April 2022 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Vol. 60 No. 3 | April 2022

2022

Peanut Disease & Insect Guidebook April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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2 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

A Look Inside

April 2022 | Peanut Disease & Insect Guidebook

IN THIS ISSUE 10 | 2022 PEANUT DISEASE & INSECT GUIDEBOOK The Peanut Disease & Insect Guidebook provides management tips for 2022.

18 | COASTAL GROWERS HOLD RIBBON CUTTING

New shelling plant in Atmore, Alabama celebrates grand opening.

20 | PEANUT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS XII

The PLA Class XII hosts their second session in South Georgia.

24 | FPPA ANNUAL MEETING

Johnny Donnell receives Florida Young Peanut Farmer of the Year award at 46th annual Florida Peanut Producers Association annual meeting.

DEPARTMENTS 8 | CHECKOFF REPORT

Alabama Peanut Producers Association Florida Peanut Producers Association Georgia Peanut Commission Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

28 | WASHINGTON OUTLOOK 30 | SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS UPDATE

6 SUSTAINABLE U.S. PEANUTS INITIATIVE

Sign up for the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative is now open. Pictured above: Donald Chase, farmer from Oglethorpe, Ga., registers for the new program while Eric Coronel, American Peanut Council's director of sustainability, assists.

On The Cover Colby Cromley, Brooklet, Ga., sprays a field of peanuts during the summer of 2021. Photo by Joy Crosby.

SEPF TEAM Editor Joy Carter Crosby joycrosby@gapeanuts.com 229.386.3690

Director of Jessie Bland Advertising jessie@gapeanuts.com 229.386.3472

Contributing Abby Himburg Richardson Writing abby@alpeanuts.com 334.792.6482

Southeastern Peanut Farmer is published six times a year (Jan./Feb., March, April, May/June, July/Aug., and Oct./Nov.) by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation. The publisher is not responsible for copy omission, typographical errors, or any unintentional errors that may occur, other than to correct it in the following issue. Any erroneous reflection which may occur in the columns of Southeastern Peanut Farmer will be corrected upon brought to the attention of the editor. (Phone 229-386-3690.)

Postmaster: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Southeastern Peanut Farmer, P.O. Box 706, Tifton, Georgia, 31793.

Circulation is free to qualified peanut growers and others allied to the industry. Periodical postage paid at Tifton, Georgia and additional mailing office.

Editorial Content: Editorial copy from sources outside of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Southern Peanut Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

For editorial concerns call 229-386-3690. No portion of this or past issues of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written consent of the editor. By-lined articles appearing in this publication represent views of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

Advertising: The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Corrections to advertisements must be made after the first run. All billing offers subject to credit review. Advertisements contained in this publication do not represent an endorsement by the Southeastern Peanut Farmer or the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation. Use of trade names in this publication is for the purpose of providing specific information and is not a guarantee nor warranty of products named. For advertising concerns call 229-386-3472.

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Editor’s thoughts Uncertainty and Sustainability in 2022

S

pring is upon us! Farmers across the Southeast are gearing up in the fields and getting ready to start planting. As I visit with farmers, I hear farmers recall their favorite time of the year. For some farmers it is planting time while it is harvest time for others.

However, with everything in life there must be a beginning and a starting point to have that bountiful harvest at the end.

Even with the urge to get in the field, farmers may also feel uncertain about this year due to the uncertainty in the Ukraine, rising input costs and more. How can farmers be profitable in today’s environment? It is hard times for sure and many farmers may be searching for solutions to reduce their input costs in 2022.

The April issue of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer contains a variety of information for farmers to use throughout 2022 when it comes to disease and insect management. The guidebook provides tips for managing your crop, ways to reduce trips across the field and planning for the potential change of crop protectant products if the one you want to use is not available.

“Peanut farmers protect the land for a living and must make a living themselves. Meanwhile, food and environmental sustainability is being demanded by our customers, consumers, governments and trade partners. The Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative unites these goals."

Additionally, this issue unveils information about the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative and how farmers can participate. The peanut industry has been working on this program for several years and it is finally open and ready for farmers to sign up and enter their production management data.

Peanut farmers protect the land for a living and must make a living themselves. Meanwhile, food and environmental sustainability is being demanded by our customers, consumers, governments and trade partners. The Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative unites these goals.

As more farmers, sign up for the new initiative and enter their farm data, then data will be available that may be beneficial as we promote peanuts to consumers and look for ways farmers can save costs and be more sustainable on their farm. One day the data could potentially be used for carbon credits and other ways that would benefit the farmer.

I encourage you to read more about this new program and how you can participate on page 6. 

USA Peanut Congress June 13-16, 2022, Charleston, S.C. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

American Peanut Research & Education Society Annual Meeting July 12-14, 2022, Omni Las Colinas Hotel, Dallas, Texas. For more information visit the APRES website at apresinc.com.

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day July 21, 2022, Moultrie, Ga. For more information call 229-985-1968 or visit the Expo's website at sunbeltexpo.com.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference July 21-23, 2022, Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Fla. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit southernpeanutfarmers.org.

American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association Pre-Harvest Meeting Aug. 9-10, 2022, Albany, Ga. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

Georgia Peanut Tour Sept. 13-15, 2022, Tifton, Ga. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit georgiapeanuttour.com.

Brooklet Peanut Festival Sept. 17, 2022, Brooklet, Ga. For more information visit the festival's website at brookletpeanutfestival.com.

Plains Peanut Festival Sept. 24, 2022, Plains, Ga. For more information call visit the festival's website at friendsofjimmycarter.org.

Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 18-20, 2022, Moultrie, Ga. For more info call 229-985-1968 or visit the Expo's website at sunbeltexpo.com.

National Peanut Festival Nov. 4-13, 2022, Dothan, Ala. For more info call visit nationalpeanutfestival.com.

Joy Carter Crosby SEPF Editor

4 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

Events

Let us know about your event. Please send details to the editor at joycrosby@gapeanuts.com.

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Sustainable U.S. Peanuts initiative launches Farmers can now sign up online for the new program

by Joy Crosby

S

ustainability may be a buzz word today to many. However, providing information to consumers about how their food is produced in a sustainable way is even more crucial today.

For several years, the peanut industry has recognized the importance of gathering data to show how sustainable the peanut really is.

The American Peanut Council has been working on this project for a number of years. Throughout last fall, APC worked to secure funding for the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative from a variety of organizations and businesses within the peanut industry including grower organizations, shellers, manufacturers and input suppliers

“We are growing a nutritious, affordable and perhaps the most sustainable crop in the country, so I knew, I wanted to sign up and be the first person on the list."

Donald Chase Oglethorpe, Ga. farmer “No one group sector or industry can address this alone. Every organization within the supply chain and every industry has a role to play in environmental sustainability,” says Tara Greco, senior vice president of sustainability at Golin. “It requires collaboration, coordination and communication throughout the supply chain to ensure that we're doing what's best for everyone, both economically and environmentally and make sure everyone is set up for a successful today and a viable future.”

Eric Coronel, program director of the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative, helps Donald Chase, farmer from Oglethorpe, Ga. register for the program online during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show.

expressing their preferences for the consumption choices they make.

Greco references a Kerry survey of 14,000 global consumers conducted in 2021.

conducted in 2021, 73 percent of U.S. consumers believe brands should provide clear information to consumers about how a product was made, who made it and what's in it.

The wants and needs of consumers can be addressed through the industry supported program - the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative.

Why the Need

“Fourty-nine percent of global consumers consider sustainability attributes when purchasing food and beverages," Greco says. Sustainability attributes were most important for dairy, meat and their plant-based counterparts and were less important for alcoholic beverages, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.”

