million pounds, an increase of 20%.
Export Markets
Peanut exports continue to increase, in spite of all the tariff talk. With the tariff discussion, markets are either rushing to get product over the border or delaying it until the smoke clears. Funds
are being increased for trade promotion programs such as the Foreign Market Development and Market Assistance Program. The top buyers of U.S. peanuts are Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, China and the United Kingdom. For the past five months, exports are up almost 20%. USAID plants utilizing peanut butter as a therapeutic food are under a stop work order while the Department of Government Efficiency sifts through wasteful spending.
Quiet, But Strong Consumption
There is still much to do in Washington D.C. to write a five-year Farm Bill, but for now, everyone must survive under the one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The good news is that the peanut market is strong, even if it is taking a nap. Peanuts and peanut butter have a proven track of positive nutrition. Domestic
‘‘ The good news is that the peanut market is strong, even if it is taking a nap. Peanuts and peanut butter have a proven track of positive nutrition.
peanut food use is predicted to increase in 2025. With all the added promotion funds, exports should also increase. The advice from peanut specialists is to take care of tested seed, don’t plant too early, wait for the soil to warm to 65 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days and meet with your local buying point manager to negotiate a profitable contract or option to the loan and gamble to sell your crop from there in 2025.
APC Delegation Joins USDA On Thailand Trade Mission
An American Peanut Council delegation traveled to Thailand in early February as part of the Agriculture Department’s trade mission to expand agricultural exports and strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia.
“The peanut industry is excited to participate in this important agribusiness trade mission to Thailand,” says Louise McKerchar, APC vice president, Europe, United Kingdom and Southeast Asia marketing director. “As the U.S. peanut industry increasingly focuses on exports to Southeast Asia, we look forward to meeting with potential importers and processors while learning more about Thailand’s market.”
The American Peanut Council was the recipient of 2024 and 2025 USDA Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funding to help diversify U.S. peanut export markets in regions with rising consumer demand and purchasing power, including Southeast Asia.
Year to date, through November 2024, U.S. peanut exports to Thailand increased 6% to $497,623. In 2023, U.S. peanut exports to Thailand were valued at $485,000. Nearly 100% of the shipments were peanut butter.
“Peanuts are the most popular nut eaten in Thailand, with 80% of Thais consuming peanuts and 37% eating peanut butter,” continues McKerchar. “Although U.S. peanuts currently face Thai import tariffs, we believe the country’s growing demand for peanuts and peanut products presents solid growth potential for the U.S. market.”
Thailand’s most-favored-nation tariff rate for imports of U.S. raw peanuts is currently 20%, while imports of peanut butter face a 30% tariff or 25 Baht/KG, whichever is higher.
The APC-led delegation includes:
■ Jeff Roper, grower, National Peanut Board/Texas Peanut Producers Board
■ Lupe de Lira, senior sales manager, Golden Peanut
■ Louise McKerchar, vice president, Europe, UK and Southeast Asia marketing director, American Peanut Council
■ Peter Vlazakis, vice president, International Programs, American Peanut Council.
Expanded Market Update
University of Georgia agricultural economists
offer the ‘2025 Geor-
gia Ag Forecast Peanut Situation And Outlook.’
The year 2024 brought unique challenges for peanut producers across the United States. In Georgia, the season began with delays because of a wet spring, followed by hot and dry conditions during the early and late summer months. Hurricanes Debby and Helene disrupted key peanut-producing regions, creating further complications. Despite these obstacles, the U.S. peanut production forecast for 2024 is 2.95 million metric tons, an increase of 10.8% compared to 2023. This marks the third-largest peanut production in U.S. history, trailing only the record years of 2017 and 2012.
This significant production highlights the resilience and adaptability of American peanut farmers. The United States is the fourth-largest peanut-producing country in the world in
2024, after China, India and Nigeria. In 2024, Georgia and other peanut-producing states expanded peanut acreage as lower relative prices for cotton, corn and soybeans made peanuts a more attractive option.
Average Yield Decline
Nationwide, planted peanut acreage increased by 9.7% from 2023, reaching 1.8 million acres — the second-largest total in the past decade, following 2017. Harvested acreage is estimated at 1.75 million acres, slightly below the planted acreage. Georgia growers, in particular, expanded their peanut acreage from 775,000 acres in 2023 to 850,000 acres in 2024, which is 47% of total U.S.-planted acres.
