Peanut grower november 2016

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

NOVEMBER 2016

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

 Progressive Practices of Georgia Farmer of Year  Drone Rules For Ag

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The

NOVEMBER 2016

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

NOVEMBER 2016

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

 Progressive Practices of Georgia Farmer of Year

Volume 28 • Number 8

 Drone Rules For Ag

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Departments 4

Editor’s Note What’s the No. 1 requested product?

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News Briefs Industry campaigns for peanut emoji

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Market Watch One of the most amazing marketing years

18 New Products Intelligent spray nozzles from John Deere

14 Features

10 Meeting Research Needs

Demonstration plots help the Division of Agriculture develop crop recommendations.

12 Data Drives Farm Decisions

Georgia’s Farmer of the Year, John McCormick, is known for using innovative production practices.

13 USDA Responds To Market Downturn Safety-net payments announced for 2015 crop year.

Supplement

14 Weather Weary Year

Corn Hybrid Preview For 2017

CornSouth ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

Southern Production & Marketing Strategies

Drought leaves producers facing difficult decisions on dryland fields.

October/November 2016

16 Set Up For Success

Boost nitrogen production with this new inoculant product from Verdesian Life Sciences.

A Supplement to Cotton Farming and The Peanut Grower Magazines

2017 Corn Hybrid Preview Look for the CornSouth supplement following page 12 in the Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi versions of The Peanut Grower.

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

17 Challenging Year In South Carolina Hopes for good harvest weather were dashed with Hurricane Matthew.

20 Drone Rules Released

The Federal Aviation Administration recently published the operational parameters for UAVs. Cover photo by Amanda Huber NOVE MBE R 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (847) 559-7324 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD John Beasley Extension Agronomist Auburn University Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Craig Kvien Coastal Plain Experiment Station,Tifton, GA

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist Texas A & M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico.

Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2016 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim.

The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

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

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

No. 1 Requested Product

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y now you all know that one good thing to come of the industry’s recovery from salmonella-tainted peanut butter was Peanut Proud. This charitable organization works with state grower organizations and non-profit food relief charities to respond to natural disasters by supplying peanut butter and peanut products and in other times to simply stock the shelves of food banks throughout the United States.

In Aug u st, f lood ing in sout h Louisiana killed 13 people and devasAmanda Huber tated more than 60,000 homes across Editor, The Peanut Grower 20 parishes. Peanut Proud moved quickly to coordinate a response.

The first shipment of 28,800 jars of peanut butter went from Algood Food, Inc., in Louisville, Ky., to Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans on Aug. 24. A second load of 30,240 jars was shipped from Lineage in Albany, Ga., on Aug. 26.

Gregg Grimsley, president of Peanut Proud, Inc. said, “I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of people in general and especially the people who work in the peanut industry.”

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association was one of the state grower groups involved in these donations. Vice President Mark Kaiser, said, “We felt fortunate we were able to help, and everyone was so thankful and happy to see us. We drove through neighborhoods where both sides of the street were piled with debris as far as you could see. It was devastating, but the people affected were optimistic.”

Kaiser was joined by APPA board member Joel Sirmon and two other Baldwin County producers August Cassebaum and Ray Bertolla, plus Teresa Mays, APPA information specialist, and Marcie Justice Williams, Peanut Proud board member.

David Lorency, president of Operation Compassion, one of the nonprofit agencies helping distribute food, said, “It wasn’t just peanut butter; they delivered gold. Peanut butter was the No. 1 request from those affected by the flood.”

So, even though it was a rough year for commodity prices and crop weather, “ya done good” peanut growers.

New Members On Standards Board

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed three peanut producers and three industry representatives to serve on the Peanut Standards Board.

All will serve three-year terms of office ending June 30, 2019.

Secretary Vilsack appointed the following members: For the Southeast, producer Dwight Stansel, Wellborn, Fla., and industry representative John T. Gray III, Williston Peanut Inc., of Williston, Fla.; Southwest region, producer Mark Boardman, Lamesa, Texas, and industry representative William M. Brown, J.M. Smucker Company LLC, of Orrville, Ohio; and the VirginiaCarolina region, producer Paul W. Rogers Jr., Wakefield, Va., and industry representative Darlene M. Cowart, Birdsong Peanuts, of Suffolk, Va. The Peanut Standards Board is comprised of 18 members, with onethird appointed each year.

The Peanut Standards Board is authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

USDA consults with the board to establish or change quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts.

For more information about the board and USDA’s partnership with the peanut industry, visit www.ams. usda.gov/ru les-reg u lations/peanut-standards-board.

Argentina Crop Update

The 2016 peanut crop in Argentina ended with no good news, officials said, as excessive rains and adverse weather generated an estimated loss of at least 47,000 hectares plus deterioration of peanut quality, which is reportedly worse than expected.

Despite all the problems, producers and peanut companies, especially in Cordoba are planning to continue growing and plan to focus on the foreign market, especially the European Union. Javier Martinetto of T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

AGD told the attendees at the China International Peanut Congress that Argentina has the possibility of providing more High Oleic peanuts.

With the U.S. sold out of the 2015 crop and reluctant to price 2016 until more of the crop is harvested, buyers will be concentrating on the upcoming new crops like India and China, plus the U.S. Argentina is having trouble delivering EU quality required peanuts as some are being re-milled and that causes delays. Argentina is getting ready to start new plantings and one official said that land rent per hectare has almost doubled, from $525 to $900 per hectare, increasing the cost of delivering farmer stock to the warehouses. Officials are expecting more acres, but planting peanuts depends on prices of corn and soybeans.

Golden Reopens Warehouse, Opens Regional Office

Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, a subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company, reopened its Vienna, Ga., warehouse after installing upgrades that will improve unloading speed and product quality in time to receive its first truckload of farmer stock to the upgraded facility.

“We’re pleased to have completed phase one of our Vienna improvements on time and on budget and to see farmers already arriving to unload their crops,” said Greg Mills, president of Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts.

“The upgrades we have made—and will continue to make—at Vienna will make for a more efficient unloading process for farmers, and improve the quality of the stock that goes from Vienna to our processing facilities.

We’re looking forward to a great harvest season.”

Upgrades to the facility included replacement of receiving equipment, improved ventilation and aeration and new sand screens and extra conveyors.

“This comes on the heels of our

In Brief: • Six new members appointed to Peanut Standards Board.

• Land rent more than doubles in Argentina.

• Upgraded facilities a time-saver for Golden.

• ‘Healthy’ peanut moniker approved by FDA. • Parker talks U.S. peanuts at China conference.

