Peanut Grower March 2022

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MARCH 2022

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

Aflatoxin And Quality: Confronting The Challenge New Variety May Suit To A 'T'

Seed Insights: Getting A Good Stand High-Stakes Season Ahead For S.C. Farmer Richard Rentz

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MARCH 2022

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MARCH 2022

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

Aflatoxin And Quality: Confronting The Challenge

Volume 34 • Number 3

New Variety May Suit To A 'T'

Seed Insights: Getting A Good Stand High-Stakes Season Ahead For S.C. Farmer Richard Rentz

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Listening to our customers

5

News Briefs Improving peanuts’ water footprint

8

Market Watch Crop prices, input costs pressure peanut market

20 Peanut Pointers Plant to match irrigation capacity

10 Features

10 Confronting The Challenge

The U.S. peanut industry must solve the problem of aflatoxin and change perceptions about quality.

13 New Variety May Suit To A ‘T’

FloRun™ ‘T61’ shows resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and good yields.

Supplement

14 Seed Insights

Weed Management

CornSouth ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

Southern Production & Marketing Strategies

New cultivars or the favored Georgia-06G, remember what it takes to get a good stand.

March 2022

18 A High Stakes Season Lies Ahead

Farmer Richard Rentz works with Clemson’s Kendall Kirk to improve efficiency and profitability.

A Supplement to Cotton Farming and The Peanut Grower Magazines

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

TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Cover photo provided by the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe Digital Content Manager Katie Guthrie

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Associate Publisher/Sales Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 Production Manager David Boyd dboyd@onegrower.com For subscription changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 or email peanutgrower@omeda.com

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

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

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf PRESIDENT/TREASURER Lia Guthrie PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico. Periodicals postage paid at at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2022 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 60065-1388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

Editor’sNote Editor’s Note Are We Listening To Our Customers?

T

he customer is always right.

We’ve all heard this longstanding mantra of customer service often attributed to Chicago retailer, Marshall Field, as quoted in The Boston Herald in September 1905. But as a peanut industry, is our customer right?

Are we listening to them? Can we meet their needs?

In the article, “Confronting The Challenge” on page 10, Premium Peanut CEO Karl Zimmer answers some of these questions. I won’t let the cat out of Amanda Huber the bag, so to speak, on those answers, Editor, The Peanut Grower but I will say that it might be a problem that the way we grade peanuts is closer to 1905 than it is to 2022.

Zimmer says, “Our peanut industry grading system hasn’t changed in 70 years. We are still grading and valuing peanuts and farmer stock the same way as in the 1950s. Our customers have changed, our consumer’s demands have changed, but we haven’t changed how we grade peanuts.”

Research on grading technology is ongoing, and new ideas are put forth often. In 2019, at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Marshall Lamb, research leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Peanut Research Lab in Dawson, Georgia, spoke about the value of peanut value and grading.

Lamb said, “In the future, I think we should move to a point where all farmer stock should be cleaned and screened, and the LSKs (loose-shelled kernels), foreign material and small kernels removed before grading. It would help tremendously.

“Removing the LSKs, foreign material and small kernels would help grading efficiency, no matter what technology is used. From an aflatoxin standpoint, it would make a big difference.”

This last point from Lamb, about aflatoxin, is likely the factor that pushes the industry to make changes. To meet customer demands in high-value export markets, and that’s whole continents, we have challenges to confront.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

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NewsBriefs News Briefs Economists Predict Slowdown, Not Recession

At the University of Georgia Ag Outlook Conference, UGA professor of agriculture and applied economics Jeff Dorfman described trends that are shaping the new economy. As to why are there so many jobs but people are not working, Dorfman says most either have money in the bank (35%), or a spouse is employed (30%). Some have care responsibilities at home either with parents or kids, and finally some are scared of catching COVID. Georgia is No. 1 in job openings, eighth in separation rates of quitting or being fired, and fourth for hiring rate. Georgia ranks eighth in growth.

Normal savings for a household is 7-8%, whereas Georgians are up to 33%. Georgians have 75 billion in savings and less credit card debt. In family income, 30% is spent on services (haircut, etc.) and 70% for goods or stuff.

Personal expenditures are up 16.8% for stuff and down 1% for services since the pandemic.

Will there be a recession? Dorfman says “No,” because there is too much in savings and room on credit cards. But there will be an economic slowdown.

For farmers, diesel is up 35%, spot loads are up 41%, fertilizer is up 85% to 125%, and pallets are up 32%.

Dorfman says, “Farm debt is manageable and interest rates are low. 2022 is a survival year. Hang on through these input costs for one more growing season and then look for improvement.”

Ag Forecast On Peanuts, Cotton

University of Georgia Extension ag economist Amanda Smith reminded attendees at the Ag Forecast that the slowdown in growth and inflation is being felt across the economy.

She says it is evident that supply chain disruptions are affecting imports and increasing the cost of inputs. She predicts that the Federal Reserve will TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

increase rates and government support to farmers is likely to decline in 2022.

Smith says factors affecting the peanut market are as follows: quality of 2021 crop looks good; food use is strong but has softened; exports are expected down; ending stocks are ample; acres are likely to be increased; and season-average prices will be about $440 per ton.

Inputs that impact cotton and peanuts include land values and cash rents are up by $10 an acre over last year.

Interest rates are likely to increase; diesel and fuels are up and not expected to decline until possibly mid-2022. Ag chemicals are increased 5-6%. Fertilizers are much higher, and labor, which is scarce, is also more costly. Seed prices will increase slightly, and machinery and equipment prices are higher.

Fewer Certified Seed Acres

Billy Skaggs, manager of the Georgia Crop Improvement Association, said at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show’s Seed Seminar that certified seed acres in Georgia decreased to 128,000 in 2021 as compared to 135,000 acres in 2020.

Inadequate isolation is the most frequent issue leading to acres being rejected. Isolation of four rows or a minimum of 10 feet is required for all classes of certified seed from other varieties.

Field inspections were completed in September, with certified buying points inspected in the fall, along with additional warehouse facilities. Georgia crop improvement staff are currently inspecting shelling and treating facilities.

Skaggs reminded farmers that they may save enough seed to plant his or her own holdings but may not sell seed without permission from the variety owner. Georgia-18RU is a patented variety and seed may not be saved. A patent application has been filed on the variety Georgia-20VHO. The neighboring states of Alabama and Florida have 27,154 and 4,377 acres of certified seed, respectively.