The 2024 peanut crop yield is forecast at 3,723 pounds per
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acre, representing a 1.4% decrease from the 2023 average yield of 3,775 pounds per acre and falling below the five-year average of 3,938 pounds per acre. The decline in yield is primarily attributed to the impact of Hurricane Helene on peanut farms in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Main Takeaways
• Peanut-planted acres in the United States and Georgia are expected to remain steady at current levels in 2025.
• Forward-contract prices in Georgia are projected to decline, with an estimated seasonal price range of $475–$525 per ton.
• Peanut profitability is anticipated to remain a significant challenge for producers in 2025.
Despite the yield challenges, the overall quality of the 2024 peanut crop is excellent. According to the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, as of Dec. 13, 2024, 99.5% of the crop is classified as Segregation 1, the highest grade used for the edible market. Segregation 2 is 0.4% and Segregation 3 is just 0.1%, which is unsuitable for the edible market but can be used for crushing peanut oil. These results highlight the production of a high-quality crop with minimal damage or aflatoxin presence in 2024.
Consumption Levels Off From Pandemic High
The total peanut supply for the 2024–25 marketing year consists of three key components: carryover stocks from the 2023 crop totaling 672,000 metric tons, the 2024 production forecast of 2,954,000 metric tons and 45,000 metric tons of imports. Together, this brings the total supply to an estimated 3,671,000 metric tons. Total U.S. peanut use for the 2024 crop is projected to be slightly below that of the 2023 crop but remains at a relatively high level. The total disappearance of peanuts — including food consumption, crushing, exports, seed use, shrinkage and residual — is forecasted at 2,924,000 metric tons. This will leave an ending stock of 747,000 metric
tons for the 2024–25 marketing year.
Per capita peanut consumption reached a record high of 7.6 pounds during the pandemic but has since leveled off with a slight decline. In 2023, per capita peanut consumption was estimated at 7.2 pounds. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Peanut Stocks and Processing report released on
Using Cost Of Production Forecasts To Assist In Marketing
Knowing the expected cost of production is essential for developing e ective risk management and marketing strategies. At an aggregate level, forecasts of costs provided by the USDA Economic Research Service can o er a useful benchmark to help understand the gross revenue and cost of production for commodities at the national or regional level. These forecasts can be used to determine breakeven prices to inform a risk management and marketing plan.
The ERS’s 2025 national cost of production forecast for major southern row crops: cotton, peanuts, corn and soybeans, indicates a decline in fertilizer and interest costs, contributing to lower total operating costs for most crops compared to 2024, except cotton. However, rising custom rates, other variable expenses and allocated overhead costs o set some of these savings, resulting in an expected total cost of production that is e ectively the same as the estimated 2024 cost of production. Peanuts have the highest forecasted total cost per acre ($1,181.84), followed by cotton ($899.96), corn ($871.09) and soybeans ($624.77), highlighting the significant investment in producing Southern row crops. It is important to note that these forecasts were released by the ERS in November of 2024, before tari threats were made, that if implemented, may increase costs of some agricultural inputs, notably fertilizer.
At the currently forecasted cost of production, the negative returns experienced by row-crop producers in 2024 are expected to remain a major concern for all four crops in 2025 if prices do not improve.
Determine Your Breakeven Price
Whether yields can provide increased revenue is a question for the future, but given national corn yields in 2024/25 being es-
timated at record levels and soybean yields being estimated at about 2% below record levels, it is more likely that price is going to be the primary driver to increase revenue for these crops. Meanwhile, multiple weather events made a major impact on cotton yields that were about 12% below record levels and peanut yields that were about 11% below record levels. Therefore, some of the shortfall in revenue for cotton and peanuts could come from higher yields.
The other component of the revenue equation is price. Determining a breakeven price assists in making informed decisions about the price necessary to cover production costs. To determine a breakeven price, divide the forecasted cost of production by expected yield. At the current national forecasted cost of production and average yield for the last five years, the breakeven price for corn and peanuts would have to
Nov. 25, 2024, shelled edible-grade utilization for the season to date (August–October 2024) totaled 596,926,000 pounds, a 3.8% decline compared to the same period last year. Within this category, peanut butter remains the largest use of shelled peanuts, followed by peanut snacks and peanut candy. Peanut butter consumption has fallen by 4.8%, peanut snacks have increased by 2.2% and peanut candy usage has decreased by 7.2%. These shifts are largely attributed to the current economic climate, which is influencing consumer demand for peanut products.