According to Greco, consumers today are becoming more active in

According to a BBMG/GlobeScan survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers

6 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

Peanut growers are now able to access the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative platform. The program, managed by the American Peanut Council (APC), will use data voluntarily supplied by peanut growers who want to tell their sustainability story

and benefit from program learnings.

Growers can register for the platform now at www.sustainableuspeanuts.org.

“No matter where you are in the peanut supply chain, you can provide support for this sustainability initiative,” says Eric Coronel, APC's director of sustainability.

Program Benefits The program objectives are to document and verify the field level environmental footprint of peanut production from the grower participants.

"I hope the program can be utilized to help share the successful programs farmers have implemented in terms of conservation practices, crop rotations and technology," Coronel says. "As more farmers enter data into the program, then an aggregate footprint of peanuts can be developed to share with consumers."

Additionally, the program will allow growers to learn from each other and identify where efficiencies can be found in peanut production. In the beginning, the data the program collects will provide a baseline for the peanut industry.

"This program aims to help support growers towards the journey of continuous improvement in both peanut production practices and the environmental outcomes of their farming practices," Coronel adds.

What the Program is Not With any new program there may be misconceptions about the program. Coronel assures growers that the program is not a way to tell farmers how to grow peanuts or penalize growers for how they grow peanuts.

Additionally, Coronel says the program was not established to restrict inputs or compare states or regions within the peanut industry.

Lastly, the program does not provide monetary benefits or guaranteed markets to growers.

Voluntary Sign Up Sign up for the program is voluntary and now available at www. sustainableuspeanuts.org. The first farmer to sign up for the program in

Sign up for the program is voluntary and now available at www.sustainableuspeanuts.org.

January during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show was Donald Chase, farmer from Oglethorpe, Georgia.

“This is not just a reflection on me or our operation. I believe farmers are proud of the job they do. We take a lot of pride in our soil, in our communities, and our entire farming operation, so given the opportunity, I wanted to sign up for the program,” Chase says. “We are growing a nutritious, affordable and perhaps the most sustainable crop in the country, so I knew, I wanted to sign up and be the first person on the list.”

Peanut farmers protect the land for a living and must make a living themselves. Meanwhile, food and environmental sustainability is being demanded by our customers, consumers, governments and trade partners. The Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative unites these goals.

login, farmers can select the state and county they grow peanuts in, along with their contact information and crops they grow. The main parts of the grower platform are the farmer's self-assessment and the Fieldprint Analysis, which includes field level farming practices for each field entered into the program. Growers will receive scores for eight environmental metrics along with state and national benchmarks.

Farmers with questions regarding the program should contact Eric Coronel with the American Peanut Council at 229-339-1939 or ecoronel@peanutsusa.com. 

“We are always looking at how we can make the program more usable and beneficial for farmers, so we are exploring some options in the carbon credits realm," Chase says. "With the increased cost of inputs, a program like this may help us find solutions to utilize costly inputs more efficiently and learn from other farmers."

Farmers can sign up online and enter data from their 2021 crop by April 27, 2022. Beginning on May 1, 2022, farmers can begin entering data on their 2022 crop. A farmer will be required to enter 10 percent of their peanut acres for a given year.

Farmers who have already enrolled in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol can use their same login information when signing up for the Sustainable U.S. Peanut Initiative.

In the beginning phases of the April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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Checkoff Report

Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry Mississippi Peanut Growers Association approves research

Grower dollars allocated from the National Peanut Board Research Committee funded three research proposals for Mississippi State University researchers. The projects funded include "Optimizing Fungicide Applications for Soil-Borne Disease as Influenced by Crop Rotation" by Brendan Zurweller and Alan Henn, "Evaluating Return on Investments of Poultry Litter Amendments within a Peanut-Cotton Rotation" by Brendan Zurweller and "Standardization of Mississippi Peanut Variety Trials" by Brad Burgess.

The total grower dollars allocated to the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association by the National Peanut Board for use in peanut research since 2009 is $467,524.

A new research project awarded for 2021-22 by The Peanut Institute includes one from Mississippi. There were 48 proposals received from 11 countries in the areas of brain/mental health, cardiometabolic health, dietary patterns, health disparities, nutrient composition, product innovation, pregnancy/infant/ child nutrition and wellness. Four top projects were selected by TPI Research Committee and one of those was from Mississippi State University on Peanuts and Mental Health/Depression. This is a randomized control trial studying the implications of daily peanut consumption on depression, cognitive function and biomarkers for metabolic health in college students. Three others chosen came from Loma Linda, University of Barcelona, Spain and Virginia Tech.

FPPA exhibits at Florida State Fair in Tampa

The 2022 Florida State Fair kicked off this year with much excitement. This marks the 118th year the Florida State Fair has celebrated agriculture through the 12-day event that takes place every year in Tampa, Florida. The Fresh From Florida breakfast kicked off opening day of the state fair as the Florida Peanut Producers Association served grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to attendees.

The Alabama Farmers Federation hosted the Taste of Alabama legislative reception in Montgomery, Alabama, February 10, 2022. Staff from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the attendees.

County Farmers Federation presidents and FarmPAC advisory trustees from across the state visited with more than 100 elected officials, including 80 legislators; Supreme Court justices and appellate judges; members of the Public Service Commission and Alabama State Board of Education; and FarmPAC-endorsed candidates for statewide office. Attendees included Gov. Kay Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, State Treasurer Young Boozer and Secretary of State John Merrill.

Alabama Peanut Grower Production Meetings Held

Ken Barton, Florida Peanut

One day was designated as Peanut Day at the Producers Association executive director, visits Fair and FPPA provided roasted peanuts, recipe with attendees during the cards, health and nutritional information and general Florida State Fair in Tampa. information about peanut production in Florida. One of the more popular items at the FPPA exhibit was "Grow Your Own Peanut" seed kits. Thousands of attendees were excited to get the seed kit and have the opportunity to grow their own peanut plant.

More than 600,000 people attended the Florida State Fair with more than 1,500 4-H and FFA students competing and displaying more than 5,000 animals.

"The Florida State Fair provides a great opportunity for us to showcase new recipes using peanuts and peanut butter," says Ken Barton, FPPA executive director. "We also share the message of the health and nutritional benefits of consuming peanut products and provide information about peanut production in Florida."

Alabama peanuts promoted at Mercedes Benz Marathon Race More than 7,000 people visited the Mercedes Benz Race Expo, Feb. 11-12, 2022, in Birmingham, Alabama. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association provided samples of roasted peanuts and peanut butter to the participants.

Runners also picked up peanut allergy information, recipes and other peanut swag.

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Taste of Alabama Legislative Reception

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association hosted eight peanut grower production meetings across the state Feb. 21-25, 2022. More than 200 growers came out to hear Alabama peanut researchers from Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension share their latest research and best practices for the 2022 growing season.

APPA also produced a 2022 Peanut Production Guide containing production meetings from the researchers. The guide was mailed out to all Alabama peanut growers.

In addition, recordings of the researchers’ presentations are available on the APPA website.

Sponsors for the production guide and production meetings were: ADAMA, Alabama Ag Credit, Alabama Farm Credit, BASF, First South Farm Credit, Sanbuck Insurance, Syngenta, United Bank, Valent, Vantage South, Visjon Biologics.

Reports by

George Washington Carver Inducted to Hall of Honor

George Washington Carver was inducted into the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Carver received the Pioneer Award for being arguably the most influential agricultural chemist and agronomist in American history. At a time when agriculture in the South was in a steep decline, Carver urged Representatives from Alabama Peanut farmers to plant peanuts, sweet Producers Association and Tuskegee University are on hand for the induction of George potatoes and soybeans. This restored Washington Carver posthumously with the the nitrogen to the soil that cotton had Alabama Agricultural Pioneer Award. depleted. Ultimately Carver developed 300 derivative products from peanuts and 118 from sweet potatoes.

The Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor was established in 1984 with the sole purpose of bestowing honor and recognition upon living Alabamians who have made significant contributions to the state’s agricultural history. The Agricultural Pioneer Award was established later in 1995 to posthumously recognize individuals whose lives and work impacted the industry. In attendance at the banquet was several APPA board members as well as faculty and staff from Tuskegee University.

Georgia Peanut Commission hosts PB&J Day at State Capitol

The annual Georgia PB&J Day was held March 1, 2022, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. At the event, Georgia Peanut Commission board and staff distributed Smucker's Uncrustables to state legislators and staff at the Capitol. Chairmen of the Georgia Senate and House Ag Committees, Sen. Larry Walker and Rep. Robert Dickey presented resolutions highlighting the Gov. Brian Kemp presents a proclamation for importance of peanuts to Georgia’s Georgia Peanut Month to the Georgia Peanut economy. Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed Commission on March 1, 2022. the month of March as Georgia Peanut Month in the state with a proclamation. Special thanks to The J.M. Smucker Company for donating 1,000 Smucker's Uncrustables for the event.

Georgia Peanut Commission donates peanut butter and sponsors Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run

Joy Crosby, GPC, visits with an attendee at the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk.

The Georgia Peanut Commission donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and 7,200 jars of peanut butter to Second Harvest of South Georgia in celebration of National Peanut Month during March. Also, GPC sponsored the annual the annual ACFB Hunger Walk/Run held March 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event brings ?? attendees to help support the food bank by walking or running in the event. The GPC distributed packs of peanuts to attendees and promoted the humanitarian relief efforts through Peanut Proud.

Georgia Peanut Commission promotes peanuts for National Peanut Month

The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts throughout the month of March through a variety of promotions. To kick off National Peanut Month, GPC hosted a Twitter party with Foodiechats that had an estimated 7.8 million impressions.

The Twitter party also included new peanut recipes from food influencers in Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Maryland, Texas and Georgia, who created recipes ranging from Georgia Peanuts Thai Curry to Gluten Free Espresso Spice Peanut Cookies.

GPC sponsored a special series, “Proud to be a Georgia Farmer,” with WTOC-TV in Savannah and WALB-TV in Albany. The program highlighted farmers in the viewing area during the evening news in March and featured a special 30-minute show about the Georgia peanut industry including information on production, research, peanut nutrition and more.

GPC teamed up with Annessa Chumbley, registered dietitian, for a March - National Peanut Month media campaign in Georgia.

Chumbley demonstrated a variety of peanut inspired recipes featuring a Peanut Packed Party Mix, Peanut Butter Banana Pops and Pad Thai Cups with Peanut Butter Sauce. The recipe videos are available on the GPC website and aired on television stations in Albany, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah.

GPC provided peanuts and recipes to the state’s 11 welcome centers for tourists and provided television media news teams throughout Georgia with a gift basket of Georgia peanut products.

Throughout the month, GPC promoted peanuts through television and radio ads with the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, billboards in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as digital banner ads through iHeart Media.

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

2022

Peanut Disease and Insect Guidebook

FOUR KEY tips IN 2022 peanut DISEASE management

By Joy Crosby

A

s farmers look toward to the 2022 growing season, there are four key tips Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, recommends to help improve disease management.

Kemerait's key tips are for farmers to use fungicides and nematicides judiciously, plant a disease and nematode resistant varieties, use Peanut Rx and hire a scout. All of these tips can help farmers better manage their crop in 2022 and decrease their risk of losses to diseases and nematodes.

Overall, Kemerait reminds farmers that they cannot save their way out of disease and nematode management in peanuts by cutting corners without careful planning.

"All farmers would like to find ways to reduce input costs; however simply deploying a less expensive program may not bring more profit at harvest," Kemerait says. "You must have an effective nematicide and fungicide program; nematodes, white mold and leaf spot are going to attack your crop regardless of whatever else is happening in the world."

Farmers will be faced with many obstacles in 2022 including higher input costs and a warmer winter that could increase risk to disease and

nematodes. Kemerait encourages farmers to look for ways to be more efficient and judicious in their use of fungicide products.

One of Kemerait's many concerns for the coming season was the La Nina winter for 2021-2022. According to Kemerait, the weather was generally not cold enough long enough and this could set farmers up for increased disease pressure.

To ensure farmers have what they need, when they need it, Kemerait encourages growers to develop plans for the fungicide and nematicide programs they would like to use, visit with distributors and have a backup plan if some of the products are not available.

Bob Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist University of Georgia

Where farmers are planting into a field infested with the peanut rootknot nematodes, Kemerait encourages them to consider planting a resistant variety such as TifNV-HiOL. If farmers do not use TifNV-HiOL in such a situation, he strongly encourages them to use an effective nematicide to protect the crop.

Lastly, Kemerait encourages farmers to use a scout to help with early detection and identification of diseases in the field.

Kemerait encourages farmers to use Peanut Rx to help manage their risk of spotted wilt, leaf spot and white mold. The Peanut Rx program is available at www.peanutrx.org where farmers can enter potential production

10 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

practices to determine their level of risk and revise their management plan.

On the website, farmers are able to find prescription fungicide programs developed for a number of the most popular fungicides.

Farmers are aware of the rising input costs with fertilizer but Kemerait is also concerned about the rising fuel costs. Anytime a farmer can cut back a trip over the field, then that will save them money.

Kemerait's four tips provides farmers with ways to possibly lower production costs while protecting yield and profitability in 2022. 

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

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DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

MANAGing Diseases in 2022

By Joy Crosby

Colby Cromley, Brooklet, Ga., sprays a field of peanuts during the summer of 2021.

D

iseases will be a threat to every peanut grower’s crop in 2022.

Key points for protecting the peanut crop in 2022 from leaf spot and white mold diseases with fungicides include timeliness of application, coverage and choice of product.

Peanut Leaf Spot Diseases Peanut leaf spot diseases, especially late leaf spot, were severe again in a number of fields in 2021.

Some reasons for the severity included environmental conditions. The 2021 season witnessed rain followed by more rain, which is favorable for development and spread of leaf spot.

"The weather also affected grower’s ability to make timely fungicide applications," says Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist. "These issues, along with short rotations, put tremendous pressure on some fungicide programs."

According to Kemerait, to prevent losses to leaf spot, especially late leaf spot, it is imperative for growers to stay on a timely, proven program, and select fungicides or mixtures of fungicides based upon threat of disease in the field, and continue

appropriate management programs through the end of the season.

Due to increased threat from late leaf spot in recent years, some fungicide programs may have changed, Kemerait adds. He encourages growers to carefully note choice of product and timing for application throughout the season to minimize losses to disease.

Using Sulfur Kemerait has noticed an increased interest in adding sulfur to fungicide programs for management of leaf spot. Research conducted by Albert Culbreath, UGA plant pathologist, documents that specific sulfur formulations applied at rates of 3-5 pounds per acre have significantly improved the control of leaf spot when tank-mixed with products like azoxystrobin (Abound), Headline, Umbra, EXCALIA, and tebuconazole.

Through Culbreath's research, sulfur formulations at 5 pounds per acre of Microthiol Disperss, Microthiol 80W, Drexel Sulfur 80W, Drexel Suffa 6F, TechnoS 90W, and Accoidal 80 WG, all performed similarly when mixed with earlier mentioned products.

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White Mold White mold was severe in many fields in 2020 due in part to hot conditions throughout much of the season. This troubling disease was generally less severe in 2021 because cooler conditions prevailed across much of the Southeast.

According to Kemerait, with peanuts staying in the ground for nearly 150 days, growers need to pay more attention to protecting the crop from white mold even after the traditional “4-block- 60-to-104-daysafter-planting” window ends.