In Brief • Economic improvements will come, but after this season.

• Georgia association reports 7,000 fewer acres of certified seed in 2021.

• Boddiford elected GPC chairman after Morris retires.

• NPB seeks board members from Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

• APC selects first-ever sustainability director to document, drive peanut industry’s sustainability story.

• Peanut industry improved water footprint, remains lowest water-use nut by significant margin.

Boddiford Elected GPC Chairman

Joe Boddiford, peanut farmer from Sylvania, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the February board meeting.

Boddiford succeeds Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Tift County, who retired after serving as chairman for the past 16 years.

Joe “I look forward to Boddiford working with Georgia peanut farmers and our partners to help enhance the peanut industry and the profitability of farmers,” Boddiford says.

“Farmers can contact me at any time if they have suggestions for the work of the Georgia Peanut Commission on their behalf.”

Other officers elected during the board meeting include Donald Chase, Oglethorpe, as vice chairman, and Rodney Dawson, Hawkinsville, as treasurer. Additional board members include Tim Burch, Newton, repreMARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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NewsBriefs News Briefs senting district 1 and Ross Kendrick, Sycamore, representing district 2.

The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation conducted board nomination meetings for the commission’s districts 2, 4 and 5 on Dec. 20-21, 2021. During the meetings, two board members, Dawson and Chase, were renominated for districts 4 and 5 seats, respectively. Also, Kendrick was nominated without opposition for the district 2 seat, previously held by Armond Morris. Morris retired after serving on the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors for more than 40 years and 20 years total as chairman.

Directors were sworn in by Tift County Probate Court Judge Suzanne Carter Johnson during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Jan. 20. Board members serve a three-year term.

New advisory board members were also appointed and include Leslie Jones of Jacksonville; Brett Sauls of Shellman; and Wesley Webb of Leary.

Advisory board members David Reed of Pinehurst; Neil Lee of Bronwood; and Carl Mathis Dixon of Alapaha retired from their role in January 2022.

The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,000 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show A Success

More than 400 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the AlabamaFlorida Peanut Trade Show Feb. 3, 2022, at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds, in Dothan, Alabama. The show is sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association and the National Peanut Board.

The one-day show offered growers and industry partners a chance to view 6/

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

the products and services from more than 60 exhibitors.

A complimentary lunch was provided to trade show attendees. After lunch, Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO, updated growers on how their check-off dollars are being spent to promote peanuts. Marshall Lamb, with the USDA’s National Peanut Research Lab, provided an update on the 2022 peanut market and crop outlook. Bob Redding, of The Redding Firm, presented a legislative update. Darlene Cowart, Birdsong Peanuts, talked about the value of food safety from the peanut field to the shelling facility.

Several door prizes were given out throughout the morning of the trade show, but the prizes everyone was most looking forward to winning were announced after lunch.

The Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Chad Wells of Gordon, Alabama.

Wells received a $5,000 voucher for any one piece of KMC equipment or parts for KMC equipment.

James Harrell of Rehobeth, Alabama, won a free trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. Thomas Kirkland of Headland, Alabama, won a Remington 12-gauge shotgun.

NPB Seeks Three Board Members

The Arkansas Peanut Growers’ Association, Missouri Peanut Producers’ Association and Oklahoma Peanut Commission are seeking eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board.

Nomination election meetings will be held to select two nominees each for member and alternate from each state to serve on the National Peanut Board.

All eligible producers are encouraged to participate.

Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.

USDA requires two nominees from each state for each position of mem-

ber and alternate. The NPB will submit each state’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.

Arkansas Peanut Growers’ Association was to have held their meeting in February. The date and location of the Missouri Peanut Producers Association was still being determined at the time of publication.

The Oklahoma Peanut Commission will hold a meeting on March 24, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at the end of the Oklahoma Peanut Expo. The expo will be at the Business Enterprise Center at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 1121 N 7th Street, Weatherford, OK 73096.

Peanut Proud Festival In Blakely

Celebrate all things peanut in Blakely, Georgia, at the annual Peanut Proud Festival on the town square March 26.

The day-long celebration begins with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a Street Dance. In between will be the parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment and more. Come sample specialty products such as fried peanuts and grilled PB&J sandwiches.

For information, visit the website at peanutproudfestival.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram for all the details.

APC, APRES Consider Management Arrangement

At a recent meeting of the American Peanut Council, it was approved to move forward with a management agreement for the American Peanut Research and Education Society. The target date for the transition is April 1.

APRES will maintain its current identity, branding and board/governance structure. This will provide an opportunity for cross-industry conversations about research priorities and challenges, including shared events and committees.

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NewsBriefs News Briefs Data Confirms Increase In Water Efficiency

The water footprint of peanuts has been relatively small for decades, but updated data shows the industry has improved water efficiency by nearly one-third.

Newly released data shows that 3.2 gallons of water is used to produce one ounce of shelled peanuts.

Water usage for major tree nuts has also improved but remains higher than peanuts. Almonds use 28.7 gallons; pistachios use 23.6 gallons; and walnuts use 26.7 gallons of water to grow a one ounce serving.

In the latest analysis, researchers used “state-level data such as harvested area, production, yield and irrigated area,” says Mesfin Mekonnen, assistant professor, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alabama. “The use of updated data, particularly yields, has improved the estimates.”

“Production resea rch ef for ts through the National Peanut Board, state associations and the Peanut Research Foundation have led to significant improvements in yields over the past decade,” says NPB president and CEO Bob Parker. “Peanut farm-

APC Hire To Direct Sustainability Work American Peanut Council has named Eric Coronel as sustainability director.

Coronel’s first project will be to launch a nationwide framework for collecting and analyzing grower data to tell U.S. peanut’s sustainability story – and that’s just for starters, says APC president and CEO Richard Owen.

“Today’s society demands that food is sustainably produced. At the same time, U.S. peanut growers must be able to make a sustainable living,” Owen says.

“Eric has the skillset and experience the TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

ers today are producing about 50% more peanuts with fewer inputs, including irrigation, than they were 10 years ago.”

“Farmers are always looking to gain efficiencies in crop production,” says peanut grower, NPB Arkansas board member and research committee chair Greg Baltz. “Peanut fa rmers have made signif ica nt investments in production research, and this science has played a role in adoption of improved water-use practices. We have an inherent desire for both economic and environmental security into the future.”