While most peanuts produced in the United States are consumed domestically, we are the fourth-largest peanut exporting country in the world, after India, Argentina and China. U.S. peanut exports account for approximately 22% of total U.S. production, representing about 14% of the global peanut export market share. The top five export destinations for U.S. peanuts are Mexico, Canada, China, the Netherlands and the
increase 17% over the estimated 2024/25 price. For soybeans, the price would have to increase 21%, while cotton prices would have to rise 59%.
Ultimately, the actual cost of production varies among individual farms, as it depends on many factors such as economies of size and scope, relationships with input suppliers and adopted management practices. Actual yields also vary, and thus, producers need to consider their own potential breakeven price. Repeating this exercise for a specific farm can be helpful in planning, making risk management and marketing decisions and finding potential opportunities to make e iciency improvements to reduce costs for the upcoming crop year. PG
Article by Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University Associate Professor, Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology.
United Kingdom. However, trade policy uncertainties could pose challenges for U.S. peanut exports, potentially limiting market opportunities and exerting downward pressure on peanut prices.
Looking ahead to 2025, carryover stocks are projected to be approximately 747,000 metric tons. With low cotton prices, shellers are in no hurry to offer contracts or purchase peanut acreage. Additionally, persistently high fertilizer costs may incentivize farmers to continue planting peanuts. Considering these factors, it is reasonable to anticipate lower-priced forward contracts compared to 2024. For Georgia growers, season average prices are expected to range between $475 and $525 per ton. If these price levels are realized, peanut profitability will remain a significant challenge for producers in 2025.
To view the Georgia Ag Forecast webinars and download the full report, go to agforecast.caes.uga.edu/webinar-recordings. html. PG
The PVQE: Critical To V-C Success
A new location, structure changes to reduce variability and plans for web-based data delivery are a few of the transitional changes for this long-time variety-testing program.
By Amanda Huber
Dating back to 1968, the Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation program is still going strong in an effort to provide a premier peanut variety testing program specifically for the VirginiaCarolina region and producers. New at the helm of the program, Jacob Forehand, Virginia Extension peanut specialist, is bringing new ideas and a fresh approach to variety selection.
“This was my first year as director of the PVQE, and the program has gone through quite a transition. For one thing, we were able to add a location in Southeastern North Carolina to better represent peanut production throughout the region.”
Forehand says at each location, they were able to evaluate the varieties at two digging dates, which allowed them to evaluate maturity as compared to commercial varieties and also helped in determining that differences in yield were based on variety and not when the peanuts were dug. “Additionally, the structure of the test was changed to reduce variability within the test and provide more meaningful results,” he says. “While this has been a year in transition, I hope to keep improving the program so that the most valuable information possible can be obtained.
“In the future, I plan to add more data points of interest including early season vigor, disease response and canopy height and architecture,” he says.
Currently, PVQE results are published by Virginia Cooperative Extension in book form, but Forehand says a website
is being created and will be used in the future to post PVQE data. Users will be able to select the data that is most relevant to their farms to find exactly the information they need.
Getting ‘The Green Light’ From All Segments
Even with changes and enhancements, the core purpose of the PVQE remains as determining yield, grade and quality
of commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines at various locations in the V-C region, developing a database for Virginia-type peanut to allow researchbased selection of the best genotypes by growers, industry and the breeding programs, and identifying the best peanut varieties that can be developed into cultivars.
“This program evaluates potential variety releases from peanut breeders developing Virginia-type peanuts and compares them to the commercial varieties that are currently grown across the majority of acres in the V-C,” Forehand says. “It provides insight into how a variety will perform in a commercial setting, as field studies are conducted in growers’ fields and on research stations grown with local commercial practices.”
Dell Cotton, Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association manager says, “The PVQE has for years been a valuable, multi-state testing program for our V-C growers and for the V-C peanut industry. We all know how critical variety development is, and the numerous years of testing not only in multiple field settings in the three states along with the testing of attributes such as blanchability and flavor just enhances the program’s benefits that much more.
