October/November 2022 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

Field Rows

ROWS AND

SHOWS

Editor’s thoughts Events

Milestones

Our life is filled with different milestones, such as starting school, entering adulthood, getting married or having children. For those involved in agriculture, milestones may include winning their first belt buckle at a livestock show, growing their first crop of peanuts, receiving the American FFA Degree or becoming a Master 4-Her. This fall two farmers have reached milestones in their farming career - one with a prestigious award and another through harvesting their 71st peanut crop and an upcoming 100th birthday!

Alabama Farmer’s Federation Annual Meeting

Dec. 4-5, 2022, Montgomery, Ala. For more information visit alfafarmers.org.

Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Dec. 4-6, 2022, Jekyll Island, Ga. For more information visit gfb.org.

American Peanut Council Winter Conference

Scotty and Melanie Raines of Turner County were recognized as the Georgia Farmer of the Year during the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Scotty Raines didn't grow up on a farm, but his father kept a large garden at home. His mother, a beautician, had a beauty shop behind their house. So, Raines began his agrarian career by selling produce from the garden to his mom's customers. In 1991, Raines married Melanie and two years later began farming full-time with his father-inlaw. The farm has grown from 1,000 acres to 2,300 acres of cotton, peanuts, corn, watermelon, along with beef cattle.

Recently, Raines was named the Georgia Farmer of the Year for the Swisher - Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Program. He was recognized during the 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Dec. 6-8, 2022, InterContinental Buckhead Hotel, Atlanta, Ga. For more info visit peanutsusa.com.

American Farm Bureau Convention

Jan. 6-11, 2023, San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information visit fb.org.

Georgia Peanut Farm Show Jan. 19, 2023, University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton, Ga. For more information, gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470.

Georgia Agribusiness Council Legislative Breakfast Feb. 1, 2023, Atlanta, Ga. For more info visit ga-agribusiness.org or call 706-3366830.

St. Elmo Harrison will celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 27, 2022.

Another farmer reaching a milestone this year in birthdays is St. Elmo Harrison of Whigham, Georgia. Harrison will turn 100 on Nov. 27, 2022. He recently wrapped up harvesting his 71st peanut crop with the help of his family. Harrison is reaching a milestone most of us hope to reach one day. Congratulations and Happy Birthday from the entire peanut industry! 

Joy Carter Crosby SEPF Editor

Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show Feb. 2, 2023, National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan, Ala. For more info call 334-792-6482 or visit alpeanuts.com or flpeanuts.com.

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Annual Meeting Feb. 7-8, 2023, Forrest County Multipurpose Center, Hattiesburg, Miss. For more information call 601-606-3547 or visit misspeanuts.com.

Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day Feb. 8, 2023, University of Georgia National Environmentally Sound Production Laboratory (NESPAL), Tifton, Ga. For more info visit gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470.

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

Field rows and field shows

Jim McArthur is a Farmer to Follow

By Maddie Frost

Jim McArthur, better known as Randy the Farmer, has taken the social media platforms Tik Tok and YouTube by storm. He is well known for his comedic videos, especially when it comes to his infamous tripping and crazy wig. His fame due to his farming was a long time coming though. McArthur had always grown up around the farm, but farming had not always been in his plans.

“Growing up, I wasn’t your normal farm kid that was all about farming and loved it,” McArthur says. “I tolerated farming, but dad always had me doing the grunt work that he couldn’t ask his main guys to do like leveling peanuts in the wagon at harvest.”

McArthur is now a secondgeneration farmer but his family’s involvement in agriculture goes back further generations. His grandfather owned the peanut mill, which back then was known as McArthur Croft Peanut. It is now Malone Peanut in Malone, Florida. Also located in Malone is the chemical and feed store that his father currently runs. The feed store began back in the early eighties. His father began farming in 1974 and is still producing crops to this day. Forty-eight years later, McArthur is still producing peanut, cotton, and small grains on the family farm.

McArthur’s interest as a young child was not in farming, it was in another evident love of his - video editing. He remembers at a young age playing with the old VHS type cameras. It was not long until he upgraded to the Hi8 camera, which was the first digital camera. He remembers getting the new Hi8 camera when he was about in the 8th grade.

“I bought it from Sears, I remember that. It was like 600 bucks

which was a pile of money back then,” McArthur says.

Soon after, McArthur began learning the process of editing videos. When it came time for college, he chose to go to Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. McArthur continued to chase his love for video production with the end goal of being an editor.

Life quickly took off for McArthur. After two short years in college, he met his future wife, Damara, while on a cruise ship. She followed him to Panama City and their life began.

He stated that around that time he “just kind of got lazy to be honest. We were just at the beach all the time and I dropped out of college.”