In addition to using only 3.2 gallons of water to produce one ounce of edible product, peanuts are a zeropeanut industry needs to document our sustainability story, to drive our own sustainable future.”

Coronel was a senior research analyst Eric Coronel with Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and oversaw the massive data collection and analysis that yields the alliance’s National Indicators Report, which outlined the progress of 11 crops against indicators of environmental sustainability.

Coronel will work directly with U.S.

waste crop. From the roots to shells, every part is utilized throughout the planting, growing, harvesting and production process.

Since 2001, the NPB has allocated more than $38.5 million to production research projects including to improve water efficiency, technology and more. These advancements as well as continued collaboration and efforts across the peanut industry allow peanut growers to meet the various needs of consumers.

Increa sed production a nd increased demand have led to two consecutive years of record peanut per capita consumption levels, reaching an all-time high of 7.9 pounds in 2021. peanut growers to document peanut’s sustainability story that can be aggregated and shared with customers and consumers here and abroad. In return, growers can apply what they learn from the sustainability platform to drive their own farm improvements and profitability. APC will also produce tools to help the peanut supply chain communicate about peanut sustainability with their customers and stakeholders.

Coronel’s first job was at John Deere as a research agronomist before moving to Field to Market to specialize in sustainability. He will be based in Tifton, Georgia.

MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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MarketWatch Market Watch Other Crop Prices, Input Costs Put Pressure On Peanut Market

A

new year generally rings in fresh optimism as farmers look ahead to the next planting season. Yet, as 2021 was coming to an end, despite strong commodity prices, growers were increasingly concerned about the future.

It’s like the coach who feels he has a great team but doesn’t know which play to call.

The peanut market is quiet. The U.S. domestic market is well supplied following the 2021 crop production of 3.2 million tons and approximately 1 million tons carryout.

Buyers have no urgency. They seem to think acres planted will be about the same to slightly increased and are not factoring in that cotton is $1.10 per pound, corn is $6 per bushel and soybeans are as high as $15 per bushel. Most analysts predict peanuts will lose dryland acres to the higher-priced crops.

Soybeans offer the best return on paper but aren’t a great option for peanut growers and their rotations.

At the same time, economists predict that the high cost of fertilizer will drive farmers to plant more peanuts. Peanuts require little fertilizer, except calcium.

However, in the Southwest, some farmers do apply fertilizer to peanuts in certain situations.

Domestic markets have slowed, and U.S. peanut exports have softened over the past 12 months. Reasons for this include the non-tariff trade barriers to Europe and little to no crushing stock for export because of the back-to-back high quality, low aflatoxin, U.S. peanut crops.

Acreage In 2021, planted area was estimated at 1.59 million acres, down 5% from 2020.

Harvested area was estimated at 1.55 million acres, down 4% from 2020. The 8/

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of Feb. 8, 2022) 2021 Est. Production ( up 4%) ............................................. 3,194,650 tons 2021 Est. Acreage (down 5.1%) ..................................... 1,533,000 acres 2021 Crop Loan ................................................................. 2,531,830 tons 2020 Remaining In Loan ..................................................... 2,207,785 tons 2020-2021 Domestic Usage (5 Mo.) ........................................... Up 0.3 % 2020-2021 Exports (4 Mo.) .................................................... Down -24.3% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners - $424.89; Spanish - $413.05; Valencia and Virginias - $427.70

yields are 323 pounds per acre higher in 2021 than 2020 at 4,135 pounds per acre. This upward revision more than offsets the 70,000-acre decline in harvested acreage. An economist predicted that a 5% increase in U.S. acres would build the carryforward to 1.287 million tons. A 10% increase would add up to 1.440 million tons of carryforward.

Seed In the Southeast, certified seed acres decreased to 128,000 in 2021 when compared to 135,000 acres in 2020.

Inadequate isolation is the most frequent problem that leads to rejected certification of acres. There could be a shortage on some minor varieties, which suggests securing seed early if possible. The state seed lab says there was significantly less aflatoxin last year, and the quality is good to very good on most lots with germination in the 80s and 90s.

Contracts 2022 farmer-stock contracts opened with $500 per ton, plus a $25 per-ton premium on seed and/or high oleic types. In the Virginia-Carolina region,

contracts on Virginia-market types were offered at $500 to $520 per ton, plus a $25 per-ton premium for irrigated peanuts. The offer on runners was $475 per ton with a $25 premium for high oleics and/or irrigation.

Limited tonnage is being offered to producers at $500 per ton for low oleic for half tonnage produced and delivered in 2021 or a half production tonnage contract of $525 per ton for high oleics.

If the producer wants tonnage above this level, the contract is $475 per ton on low oleic and $500 per ton for high oleic.

The total tonnage is also limited to each producer’s three-year average per acre.

Production costs estimated by Extension and ag economists average about $545.97 per ton. With new increased input costs added in, the total cash flow cost is $666.94 per ton.

Domestic Markets Peanut usage is up 0.3% for raw peanuts in primary products with peanut butter showing a decline during the five-month marketing period of 1.1%.

December showed a 7.7% increase.

Peanuts in candy continues their surge, PEANUTGROWER.COM

MarketWatch Market Watch up 13.4% for the five months and up 24.6% during December. Peanut usage in snacks is down 4.2% and in-shells is down 3.8%.

The government purchased 4.47 million pounds of peanut butter and 77.8 thousand pounds of roasted peanuts during December for nutrition programs.

Despite reduced beginning stocks and imports, the anticipated 8.5-billion-pound supply of peanuts is 75 million pounds above the 2020/21 supply because of higher yields. Deflated from last year, 2021/22 exports are down 8% to 1.3 billion pounds, suggesting a decrease of 3.2% in total peanut use on unchanged crush (875 million pounds).

Domestic food use, the largest category of consumption, is expected to rise marginally and reach 3.39 billion pounds. With higher supplies and declining peanut use, ending stocks are expected to increase to 2.25 billion pounds (1,125,000 tons) after settling at 1.97 billion pounds in the previous year.

Over the past two years, domestic peanut consumption is up 6.8%, peanut butter is up 7.9%, snack peanuts are up 8.1% and peanut candy is up 13.7%.

couple of weeks during January with few rains and extreme temperatures. Overall, the crop looks average. Approximately 380,000 hectares were planted. Weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina are a concern to the market.