“Before a variety is released, it has the green light of growers, shellers, manufacturers, and, of course, researchers,” Cotton says. “We are pleased to see Jacob come on board with new ideas to build on the successes of those who served in that capacity before him.”
Synonymous With Success Of Virginia Peanuts
For a variety to be released and grown commercially in the V-C region, that variety must have been evaluated and voted on by the PVQE Advisory Committee, Forehand says. “Evaluating varieties before they are released ensures that the variety will be accepted for production by both the farmers that grow the crop and the manufacturers that make this crop into products to be sold to consumers.
“While collecting data such as yield and grade factors to determine crop loan value, data is also collected to address other concerns for new varieties,” he says. “For example, blanching data is taken for each variety to determine which products each variety may be best suited for.
In Memoriam: Dr. Tom Isleib
Former longtime North Carolina State University peanut breeder, Dr. Tom Isleib, passed away Jan. 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
In 1990, Isleib began his career with NCSU as leader of peanut breeding after being a graduate student. NC12C would be Isleib’s first cultivar released.
Isleib joined the American Peanut Research and Education Society in 1991 and was an active and dedicated member of our community for decades. He made significant contributions to the field of peanut research, earning recognition through numerous awards and honors, including being named an APRES Fellow in 2007.
Tom’s commitment to APRES was unwavering, serving on the Board of Directors for two terms from 2001-2004 and 2010-2013, and as President from 2002-2003. He was also involved in various committees until 2018, continuing to share his expertise and passion for the peanut industry. Throughout his career, Tom was recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2014 Coyt T. Wilson Distinguished Service Award and the 2001 Dow AgroSciences Award for Excellence in Research, which he shared with Harold Pattee. He also co-authored several influential papers, including receiving the Bailey Award in both 2009 and 2011.
Following a number of successful cultivar releases, and introduction of the high-oleic trait into Virginia-type varieties, on his final field day as NCSU’s peanut breeder, Isleib announced the release of Bailey II, a high-oleic version of the highly popular Bailey variety that was released in 2008.
“Bailey II is a high-oleic, large-seeded Virginia-type peanut cultivar selected from a series of backcrosses to the Bailey cultivar. It was made in a conventional breeding program at North Carolina State University. It is essentially a high-oleic Bailey,” Isleib explained. This cultivar continues to be widely grown in the V-C region today.
Isleib’s impact went beyond research; his integrity, humility and dedication to his work left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, demonstrating his quiet strength and grace until the end.
A celebration of life was planned for Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Empire, Michigan. The peanut industry offers sincere condolences to wife Sandy, children Jacob, Maribeth, Jeff, Aya and grandchildren.
While this data point does not directly affect the value of the variety to the grower, it can influence what shellers and manufacturers are able to do with a particular variety, which may influence how much demand will be present. Additionally, the chemical composition of the peanuts is evaluated to determine if a variety will be able to sustain a longer shelf life, which is important to both the peanut industry and consumers.
The program currently includes one location in Virginia, three locations in North Carolina and one testing site in South Carolina.
“Collaboration is key,” says Ashley Collins, chief executive officer of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association. “The synergy between everyone involved in the process makes PVQE invaluable for growers.
“Integrating breeding, real-time growing practices, replicated data collection, statistical analysis of grade data through processing and a collective decision-making process when determining varieties to release is why PVQE is synonymous with the success of Virginiatype peanuts,” Collins says.
Besides providing information regarding how new varieties perform in realworld settings, the PVQE program also
makes comparisons between commercially available Virginia-type varieties. This provides valuable information when determining which variety would likely perform best in your area.
For peanut farmers making their planting plans, Forehand says, “When
determining which variety to plant, it is important to consider a variety that performs well across many different environments for both crop yield and grade components. Additionally, other varietal considerations include disease resistance and crop growth habit.” PG
Peanut Breeder Honored As An Inventor
William “Bill” D. Branch, who holds the University of Georgia seed development professorship, has been elected as Fellow for the National Academy of Inventors. Branch is the 17th UGA faculty member to receive this honor.
“We’re proud to see another innovative UGA faculty member elected to the National Academy of Inventors,” says Chris King, interim vice president for research. “Dr. Branch has made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry, and his work in plant breeding underscores the significant impact UGA research has around the globe.”