After dropping out, he began a job with Sallie Mae Student Loans. He quickly realized he was not content answering phones. He felt it was best if he moved back home, and he would figure it all out once he got there.

It was 2009 when he decided to

move back and once he got home, he never left. A few short years later, McArthur and his wife welcomed their first child. Years continued to pass by, and McArthur continued to make videos for himself of small things around the farm. He quickly realized that YouTube videos heavily focused on farming were becoming a big hit and he decided to take a shot at it in 2020.

McArthur’s original game plan for his YouTube channel was for it to be cartoon-like and centered around kids. That was when his first video was created called the “Kitty Kat Seafood Bar.” Regulations and restrictions got in the way and his channel then morphed into the farm video channel it is today throughout multiple social media channels. His channel is now widely known as "Field Rows."

Although McArthur’s success with "Randy" was never planned, he has become widely successful with roughly 339.2K followers. "Randy" began as a joke with his kids.

Jim McArthur shoots a video discussing peanut production at his farm in Malone, Fla.

McArthur’s children loved the idea of crazy Uncle Randy and Aunt Sandy. The crazy wig, tightly tucked in shirt, and constant falling brought humor for the kids, but what McArthur did not realize was the humor it would bring for the entire world. “Randy’s” career on Tik Tok took off when one of McArthur’s close friends, Jeff, suggested he should try out the new social media platform Tik Tok. From the very first video, "Randy" was receiving a lot of traction.

"People like to be entertained,"

McArthur says. "You can go out here all day and try to get into the science behind agriculture and there is definitely a demographic for that, but keep it light, maybe learn a little bit."

McArthur said the creation of the "Field Rows" videos has made him a better farmer because he has to ensure that what he is saying is factual. He does not want to tell his followers something incorrect, so he ensures that he fact checks himself and therefore he gains additional knowledge.

Agronomist David Wright Retires from Florida

David Wright, agronomist at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida, retired recently after 45 years of service.

Wright's career with the University of Florida started in 1977. He has developed and delivered information to support farms across the state on agronomic crops with a significant focus on conservation technology in the production of peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, small grains, and oil seed crops.

Wright worked to improve best management practices like crop rotation, farming in the winter, and crop-livestock integration has

The sign-up period for a new cost-share program for irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia is now open.

Drought SWAP is a project designed to install deep aquifer wells for irrigators who rely on surface water in the Lower Flint River Basin.

If farmers are interested in participating, please visit the Drought SWAP webpage at https://ga-fit. org/drought-swap/) to learn more, check their eligibility and submit an application.

The deadline to apply is December 15, 2022.

Drought SWAP is funded by a

transformed how crops are being produced in many ways. His legacy will continue through his efforts to improve the agriculture industry. 

McArthur and his wife now have three kids all while running a farm and a successful social media platform and business. Although his plate stays quite full, he still gets to follow his true passion of creating videos. McArthur truly is living his best life doing the three things he loves most, raising his kids, farming and creating videos. His success now gets him noticed in public places, but he would not have it any other way.

grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget via allocations.

This Grant was established by the American Recovery Plan Act for infrastructure development and administered by the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at Albany State University.

Drought SWAP is a component of the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA-FIT) which is an effort focused on enhancing drought response capacity to protect farmers, regional economy and natural systems.

For more information, visit the website, GA-FIT.org, email info@ga-fit.org or call 229-430-2900.

West Florida Research and Education Center Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The West Florida Research and Education Center celebrated their 75th anniversary in August following their field day. Initial research at the farm included soil fertility requirements for all major crops grown in the area, as well as cultivar research on corn, peanuts, soybeans, grain sorghum, small grains and forages.

In the late 40s and 50s the WFREC was utilized to produce foundation seed of peanut, oat, soybean and bahiagrass cultivars which led to the beginning of the Foundation Seed Program in Florida.

The WFREC has always worked in close cooperation with the county Extension faculty of the Northwestern panhandle of Florida. Throughout its 75-year history, the research center has worked in close cooperation with growers, land managers and ranchers of the area, and with manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural products.

The research center also hosts a Farm to City event every year prior to Thanksgiving. The center uses school children to help gather and harvest the crops grown at the center. Then the food is distributed to help feed more than 1,000 families in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.

To learn more about the WFREC visit wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu.

Flint irrigation well program sign up

Ken Barton, Florida Peanut Producers Association executive director, presents a plaque of appreciation to David Wright, agronomist with the University of Florida, during the retirement celebration.