"Critical components of a white mold fungicide program also include timeliness of application and timeliness of irrigation or rainfall events following applications, preferably within 12-24 hours to ensure the fungicide washes to the limbs and crown of the plants," Kemerait says.

Management of white mold can be improved with these key recommendations from Kemerait. The first recommendation is to consider applying an early-season banded application of Proline. Additional recommendations include protecting the crop during the critical time 60-105

Lastly, Kemerait recommends for growers to use products known to most effective against white mold and apply fungicides for white mold control at night.

Aspergillus Crown Rot Aspergillus crown rot is an important seedling disease, especially when conditions are hot and dry at planting, or when seed-quality is a concern. Farmer-saved-seed is often at greatest risk, possibly because of conditions under which such seed is stored.

To manage Aspergillus crown rot, growers should ensure they are using

quality seed, ensure effective fungicide seed treatment with excellent seed coverage, avoid planting into hot and dry soils and use in-furrow products at planting.

Lastly, Kemerait encourages all growers to consult with their local Extension agent if they have questions regarding what fungicide application to use and notice disease pressure within their field. 

FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS Days After Planting

Planting (0)

30

45

60

75

90

105

120

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Tebuconazole 7.2 fl oz/A Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

Tebuconazole 7.2 fl oz/A Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

Tebuconazole 7.2 fl oz/A Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

Tebuconazole 7.2 fl oz/A Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Sipcam

ANDIAMO ADV 32 fl oz

ANDIAMO ADV 32 fl oz

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Sipcam

ANDIAMO ADV 32 fl oz

ANDIAMO ADV 32 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz/A

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Elatus 7.3 oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz/A

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Absolute MAX 3.5 fl oz

Propulse 13.7 oz

Provost Silver 13 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 oz

Provost Silver 13 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Absolute MAX 3.5 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 oz

Provost Silver 13 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 oz

Provost Silver 13 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Nichino

Priaxor 6 fl oz/A

Umbra 36 fl oz Echo 1.0 pt

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Umbra 36 fl oz Echo 1.0 pt

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Nichino sulfur

Priaxor 6 fl oz/A

Umbra 36 fl oz Microthiol Disperss Micronized 5 lb

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Umbra 36 fl oz Microthiol Disperss Micronized 5 lb

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

LUCENTO 5.5 fl oz

Convoy 32 fl oz Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

LUCENTO 5.5 fl oz

Elatus 9.5 oz

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Approach Prima 6.8 fl oz

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Fontelis 16 fl oz

Fontelis 16 fl oz

Fontelis 16 fl oz

Muscle ADV 2.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Syngenta

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Chlorothalonil Alto 5.5 oz

Elatus 9.5 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Elatus 9.5 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Syngenta

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Elatus 7.3 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Syngenta

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Elatus 7.3 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt Tebuconazole 7.2 fl oz

Elatus 7.3 fl oz Miravis 3.4 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt Alto 5.5 oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

BASF

Priaxor 6 fl oz/A

Convoy 32 fl oz Provysol 5 fl oz

Priaxor 8 fl oz/A

Convoy 32 fl oz Provysol 5 fl oz

Muscle ADV 2 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

BASF

Priaxor 6 fl oz/A

Excalia 3 fl oz Provysol 5 fl oz

Priaxor 8 fl oz/A

Excalia 3 fl oz Provysol 5 fl oz

Muscle ADV 2 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

BASF

Priaxor 6 fl oz/A

Convoy 32 fl oz Echo 1.5 fl oz

Provysol 5 fl oz Teb 7.2 fl oz

Convoy 32 fl oz Echo 1.5 fl oz

Provysol 5 fl oz Teb 7.2 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Basic full season fungicide program

Bayer Nematode

Velum 6.5 fl oz

Bayer Foliar Only

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

FMC

Corteva

Valent

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Excalia 4 fl oz/A LS Fungicide

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Excalia 4 fl oz/A LS Fungicide

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Valent

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Excalia 2 fl oz/A LS Fungicide

Excalia 2 fl oz/A LS Fungicide

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Excalia 2 fl oz/A LS Fungicide

Leaf Spot Fungicide

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Gowan

Domark 2.5 fl oz

Domark 2.5 fl oz

Standard*

Standard*

Standard*

Domark 5.25 fl oz

Chlorothalonil 1.5 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

Chlorothalonil 1.0 pt/A

white mold program

white mold program

white mold program

*white mold product as needed

The above chart are examples of fungicide programs and the list does not include all possible products. Generic azoxystrobin products exist as do many generic formulations of tebuconazole. Further information on all products can be obtained from the local Extension office.

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

13

DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

days after planting and initiating a program prior to 60 days after planting and extending beyond 105 days after planting when conditions favor development of white mold or where disease is active in the field later in the season.

DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

Keeping Money in Your pocket Insect Management Tips for 2022

By Joy Crosby

T

here is a fine balance between managing insect pressure and keeping money in your pocket when growing peanuts. One advice growers should heed for the 2022 crop year is knowing when to spray and when to save the money.

“Keeping your money is the name of the game,” says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension peanut entomologist. “Growers should only spend money to manage insects if they will cause losses greater than the cost of control.”

According to Abney, if an insect eats $10 worth of your peanuts but it costs $20 to kill them, then leave it alone. However, he realizes that is hard to do sometimes.

To aid growers in making these decisions, scouting is a necessary step, whether a grower scouts theirself or hires a scout. Being out in the field is a key management step for 2022.

“Not every peanut field in the Southeast in 2022 will need to be treated for insects after planting,” Abney adds. “Farmers need to scout and use thresholds as they make management decisions this year.”

Guessing is not compatible with keeping money in your pocket, Abney adds. To aid farmers for 2022, Abney shares some updates on each of the primary insects growers need to watch for this production season.

In fact, 89 percent of the peanut acres in Georgia are treated with infurrow insecticide while 7 percent of the peanut acres are treated with a foliar insecticide.

Thrips Injury

Abney encourages growers to utilize the Peanut Rx when making their management decisions for 2022.

Injury from thrips is most common and noticeable on seedling plants between emergence and 30 days after planting.

In terms of insecticides available, Abney says growers have a few infurrow options and one foliar spray option. The in-furrow options include Phorate (Thimet), Imidacloprid (Admire Pro) and Aldicarb (AgLogic) while the foliar spray option is Acephate (Orthene).

"If you just want to kill thrips, you have options," Abney says. "Phorate is the only insecticide that we have that also reduces the risk of spotted wilt.

Of course the downside is the smell and the granular formulation which may cause application tubes to stop up."

Thrips

Imidacloprid is relatively cheap and easy to use. According to Abney, even though Imidacloprid in-furrow, doesn't provide the best thrips control, then the product still pays for itself in reducing injury.

Tobacco Thrips are present in almost every peanut field every year.

Some of the factors that increase risk of thrips include early planting, conventional tillage, no at-plant insecticide, poor stands and single row pattern.

Over the past two years, Abney has conducted a survey with county Extension agents in Georgia regarding insecticide use among farmers for control of thrips. In 2021 the majority of growers used Thimet followed by Imidacloprid.

14 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

Abney understands that sometimes things happen on the farm which prevents an in-furrow application. If that is the case, he recommends using Orthene.

"Orthene still works and is effective," Abney says. "Growers will not reduce risk of spotted wilt when using Orthene but it will kill thrips."

As growers are scouting for thrips, Abney recommends they examine fields for the presence of adult and immature stages in the first two weeks after emergence. Immature thrips will usually be found in folded terminal leaflets.

Lesser Cornstalk Borers Lesser cornstalk borers thrive in hot, dry sandy soils. During hot, dry years, growers can expect outbreaks.