• Industry pulls together, calls for peanut emoji.

announcement a few weeks ago that we have completed the expansion of our Dawson, Ga., processing facility,” Mills added. “At Golden, we know that just being one of the nation’s biggest handlers and processors of peanuts isn’t enough. We’re enhancing our operations and growing our business. With each new project, we help to ensure that Golden is the peanut and peanut product company of choice for farmers and customers alike.”

Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts also announced the opening of a new office in Albany, which will improve the company’s regional operations by bringing together Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts leaders from around the Southeast.

“This new regional off ice will bring together key leaders, putting them under the same roof for better and faster communications and decision-making, which will benefit our customers and our company alike,” Mills said. “Few other companies can offer the capacity, scope, expertise and customer service of Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, and we’re continuing to grow and improve to make sure that we remain the go-to company for peanut and tree nut customers across the United States and around the globe.”

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NOVE MBE R 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Who Would Have Guessed This?

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

T

he American peanut industry has just experienced one of the most amazing marketing years in history. Based on USDA estimates and with the industry facing an unusually large carry-forward, prices were reduced throughout the industry and cutbacks from the farm to the sheller were encouraged. Farmers were even encouraged not to plant peanuts for the 2016 season unless they were assured of federally approved warehouse storage, which guaranteed a $355 per-ton loan.

By early 2016, when prices were 15 percent lower than normal, shellers owned contracted but unsold inventory of farmer stock peanuts. With edible buyers comfortable in their coverage, decisions were made to market peanuts to China. Most were shipped as farmer stock directly to crushing plants in China for peanut oil. China and Vietnam became the top buyers of U.S. exports accounting for 52.4 percent through April. Drought in South Africa and a continuous high moisture harvest in Argentina opened the door for even more U.S. exports.

2015 Loan In less than six months, the U.S. over-supply of peanuts was eliminated by China’s purchases. Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is now e x p e c t e d t o h a v e a l l i nv e nt or y redeemed from the loan and no forfeitures from the 2015 peanut crop. The loan started with 2,233,195 tons and the few loans outstanding are likely to be repaid.

PLC Payment The Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program has also been a savior for farmers. Because of the over-supply, produc-

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Leading Marketing Indicators (As of Oct. 4, 2016) 2016 Acreage (Est. USDA) up 3% .................................... 1,650,365acres 2016 Acreage (Est. NASS)................................................. 1,587,000 acres 2016 Production (Est. at 4,044 lb/A) ................................. 3,208,900 tons 2015 Market Loan ............................................................... 2,233,195 tons 2015 Market Loan Remaining ................................................ 39,846 tons 2015-16 Domestic Usage (12 Mo.) .......................................... Up + 3.8% 2015-16 Exports (11 Mo.) ......................................................... Up + 64.1% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners -$424.51, Spanish - $407.34, Valencia and Virginias - $429.28

ers signed the lower-priced contracts offered. The average yearly marketing price was $386 per ton compared to $440 per ton last year. This means that base tonnage will earn a $149 per-ton PLC payment on 85 percent of the farm base with a budget sequestration reduction estimated at .932 percent for an effective PLC payment of $126.65 per ton.

2016 Crop Estimate USDA has predicted that farmers will deliver 3,208,900 tons, based on a yield of 4,044 pounds per acre, which would be a record and is 81 pounds per acre more than last year. Peanut acreage was confirmed at 1,650,000 acres, up 3 percent from the previous year.

Most industry insiders agree that the estimate is too high. Quality and possible af latoxin will also be a concern of the drought-stricken Southeast. In Texas, producers planted nearly 300,000 acres, which had been closer to 165,000 acres in the last few years, to take advantage of the PLC payment on generic base (cotton) converted to peanut base plus

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

collecting crop insurance if peanuts do not produce.

Inventory Shortage Currently, the U.S. peanut market has firmed because of a lack of inventory. Shellers have comfortably sold new crop into October, but going forward have been reluctant to commit additional tonnage until more of the 2016 crop is harvested. Continuous heat in July and August with limited rainfall has many farmers and shellers concerned about the dryland peanuts and even irrigated peanuts are experiencing lower yields.

Flooding from Hurricane Matthew is sure to cause losses, especially in North and South Carolina.

Domestic Markets USDA predicts U.S. food use of peanuts will increase 2 percent in 2016/17.

Last year, usage was up 3.8 percent, with an August 2016 surprise 12 percent increase. FDA has ruled that peanuts can be classified as “healthy,” and that’s good news as more and more research data strongly endorses peaPE ANUTGROWE R .COM

GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY

nuts and peanut butter for daily nutrition. Snacking is trending and peanuts and peanut butter are the nutrition of choice.

Export Markets The strong market performance seen this year is forecast to continue into the 2016/17 marketing year. China is expected to pursue additional imports of low-valued peanuts. Exports for higher-valued food peanuts are expected to be brisk as demand remains strong.

The 2016 peanut crop in Argentina ended with excessive rains and an estimated loss of at least 47,000 hectares plus deterioration of quality. Despite the problems, producers and peanut companies, especially in Cordoba are planning to continue growing and plan to focus on the foreign market.

However, as they prepare to start a new T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

planting, it is being reported that land rent per hectare has almost doubled, from $525 to $900 per hectare, greatly increasing the cost of delivering farmer stock to the warehouses. Argentine officials are expecting more acres, but planting peanuts depends on prices of corn and soybeans.

With the U.S. sold out of the 2015 crop and reluctant to price 2016 until more of the crop is harvested, buyers will be concentrating on the upcoming new crops in China and India, which are reported to be 17.5 million metric tons (mt) and 5 million mt, respectively.

Argentina will have trouble delivering to the European Union’s quality requirements and will have to be re-milled, which causes delays.

The reduced harvest in Argentina has U.S. sales in the European Union a possibility; however, meeting EU quality standards is a concern.

“

Peanut farmers should experience a good year.

Markets at home and abroad are expanding and growing.

The Year Ahead Peanut farmers should experience a good year. Markets at home and abroad are expanding and growing.

The peanut program has been successful, especially for base owners, with China’s considerable assistance. The biggest challenge is ample water at strategic production times to maintain quality, along with marketing at the highest price, but keeping customers coming back for more. It’s never an easy challenge. PG 7

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Banks Celebrate Georgia Peanuts

Georgia Peanut Commission and the Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 17-21, 2016 for the 40th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Local banks and financial institutions will honor Georgia’s peanut farmers and their contribution made to the state and local economies.