Farm Bill All the talk in Washington D.C. is that the Farm Bill must be “climate smart” to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the soil. Peanuts are the perfect commodity with a federal program that has worked effectively. In the peanut world, there is no waste. The U.S. Peanut Federation is working almost daily on issues and making contacts in support of the peanut pro-

‘‘

…economists predict that the high cost of fertilizer will drive farmers to plant more peanuts. Peanuts require little fertilizer, except calcium.

gram. Farmers are urged to support the political action committee managed by the federation to make certain agriculture committee members know the peanut industry is united, and it is united with other commodities as well. PG

Applying gypsum to meet the peanut calcium requirement.

Export Markets The first four months of the peanut export marketing year are disappointing, down 24.3% from last year. In-shell peanuts are taking a hit, down 55.1% as China reduced purchases 70%, which indicates that the U.S. is low in peanuts for crushing to oil stock. The pandemic appears to have impacted peanut butter exports, up 22.2% with Canada and Mexico as top buyers. Raw-shelled peanut shipments are down 18.7% but improved.

Increased global production, up 5.4% in the past two years, coupled with decreased export interest from China, down 60%, has slowed U.S. peanut exports from the record-setting total in the 2019-2020 marketing year.

The 2022 Argentine crop is growing well, with exceptionally hot weather during the first half of January. Officials say Argentina never really had a severe drought but only had some stress for a TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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Confronting The Challenge The U.S. peanut industry must solve the problem of aflatoxin and change perceptions about quality.

By Amanda Huber

F

or the second year in a row, per capita peanut consumption achieved new levels the National Peanut Board reported in late 2021. Based on USDA and U.S. Census data, per capita peanut consumption has risen to an all-time high of 7.9 pounds in 2021. This tops the previous record of 7.6 pounds in 2020 and reflects an increase of 3%.

The NPB works diligently to promote peanut consumption and has made significant strides toward solving the allergy problem. So, this is good news; however, it was a time when most of the country was eating at home instead of dining out.

At the South Carolina peanut grower’s meeting in late January, Premium Peanut CEO Karl Zimmer says it is okay to look at individual numbers, but he and other industry analysts tend to look more at trends.

“We are growing more than we consume,” Zimmer says.

“Peanut farming gets more productive, but domestic demand has not grown at the same rate. At about 1% a year, it is positive, but not keeping up.”

A Look At 2021 Zimmer spoke following Dell Cotton, manager of the Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association. Cotton gave a recap of 2021 acreage, yield and production.

“Acreage in the Southeast has been steady the past two to three years, with each between 1 million to 1.1 million acres,” says Cotton.

The Southwest was down 10,000 acres in 2021 to 224,850.

The Virginia-Carolina region had 210,000 acres, down only 2,000 from 2020. Across the three regions, the total was 1.546 million acres.

In the yield category, the Southeast was over the 4,000pound mark at 4,156 pounds per acre on average. Georgia led with 4,450 pounds per acre, followed by Mississippi with 4,200 pounds per acre.

“In the V-C region, the average yield was 4,349 pounds per acre and that is 150 pounds more than ever before. It was the highest ever yield on average,” says Cotton.

“Three of the past five years, the average yield has been more than 4,000 pounds per acre for the V-C, with 2021 being the highest. Virginia also had a record average yield at 4,700 pounds per acre.”

The Southwest now includes Arkansas, which averaged 5,000 10 /

THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

The peanut industry must work together – seed breeders and scientists, growers, buying points, shellers – to maximize the value of the product and change perceptions about quality.

pounds per acre. Oklahoma brought in 4,400 pounds per acre, and the Southwest averaged 3,823 pounds per acre overall.

Cotton says total production was 3.1 million tons of peanuts. A breakdown by market type finds 2.67 million tons of runners and 408,676 tons of Virginias. Domestic demand is estimated at 2.9 million tons.

Exporting The Excess What about the export market to take up the excess production?

“As an industry, we have done a good job in increasing exports over the previous three years,” Zimmer says. “This past year will be down, but the previous three years, it went up.”

With exports increasing and going to more than 30 countries around the world every year, this could be considered a success.

“Or is it?” he says. “When you look at the price per pound for exports over those three years, exports went up, but the amount collectively that we are getting paid for our product PEANUTGROWER.COM

Challenges In The Export Market • 71% of customers for U.S. peanuts, both domestically and internationally, have specifications less than 10 parts per billion.

• Many customers require multiple tests with all tests under that standard and/or testing of adjacent lots.

• Codex, the United Nations and other customers are now ordering additional regulations.

• U.S. peanuts are no longer the preferred product internationally, primarily because of the perception of quality.

has gone down every year. This highlights a challenge we have as an industry.”

Volume Up, Price Down “We need to grow exports,” Zimmer says, “but we need to get paid for those exports and the reality is, unfortunately, this is not a good trend. We are exporting more but getting paid less.”

Zimmer says China drives export volume.

“We can look at every other market in the world, Mexico, Canada, Europe and Japan – all important markets, but if you want to understand what is happening to supply and demand on peanuts, look at China,” he says. “China grows 10 times the peanuts we do. Still, they are the largest importer in the world and also the largest exporter.”

U.S. peanuts exported to China are destined for their oil market. China, too, uses their own peanuts for their oil market.

“China does have quality product as well,” Zimmer says. “Japan demands the highest-quality peanuts in the world and their main supplier is China. The No. 1 supplier of the highest quality market in the world is not the United States. That’s a problem.”

Peanuts’ Achilles’ Heel The European market is also one that demands a high-quality product and is willing to pay for it.

Unfortunately, Zimmer says the United States has lost that market to Argentina. “The Europeans want a product we can’t provide.”

Zimmer says, “What drives the market’s pricing? The No. 1 thing is aflatoxin. If you want to know how profitable or unprofitable the peanut industry is in any one year, look at aflatoxin. In my view, it is the single largest threat to the industry.

“As a sheller, we do everything we know how to do to get a peanut to pass inspection. In 2019, 30% could not be sold into the edible market because of aflatoxin. After shelling, after re-cleaning, after we had done everything, we had tons of peanuts that could not pass inspection. That’s why prices went up.

“We could have shipped it to China at a 20% discount, but that doesn’t help,” he says.

“When you look at aflatoxin, 71% of our customers have a limit of 10 parts per billion or less. Ten parts per billion is one kernel out of 23 million. One kernel is all you need to fail the standard.”