As far as management, Abney

Lesser Cornstalk Borer Moth

Lesser Cornstalk Borer

“Even in a bad year, we don’t have to treat every field,” Abney says. “Growers do not have to be preventive with lesser cornstalk borers.”

In 2021, Abney conducted a survey among growers in Georgia regarding insect management. According to the results, 16.5 percent of surveyed acres were treated for lesser cornstalk borers. Most of the growers used the insecticides UGA recommends for lesser cornstalk borer management, but some used products that are not recommended and that are not effective agains the pest. Using the wrong insecticide for the pest results in a wated insecticide application and increased insect injury.

During scouting, Abney recommends for growers to look for wilted stems, check stems for silk tubes, remove plants and check tap root, pods and stems for feeding or tunneling injury and larvae. Also, presence of LCB moths are a good sign of infestation.

According to Abney, plants in a skip or at the ends of rows with bare soil around them will usually be attacked first.

Foliage Feeding Caterpillars Another group of insects growers need to watch out for in 2022 is foliage feeding caterpillars. According to Abney, they are not usually a big deal, but they can be, which is why he encourages scouting. The threshold for treatment is 4 to 8 larvae per row foot.

“We over spray foliage feeding caterpillars,” Abney says. “I feel like I repeat myself some years, but it is needed because every year growers treat catepillars when populations are well below the threshold, and in some cases they even spray the wrong product.”

Abney encourages growers to reach out to their local county Extension agent if they ever have a question about specific products and what it should be used for or the rate

of application.

In the 2021 Peanut Insect Management Survey, growers indicated that 64.5 percent of nonscouted acres were treated with an insecticide for foliage feeding caterpillars while 40.6 percent of scouted acres were treated with an insecticide for foliage feeding caterpillars.

Threecornered Alfalfa Hopper

"Growers who didn't scout were 24 percent more likely to spray for caterpillars than those who had a scout," Abney says. "There is potential for a lot of money there. So, depending on what you spray that one insecticide application could pay for a scout."

Three Cornered Alfalfa Hopper Three cornered alfalfa hopper can be found in most peanut fields, but densities tend to be highest when soil moisture is adequate for optimum peanut growth. Low numbers of adults can be found in fields in late spring, but populations increase as the summer progresses.

According to the 2021 Peanut Insect Management Survey, 17 percent of surveyed acres were treated for three cornered alfalfa hopper. Of the treated acres, 72 percent were treated with a pyrethroid while 19 percent were treated with difluebenzuron (Dimilin). Abney says difluebenzuron is not proven to be effective against TCAH. “Using the wrong insecticide costs you money and applying insecticides when they are not needed costs you money,” Abney says. “Scouting and using thresholds will prevent management mistakes, thereby saving you money.” 

INSECTICIDE UPDATES FOR 2022 There have been a few changes in products available for growers in 2022. Abney reminds growers that tolerances for Chlorpyrifos have been revoked, and it should not be used in any peanut field.

This product was used mainly for rootworm and peanut burrower bug.

“In the past, when some insecticide registrations were canceled, farmers could use any existing stock of the product on hand until it was gone,” Abney says. “That is not the case with chlorpyrifos. Growers cannot use any product due to the food tolerance ban.”

Another product changed name and formulation. Prevathon’s name (chlorantraniliprole) was changed to Vantacor in 2021. This product is used for caterpillars and has a long residual. The Vantacor formulation is

more concentrated, so use rates are lower.

“It is basically the same product except for the concentration,” Abney says. "With Prevathon our use rate was 8 to 20 ounces per acre depending on what you are trying to kill but the use rate of Vantacor is 0.7 to 2.5 ounces per acre. Growers need to make sure they do not apply Vantacor at Prevathon rates."

Velum Total contained the nematicide/fungicide fluopyram and the insecticide imidacloprid.

Velum Total has been replaced with Velum, which doesn’t include the imidacloprid. Without the insecticide component, the new Velum product, will not control thrips. Farmers can add imidacloprid to the tank with Velum or use one of the other in-furrow insecticide options to manage thrips.

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

15

DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

recommends for growers to scout and can use Vantacor or Diamond to control the lesser cornstalk borers.

DISEASE AND INSECT GUIDEBOOK

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Survey

By Joy Crosby

T

omato spotted wilt virus wreaked havoc to peanuts and other crops across the Southeast in the 1980s and 1990s. Since 1986, trips-vectored Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) has become one of the major pests of crops in the Southeast, causing as much as $100 million in damage annually in past years.

Today, the rate of incidence has lessened due to new variety development with resistance to TSWV and management practices by growers following the Peanut Rx. In 2020, losses to TSWV across the peanut production region of the southeastern United States were estimated to be at 4 percent, which was a drop from estimated losses in 2019 (7 percent) but an increase from estimated losses in 2017 and 2018.

Throughout the past two years, Mark Abney, Scott Monfort and Bob Kemerait, Extension specialists with the University of Georgia, have conducted a field survey with county Extension agents in Georgia rating the incidence of TSWV. The county agents were asked to rate TSWV in 10 randomly selected peanut fields within their county.

The agents examined 50 feet of row at three locations within each field and reported the percent infected with TSWV, planting date, at-plant insecticide used and stand uniformity.

There were a total of 34 counties reporting in 2020 and 22 counties reporting in 2021. There were 210 fields in the survey in 2021.

The survey results showed a higher incidence of TSWV on acres planted in April versus peanuts planted after May 1. The lowest percent of incidence included peanut acreage planted between May 1 – 10 in 2021.

The survey also asked farmers about their use of at-plant insecticide use. In 2021, there were 122 fields treated with Thimet, 53 fields treated with imidacloprid, 12 fields with

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Survey Plant Date Plant Date

# Observations

% TSWV

April

35

7.94

May 1 - May 10

67

5.47

May 10 - May 31

92

6.53

After June 1

16

6.04

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Survey Use of At Plant Insecticide Insecticide Use

# Observations

% of Total

% TSWV 2021

% TSWV 2020

122

58.09

5.3

3.36

Orthene (foliar)

7

3.33

13.57

18.18

Imidacloprid

53

25.23

7.41

17.44

Aldicarb

12

5.71

7.59

NA

None

19

9.04

7.85

25.81

Total

210

Thimet

16 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

aldicarb and 7 fields with Orthene.

Survey totals for insecticide applications targeting thrips among Georgia growers include 89 percent of acres in Georgia were treated with in-furrow insecticide while 7 percent of the acres were treated with a foliar insecticide.

The lowest incidence of TSWV was when farmers used Thimet in-furrow at planting in 2020 and 2021.

"Of course, things happen on the farm and in-furrow applications are sometimes not made," Abney says. "In that case, I recommend for growers to use acephate (Orthene). It still works and is effective. You will not reduce risk of spotted wilt when using acephate, but it will kill thrips."

Fields treated with Thimet had a 4 percent incidence of TSWV that cost an average of $21.28 per acre.

Fields treated with imidacloprid had a 16.32 percent incidence of spotted wilt costing $80.78 per acre.

According to Abney, for every 1 percent of spotted wilt growers find in their field at the end of the season, they lose almost 20 pounds per acre.

"Let’s translate that into dollars. If peanuts are $500 per ton, at 6.39 percent incidence in 2021, then TSWV cost growers $31.63 per acre," he adds.

"So, growers need to keep in mind the risks and costs as they make decisions for 2022," Abney says.

"There are a lot of things growers can do at planting time to reduce their risk of having thrips and spotted wilt." 

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

17

Coastal Growers hold Ribbon Cutting

The new shelling plant will serve as the epicenter for peanut processing in South Alabama

By Abby Himburg Richardson

I

n 15 months, Costal Growers broke ground and opened a brand-new state-of-the-art peanut shelling facility in Atmore, Ala. On Wednesday Feb. 23, 2022, Coastal Growers LLC officials, employees and local and state dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of the shelling facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Coastal Growers is growing.