Checkoff Report

Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry

Georgia Peanuts Partner with Austin Riley of the Braves

At the end of August, the Georgia Peanut Commission partnered with Atlanta Braves Austin Riley for a livestream book reading in the Atlanta metro area. Riley, an All Star third baseman, read “A Home Run for Peanuts” to students at King Springs Elementary School in Smyrna, Georgia. The reading took place in the school library with an audience of 44 students who excelled in the school’s reading goals over the summer. Baseball great, Hank Aaron, was the inspiration for choosing 44, as that was his jersey number. The remaining student body was able to view the reading via livestream in their classrooms across campus while more than 2,500 viewers watched on Facebook. Each of the 44 students received a copy of “A Home Run for Peanuts” and a pack of Georgia peanuts, as well as a meet and greet with a peanut farmer. GPC also donated copies of the book to the school’s library.

Also, GPC teamed up with the Atlanta Braves and 680TheFan to broadcast radio ads throughout the games this season which reached 15.2 million listeners of the Braves Radio Network and aired on 170 plus radio stations across the Southeast. One of the radio spots featured a giveaway contest where fans were asked to text the key word “Peanuts” to enter the contest for Braves tickets, VIP tour of Truist Park, Braves swag pack and more. There were 630 fans who entered the contest and the lucky winner was Connie O'Daniels of Acworth, Georgia.

Georgia Peanut Bank Week Celebrates Peanut Harvest

The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association joined forces Oct. 10-14, 2022, to promote the 46th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. More than 130 financial institutions and local banks across the state offered a tribute to Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies.

The 2022 theme, “Georgia Peanuts: Accounting for Your Daily Health,” showcased the affordable and nutritious peanut.

Gladney Receives Don Self Memorial Scholarship

The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association awarded the 2022-2023Don Self Memorial Scholarship to Heather Gladney from Buhl, Alabama. Gladney is a sophomore studying agribusiness in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University.

The scholarship was established in October 2015 in memory of Don Self, a life-long farmer in the Hamilton community of Monroe County, Mississippi. Self was one of the pioneer growers of peanuts in Northeast Mississippi and was completing his sixth year of service on the National Peanut Board and the board of the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association at the time of his death.

Gladney grew up on a small cow-calf operation, which led to learning about MSU through the vet school. From that experience, she decided Mississippi State was the place for her. Gladney is majoring in Agribusiness Management for her bachelor's degree and plans to earn a master's and doctorate in Agriculture Economics.

"This scholarship means hopefully not having to get a student loan and accumulate interest," Gladney says.

Plus the scholarship inspires motivation and dedication to her from donors willing to support students financially to help with their education.

NASCAR Cup Series Driver Todd Gilliland Finishes 7th at Talladega with Georgia Peanuts

The Georgia Peanut Commission returned to support NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Todd Gilliland, and the No. 38 car with the Front Row Motorsports team in October at Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500. The Commission continued their sponsorship after running their colors with Gilliland earlier this year in Atlanta. When the checkered flag ended the race, Gilliland finished in 7th place.

“It is great to be back in the Georgia Peanuts Ford at Talladega. I love racing in the Georgia Peanuts red and having the full support of peanut farmers across Georgia behind me. It is crazy to think that my first year in the NASCAR Cup Series is coming to an end,” Gilliland says.

The race aired on NBC and garnered multiple tv highlights of the Georgia Peanuts car.

Atlanta Braves third baseman, Austin Riley, reads "A Home Run for Peanuts" to students at King Springs Elementary School in Smyrna, Ga.

Alabama Introduces New Peanut Bag Design

APPA introduces a new peanut bag design.

It has been a continuing effort from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association to provide consumers with a bag of Alabama grown peanuts. The APPA has recently released a new design for the bag of roasted salted peanuts. The peanuts are currently being processed and roasted in Alabama at Priester's Pecans in Fort Deposit, Alabama. In the future, APPA plans to source the peanuts from Coastal Grower's peanut shelling plant in Atmore, Alabama. By partnering with this grower-owned shelling facility, APPA will truly be able to say that their bag of peanuts are Alabama grown and processed.

APPA exhibits at the Alabama Pediatrics Meeting

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association exhibited at the 2022 Fall Meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, Sept. 9-10, 2022. More than 90 pediatricians were in attendance and received peanut allergy and nutrition information. Alabama pediatricians continue to be receptive of early introduction practices and APPA appreciates their support.

Alabama pediatricians appreciate the "5 Easy Ways to introduce peanut foods to your infant" card (provided by the National Peanut Board) to hand out to parents. APPA mailed 3,000 of the cards, along with samples of peanut butter puffs, to pediatricians across the state after the September meeting .