While U.S. production is more than consumption, the export market takes up some of that excess volume. The problem is prices for export product have declined in the past few years.

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MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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A Standard We Can’t Meet Why does Zimmer say we have lost Europe?

“Their standard is 2 parts per billion. That’s ¼ of a kernel in a whole truckload,” Zimmer says. “Above 2 parts per billion and they won’t take it. So, for us to be able to grow exports, it comes back to solving the aflatoxin issue as an industry.”

In late November 2020, the American Peanut Council brought all segments together for a peanut quality symposium to discuss aflatoxin.

“It’s a significant issue. How do we fund efforts to mitigate aflatoxin in the short term and solve it in the long term? If we want to continue to grow as an industry, if we want to make money as an industry — the whole industry — we have got to figure out aflatoxin,” Zimmer says.

Bypassing The U.S. Government Yet another challenge is knowing and understanding the regulations customers are asking of their peanut suppliers.

Zimmer says, “We regularly get surveys from our customers, and it will be a 50-page questionnaire with all these regulations they want us to comply with as a supplier. If you look at the questions carefully, they are asking us to comply with United Nations labor regulations that the United States has not approved because they do not work here.

“One of those regulations is that I certify that no one in my entire supply chain, which includes all of my growers, will have anyone working on the farm under the age of 18, even if they are your own children. That is level of oversight our customers are demanding.

“They can’t get our government to negotiate this. They can’t get our current or former administration to the table to discuss this, so they are bypassing governments and going

straight to the companies that want to sell products in the European market. They are forcing you as a seller in the European market to do what no administration will do. That’s what we are faced with. That’s the challenge.”

But it is the perception on quality that Zimmer thinks can be improved.

“I believe as an industry we can change the perception that U.S. peanuts are not the highest quality,” he says. “We can change that if we focus on things like af latoxin. We can regain markets where they are all willing to pay for the high-quality product that we know we can produce. But we must work together.

“U.S. peanuts are no longer the preferred peanut internationally, but we can solve this.

“We must work together across the supply chain — with seed breeders, growers, buying points, shellers, all segments — to maximize the value of the product because we can change these perceptions.” PG

The aflatoxin limit for almost three out of four customers for U.S. peanuts is 10 parts per billion or less. That’s one kernel out of 23 million. Europe’s standard is 2 parts per billion – ¼ kernel in a truckload.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

PEANUTGROWER.COM

New Variety May Suit To A ‘T’

By Amanda Huber

A

Top Yielder In Trials Tillman says the pod yield of FloRun T61 has been better than Georgia-06G in tests across several Florida locations over the past two years.

“In several years of testing, FloRun T61 has proven to resist Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and produce high yields when disease pressure from TSWV reduced yield of other varietFloRun™ ‘T61’ ies,” Tillman says. “In 2021, • Very good tolerance it performed very well in three to TSWV; moderately on-farm demonstration plots susceptible to leaf spot; in Florida, topping the yield in moderate resistance to two of the three locations.” white mold.

FloRun T61 has a medi• Medium runner seed um seed size with about 650 size. seeds per pound and just over • Medium maturity range of approximately 140 40% medium kernels on an days. in-shell basis. Vine growth is • Yield potential similar moderate, allowing good perto Georgia-O6G, grade formance in twin rows within upper 70s. out excessive vine production.

• In seed increase Maturity is in the medium range of 140 to 145 days after planting under irrigation in Florida. FloRun T61 is a high oleic variety.

The “T” in FloRun T61 signifies the outstanding resistance to TSWV. Tillman says when he first came to the UF research station in 2004, TSWV was significant every year. By 2010, with the introduction of some varietal tolerance and the use of Peanut Rx, it was not the problem it had once been.

“We’ve seen a real resurgence of TSWV in the panhandle of Florida in the past three to four years,” he says.

Outstanding TSWV Resistance While breeders have made significant progress with varietal resistance to TSWV, in leaf spot and white mold it has not been as forthcoming.

“There is some tolerance, just not as much as we have TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

PHOTO BY BARRY TILLMAN, UF/IFAS.

new runner-type peanut variety from the program of Barry Tillman, peanut breeder at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, may be an answer to the resurging Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.

The new variety — FloRun™ ‘T61’ — is in the seed increase stage and is a couple years away from being available to growers but will be one to watch for in coming variety trials.

This picture shows the variety FloRun™ ‘T61’ after digging near Marianna, Florida. Planted in mid-May in twin rows, pod yield was more than 6,000 pounds per acre with grades in the upper 70s.

accomplished with TSWV. However, it does appear that resistance is coming in the future. U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service scientist Corley Holbrook is working on peanut lines traced back to the wild species that he says are exhibiting high levels of resistance to leaf spot.

“We can look forward to leaf spot resistance in the future, but for now fungicide programs continue to be an important aspect to peanut production.”

Where leaf spot and white mold are concerned, Tillman says there is always some risk of disease in the field, and that’s why a fungicide program is so important.

Closing The Gap Another critical component to achieving yield potential is rotation. Yield potential is the type of yields that can be achieved under optimum conditions as opposed to what is typically attained under normal farm conditions. The difference is often about 2,000 to 2,500 pounds per acre.

“How do you achieve yield potential? The first step is rotation. You must have a good rotation. In many cases, rotation is the key to achieving yield potential in varieties.”

Tillman says in looking at Peanut Rx, if you change the crop rotation factor one to two years, you will see a lot more medium risk for leaf spot and white mold.

“At three years, there will be medium risk. You can increase the years, but you’ll never have less than medium risk for leaf spot and white mold. I do think we’ll see higher yield potential from some of these new breeding lines in the future.” PG MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

13

Seed Insights New cultivars or the favored Georgia-06G, remember what it takes to get a good stand.

By Amanda Huber

P

eanut breeders work with new varieties for years, but eventually state specialists get to plant the new options as well. University of Georgia Extension peanut specialist Scott Monfort offers his take on some of these cultivars and general planting reminders for the coming season.

“Available seed is still 80% to 85% Georgia-06G,” Monfort says. “That’s what farmers will continue to plant for now because there isn’t enough seed of most of these other varieties, even if they were the best thing since sliced bread.

But we’re gaining ground with some of them. One day we will make a change from Georgia-06G.” Take Care Of Your Seed Monfort says if you try new varieties, just know that sometimes they act differently in the field because of the different pressures they are under.