This year’s theme, “In Georgia, Money Grows on Vines - Peanut Vines,” will showcase the importance of peanuts, Georgia’s official state crop, and how Georgia’s peanut farmers contribute approximately $1.3 billion annually to the state and local economy to help maintain Georgia’s largest industry: agriculture. “This is the fortieth year we have held a special salute to farmers in cooperation with financial institutions,” GPC Chairman Armond Morris said. “We have a great nutritional message to share with consumers and we hope by incorporating peanuts into their diet, they will feel the power peanuts have to offer.” Other businesses are urged to join in the celebration. Peanuts, recipe cards and other promotional material available at www.gapeanuts.com

FDA Agrees Peanuts Are Healthy

The Food and Drug Administration is now allowing peanuts to be called “ he a lt hy.” FDA a n nou nc e d on Wednesday that they are beginning the public process to redefine the “healthy” nutrient content claim for food labeling. In the interim, FDA has issued guidelines that allow the industry to refer to peanuts as healthy, due to their high levels of unsaturated fat and overall beneficial nutrient profile.

Peanuts contain 12 grams of unsaturated fat and two grams of saturated fat per one ounce serving.

“It’s exciting to be able to clearly tell the public that peanuts are indeed a healthy food that they should enjoy as part of their healthy lifestyle,” said National Peanut Board registered dietitian Sherry Coleman Collins.

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John Crumpler, Va. member (middle), and NPB President and CEO, Bob Parker (right) met with the owner of a local peanut shelling company while attending the International Peanut Conference.

NPB Attends China Conference N a t i o n a l Pe a n u t B o a r d ’s President and CEO Bob Parker and Virginia Board Member John Crumpler attended the China Peanut Conference Sept. 7- 9 in the Shandong province, one of the major peanut-producing provinces in China. Parker presented updates on U.S. peanut production and trade to the gathering of importers, exporters and retailers of peanut products in China.

“Our purpose for attending was to get a better view of the ongoing changes and trends in the global peanut market, while strengthening our relationships with the peanut “In the 1980s, we were convinced that only low-fat choices were healthy choices. Now we know that food and nutrition are more complex than that, and our marketing efforts can also align with what consumers need to hear to make better choices. Peanuts are the total package of protein, good

industry in China,” said Parker.

According to reports at the conference, China will have a crop of 17.5 million metric tons (mt) and India will have a crop of five million mt. “This shows the world supply should be adequate, but there may not be a huge surplus globally, as some have feared,” said Parker.

Prior to the conference, Parker and Crumpler met with the director of the Agricultural Trade Office and Golin in Shanghai. They traveled to peanut growing regions and observed the harvesting process; usually completed by removing peanuts from the plants by hand. fats, and more than two dozen vitamins and phytonutrients, making them indeed healthy,” said Collins.

The comment period for the Request for Information and Comments for the use of the term “healthy” in the labeling of human food products is open until Jan. 26, 2017.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

President Carter Touts Peanuts

At the Plains Peanut Festival recently, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter told the crowd “if you want to prevent cancer and diabetes, eat a handful of peanuts or peanut butter every day.” He and First Lady Rosalyn Carter waved from the balcony at the Plains Peanut Festival. Carter said he had been in the peanut business for 82 years and recalled boiling peanuts and walking from Archer to Plains to sell the bagged boiled peanuts for five cents a bag.

President Carter also talked about the Carter Center and efforts to eradicate diseases where the U.S. is not working and working around the world for fair and democratic elections. As usual, President Carter, who is 92 now, also taught Sunday School the weekend of the Festival T he Pla ins Bet ter Hometow n Program has united with the community to help sponsor the Festival: J. M. Smucker Company, Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts Company, National Peanut Board, Mars, the Peanut Institute, the National Peanut Buying Points Association, Planters/Heinz/ Kraft, Georgia Peanut Commission, T he A mer ic a n Pe a nut She l ler s Association, American Blanching and Premium Peanuts.

Join ‘Where’s My Peanut Emoji?’

You know it as well as we do…

Peanuts are not only delicious, but full of healthy fats, fiber, plant-based protein and loads of vitamins a nd minera ls.

We want to get this message out to the world; a world now communicating by emoji. That’s why Golden Peanut & Tree Nuts has launched the Where’s My Peanut Emoji? campaign to get a peanut added to Apple’s emoji keyboard.

We need your help to spread the word! Go to WheresMyPeanutEmoji. com and sign the petition. Share the campaign with your Twitter followT WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

ers, Facebook friends and colleagues.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #wheresmypeanutemoji to show your support! Then, sit back and think of all the great emoji combos you’ll have to work with when we succeed.

New Appointees To NPB

United States Depa r t ment of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently appointed three members and three alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2017, and ending Dec. 31, 2019. The members and alternates will be sworn in by USDA at the quarterly National Peanut Board Meeting Dec. 6-7, 2016.

For A rkansas, Gregor y Gill of Walnut R idge is the reappointed board member. Gill operates Greg Gill Farms and has been engaged in peanut production most recently for six years.

Gill previously grew peanuts with his father from 1968-1979.

“There’s a lot of potential for peanuts in Arkansas and I plan to learn what I can to help our state’s growers.” In addition to peanuts, Gill grows rice, corn and soybeans. He is the current president of the Arkansas Peanut Growers Association and member of the Arkansas Rice Growers Association.

Gregory Baltz of Pocahontas is the reappointed alternate member. Baltz operates Running Lake Farms and has been growing peanuts for six years.

He farms runner peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans. “There’s been great work done by predecessors to establish peanuts in Arkansas,” said Baltz.

“I’m honored that Arkansas has been accepted as a major peanut-producing state and hope we can be a model for the industry.”

For New Mexico, Jim Chandler of Portales is the newly appointed board member. Chandler has been farming for more than 50 years and grows corn, cotton, hay, wheatlage, grain sorghum and peanuts and pastures cattle.

Chandler believes the National Peanut Board is important because

farmers need advocates to correct misperceptions about conventional agriculture that have become barriers to consumption. “NPB does a good job in that advocacy arena and helps in the development of new and improved foods and varieties involving peanuts.”

Karen Jackson of Seminole, Texas, is the newly appointed New Mexico alternate member. Jackson is a co-partner of Gary and Karen Jackson Farms based in Lea County, New Mexico.

Their acreage is located in eastern New Mexico and in several counties in west Texas. They grow peanuts, cotton, peppers, watermelons and rosemary.

“I look forward to serving on the National Peanut Board and learning from the new experiences,” said Jackson, who has been growing peanuts for 20 years.