Georgia Peanuts Promoted at Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game

The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsored and exhibited at the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff Games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. On Saturday, Sept. 3, Oregon vied against Georgia while on Monday, Sept. 5, Clemson took on Georgia Tech. There were approximately 124,000 fans at both games. The television viewership reached an estimated 11 million fans on ABC and ESPN.

FPPA Sponsors Southeastern 4-H Crop Scouting School

The Florida Peanut Producers sponsored the 2022 Southeastern 4-H Crop Scouting School. This program is a collaborative event that reached 55 youth from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to educate them on agronomic crops, fruit crops, beef/ dairy cattle, and agricultural practices. This is the 5th year the event has been held, with the largest number of participants this year.

The Georgia Peanut Commission promoted peanuts during the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff Games in September which included in-game exposure and an exhibit in the Tailgate Town prior to each game.

During the event, GPC promoted peanuts at an exhibit in the Tailgate Town prior to both games reaching an estimated 33,000 fans. GPC passed out peanuts, squeeze stress balls and peanut butter spreaders to those visiting the booth.

To further the promotion, GPC ran a banner ad on the game app and website, and promoted peanuts through the videoboard and LED ribbon board throughout the games. The Georgia Peanut Digital App advertisment reached more than 72,000 impressions.

The first day included a hot day in south Georgia where the group toured peanut research fields at CM Striping Irrigation and ended the day with horticulture at Van Glott farms. On day two, attendees visited the Wiregrass Research Station in Headland, Alabama, to discuss beef cattle, cover crops, and precision agriculture.

For day three, the 4-H members visited Jim McArthur with McArthur Farms and host of Field Rows. McArthur discussed the different equipment used for peanut harvest. He also took the youth on a walk through the peanut field which allowed the kids to see the plant up close prior to harvest.

The last stop for the scouting school included a farm-to-table treat at Cindale Dairy and ended the day with a float down Spring Creek. The event provided a great educational opportunity for youth excited about agriculture's future.

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association provides allergy and nutrition information to attendees at the Alabama Pediatrics Meeting in Birmingham, Ala.

Fifty-five 4-H members from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina attend the 2022 Southeastern 4-H Crop Scouting School sponsored by the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

Williams family

Williams Family Honored as Grand Marshal During Plains Peanut Festival

By Joy Crosby

The Williams family have operated Williams Warehouse in Plains, Georgia, since 1926. Through the years, the Williams family have been instrumental in serving farmers within the area and they are known for supplying quality seed for the peanut industry. The Williams family have also been instrumental in supporting local events within Plains, including the Plains Peanut Festival.

The family members include Larry and Sharon Williams, Al and Cathy Williams, George and Jan Williams, and John and Cindy Williams. All of the Williams family were recently recognized as the Grand Marshal and led the Plains Peanut Festival parade.

The Williams family have carried on the family tradition passed onto

them from their fathers, Albert and Frank, and Grandfather Oscar, by supplying seed and fertilizer to area farmers and storing cotton and peanuts.

The Williams family are known for their strength, faith and their way of taking care of the farmers. Their family business has always been about building relationships with farmers and taking care of the crop the farmers bring to them each season.

The warehouse holds many fond memories for the family members but the best memories are the relationships they built with the customers they served.

"The interaction between us and the farmers was the most important aspect of the business," says John

Williams. "The money was second."

Through the years, as the business changed and adapted, so did farming practices in the area. The Williams family recalls how they have seen farmers plant with 2-row equipment and now use 8 to 12-row planters. Harvest equipment has also advanced from 2-row equipment to 6 and 8 row diggers and combines now.

At the warehouse, the capacity for storing and moving peanuts has increased from 50 pound bags to 2,200 pound tote bags.

In 2021, the Williams family sold the business to Buffalo Peanut Company. The Williams family once served the grandparents of the new owners. 

George, John, Al and Larry Williams in front of Williams Warehouse in Plains, Georgia. The family led the Plains Peanut Festival parade as the Grand Marshal in 2022.

2022 Southern Peanut growers conference in review

By Joy Crosby

The 2022 Southern Peanut Growers Conference was held July 21-23, 2022, at Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provided farmers with information relating to peanut production, legislative updates, school nutrition and more. The event also allowed farmers the opportunity to visit with multiple companies offering services or new products for the farm.

The opening general session focused on school nutrition and included Sherry Coleman Collins, consultant with the National Peanut Board, Judson Crane with the Florida School Nutrition Association and Amy Carroll with the School District of Lee County Florida. Coleman Collins provided an update on peanut allergies and the work being done to help educate school systems on protocols to address peanut allergies rather than being peanut free.