He also says the quality of seed for the 2022 planting season looks good, but growers can’t rely solely on that.

“Take care of your seed. If you get seed early, make sure it is put in suitable storage where there is some airflow, and it will not be exposed to high or low temperatures. Make sure the first lot in is the first seed planted.”

Look at the seed in the bag, Monfort says. While rare, he says sometimes stand failures can be avoided if the seed doesn’t look up to par.

Don’t Raise The Rate The University of Georgia’s recommended seeding rate remains at 6 to 7 seed per foot of row on singles and 6 to 8 seed per foot of row on twins.

However, Monfort says some growers are

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

The seeding rate goal is to end up with four plants per foot of row with no skips or gaps that would be a starting place for Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.

of a mindset that more is better.

“We’ve got some folks that are still planting too many seed at 8 to 9 per foot. In my mind, you are wasting seed because it is causing more rot. It is not gaining you any more stand. Every time you increase the number of seed per foot on an acre basis, it is costing about $18.

Two to three additional seed is significant

if you aren’t getting anything from it.”

The goal is to end up with four plants per foot of row on the final stand to not have skips or gaps, which is a favorite starting place for Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.

Additionally, because TSWV is still a threat to good yield, Monfort says if planting before May 10, use Thimet PEANUTGROWER.COM

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Monfort’s New Variety Notes Georgia-12Y

This is a management variety. I would not plant it after May 10-12 because it takes too long to mature, and the yield will plateau if planted later. Manage the vine growth with Apogee or Kudos if it’s irrigated. Also take care to manage Rhizoctonia limb rot. It is good on white mold and the best we have on spotted wilt. But, if you just put Bravo and tebuconazole on it, you will hurt yourself on this variety. It is not going to yield in every situation.

Georgia-12Y is a longer-maturing cultivar that should be planted before May 10.

Georgia-16HO

Georgia-16HO is a good high oleic variety with more acres in production each year. We do see a problem with leaf spot if planted late or if it is not managed correctly. In trials this past year, we did see some shedding from excessive moisture.

That happened on a few varieties, but this one had more pod shed than others.

It still yielded within 100 to 200 pounds of Georgia-06G.

Georgia-18RU

More acres of this variety are being planted as well. However, it is not a variety I would plant in April. It has a little more susceptibility to TSWV. I would wait to plant it until May 10 or later. For us, it has yielded well, and I think it’s going to do pretty good. If you plant anything early, use Thimet. After May 10, you can decide if you want Thimet or an additional fungicide in-furrow.

Georgia-20VHO

This variety is so new that we have not had many acres and I am not sure where we will recommend placing it. This past year, we had a lot of shedding from the abundance of water. Because of this, we lost a lot of yield. When you can control moisture, I think it yield well. It has a different growth habit, but one that we like.

We simply need more experience with it.

TifNV-HighO/L

We’ve had very good yields with this variety. It is nearly immune to root-knot nematode, and it does well in the field.

But you have a decision to make; can you put a nematicide with Georgia-06G, with that additional input cost, and make the yield that you could with TifNV-HighO/L.

AU-NPL 17

We have had limited trials in Georgia with this variety. In the three trials I had this year, it did very well. That might be another variety you want to try in the future.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

(phorate) insecticide in-furrow. “I know some growers don’t like putting it out because of the difficulty, but it is the only insecticide that reduces the risk of TSWV,” he says.

Additional items needed in-furrow are inoculants, which Monfort says are a great insurance policy that is not very expensive. Now is also the time to add a nematicide. Velum Total is an at-plant nematicide that also has some fungicide properties. It will give you some help on leaf spot, too.

AgLogic brand aldicard is another at-plant product for use on nematodes and early thrips pressure. In-furrow fungicides complements seed treatments but does not replace them.

No In-Furrow Fertilizer Mo n f o r t s a y s h e a n d o t h e r Extension personnel for the past two to three years have been stressing what is not needed in-furrow as much as what is needed.

“What we do not need in-furrow is fertilizer of any kind. Some of these fertilizers are being recommended at 1, 2, and 3 gallons per acre, and we are seeing upwards of 40% to 50% stand loss. It is directly affecting germination and emergence.

“Anything less than a gallon did not cause stand loss, but what it did do is slow emergence 1 to 3 days. This is something we are continuing to do

research on and try to figure out. But I tell you something, if I put it in furrow, I want it to give something to me, not take something from me and that’s the case thus far.

Put Seed In The Soil, Not Stubble Monfort says to make sure to clean your planters and equipment and get everything working right. After this past year, and the amount of water in some areas fertility and pH may need extra attention.

“We’ve got to start weed free and plant into good seed beds,” he says.

“This may sound simple but be careful going in behind corn and planting into that stubble. Be sure your seed is in the soil and not the stubble. Make sure you have the correct set up, and you’re getting the stubble out of the way so the seed goes into the soil.

“Remember conditions that are vital to getting a good start. Soil moisture should not be excessively wet but ample enough to germinate seed. Soil temperatures need to be 68 degrees in the top 4 inches of soil for at least three consecutive days. We don’t want to see a dip in temperature just after planting.”

A final note from Monfort is to not chase moisture. “In late May we often do this, and that germinating seed will expend too much energy trying to find moisture several inches deep.” PG PEANUTGROWER.COM

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Economic

OUTLOOK

Record Consum ption Improved Quality

A High Stakes Season Lies Ahead South Carolina farmer Richard Rentz works with Clemson precision agriculture engineer Kendall Kirk to improve efficiency and profitability.

T

he past 12 months have been largely profitable for South Carolina farmers, but challenges — beyond the regular ones of bad weather, invasive pests and blight from disease — are on the horizon.

That makes the coming year far more uncertain in an already unpredictable industry.

Clemson University can’t change economic uncertainty in the agriculture industry any more than it can alter the weather patterns that affect farmers’ crops. But university researchers are developing new technologies that can help. Research that is designed to improve farm profits when times are good, reduce losses when times are bad and help them plan.

in his family’s backyard garden or learned while cultivating the occasional food plot in preparation for deer season.

Nearly three decades later, he is part of a precision agriculture program at Clemson that is pioneering innovative farming practices designed to make South Carolina agriculture competitive with the world.

