Mississippi holds 2023 annual meeting

by Malcolm Broome

The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association held its 18th annual meeting Feb. 8, 2023, at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. During the meeting, Mississippi peanut growers had the opportunity to hear from peanut industry representatives and specialists, as well as visit with agricultural companies during the trade show.

During the annual meeting, Mississippi peanut growers were provided an update on Mississippi agriculture from Andy Gipson, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.

Growers also heard topics on cover crop management, peanut outlook for 2023, latest cotton and peanut research and information on new peanut varieties. Marshall Lamb, research director at the National Peanut Research Lab, provided an update on USDA ARS research and an economic update for 2023, while Mississippi State University’s peanut agronomist, Brendan Zurweller, provided an update on his research projects in Mississippi.

Mississippi peanut growers also received promotional updates from the Lauren Highfill Williams, director of communications with the National Peanut Board. Lonnie Fortner, chairman of the Mississippi Peanut Promotion Board, presented an overview of some of the activities throughout the past year.

During the annual meeting, MPGA members elected members to the board of directors. The officers elected were Joe Morgan, president from District 1 and Lonnie Fortner, vice president from District 2. Additional board members elected include Drew Parrish, District 4, and Steve Seward as at large members.

At the close of the annual meeting the grand door prize was presented to Dan West, Mississippi. He received a $5,000 voucher for a discount on KMC equipment or for parts. The Grower Door Prize was presented by Amadas Industries to Steve Seward, Lucedale, Mississippi. Seward received a certificate for the purchase of new Amadas peanut equipment.

For more information visit www. misspeanuts.com.