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PEANUT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS XII
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.
Participants 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 offi ce, 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 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
The 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
by Joy Crosby
Research Committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results which will benefi t 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, 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.
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.
Todd Gilliland presents 1,440 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter to FeedNC in Mooresville, N.C. as part of the racing promotion.
by Joy Crosby
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.
The 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.
The Atlanta event marked the 25th anniversary of Georgia Peanuts visiting 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 can make more memories for us this season and look forward to his races with us.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Todd Gilliland