Peanuts from here are already in or will be soon in a lot of the products you eat on a daily basis.”

Dirk Lindsey President/CEO Coastal Growers LLC This facility, situated on 60 acres, includes the 65,000-square-foot shelling facility, warehouses and cold storage units. The plant is an $87 million invest but will serve as the epicenter for peanut processing in south Alabama. It can shell 25 tons of peanuts an hour and produces seven products – including three sizes of edible peanuts, peanuts for wildlife, oil stock and ground peanut hulls, which are sold and transformed into pellets for fuel overseas. Peanuts from the facility are shipped to 11 countries on three different continents. They currently employee 64 full time employees but plan to have over 100 by next year.

"Costal Growers is growing," says says Dirk Lindsey, president and CEO of Coastal Growers LLC. "Peanuts from here are already in or will be soon in a lot of the products you eat on a daily basis.”

Coastal Growers currently has nine buying points throughout Alabama and Georgia. Since their creation last year, they have added an existing shelling plant in Tifton, Georgia. It is owned by 195 farm families across

Paul Pinyan, Alabama Farmers Federation executive director; Mark Kaiser, Alabama Peanut Producers Association board member; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation president; Anthony Daniels, director of operations at Coastal Growers, and Jacob Davis, Alabama Peanut Producers Association executive director, participate in the grand opening celebration at Coastal Growers LLC, Feb. 23, 2022, in Atmore, Ala.

Dirk Lindsey, president and CEO of Coastal Growers (holding scissors), cuts the ribbon during the celebration. Many employees, local and state dignitaries joined in on the celebration held Feb. 23, 2022, in Atmore, Ala.

Mississippi, Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

“This is America – what’s happened here in such a short amount of time,” says U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, who attended the ribbon-cutting. “This is going to help so many people have an easier way of making a living. That’s what it’s all about. You couldn’t do this anywhere else in the world other than the United States of America.”

18 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

To help move product, railroad tracks are being laid to reach the plant. Future plans could also include a seed cleaner.

"This is going to be the best thing to happen to farmers in this area that participate in it. The benefit we will get back from it is going to be huge,” says Darrin Driskell, board member of both Costal Growers and Alabama Peanut Producers Association. 

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

19

Peanut Leadership Academy Class XII hosts Second Session

by Jessie Bland

Peanut Leadership Academy Class XII held their second session in Albany, Ga. While in the area participants learned more about the peanut industry through tours of Kelley Manufacturing Co., MANA Nutrition and the University of Georgia Tifton Campus.

P

articipants of Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy met Feb. 28 – March 2, in Albany, Georgia, for the second session of the 18-month program.

During this session, peanut growers and sheller representatives had the opportunity to learn about themselves and the industry, as well as tour peanut industry facilities in the area. Participants also attended the American Peanut Shellers Association’s Industry Spring Conference.

On day one of the session, participants heard from Trudy Gill, CEO of Trudy Gill Leadership and Development. Gill introduced the class to social styles via shapes, an assessment that allows them to learn more about themselves, as well as others and how to best work as a team. PLA participants were also given a thorough overview of food safety from Darlene Cowart with Birdsong Peanuts, followed by an issues discussion period where participants had a chance to review various issues the peanut industry faces and give thoughts/feedback on what to do different and/or how to improve the issue.

Day two of the session was made

up of area tours. The group began by traveling to Tifton and touring Kelley Manufacturing Co.’s facility, where they received the most up-to-date information from KMC and learned about the equipment fabrication process. Upon leaving KMC, the group traveled over to the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus and heard from Scott Monfort and Tim Brenneman about the latest updates in peanut research and Extension.

The group then visited the Georgia Peanut Commission office, where they had lunch, followed by a trip up to Fitzgerald for a tour at MANA Nutrition’s facility. Here, they learned about MANA’s mission and how their product is saving lives worldwide.

To wrap the session up, participants attended the APSA’s Industry Spring Conference, where they heard from industry representatives covering a variety of topics from crop updates to nutrition research. They were also introduced to the meeting attendees and had an opportunity to visit with those in attendance.

Members of Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy include: Alabama: Joe Corcoran, Eufaula; Brian

20 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

Harrison, Uriah; Greg Resmondo, Foley; Jason Vinson, Hartford; Jason Weber, Atmore; Florida: Lance Jackson, Graceville; Scott Walker, McDavid; Georgia: Matthew Blitch, Statesboro; Chad Mathis, Arlington; Lehman Nevil, Metter; Jacob Sandeford, Midville; Karla Thompson, Thomasville; Russ Worsley, Colquitt; National Peanut Board: David Leary Jr, Unadilla, Ga.; Brad Ward, Manteo, N.C.; North Carolina: John Layton, Edenton; South Carolina: Charles Rogers, Hartsville; Texas: Garrett Besler, Wellman; Jeff Lollar, Tokio; Virginia: Drew Monahan, Waverly; Sheller Representatives: Brandon Arnold, Golden Peanut & Tree Nuts; Pete Froesse, Trico Peanut; David Martens, Birdsong Peanuts; Allison Randell, Premium Peanut; Caleb Weaver, Olam.

The Peanut Leadership Academy is coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and sponsored

by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association.

For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, visit www. southernpeanutfarmers.org.. 

Georgia peanut Commission Approves Funding for FY 2022-2023 Research Projects

by Joy Crosby

T

he Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $795,205 in research project funding for the 2022-23 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 36 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” says Donald Chase, GPC

promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as, pests, weed and disease management.

Research Committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results which will benefit farmers in the state and enhance the sustainability of our crop.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research,

Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,019,686 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the commission visit www.gapeanuts.com. 

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

21

Georgia Peanuts Back NASCAR Driver Todd Gilliland

by Joy Crosby

Todd Gilliland presents 1,440 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter to FeedNC in Mooresville, N.C. as part of the racing promotion.

Todd Gilliland signs autographs at the Georgia Peanuts exhibit in the Fan Zone during race weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Todd Gilliland proudly represents Georgia peanut farmers during the QuikTrip 500 NASCAR race in Atlanta, March 20, 2022.

T

Todd can make more memories for us this season and look forward to his races with us.”

The race was televised on Fox and Georgia Peanuts gained additional exposure during a wreck near the end of the race. The moment was replayed multiple times and is also included on the Nascar Now Youtube channel.

The Georgia Farm Monitor aired a report on the promotion following the race. The entire television coverage reached approximately 4.6 million consumers.

he Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts throughout the NASCAR race in Atlanta, March 18-20. During the race weekend, Georgia Peanuts were promoted in the Fan Zone, suites at the track and on the race track through sponsorship of Todd Gilliland.

The Georgia Peanut Commission returned to Front Row Motorsports (FRM) to support NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Todd Gilliland at the QuikTrip 500 in Atlanta. In October, GPC will also sponsor Gilliland at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Georgia Peanuts joined Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team at the newly repaved Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20 and will also sponsor him again at the Talladega Superspeedway in October.

Gilliland is honored to race the Georgia Peanuts colors in his rookie campaign.

“It’s really exciting to be able to represent Georgia Peanuts this year,” said Gilliland. “They have a lot of history in stock car racing and racing at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. I just want to continue that tradition and represent all the peanut farmers and the Georgia Peanuts brand to the best of my ability. It’s a great history to be a part of and continue.”

“It's really exciting to be able to represent Georgia Peanuts this year. They have a lot of history in stock car racing. It's The Atlanta event marked the 25th a great history to be a part of anniversary of Georgia Peanuts visiting and continue.” victory lane in the ARCA Menards Series with driver Harris DeVane. To celebrate the anniversary, DeVane's winning car was on display in the Georgia Peanut's exhibit in the Fan Zone during race weekend.