For Ok la homa , L e s Cra l l of Weatherford is the newly appointed board member. Crall has been in peanut farming for 20 years and previously served as the National Peanut Board alternate. He currently serves as chairman of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission and a former member of the Peanut Standards Board.

Crall’s primary farming enterprises are growing peanuts, wheat, grain sorghum, hay and a cow-calf herd.

Gayle White of Frederick is the newly appointed alternate member.

White is the owner/operator of White Farm and Ranch with her husband, Joe D., and has been engaged in peanut production for more than 25 years.

White is the immediate past chairman of the National Peanut Board.

Also, she has served as president of the Tillman County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, president of Ag Boosters and publicity chair of the Tillman County Junior Livestock Show board of directors.

The NPB, through research and marketing, is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. PG 9

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Meeting Research Needs Demonstration plots help the Division of Agriculture develop crop recommendations.

A

Record Crop In 2016 Growers throughout the state planted about 22,500 acres of peanuts in Arkansas, a state record that exceeded the previous high of about 18,500 acres in 2012. Arkansas farmers also planted about 4,000 acres of peanuts on land across the Missouri border this year.

Gypsum use in other peanut growing states has shown to positively influence yield and grade of peanuts as shown by research, Andrews says.

“Hopefully through the g ypsum demonstrations we can gain valuable information that will help our producers improve their bottom line,” he says.

Finding Their Way As with many crops, successfully growing peanuts requires a high-wire balancing act between too little moisture and too much. While peanuts 10 /

PHOTO BY MIKE ANDREWS

s Mike Andrews and Herb Ginn, agricultural agents for the Randolph and Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Service offices, respectively, clawed their way through bundles of harvested peanuts, they admitted the work was not especially easy.

“You’re welcome to give it a shot,” Ginn laughs. “We won’t even charge you for the experience.”

The two agents, along with a member of the Natural Resources Conservation Service were elbow deep in harvesting peanuts from a gypsum and irrigation peanut demonstration plot in Randolph County. The research projects, now both in their second year, are designed to identify best management practices in irrigation, fertilization and other aspects key to successful peanut growing in Arkansas.

Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Service chair Herb Ginn, left, and Brody Ridge, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, pick off peanuts harvested from demonstration plots in Lawrence County.

aren’t as susceptible to weather events as perhaps rice or corn, the plants must receive enough water to induce the plants to send “pegs” into the soil where

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

the peanut itself develops, but not so much that the soil saturates and hosts disease.

“They’re not a heavy user of irrigaPE ANUTGROWE R .COM

tion like rice or corn,” Andrews says.

“They just need timely moisture so that the plant will bloom and send a peg down into the soil, where the peanut is formed. If we don’t have moisture, a lot of times the pegs don’t survive, and it affects the number of peanuts. Since the peanuts are grown underground, a lot of water will cause pod rot on the peanuts, which we’re seeing more of this year.”

Furrow Irrigation Challenges Christopher Henry, an assistant professor and water management engineer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, says most peanuts are irrigated using center-pivot sprinkler irrigation.

“People growing peanuts in Arkansas don’t have center pivots, and they’re not going to convert to center-pivot irrigation,” Henry says. “They’re growing rice, corn, cotton and other crops — so they either furrow irrigate them, or they grow something else. And they want to grow peanuts into the rotation.”

Henry says that although Arkansas has only recently come to be thought

Irrigation Considerations For Peanut Plant Growth Stages

Days After Planting

Inches Per Week

<45

0.1-0.2

45-60

0.75-1.0

Pegging/Early Pod Fill To Late Pod Fill

60-110

1.5-2.0

Late Pod Fill To Begin Maturity

110-135

0.75-1.0

Emergence To Flowering Flowering/Pegging To Early Pod Fill

of as a major peanut-producing state, major peanut buyers including Birdsong and Golden Peanut have reacted positively to the overall quality of Arkansas peanuts.

By using moisture sensors, f low meters and other monitoring equipment throughout the demonstration plots, Henry and other researchers are working towards establishing reliable recommendations for Arkansas peanut growers throughout the region.

Producers using furrow irrigation are urged to plan carefully to ensure flooded conditions do not persist for long

periods of time. Prolonged f looding will promote pod rot and other diseases, which will reduce yield and lower grades. Generally, peanut water needs are highest at pegging to pod addition and pod fill.

Although the research is only in its second year, Henry says their initial recommendations have already helped increase Arkansas growers’ per-acre profit margins. PG Article by By Ryan McGeeney, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

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To learn more visit us at www.AccuField.com T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

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NOVE MBE R 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Data Drives Farm Decisions Georgia’s Farmer of the Year, John McCormick, is known for using innovative production practices.

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ll successful farmers have the curiosity of a scientist in them. For John McCormick, Georgia’s 2016 Farmer of the Year, that curiosity has helped make his farm one of the most successful in the state.

Every year, McCormick devotes part of his 1,000-acre row-crop operation near Sylvania, Ga., in Screven County to an experiment. A change in peanut row spacing this year, a new variety next year – each year he works to make his operation a little bit more efficient.

Always A Goal In Mind Sometimes the experiments work and sometimes they don’t, but in total, they’ve helped him make the most of his land, and his progressive approach has earned him the recognition of Georgia’s farming community.

“I didn’t know it all, I still don’t and I never will,” says McCormick, who’s been farming for 40 years. “If you wake up in the morning and you don’t have a goal, that’s when you’re in trouble.”

McCormick’s family includes, his wife, Paula, and their four sons and their families. In late October, he and his family would find out who was selected as the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award. McCormick was nominated

by Ray Hicks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Screven County agent.

What Works Best Here?

McCormick’s goal has always been to keep his farm going and profitable and to pass that farm to his four sons, one of whom – Josh McCormick – works with his father growing cotton, peanuts, soybeans and corn.

Over the years, McCormick has 12 /

Georgia Farmer of the Year John McCormick (left) examines a field with Screven County Extension coordinator Ray Hicks.

built his farming career by overcoming those challenging situations. He uses global positioning systems and plants soil-building cover crops. Currently, he and Josh are working to maximize the production of the row-crop land by using variable-rate irrigation and fertility monitoring equipment.

“We’re going to see what works best on this farm because it may be different just 30 miles down the road,” he says.

“We need to pick the products that are going to work for us.”

Some of the other cha nges McCormick has made to improve yield and production include the following: •• Improved corn and soybean yields by switching from 36- to 30-inch rows •• Narrowed his peanut rows from 36 to 30 inches and is evaluating 30-inch rows for cotton •• Improved soil nutrition by using variable-rate lime and fertilizer applications •• Reduced his use of fuel, lime, fertilizer and pesticides with guidance systems and variable-rate technology •• Used on-farm trials for information

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on soybean and corn variety selection •• Planted cover crops such as black oats, large-root daikon radish and ryegrass to improve soil organic matter.