Branch’s groundbreaking work in peanut breeding has led to the development of more than 30 novel, licensed peanut varieties. He has earned the National Peanut Buying Points Association Impact Award, the Innovator Award from the Georgia Peanut Commission, UGA’s Inventor of the Year Award in 1997 and induction into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Georgia’s peanut industry contributes about $1.8 billion annually to Georgia’s economy, and Branch’s cultivars account
for 85% of the peanut acreage grown in the Southeast. He released or co-released all of the Top 5 varieties.
With over 30 U.S. Plant Variety Protection Certificates and multiple patents to his name, Branch’s innovations have generated more than $72 million in royalties for UGA, the most of any agriculture-related technology. The licensed and commercialized varieties have generated more than 500 non-exclusive license agreements.
Branch is a member of the American Peanut Research and Education Society, the American Society of Agronomy, Council of Agricultural Science and Technology and the American Peanut Council.
“I am honored to have been elected as an NAI Fellow,” he said. “Any success I have obtained is all credit to my wife, Milla, and family for their continued support for all these years. Together with our Lord, we have been able to reach new heights.”
Branch will be inducted as an NAI Fellow on June 23 at the 14th Annual Conference in Atlanta. PG
Article by Brandon Ward, UGA News.
Top 5 Varieties
Descriptions And Certified Seed Acreage
■ Georgia-06G (103,716 acres)
A high-yielding, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus-resistant, large-seeded, runner-type peanut that has been the dominant variety for nearly two decades. Georgia-06G combines high TSWV resistance with medium maturity and excellent yield, grade and dollar value return per acre.
■ Georgia 12Y (10,049 acres)
A high-yielding, medium-seeded runner variety with TSWV and white mold resistance. Georgia-12Y is considered a good option for earlier planting because of its disease resistance and later maturity.
■ TifNV-HG (5,527 acres)
This high-oleic, runner-market co-release with USDA-ARS has resistance to peanut root-knot nematode and TSWV. It o ers higher yield and grade in comparison to TifNV-High O/L.
■ TifNV-High O/L (2,245 acres)
A high-oleic, large-seeded runner with a high level of resistance to root-knot nematode and TSWV, and moderate resistance to leaf spot. It has medium maturity and is also a co-release with USDA-ARS.
■ Georgia-22MPR (1,003 acres)
A high-yielding, high-oleic, runner-type variety that is resistant to TSWV, root-knot nematodes and potato leafhopper. It is medium-to-large seeded.
Crop Resources
Spray nozzle selection apps and an updated herbicide classification chart are now available to help producers with their input selections.
Choosing the right nozzle is important for effective pesticide applications with agricultural sprayers as it determines the amount of liquid per unit area and the size of the spray droplets, explains Auburn University biosystems engineering Extension specialist Simerjeet Virk. Applying the correct application rate and desired droplet size is essential for achieving adequate spray coverage on the target surface, maintaining the uniformity of application and minimizing the risk of spray particle drift.
Achieve Coverage And Uniformity, Reduce Drift
Virk says the two main considerations when selecting the best nozzle for an application are nozzle type and size.
“Spray nozzles come in different types and sizes based on the broader range of pesticide and liquid fertilizer applications performed in agriculture. Most nozzle manufacturers have catalogs
with detailed tables and charts to assist applicators in selecting spray nozzles. These catalogs are useful tools, but the process can still be overwhelming,” he says. “Most of these nozzle selection catalogs contain limited information with only a selected combination of application parameters such as application rate, ground speed, nozzle spacing, etc., and may not be useful in cases of a specific sprayer setup or application scenario.”
Fortunately, Virk says several mobile applications are available from nozzle or sprayer manufacturers that are useful for nozzle selection based on their specific set of parameters. “Compared to nozzle catalogs, these apps are user friendly and expedite the nozzle selection process. They usually have no subscription fees and are available for download on iOS and Android devices,” he says.” Several of these apps are also available as online calculators or tools that can be accessed and used on any device with internet and web-browsing capabilities.”