“Farmers are among humanity’s greatest stewards of the land and its resources,” says Kirk. “We’re building a storehouse of data that will provide answers to the farmers of tomorrow — farmers who will have questions we never even thought about asking. At the same time, Clemson helps today’s farmers work smarter, not harder.”

Pioneering Innovative Farming Technology Raised in the suburbs of South Carolina’s capital city, Clemson precision agriculture engineer Kendall Kirk grew up knowing relatively little about farming — beyond what he saw

Answers For Tomorrow Kirk, his colleagues and their respective students — in partnership with farmers across South Carolina — collect data on everything from plant height and nitrogen levels in leaf tissue

Clemson University precision agriculture engineer Kendall Kirk and Bamberg County farmer Richard Rentz study data on a tablet. “Apps and precision agriculture technology make our jobs a little easier by taking some of the variability out,” says Rentz.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

PEANUTGROWER.COM

Rentz uses drone technology to regularly survey his fields more easily and completely. “I can get down low and see if I’ve got a good stand. I can see small weeds earlier. I can cover a whole field much quicker with a drone than walking it or even driving it.” he says.

to how much water different sprinkler heads distribute in a field and the optimal speed of peanut-digging and cotton-harvesting machines. Clemson gathers and sorts that information the way farmers cull their crops, pairing the healthiest data findings with researchers’ boots-on-the-ground experiences to provide answers.

He has also participated in the development of yield-monitoring technologies for key South Carolina crops, including hay and peanuts. And his Clemson map-based software for zone soil sampling enables farmers to inexpensively practice variable-rate fertilizer management; ongoing work will soon make this tool much more accessible and versatile.

Precision Ag On The Farm Bamberg County farmer Richard Rentz, a Clemson agricultural engineering alumnus and current chairman of the South Carolina Peanut Board, is not afraid to try new things.

Especially if there’s a cool factor involved.

The 65-year-old, fifth-generation farmer and Clemson alumnus (agricultural engineering ’78) will one day pass his 1,000-acre farming operation down to his two sons. But in the meantime, he continues to research and employ precision agriculture technology in his fields, learning something new sometimes daily.

Rentz rotates a crop of cotton, corn and peanuts, and he’s developed a successful niche market in green peanuts. Peanuts are where he’s looking for future growth, but the rotation with cotton naturally breaks the disease and nematode cycle.

Although precision agriculture is relatively well developed for crops like soybean and corn, which is farmed more extenTWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

sively in the Midwest United States, for rotational crops like peanuts, precision ag technology is still in its infancy. That makes what Clemson is doing in South Carolina not only relevant but revolutionary.

Seeing The Big Picture A system that automatically adjusts the depth of a digger has been installed and operated successfully on Rentz’s tractor for several years. The hope is to license it to a manufacturer so that farmers everywhere can benefit from the technology.

Rentz also employs automatic-rate controllers that help him spray less herbicide in his fields. Variable-rate fertilizer technology is another tool, and it has helped him identify more specific spots that need fertilizer, reducing yield problems and waste associated with over-fertilizing.

For the past two years, Rentz has employed drone technology. Flying his DJI Phantom Pro, which Kirk’s team initially demonstrated for him, Rentz now regularly surveys his 1,000 acres more easily and completely than ever.

“I can actually take it up and go down to the other end of the field. I can get down low and see if I’ve got a good stand.

I can see small weeds earlier. I can cover a whole field much quicker with a drone than walking it or even driving it,” Rentz explains. “Just take that drone up a little bit, and you can judge how much you’ve done.”

With the research and technology from Kirk and others at Clemson, Rentz says it has broadened his view of what’s possible. PG Article provided by Clemson University.

MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

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PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers Plant To Irrigation Capacity

Splitting the circle with other crops, such as cotton, sorghum or sesame will be a good strategy to reduce total water use per season than planting a whole circle to peanut.

Typical water requirement for cotton, sorghum, and sesame are 12 to 24 inches, 20 to 22 inches and 16 to 18 inches, respectively. With increasing input costs and persistent drought conditions, detailed planning will be critically important for the 2022 season.

The weather station near Seminole, Texas, recorded less than a half inch of rain from November 2021 to January 2022. This means that the soil is very dry without any water reserved for peanut season. We will need to depend heavily on irrigation water.

The total seasonal water requirement for optimal peaEMI KIMURA nut yield is between 20 to 28 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension inches, which is higher than State Extension Peanut other crops typically grown in Specialist the Southwest. With dry conditions persisting, it is important to understand the realistic yield goals and plant peanut to irrigation capacity. It is better to plant fewer acres and irrigate adequately, than to plant larger acres that will be subject to limited irrigation.

If you have a choice, short-maturing peanut market types, such as Spanish and Valencia, will require less seasonal water use over runner and Virginia types. When changing, it is important to understand the differences in yield potential and management inputs (e.g., fungicides) that exist among the four market types.

LAURA MCKENZIE,TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

Rotation Sequence Is Important

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

As we move closer to planting, we find ourselves in a place where commodities other than peanuts have relatively strong prices, cotton and soybeans, for example. We are also coming off a really good year for peanuts, and that has affected peanut contracts in price per ton and quantity and subsequent demand for peanut DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State acres. Peanuts are important University but we need to consider other Extension Agronomist crops when prices favor a particular crop over peanuts.

In our North Carolina peanut guide, we show net returns for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybean, sweet potato and tobacco compared with peanuts at various realistic yield potentials, prices and input costs. We are spending around $950 per acre, fixed and variable cost, for Virginia-market type. How does that pencil out relative to other crops when the price of those is relatively high and with a much lower cost of production compared with peanuts?

When it comes to the biology of the rotation, cotton is a great crop for peanuts. Another year of cotton in a field rather than peanuts will help peanuts the next time they are grown. Soybeans aren’t the end of the world in a rotation with peanuts. In North Carolina, in any given year, we likely have 30% of our peanut land in soybeans. The key is sequence in the rotation. My suggestion is that the soybeans go right after the peanuts, and then it needs to be three or more years of cotton or corn in place before peanuts come around again.

Our work shows that peanut yields can be hard hit if soybeans are planted immediately prior to peanuts, and in many cases even when planted several years before peanuts.

It depends on the pest complex, primarily soil-borne pathogens, and the specific nematode in question and their population. We also know that peanuts before soybeans doesn’t have a major impact on soybean yields.