McCormick has worked with his Extension agent, Ray Hicks, on many of the research projects over the years, which is what led to his nomination of the successful producer. “John is one of my very progressive farmers,” Hicks says.

“He is always looking at what will be efficient and profitable for his operation.

He looks to UGA research for new ideas.

It is an honor to have him as one of my producers in Screven County and to see him recognized for his practices.”

Although the recognition is nice, McCormick farms because he loves the land and nature and for all the challenges farming brings each day. As he says, “Each day is different and situations arise that must be addressed in order to achieve success.” PG Portions of this article and photo by Merritt Melancon, news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

USDA Responds To Market Downturn

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he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in mid-October that many of the 1.7 million farms enrolled in either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs would receive safety-net payments because of market downturns during the 2015 crop year.

“This fall, USDA will be making more than $7 billion in payments under the ARC-County and PLC programs to assist participating producers, which will account for more than 10 percent of USDA’s projected 2016 net farm income.

These payments will help provide reassurance to America’s farm families, who are standing strong against low commodity prices compounded by unfavorable growing conditions in many parts of the country,” says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “At USDA, we are standing strong behind them, tapping in to every resource that we have to help.”

Watching Weather Challenges In 2016, USDA created a one-time cost share program for cotton ginning, purchased about $800 million in excess commodities to be redirected to food banks and those in need, made $11 million in payments to America’s dairy farmers through the Dairy Margin Protection Program, and reprogrammed Farm Service Agency funds to expand credit options for farmers and ranchers in need of extra capital.

“As always, we continue to watch market conditions and will explore opportunities for further assistance in the coming months,” Vilsack says. “For producers challenged by weather, disease and falling prices, we will continue to ensure the availability of a strong safety net to keep them farming or ranching.”

Ability To Keep Working Unlike the old direct payment program, which issued payments during both weak and strong market conditions,

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the 2014 Farm Bill authorized the ARC-PLC safety net to trigger and provide financial assistance only when decreases in revenues or crop prices, respectively, occur. The ARC and PLC programs primarily allow producers to continue to produce for the market by making payments on a percentage of historical base production, limiting the impact on production decisions.

Nationwide, 96 percent of soybean farms with base acres, 91 percent of corn farms with base acres, and 66 percent of wheat farms with base acres elected the ARC-County coverage option. Ninety-nine percent of long grain rice and peanut farms with base acres, and 94 percent of medium grain rice farms with base acres, elected the PLC option.

Overall, 76 percent of participating farm base acres are enrolled in ARC-County, 23 percent in PLC and one percent in ARC-Individual. For other program information including frequently asked questions, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Additional Announcements Payments are made to producers who enrolled base acres of barley, corn, grain sorghum, lentils, oats, peanuts, dry peas, soybeans, wheat and canola. In the upcoming months, payments will be announced after marketing year average prices are published by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service for the remaining covered commodities. These include long and medium grain rice (except for temperate Japonica rice), which will be announced in November, remaining oilseeds and chickpeas, which will be announced in December, and temperate Japonica rice, which will be announced in early February 2017. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity.

The Budget Control Act of 2011, passed by Congress, requires USDA to reduce 2015 ARC and PLC payments by 6.8 percent. For more information, producers are encouraged to visit their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. PG

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13

CROP

RECAP

Weather Weary Year Drought leaves producers facing difficult decisions on dryland fields.

Extreme temperatures drove white mold lower on the plant and even underground. Lack of rainfall made fungicide applications less effective.

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eather conditions deteriorated during the latter part of the summer in Georgia and little rainfall was recorded at critical stages of the growing season.

Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut specialist, estimates that as much as one-third of Georgia’s dryland crop has produced very little.

So little, in fact, that producers were asked to weigh the decision of whether to even dig the crop or not.

“Some of our crop is in bad enough shape that there’s almost no point in digging them. There’s not a crop to dig in some places,” Monfort says.

Nothing To Dig Georgia’s peanut crop was estimated at 720,000 acres this year, and almost half is grown dryland. Monfort classifies one-third of the dryland crop as suffering through severe drought conditions, one-third as intermediate, which may have a crop but has been heavily impacted by the drought and about onethird that looks “pretty good.”

When Hurricane Hermine moved through South Georgia on Sept. 2, some areas got as much as five inches of rain, but by then it was almost a case of too little, too late.

“It helped a good portion of those (plants) that have peanuts on them that hadn’t matured out. As long as they didn’t come loose in the hull, they should continue to mature,” Monfort says. “Those intermediate and good sections may do all right, but the hurricane just caused more issues for the one-third of the crop that is ridden with disease and insect damage.”

White mold is often the No. 1 cause of the loss of peanuts due to disease in a season, according to Kemerait.

Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of white mold, is a fungus that remains in the soil between cropping systems. It waits for the next susceptible crop to be planted, and shortened crop rotations, a result of deflated commodity prices and a lack of alternative row-crop options, are a contributing factor.

Short Rotation Effect “White mold has been really bad this year for a couple of reasons: I think we’re on a shorter rotation because we’ve got big peanut acreage behind big peanut acreage. The second thing is [that] conditions are favorable; very hot weather fuels the disease, as does very dry weather. When you have a double-edged sword — hot and dry weather — what happens is that the heat fuels the white mold and the dryness pushes it underground. It then gets harder to hit with a fungicide,” he says.

Kemerait was urging producers to be very aggressive with disease management until the very end and to use the most effective products available with the proper timing and correct water volume.

In a dry year with little to no rainfall to move fungicides down into the crown of the plant, it was even more important to

Yields in dryland production will take a considerable hit in 2016 and some fields will likely be left unharvested.

use the water volume and spray timing to get the fungicide down the peanut plant past the leaves and limbs to the crown and pegs along the soil line.

Both the quantity and quality of this year’s crop remains to be seen until harvest is complete, but drought conditions were sure to have impacted both in Georgia. PG Portions of this article provided by Universit y of Geor gia C oll ege of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Weather Favored LCB, White Mold As expected in the hot, dry conditions, lesser cornstalk borer posed a particular challenge, and the lack of rainfall rendered treatments ineffectual. Lack of rainfall also meant fungicides were not as effective on white mold, another problem in the given weather conditions.

“Very warm temperatures this season fueled white mold; dry conditions drove it underground,” says Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist. It was only at harvest that many growers became aware of how serious the problems were in their fields.