Equipment MobileJohn Deere
MyHARDI HARDI International A/S
Updated Herbicide Classification Chart
University of Georgia weed specialist Eric Prostko recently highlighted an updated herbicide classification chart from the Take Action Pesticide-Resistance Management Program. The chart has two sections, including a color-coded mode of action/site of action chart and pre-mix herbicide product chart. Prostko says it is very good reference material to have in your o ice or truck.
then select “Choosing the Right Nozzle,” then “Nozzle Calculator”
“Take Action is a farmer-focused educational platform designed to help farmers manage herbicide, fungicide and insect resistance,” Prostko says. “Take Action started with industry-wide collaborative discussions about the growing threat of herbicide-resistant weeds. Parties included representatives from major ag chemical companies, land-grant university weed scientists and soybean/corn/cotton/sorghum/wheat commodity groups.”
A copy of the herbicide classification chart can be downloaded from the Take Action Pesticide-Resistance Management Program website at https:// iwilltakeaction.com/resources/herbicide-classification-chart/.
Resource development for Take Action on Weeds is funded through a United Soybean Board grant.
Regarding functionality, Virk says most of these apps use the same application-related information — target rate, nozzle spacing, ground speed, desired droplet size — to provide nozzle options that are best suited for the intended application. A few apps also provide specific nozzle recommendations based on the pesticide type and mode of action.
“To best use this information for nozzle selection, choose the app specific to your nozzle or sprayer brand, if available, as that will most likely be the best choice and would have all the nozzle type and size options for that brand,” he says. “When selecting the best nozzle from the options suggested by the app, consider the one that can maintain the target rate for sprayers equipped with a rate controller or droplet size for sprayers with pulse width modulation (PWM) technology across a wide range of ground speeds and application conditions.
For more information and a list with links to the apps, go to https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/mobile-apps-for-spraynozzle-selection/. PG
Peanut Pointers
Acreage Outlook for 2025
Peanut acreage is expected to remain elevated in 2025, which brings along increased risks, particularly as rotation intervals decrease. Growers need to be vigilant about soil fertility by taking soil samples and replenishing nutrients as necessary. To remain economical, it is essential to consider the cost of every input in 2025. Avoid cutting corners in your management strategies, as this does not always lead to increased returns. Pest management becomes crucial, requiring careful consideration of disease and insect pressure on individual fields to find the balance between savings and adequate pest control. Adopting a “survival mode” approach doesn’t mean reducing necessary inputs, like fertility and pest management. On the contrary, it’s about making strategic decisions to ensure long-term sustainability. For example, shortening crop rotation can increase the risk of diseases. Simply relying on chemicals like Bravo/ Tebuconazole to manage this elevated risk may not lead to higher economic returns.
With increased peanut acreage, early planting will be needed to plant this crop in a timely manner. This does not mean planting your entire crop in April. Spreading out the planting dates is always recommended. Cooler and wetter conditions in April and early May pose a higher risk for stand issues. Monitoring soil temperatures, moisture
PLANTING TIP: Plant when the soil temperature at the 4-inch depth is greater than 68 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days without the risk of a cold front after planting for optimum germination.
levels, germination percentage of the seed and the overall weather conditions over the coming weeks is important to ensure the seed has the best situation for rapid germination and emergence. By paying attention to these factors, growers can optimize their stands and start the growing season on the right foot.
Log Into The AU Variety Website
It’s obvious we are facing many challenges in the upcoming season. High inflation costs are continuing to deplete our equity because of suppressed commodity prices not being high enough to cover our input cost. In addition to economic challenges, the weather has taken a toll across Alabama in the past two years. Even though our yields were better in 2024 compared to 2023, our grades were worse in added insult to injury. This resulted in some of the worst grades many producers have had with only 5% of the crop grading at
KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University Extension Specialist
SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia Extension Agronomist
Peanut Pointers
Visit the Auburn University Variety Testing Program’s Peanut Variety Trials page at https://aaes.auburn.edu/variety-tests/ peanut-variety-trials/
the loan rate or above.
Thankfully, our breeders are getting more varieties for us to choose from that can grade higher. We must take advantage of this because the lower grades cost some producers $100 per acre last year. Hopefully, we will have better weather and better timing of rainfall this season to help prevent that from happening.
As the planting season begins to get closer, we must think about which varieties to plant where and when due to their length of maturity, amount of resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and disease resistance within each variety that we have seed available to plant. Some producers have compromised their rotations due to circumstances recently, which will also play a role in variety selection and in-furrow treatments.