“We’re proud to support Todd Gilliland this year in his rookie season,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman for the Georgia Peanut Commission.

“And we’re excited to do it on the 25th anniversary of our last win at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. We hope

Todd Gilliland The week leading up to the race, Gilliland made several social media announcements on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram regarding the promotion. News regarding the promotion was picked up by several NASCAR news sources including Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Motor Sports News, Speedway Digest and Speedway Media.

22 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

Prior to the race events, Gilliland made a special stop at the FeedNC Food Bank in his hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina, to make a donation of 1,440 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter.

FeedNC serves approximately 150 guests each day and offers a culinary job training program, hosts community cooking demos, mobile pantries and more.

The Georgia Peanut Commission staff also exhibited in the Fan Zone at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and promoted peanuts through a billboard at the race track. During the two-day event more than 12,000 bags of Georgia Peanuts were given away to race fans. Gilliland also stopped by the exhibit in the Fan Zone to sign autographs on Sunday prior to the race.

To learn more about the Georgia Peanut Commission NASCAR promotion with Gilliland, visit www.gapeanuts.com. 

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

23

46th Annual Florida Peanut Meeting Donnell receives Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer Award

by Ken Barton

T

he Florida Peanut Producers Association held their 46th Annual Membership Meeting Feb. 24, 2022, in Marianna, Florida.

During the meeting, farmers elected new board members and received a report on activities of FPPA and the National Peanut Board.

The new members elected to serve on the FPPA Board of Directors are Philip Melvin from Calhoun County and Jim McArthur from Jackson County, Florida. These directors are eligible to serve two consecutive three year terms. Melvin and McArthur replace retiring director positions of Joe Tillman from Altha, Florida, and Michael Davis from Graceville, Florida.

Officers elected during the meeting include Larry Ford from Greenwood, Florida, as president and David DeFelix from Campbellton, Florida, as vice president, and Philip Melvin, as secretary/treasurer.

Ken Barton, FPPA executive director, provided a report highlighting some of the promotional and educational activities the association has been involved in over the past year. Lindsay Stevens, marketing and communications specialist with the National Peanut Board also gave a report on the national promotions and research funding.

“To depend on farming as your livelihood is a commitment to long days and hard work.

Johnny and his family have chosen to embrace this way of life.”

Daniel Neely Farm Credit of Northwest Florida

Johnny Donnell of Escambia County, Fla., receives the Farm Credit/Florida Peanut Producers Association Young Peanut Farmer Award from Daniel Neely, loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, during the 46th annual FPPA annual meeting Feb. 24, 2022, in Marianna, Fla.

The highlight of the evening included the presentation of the Farm Credit/FPPA Young Peanut Farmer Award presentation. Daniel Neely, loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida presented the award to Johnny Donnell from Escambia County, Florida.

"To depend on farming as your livelihood is a commitment to long days and hard work," Neely says.

"Johnny and his family have chosen to embrace this way of life."

Farm Credit of Northwest Florida proudly nominated Donnell for the Young Peanut Farmer of the Year award. Donnell grows corn, wheat, cotton, soy beans and peanuts.

Unlike many young farmers, Donnell was not born into a multigenerational farming family. His love

24 Southeastern Peanut Farmer | April 2022

for farming began to grow at age 14 when he worked on a neighbor’s farm. From there, Donnell gradually transitioned into his own farming operation which is now approximately 1,200 acres.

With acreage spread across three counties in Florida and Alabama, Donnell needs the stars to align and the weather to cooperate in order to plant, maintain, and harvest all his crops. If it’s Sunday morning, Donnell is at church with his wife and three young children, but the rest of the week you’ll find him in the fields.

Donnell doesn’t run a flashy or fancy operation but his work ethic and financial responsibility have made him a successful farmer who will be producing food and fiber for years to come. 

Southern Peanut Growers Conference Set for July

M

ark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 21-23, 2022, at the Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, peanut promotions and production issues.

The registration fee for growers is $195 which includes all conference events and meals. The registration deadline is June 30. The registration fee increases by $50 on July 1.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Together Towards Tomorrow,” plans to focus on school nutrition, ag labor, carbon credits and more. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker is U.S. Congressman Glen 'GT' Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. 

July 21-23, 2022 Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida Register online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Tentative Agenda Thursday, July 21 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room & Conference Registration Welcoming Reception Welcoming Dinner

Friday, July 22 7:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Prayer Breakfast General Session I Refreshment Break Ladies Program General Session II

Friday, July 22 continued Noon Luncheon 6:00 p.m.

Pirate Cruise Saturday, July 23 7:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Noon 7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Breakfast General Session III Refreshment Break Lunch on your own and afternoon free!

Reception Dinner & Entertainment

April 2022 | Southeastern Peanut Farmer

25

Peanut Farmers Donate Peanut Butter to Capital Area Food Bank

by Madeline Hawkins

U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop (center), D-Ga., joins peanut industry representatives for a donation of 10,080 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter to the Capital Area Food Bank. The donation was made during the U.S. Peanut Federations's Spring 2022 Washington, D.C. Fly-in.

T

he United States Peanut Federation (USPF) combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2022 Washington, D.C. Fly-in. The Georgia Peanut Commission in conjunction with USPF proudly partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the Nation’s Capital and surrounding area. The delivery of this donation was made possible by SouthernAG Carriers who graciously donated their truck carrier service to transport the peanut butter.

The USPF members were joined on site at the Capital Area Food Bank warehouse by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia. U.S. Congressman Bishop is the Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies and is a champion of the peanut industry.

“Peanut butter is nutrition

packed, versatile, inexpensive, easy to store and is a convenient source of protein and heart-healthy fats,” says Congressman Bishop. “It helps reduce insulin resistance and is a good source of fiber. On top of that, it’s good!”

“The peanut butter we’re donating can be used to make more than 141,000 sandwiches,” says USPF chairman Joe Boddiford. “Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its long shelf life. We are grateful to partner with Peanut Proud and the Capital Area Food Bank to ensure that those affected by food insecurity can have access to safe, nutritional food, and delicious peanut butter.”

Molly McGlinchy, senior director for procurement and direct programs at the Capital Area Food Bank, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry representatives in attendance.

“We are so thankful to be able to supply this to the children and families we serve,” McGlinchy says.

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The food bank works to address hunger today and create brighter futures tomorrow for the half a million neighbors across the region experiencing food insecurity. As the anchor in the area’s hunger relief infrastructure, they provide over 45 million meals to people in need each year by supplying food to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. They also work in partnership with organizations across the region to address hunger’s root causes by pairing food with other critical services. For additional information, visit the Capital Area Food Bank website at www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association.

USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. 

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Washington Outlook

By Robert L. Redding Jr.

USPF Testifies at U.S. House Ag Committee Hearing The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on “A 2022 Review on the Farm Bill: Commodity Group Perspectives on Title I.” Chairman David Scott, D-Georgia, opened the hearing stating, “As we look ahead to the 2023 Farm Bill, I am committed to making sure that the full breadth of voices from our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers is represented in our efforts. Today’s panel is an integral piece in that process, and I look forward to the months ahead as we discuss the other farm bill titles and issue areas.”

Nine commodity groups testified at the hearing including Meredith McNair Rogers, a Camilla, Georgia peanut grower representing the Georgia Peanut Commission and the U.S. Peanut Federation. Rogers discussed the rising costs of inputs in peanut production and related analyses from representative farming operations.

“When I met with the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee early last fall, I spoke of increased input costs such as fertilizer and equipment. In addition, I shared with you the delays in equipment parts and repair. Since the Subcommittee’s Roundtable last year, the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, has completed its review of U.S. Representative Peanut Farm data covering all the peanut production regions. These 22 peanut farms, from Virginia to New Mexico, have been reviewed for 21 years (2001-2022).