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Set Up For Success Boost nitrogen production with this new inoculant product from Verdesian Life Sciences.

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s planning begins for the next growing season, Verdesian Life Sciences ha s added Primo Power CL, a new liquid inoculant, to its seed enhancement portfolio. This peanut inoculant opens the door for more nodules, which provide more available nitrogen to increase the potential number of pegs and pods that are set.

“Peanuts that get a faster, healthier start and develop a larger root mass can improve the crop’s cha nces for reaching its genetic potentia l for greater yields,” said Kurt Seevers, technical development manager at Verdesian Life Sciences. “Its concentrated liquid formulation offers a convenient, lower-use rate for more efficient application.”

Verdesian Life Sciences offers biological, nutritional, seed treatment and inoculant technologies that maximize performance on high-value row crops and specialty crops, as well as turf and ornamental plants.

Because plant health is the key to higher yields, Verdesian is advancing plant health and nutrition through the development of nutrient management and efficiency technologies, nutritionals and micronutrients, seed treatments and inoculants, crop health chemistry and biologicals, as well soil surfactants for the agriculture, turf and ornamental industries.

Best Opportunity To Grow Designed to increase peanut yield potential, Primo Power CL is applied in-furrow at planting, and improves root development and stand count.

The product is an evolution of the 16 /

Verdesian Life Sciences technical sales representative, Stan Deal, talks about the benefits of Primo Power inoculants used in test plots at the 2016 Ag Expo field day.

company’s original Primo Power inoculant, which has been proven to deliver more profit per acre than industry competitors.

Its specially selected strains of rhizobia are also proven to help peanuts perform in a wide range of soils and in unfavorable conditions.

“Primo Power CL gives growers the confidence that the rhizobia bacteria is there to give their peanuts the best chance to nodulate and grow,” said Stan Deal, technical sales representative for Verdesian Life Sciences. “They’re setting their crops up for success.”

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

By maximizing the amount of nutrients available from planting to harvest, Primo Power CL improves stand count, raising yield potential.

Primo Power CL is available in a 4 x 10 case that treats 40 units of peanuts per case when planted at 36-inch row spacing. Further information about Verdesian is available at vlsci.com.

Information provided on behalf of Verdesian Life Sciences, a 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Partner who is committed to the continued research and development of environmentally sustainable products.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Challenging Year In South Carolina Hopes for good harvest weather were dashed with Hurricane Matthew.

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he 2016 peanut harvest is under way in South Carolina and pests and weather have been the main issues affecting this year’s crop.

The 2016 peanut harvest has started in some parts of the state with several growers who have started digging Virginia type varieties. Other growers will have to wait from one to four or more weeks until their peanuts will be at optimal maturity before harvesting.

Long-lasting Thrips Issue Tomato spotted wilt virus is one problem the state’s peanut growers have had to face.

“The tomato spotted wilt virus was greater this year than what we’ve seen in previous recent growing seasons,” says Dan Anco, Clemson peanut specialist. “Some folks thought thrips stayed around longer this year than on average and how much the plant is affected by tomato spotted wilt depends on the variety planted.”

For much of the summer, drought conditions were something South Carolina peanut producers had to contend with. According to Mark Malsick of the South Carolina State Climatology Office, the average rainfall amount across South Carolina from May 1 to Aug. 31 this year was 3.79 inches, with June being the driest month. The normal average rainfall amount for these four months is 4.80 inches.

Hermine Brought Needed Moisture Anco says these amounts weren’t “the best for producing the greatest yields,” adding the majority of the state’s peanut crop, about 80 percent, is grown with-

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out irrigation.

Hurricane Hermine brought a break in the drought, dropping five to nine inches of rain on many fields.

“Most fields were dry enough to use it,” he says. “What really helped out was, for the week following Hermine’s rain, it was hot and dry, which gave the ground time to deal with the water it had.” But, hot and dry conditions may have contributed to two-spotted spider mite infestations, he says.

A s peanut har vest began, growers were hoping for a few more weeks of good weather for digging, drying and combining, but that wasn’t to be.

Hurricane Matthew, which crushed the Caribbean and then blasted the coast of the United States from Florida to North Carolina, took no pity on South Carolina either. Though the extent of damage was still being determined, thousands of acres of cotton, peanuts, soybeans and vegetables took a significant beating.

Barnwell County, says that his area took less of a hit than the southeastern and northeastern portions of the state, but still sustained localized flooding.

“Some fields of peanuts will be okay, but others that were heavily flooded will be lost due to rot,” he says. “I think the bottom line is that damage will vary field-by-field, but the post-flood weather this time is much better than last time.”

Charles Davis, Extension agent and agronomic crops expert based in Calhoun and Richland counties says that peanut growers rushed to harvest their crops before the storm struck.

“There was a fair amount that had already been dug up but not yet harvested, which were lying on the ground and in danger of rot,” he says.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, an estimated 106,000 acres of peanuts were grown in South Carolina this year, compared to 110,000 acres in 2014 and 2015. PG

Matthew Brought Too Much John Mueller, director of Edisto Research and Education Center in

Article by Denise Attaway, Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.

Extra High Output Turbofan and Large Seed Hoppers for Twin-Row Peanuts, also Beans, Cotton, Sorghum, Corn, etc. www.monosem-inc.com

Custom Planters Built-to-Order

MONOSEM Inc., 1001 Blake St., Edwardsville, KS 66111 Ph. 913.438.1700 Fx. 913.438.5455 NOVE MBE R 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

17

Aerial Mapping In Trimble Partnership In a recent announcement, DelairTech and microdrones are the official unmanned aircraft systems for Trimble’s worldwide distribution network. The two companies offer proven aerial mapping solutions to make work easier.

Pictured is a microdrones md4-1000 colored in yellow, and microdrones is now showcasing four new mapping solutions (called mdMapper).

Here is a brief overview of each.

•• mdMapper200 is a reliable, professional solution that allows surveyors to map up to 74 acres in one flight. It is integrated with a lightweight 20.1 megapixel camera and Nadir mount.

Find more information at www.microdrones.com/mdmapper200 •• mdMapper1000 offers the longest flying time, 30-45 minutes, depending on conditions, and stability on the market, as well as resistance to rough winds, harsh weather, hot temperatures, high voltage and strong magnetic fields. It is integrated with a 24 megapixel camera and Nadir mount. Find more information at w w w.microdrones.com/ mdmapper1000 •• mdMapper 1000DG allows surveyors to achieve data accuracy using fewer ground control points. Cover up to 223 acres in one f light. It is inte-

grated with a 42.4 megapixel camera and Nadir mount. Find information at www.microdrones.com/mdmapper1000dg •• mdMapper 30000DG: With a f light time up to 45 minutes, a payload of 6.5 – 15 pounds, this solution opens up flexibility and opportunity.