Grain sorghum is a good alternative to corn, but somePEANUTGROWER.COM

VICKY BOYD

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers

Soybean in a peanut rotation? The key is sequence.

times we struggle to control weeds in this crop and want to avoid a buildup in weed populations going into peanuts if we can help it. Sweet potato is a good crop in rotation with peanuts, both from the perspective of the peanut crop and the sweet potato crop. While we are on high-value crops, tobacco isn’t as bad as peanuts or soybeans (before a peanut crop) but there are some issues.

At the end of the day, the economics of crops drive rotation sequence more than the biology of the crop sequence.

But sequence is important, and a less than ideal sequence will eventually catch up with you if the rotation sequence — from a solid agronomy and biology standpoint associated with pest complexes — isn't considered. The “catch up with you” is potentially lower yield caused by pests or higher production costs needed to suppress pests and protect yield.

pressure early season than a dry granule in furrow.

Another challenge was the late-season rains that continued into harvest, which increased leaf spot pressure and created challenges for a timely harvest. Heavy TSWV and leaf spot coupled with the difficulty of harvest resulted in a state yield of 3,400 pounds per acre.

Looking at variety selection for 2022, I know all of you have access to a ton of yield data. It is important to dig deeper in the data beyond just which variety had the highest yield. Some varieties may be at the top of a trial in one location but not in another. More than likely, there is a reason why certain varieties perform differently in different locations.

Knowing what kind of disease package a variety has helps you in deciding which cultivar to plant, where or even when to plant a particular option. Auburn, Georgia and Florida have posted all their peanut variety data to a website where a company has developed software called Medius.Re that allows you as a producer to compare varieties head-to-head or across multiple locations. This makes it easier for you to analyze the data for your state and surrounding states all together.

Looking at the variety data across Alabama last year, Georgia-18RU performed better than it has in recent years.

Dig Deeper Into Variety Data 2021 brought its share of challenges, the first of which was the cool, wet start of the growing season. Continuous rains kept many of you out of the field, hindering you from starting a fungicide program at the proper time.

The other problem with the cool start was the late thrips flight, which led to heavy KRIS BALKCOM Auburn University pressure in turn creating more Extension Specialist Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus than normal. Many producers use a liquid in-furrow treatment for thrips in Alabama; however, nothing gives you more protection against heavy thrips TWITTER: @PEANUTGROWER

Georgia-18RU has performed better in Alabama trials in recent years.

MARCH 2022 • THE PEANUT GROWER /

21

PeanutPointers Peanut Pointers However, Georgia-12Y and AU-NPL 17 were consistent across trials again this year because of heavy disease pressure.

Although AU-NPL 17 isn’t considered a long-season variety, I recommend planting it early as opposed to late in the planting season. I have recommended mowing the top out of Georgia-12Y ahead of digging. This seems to allow the vines to start wicking the moisture away faster, allowing for easier combining and reducing the number of loose-shelled kernels. The FloRunTM '331' variety has performed consistently well in the central east side of the state. Even though it is more susceptible to TSWV, there does not seem to be as much virus pressure in this area compared to the southern end of the state.

Grower Meeting Q & A Growers came out in great numbers to hear from Extension specialists at Georgia’s county production meetings this winter. The 2022 growing season is setting up to be an interesting one with input costs, both fertilizers and chemicals, having risen dramatically compared to the past few years.

SCOTT MONFORT The good news is that comUniversity of Georgia modity prices have increased Extension Agronomist also. The best advice I can offer growers is to ask as many questions as possible in the next few weeks.

The following are questions growers have asked during production meetings.

Q. Do I need to plant more peanuts?

A. Although growers typically choose to grow more peanuts in years when fertilizer and other input prices increase, it might be more beneficial to stay with your current rotation sequence of peanut being grown once every three years.

Sticking to longer rotations can help ensure disease issues remain in check. The shorter the rotation sequence, the higher the disease pressure will potentially be.

Shorter rotations often mean more fungicide applications and an increase in need to use more effective and/or expensive ones. This is not a bad thing, necessarily, but it means you won't have a lot of room for error.

Q. Can I still make a profit when fertilizer prices are two to three times the normal price?

A. The short answer is “Yes." Growers can still make a profit during these tough economic times. But, and there's often a "but," growers need to stay the course with the recommended programs that are provided by your university specialists. These programs are tested and proven to work.

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THE PEANUT GROWER • MARCH 2022

Yes, it is possible to make a profit with fertilizer and input prices this high.

If you are approached about using a new product, ask for the university data to support the use of that product in your state. I am confident the university specialists would recommend any product if it is tested and proven to work or provides a consistent benefit for the grower. Contact your county agent for more information.

Q. What production input can I reduce or eliminate?

A. This is a question I hate to hear a grower ask. Not from the standpoint that we do not want to help, but rather it is from a standpoint where a grower is looking to cut corners in order to save a few dollars, and it could cost him several thousand dollars in reduced yield.

For peanut, there are several key inputs that make the grower money every year: lime (pH), fertilizers (phosphorus, potassium, manganese – as needed by soil test results), gypsum (Ca), boron, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

The need for some of these depends on the situation, but all have proven to support high yields and quality. When you reduce or eliminate one of these important inputs, you are increasing the risk for lower yields and quality.

The other important fact to remember is that there are products being advertised to solve all your crop needs at a fraction of the cost. I recommend you talk to your county agent before trying anything new, especially if it has not been tested by your university specialists. PG PEANUTGROWER.COM

Peanut Per Capita Consumption Breaks New Record for Second Year in a Row Pounds per person is 3% higher than previous 2020 record.

Thank you for producing a high-quality crop and investing in National Peanut Board programs. It's an industry-wide effort to keep consumption growing — so let's celebrate again and — just like you — get back to work.

Visit nationalpeanutboard.org for more details on per capita consumption and National Peanut Board programs. *U.S. Census and USDA Data

Shield your peanuts and keep them from being conquered by white mold with the powerful protection of ExcaliaTM Fungicide by Valent U.S.A. With highly systemic and translaminar activity, Excalia provides long-lasting disease control peanut growers can depend on. Stay one step ahead in the battle against white mold, even under heavy pressure, with Excalia.

Ask your local retailer or visit Valent.com/Excalia to learn more.

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Products that Work, From People Who Care is a registered trademark of Valent U.S.A. LLC. Exalia is a trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. ©2022 Valent U.S.A. LLC. All rights reserved.