What we have learned from this most recent, comprehensive data is that peanut growers have struggled to cover their cost of production.”

Rogers provided the committee specific data from representative peanut farms that demonstrated the

increases in cost of production: “… The 2021 representative farm update revealed the average expected peanut yield to be 4760 lbs. per acre.

In a cash flow analysis, the 2021 total cash flow was $545.97 per ton. The projected 2022 peanut total cash flow cost to produce a ton of peanuts is estimated to be $666.94. This is approximately a 22 percent increase over the 2021 cost of production.”

The House Agriculture Committee is expected to continue its hearing process in preparation for the 2023 Farm Bill. Fifteen members of the committee are from peanut producing states. Hearings to date include a review of the Conservation Title for the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee will begin field hearings in the spring for the farm bill.

Ag Trade Nominations Update USDA has yet to nominate an Under Secretary for Trade. This is a key position for agricultural organizations to communicate on important trade issues. This is the highest ranking political position at USDA for trade matters and serves as an advocate for American agricultural trade issues.

In addition, Elaine Trevino, the Administration’s nominee for the deputy position for agriculture at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has withdrawn her nomination.

Trevino, a former almond industry executive, had been nominated by the President some time ago but had not been scheduled for floor consideration.

Peanut Appropriations Projects Included in FY 2022 Law After months of negotiations, the U.S. Senate has sent the White House the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations legislation. Included in the bill were two top peanut projects,

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aflatoxin and peanut nutrition. The U.S. Peanut Federation and the Georgia Peanut Commission worked with U.S Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, on these projects. In its second year of funding, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Fort Valley State University were approved for $3 million to pursue aflatoxin research.

The new law includes an additional $1 million for peanut nutrition research through ARS. The Peanut Institute worked with USPF on this initiative.

USPF Holds Capitol Hill Fly-In Participants in the recent U.S. Peanut Federation Washington, D.C. fly-in discussed the rising cost of production for peanuts, the Price Loss Coverage program (PLC) and trade with members of Congress and the Administration.

USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie briefed peanut leaders on the Administration’s new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, conservation and Farm Service Agency issues.

USPF Joins Organizations Seeking Increase in RUTF Funding The U.S. Peanut Federation and other agricultural organizations have joined together in a request of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees to increase funding for ready-to-use therapeutic food.

In a letter to appropriations’ leaders, the coalition stated: "The U.S. is already one of the world’s largest and most cost-efficient producers of RUTF and the agricultural inputs needed to produce it."

View the full letter on page 29. 

March 21, 2022 The Honorable Sanford Bishop Chairman U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Andy Harris Acting Ranking Member U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Tammy Baldwin Chairwoman U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable John Hoeven Ranking Member U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Chairs Bishop and Baldwin and Ranking Members Harris and Hoeven, We, the undersigned organizations, write to you in support of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) as a proven intervention to address global hunger and childhood malnutrition. Malnutrition claims the lives of more than three million kids each year – more than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Children suffering from severe malnutrition, or wasting, require immediate nutrition intervention in the form of RUTF to survive.

RUTF is a medical food paste made of peanuts, powdered milk, vegetable oil, sugar, soy and multivitamins that can bring a wasted child back from the brink of death in a matter of weeks. This energy-dense, fortified paste is shelf stable for up to two years and does not require mixing with potentially contaminated water. RUTF is specially formulated to contain the essential nutrients and ingredients in requisite amounts determined by experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be scientifically essential for nourishment of these vulnerable children.1 A typical treatment regimen consists of three RUTF packets every day for about six weeks and costs less than $1 per day. Up to 90 percent of children treated will recover.

Despite being ranked as one of the most effective child survival interventions, RUTF is vastly underfunded and underprioritized by the international community. Globally, only $200 million is invested annually in RUTF production, which is only enough to treat 25 percent of children suffering from wasting.

The U.S. is already one of the world’s largest and most cost-efficient producers of RUTF and the agricultural inputs needed to produce it. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reports roughly $45 million in annual procurement of RUTF, which supports the sourcing of peanuts, soy protein, dairy, vegetable oil and sugar from across the country. American farmers have the capacity to expand production to begin meeting more of the emergency global need, but the missing ingredient is funding. An additional $200 million per year for U.S. RUTF procurement would double the global supply to finally reach the majority of wasted children with this lifesaving treatment.

As Congress turns its attention to fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislation, we encourage you to consider this opportunity to address global childhood malnutrition while simultaneously stimulating the domestic agricultural economy. Specifically, we are requesting that $200 million be set aside for procurement of WHO guidance2compliant RUTF from funding provided for the P.L. 480 Title II program, the United States’ premier international food assistance program.

Sincerely, American Soybean Association American Sugar Alliance National Council of Farmer Cooperatives National Milk Producers Federation U.S. Dairy Export Council U.S. Peanut Federation 1 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022270

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1025 Sugar Pike Way · Canton, Georgia 30115 | (770) 751-6615 | lpwagner@comcast.net

Making Sustainable More Attainable Steven Satterfield, chef/owner of Miller Union in Atlanta, and Donald Chase, vice chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, kicked off the Southern Peanut Growers culinary campaign March 22 at the Epicurean Hotel. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, local media, local chefs and peanut industry representatives were in attendance as the campaign was introduced. Satterfield introduced each of three videos featuring a peanut sustainability topic and a recipe from his 2017 cookbook, Peanuts. Satterfield and Chase discussed each topic and answered questions while guests tasted the prepared recipe.

The videos are part of the new chef educational campaign, Making Sustainable More Attainable, which can be seen at PeanutButterLovers.com. Chef Satterfield will continue the campaign with media interviews. The campaign also includes culinary school educational materials which meet high school and associate program curriculum standards.

2022 University of Georgia Extension Conference The Georgia Chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America hosted its annual conference in Athens, Georgia, March 24-26. Leslie Wagner staffed the Georgia Peanuts exhibit during the conference. Food & Nutrition, Culinary and Early Childhood teachers and students visited the exhibit to obtain classroom materials on nutrition, early introduction to prevent peanut allergy, and new peanut curriculum as well as peanuts and promotional items.

Leslie Wagner, Southern Peanut Growers executive director, visits with students during the Georgia Family, Career and Community Leaders of America state conference held March 24-26 in Athens, Ga.

Snapper in Peanut Tomato Broth with Coconut Rice Courtesy of Chef Steven Satterfield Rice

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon fine sea salt ½ cup water 14-oz can coconut milk

Stew

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 yellow onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon kosher salt 14-oz can diced tomatoes ½ cup natural peanut butter ½ teaspoon turmeric 2 teaspoons paprika Juice of 1 lime ½ cup water 1 ½ cups snapper filet with skin, pinbones removed, cut into bite size pieces Freshly ground black pepper 2 heads baby bok choy, cut into bite-size pieces Cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions Make the rice: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rice, lemongrass, garlic, salt, water and the coconut milk. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Make the Stew: In a medium high-sided saute pan, warm the oil over medium heat.

Add the onion, pepper, garlic and salt and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent. Add the tomatoes, peanut butter, turmeric and paprika and stir well to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stir in the lime juice and water, and remove the pan from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth (or working in batches, transfer to blender and blend until smooth – making sure to leave a vent for steam to escape – and then return to the saute pan).

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Season the snapper liberally with salt and pepper. Return the tomato-peanut puree to medium heat. Add the bok choy and simmer until tender, about 4 minutes.

Add the seasoned snapper and gently stir until the fish is well coated. Reduce the heat to medium low, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes or just until the fish is cooked through but still tender. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

To Serve: Using a large scoop, divide the cooked rice to form four firm balls in the center of four wide soup bowls. Spoon the fish stew around the rice. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

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