It is integrated with a camera with up to 100 megapixel performance, direct georeferencing technology and a Nadir mount. Find information at w w w. microdrones.com/mdmapper3000dg To learn more about microdrones, visit www.microdrones.com.

Ag Weather Station The AgroMET from RainWise, Inc., is the perfect weather station for agriculture. It includes weather sensors for precipitation, temperature, humidity, leaf wetness, wind speed and direction, and

New 3200 Series Corn Head AGCO Corporation is offering a wider range of harvesting options for corn growers with the introduction of the 3200 Series corn heads.

“We know that our producers harvest in many different conditions, and each producer has a unique set of requirements for their operation. The 3200 Series corn heads are our newest solution to advance each operation’s productivity and profitability,” says Caleb Schleder, AGCO tactical marketing manager.

The 3200 Series is available in 6-row 30-inch and folding 12-row 30-inch configurations. Each version is available with a chopping option.

“Our goal with the 3200 Series corn head was to provide our producers the options they need, whether it be a 6-row corn head to match grain-handling capacity or a 12-row folding head to enhance the efficiency of transport from field to field,” Schleder continues.

The 3200 Series heads are available for Massey Ferguson, 18 /

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solar radiation. There are also optional add-on sensors for soil moisture and soil temperature, making this weather station the optimal choice for any serious farmer.

The official weather station authorized by the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA), the AgroMET professional weather system has been designed with the grower in mind. Its sleek design is 33 inches high and weighs just over 7 pounds, and offers top of the line durability and serviceability. It is the most accurate, durable, and easiest to install weather station available.

The AgroMET features a powerful radio with a transmission range of up to one mile in the line of sight.

It also features an industry best, real time two second wind speed and direction update interval. Pair this with our IP-100 internet gateway and check your weather data from anywhere at anytime with a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The TeleMET II offers transmission of weather data from your weather station to rainwiseNet and the Weather Underground from remote areas with cellular service.

For more information about these products, visit www.rainwise.com.

Gleaner and Challenger combines.

For more information, f ind your nearest Massey Ferguson, Gleaner or Challenger dealer by visiting www. agcocorp.com.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Industry News

John Deere Intelligent Nozzle Control Producers and ag service providers can gain greater accuracy over their spray applications with John Deere ExactApply intelligent nozzle control system available on new John Deere 4-Series Sprayers. Starting with 2018 models, this latest application technology provides sprayer operators a comprehensive solution that maintains consistent droplet size and pattern through a wide range of speeds, while reducing the potential for overlaps, skips and drift.

An important feature is John Deere’s Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) system that offers three times the pulsing frequency of traditional PWM systems on a wide variety of nozzles. This allows the sprayer to run at a consistent pressure and droplet size, regardless of the sprayer speed and application flow rate, for improved spray coverage across the entire field.

In addition, John Deere ExactApply offers the ability to switch spraying between two pre-selected nozzles with the push of a button from inside the cab and reduces the number of nozzles needed because of range increases on each nozzle. It alerts the operator if a single nozzle is plugged and includes LED lighting on each individual nozzle for improved visibility of spray pattern in low-light conditions.

For more information on ExactApply intelligent nozzle control, 4-Series Sprayers and other application equipment from John Deere, see your local John Deere dea ler or visit w w w.

JohnDeere.com/ag.

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Verdesian Announces New CEO Verdesian Life Sciences, a plant hea lt h a nd nutrition compa ny, including peanut inoculant products, recently announced that its board of directors has named Kenneth M. Avery chief executive officer. Avery succeeds Verdesian CEO J.J. Grow who will move into a new role as chairman.

“Kenny is a dynamic leader who challenges teams and expectations to help companies grow and succeed in diverse global marketplaces,” said Grow. “He has shown that he can successfully bring people together to enhance operational efficiency, implement new customer-centric approaches and improve pipeline commercialization – all areas of opportunity and growth for Verdesian.”

“Verdesian is in a unique position to provide crop nutrient, seed treatment and biological solutions as well as value creation to farmers across the globe,” said Avery. “I am looking forward to working with the exceptional teams and people at Verdesian who are already hard at work to bring new technologies and greater value to farmers.”

Avery previously served as vice president of Monsanto’s division for global operations, vegetables and Asia row crops, as well as vice president of the company’s global business operations. He led the Asia Pacific vegetables division at Monsanto, and served as regional business director and later strategic accounts lead for row crops in the United States.

He served as vice president and chief financial officer at Delta & Pine Land Company. He was a partner with Arthur Andersen LLP in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1990 to 2002, where he primarily served public and large private companies in both auditing and consulting roles.

Avery earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from

Mississippi State University and is a certified public accountant.

Clark Receives Seed World Honor As recognition for his accomplishments in the seed industry, Justin Clark, Technical Market Specialist with BASF, was recently selected as Seed World’s annual Future Giant of the Seed Industry.

Applicants for the Future Giant of the Seed Industry award must display a commitment to the seed industry and declare an intention to pursue a career in the industry. Finalists are viewed as leaders and innovators who will help shape the future of the industry and have demonstrated commitment to learning and achievement in advanced education or the workplace.

“To be recognized by my peers and colleagues is quite an honor,” said Clark. “I’ve been involved in the seed industry for a good portion of my life, and I look forward to furthering my education and career in seed.”

Dr. Gary Fellows, Manager, Plant Health and Seed Treatment for BASF, who recommended Clark, said, “Justin’s understanding of mechanical systems and coatings technology makes him an invaluable resource and voice for the seed industry and our company.”

Prior to BASF, Clark served as a Field Development Specialist II with Becker Underwood Inc. Clark was responsible for designing, coordinating, and analyzing research trials for new biological seed enhancement products with key researchers.

Clark received his B.S. degree in agricultural and Extension education and his M.S. degree in entomology and plant pathology from the University of Tennessee. He is currently pursuing a doctorate from Texas Tech University.

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NOVE MBE R 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Drone Rules Released The Federal Aviation Administration recently published the operational parameters for small unmanned aircraft systems.