With these conditions, we should take a far more preventative approach to combating increased disease pressure early as well as increased root knot nematodes. Consider these factors and plant the right variety for the situation during the planting season. I know larger producers have to plant from the time conditions are favorable to start until the first of June, but many others could plant quicker.
These producers should consider these factors and plant their crops more spaced out with the right variety for the circumstances. This would also help some smaller producers with the increase in acres to allow them more time at harvest without adding more equipment. Take some time and log into our variety testing website from Auburn University to help you make the best variety choice for your farm.
Manage Controllable Factors
In 2024, Texas peanut acreage was up by 15,000 acres. The increased amount is especially obvious in the Spanish-market type. Ground planted to Spanish-market-type peanuts increased from 79,734 acres in 2023 to 109,419 acres in 2024 (Figure 1). This represented 87% of Spanishmarket type acres in the United States.
The 2025 Texas peanuts acreage will be determined based on many factors including, but not limited to: market prices, new legislation policies, soil moisture situations and crop rotation considerations. There are many things that are out of our control in the agricultural world; therefore, it is critical that we ensure the 2025 season starts well by managing controllable factors such as taking soil samples and checking soil temperature.
Taking a soil sample removes the guessing game out of your equation, and this can potentially save on fertilizer costs. If you saw stunted growth, yellowing leaves and unfilled pods last year, these could be fixed by managing the soil fertility issues.
Optimum soil temperature for peanut germination is at least 68 degrees F for three consecutive days without a cold front in forecast. In 2024, the soil temperature in Seminole, Texas, was suitable for planting by April 25, which was roughly three days earlier than the five-year average temperature in the area. Cold snaps and dry soil conditions can slow down germination of peanut and cotton. The longer seeds stay in the soil, the more susceptible they become to soilborne and seedling diseases. You are always encouraged to take the soil temperature recording directly from your fields.
EMI KIMURA
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension State Extension Peanut Specialist
Peanut Pointers
Rely On Crop Rotation
Data
As we move toward planting the 2025 peanut crop, there are many pressures on financial stability. Higher prices of inputs and depressed commodity prices have caused some farmers in the Virginia-Carolina region to consider modest increases in peanut acreage. When looking at the contribution of income to a farming operation, some of our most dependable crops in a rotation with peanuts are struggling. This decision is made on a farm-by-farm basis, and there is not a singular answer.
What are the impacts of a lessthan-ideal previous crop sequence for peanuts in 2025? Equally important, how will peanuts planted in 2025 affect peanuts down the road? Crop University and U.S. Department of Agriculture crop rotation studies can give us insight into the possible impacts. Grower observations do as well, and the folks that make recommendations to them.
Many crop sequences have not been evaluated from a research perspective. Some of the findings we have in North Carolina can give a grower an idea of what more soybeans in the rotation can do to peanut yields. In those trials, we often look at the interaction of crop rotation and other practices such as fumigation and/or variety resistance. In many cases, the resistant variety or fumigation helps overcome a poor rotation for peanuts. However, this is not always the case. There is no substitute for a good rotation, but there are ways to get a lot of the yield back following a poor rotation. The answer is site specific.
Speaking of “no substitutes,” I have gotten a few questions about inoculation for nitrogen fixation. In new peanut ground, there is no substitute for successful inoculation. Do whatever you have to do to get a liquid inoculant in the bottom of the seed furrow. Apply a peat-based inoculant with the seed for insurance as well. I would do both in new ground, but the in-furrow application is “off the charts” in terms of importance. It will be the most important input in a new ground setting.
The peat-based product placed directly on the seed will help partially overcome issues with equipment. In new ground, our work shows that yields of non-inoculated peanuts are 65% that of inoculated peanuts. In rotated ground, we often see yields that are 5% greater when peanuts are inoculated. Inoculation pays for itself in all cases.
DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State University Extension Agronomist
Since 2001, America’s peanut farmers have been at the forefront of innovation, investing $51.3 million in research that’s transforming the industry. This commitment is fueling breakthroughs in sustainability, cutting-edge farming techniques, and the production of top-tier peanuts enjoyed around the globe.
It’s not just research, it’s the future of farming
Boosting Yields – Growing more with every acre
Cutting Inputs – Smarter farming for a greener future
Enhancing Quality – Delivering the best peanuts to your table