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n February 2015, the FAA released its proposed rules for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which apply to all UAS weighing between .55 pounds and 55 pounds used for commercial purposes. After collecting and considering public comment, the FAA issued its final rules on June 21, 2016, which became effective August 29, 2016. Prior to these new rules becoming effective, commercial UAS use within the US was prohibited unless a special permit was obtained by the FAA. Now, commercial UAS use is permitted so long as the rules are followed.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: Peanut Grower 2. Publication Number: 1042-­‐9379 3. Filing Date: 9/16/16 4. Issue Frequency: Jan -­‐ July & Dec 5. Number of Issues: 8x/year 6. Annual Susbcription Price: Free to qualified subscribers 7&8. Mailing Address of Known Office/Headquarters: 6515 Goodman Road, Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Contact Person: Kathy Killingsworth (901-­‐767-­‐4020) 9. Publisher: Lia Guthrie, 7100 Black Bart Trail, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 Editor: Amanda Huber, 11490 NE 105th St, Archer, FL 32618 10. Owners: Cornelia Guthrie, 7100 Black Bart Trail, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 Dr. David Scott Guthrie,Sr., 7100 Black Bart Trail, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 Morris Ike Lamensdorf, 17 S. Third St., Rolling Fork, MS 39159 Mary Jane Lamensdorf, 17 S. Third St., Rolling Fork, MS 39159 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning/Holding 1% or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: July 2016 15.a. Total Number of Copies (net press run): (Average No. Copies each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 9,531 (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 9,617) 15.b.(1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 5,845) (No. Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 5,626) 15.c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 5,845) (No. Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 5,626) 15.d.(1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 3,448) (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 3,655) 15.d.(4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 53) (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐200) 15.e. Total Nonrequested Distribution: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 3,501) (No Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 3,855) 15.f. Total Distribution: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 9,346) (No Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 9,481) 15.g. Copies Not Distributed: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 185) (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 136) 15.h. Total: (Average No. copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 9,531) (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 9,617) 15.i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months -­‐ 62.5) (No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date -­‐ 59.3%) 18. I certify that all information furnished above is true and complete.

Lia Guthrie, Publisher

20 /

Most commentators believe that agricultural use of a drone would fall within in the realm of “commercial use,” meaning that the following rules must be followed.

The complete FA A UAS rule may be viewed at www.federalregister.gov under “Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”

Another source to help UAS users get started and learn more about the rules is through the Federal Aviation Administration website, which can be found at www.faa.gov/uas.

The following are some of the provisions that could have the greatest impact on agricultural UAS users.  Registration: All UAS weighing between .5 and 55 pounds, regardless of whether flown for hobby or for commercial use must be registered with the FAA before first f light. The registration process may be completed online.

Registrants must be at least 13 years old, must pay a $5 fee, will need the make and model of the drone, and must label the aircraft with an official registration number given at the completion of the registration process. Each registration is good for three years.  R e mot e Pi lot C e r t i f ic a t e : Operators using a UAS for commercial purposes must obtain a “remote pilot airman certificate with small UAS rating.”

Doing so, however, is fairly straightforward. Requirements include: (1) that the operator be over 16 years old; (2) speak and write English; (3) be in a physical and mental condition sufficient to safely fly a drone; (4) complete a TSA review process; and either (a) pass an initial multiple choice aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center or (b) hold a current sport pilot’s license, com-

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

plete a flight review in the past two years, and take an online training test. The cost to take the test will be around $150, and the FAA estimates that a temporary certificate can likely be processed within about 10 days of application receipt. The certificates will be valid for two years.  Pre-flight Safety Check: The certified pilot must conduct a pre-flight safety check to ensure there is no equipment damage or malfunctions. Detailed inspection instructions may be found in Chapter 7 of the rule.  Non-certified Pilots: A UAS may be f lown only by a certified pilot or someone under the direct supervision of a certified pilot. Direct supervision means that the pilot is able to easily gain control of the drone if needed.

Each pilot may only supervise one person at a time and each pilot may only fly one drone at a time.  Base Of Operation: A UAS may not be operated from a moving aircraft.

Drones may be operated from a moving vehicle if in a sparsely populated area.  Line Of Sight Requirement: The pilot must maintain a constant visual line of sight with the UAS, without the aid of a device other than corrective lenses or contacts. For example, eye glasses are allowed, but binoculars are not. The operator may use a visual observer to help maintain the line of sight, but no person may serve as a visual observer for more than one UAS at a time. A visual observer and pilot must maintain “effective communication” with each other at all times.  Prohibited Areas: A UAS may not be flown: (1) Over people who are not involved in the flight; (2) Inside a PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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covered structure; (3) Inside a covered stationary vehicle; or (4) Within a controlled airspace, meaning that drones may be flown only in Class G airspace, which is not controlled by Air Traffic Control. In order to f ly in any controlled airspace, the pilot must obtain approval from Air Traff ic Control before the flight.  Yielding Right Of Way: The operator of a UAS must yield the right of way in order to avoid collision with other users of airspace.  Visibility: There must be at least three miles visibility from the UAS control station.  Time Of Day: Flight may occur only during daylight and civil-twilight hours, meaning it can be flown 30 minutes before official sunrise until 30 minutes after official sunset so long as proper anti-collision lighting is present.  Maximum Altitude: A UAS may not be flown in excess of 400 feet above ground level.  Ma ximum Speed: UAS speed 22 /

may not exceed 100 miles per hour.

least 90 days prior to the desired flight.

 Use For Aerial Application: A UAS used to dispense herbicides, pesticides or similar substances must also comply with the “agricultural aircraft operation” regulations found at 14 CFR 137. This rule contains separate certification, operation and reporting requirements that should be carefully reviewed and followed.

 Potential Penalties For Violation: The FAA will enforce these rules and violators could face civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties up to $250,000 may also be imposed if destruction of property or threats to public safety occur.

 Incident Reporting: If an incident occurs and results in either (1) serious injury or loss of consciousness to any person; or (2) damage to property (other than the UAS itself) if the cost of repairing or replacing, whichever is lower, exceeds $500, it must be reported to the FAA within 10 days.  Certificate Of Waiver: If a person can safely operate a UAS outside these rules, he or she may request a certificate of waiver from the FAA that will allow deviation from specific requirements of the rule if the FAA determines that a safe flight would still be possible. The waiver must be received by the operator before flight, so requests should be submitted at

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • NOVE MBE R 2 016

 Privacy Issues: Many citizens are concerned that the use of a UAS may impact their personal privacy rights. The FAA regulations do not address legal issues regarding privacy and the use of a UAS, which is not within the realm of the FAA. Instead, these issues will likely fall under state law. Landowners should look to common law and statutory rules in their jurisdiction. Both UAS pilots and landowners should carefully review and understand any privacy laws in their jurisdiction and be careful to follow those rules to avoid liability. PG Information provided by Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist in Amarillo and nationally recognized author of the Texas Agriculture Law Blog.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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