Crane and Carroll both addressed examples in their local communities on how they overcame being peanut free. According to Carroll, the School District in Lee County brought peanuts back to their menu in 2022 after being banned since 2004. She credits allergy management education as being more realistic and effective than banning a single food item.

photos,

The second general session focused on ag labor, carbon credits and additional sustainability opportunities for farmers. The third general session focused on legislative activities and featured Congressman Michael Cloud, R-Texas. Congressman Cloud addressed the group with an update on ag policy.

Awards were presented during the conference to deserving farmers.

John Altom with Valent presented the 2022 Valor Award to Armond Morris, retired chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. Morris has dedicated more than 40 years in service to GPC and a variety of other peanut organizations.

Farm Press presented the 2022 Peanut Efficiency Awards during the breakfast on Saturday morning. The 2022 winners are: Upper Southeast: Ben Cowin, Williamston, N.C.; Lower Southeast: Wayne Hobbs, Irwin County, Ga.; Delta: Mitchell Rogers, Covington County, Miss. and Southwest: Karl Stutzman, Weatherford, Okla.

Photos, speaker presentations, interviews and more are available online at www.southernpeanutfarmers. org. 

Available

The 2022 Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Award winners are (left to right) Southwest: Karl Stutzman, Weatherford, Okla.; Lower Southeast: Wayne Hobbs, Irwin County, Ga. and Upper Southeast: Ben Cowin, Williamston, N.C. Not pictured: Delta: Mitchell Rogers, Covington County, Miss.

Congressman Michael Cloud provided an update on ag policy during the 2022 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.

John Altom (left) with Valent, presents the 2022 Valor Award to Armond Morris, retired chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, during the 2022 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.

Peanuts for the Win

Organizations Partner With College Football Athletes to Promote Peanut Nutrition Benefits

By Jessie Bland

College athletics have become as popular as professional sports. So much so, that in 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began allowing college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image or likeness; commonly referred to as “NIL.” Prior to July 1, 2021, professional athletes were only allowed compensation, as college athletes were deemed “amateur.” This change created a new opportunity for athletes and brands to partner in marketing efforts, particularly to younger demographics like Generation Z and Millennials.

The purchasing power of Gen Z and Millennial demographics is one many brands cannot afford to dismiss. According to a 2021 Bloomberg report, Gen Z has more than $360 billion in disposable income. As their purchasing habits evolve, it becomes apparent marketing tactics must evolve with them. The "NIL" change creates a new space to share messaging and influence their purchasing decisions.

To explore this new marketing space, the Georgia Peanut Commission, South Carolina Peanut Board and The Peanut Institute partnered on a co-promotion in September to work with University of Georgia linebacker, Nolan Smith and University of South Carolina quarterback, Spencer Rattler. The two athletes are peanut fans and have a combined social media following of 535,000. Of those followers, 93 percent

are ages 17 to 34. Beginning Sept. 4, Smith and Rattler used their platforms to share a total of six separate times how they fuel their game with peanuts leading up to the Sept. 17 rivalry game.

“After having a hard day out on a bloody Tuesday or a great practice, I just love to come home and make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” Smith shared.

Rattler shared, “Gamecock fans, I’m excited to get back in the stadium and play with my team against Georgia in the Peanut Bowl. I’m deep in this film and these peanuts are keeping me sharp and fueled up. Time to go all out. Spurs up!”

Both players provided peanut nutrition facts in their post captions, as well as a link to additional information. GPC, SCPB and TPI also promoted the

campaign on social media.

The campaign centered around the hashtag #PeanutsForTheWin, to promote the health benefits of peanuts to fans and followers of both teams and athletes. Outside of social, the campaign included an on-site

activation in Gamecock Village during game day, where staff passed out packs of peanuts, “Peanuts for the Win” button pins, and rally towels featuring the hashtag and sponsor logos to more than 5,000 fans. Additionally, a :30 second commercial featuring the campaign aired during halftime inside the stadium, which has a capacity of more than 77,000. Radio ads with the campaign messaging aired pregame, in-game and post-game to an estimated 500,000 listeners between two radio networks. Overall, the campaign resulted in an estimated 1 million impressions; certainly demonstrating “Peanuts for the Win!”

Georgia Peanut Commission, South Carolina Peanut Board and The Peanut Institute staff exhibit at Gamecock Village.

Peanuts for the Win commercial during halftime of the UGA vs. South Carolina football game held Sept. 17, 2022.

“After having a hard day out on a bloody Tuesday or a great practice, I just love to come home and make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."

Nolan Smith University of Georgia Linebacker

"...I'm excited to get back in the stadium and play with my team against Georgia in the Peanut Bowl. I'm deep in this film and these peanuts are keeping me sharp and fueled up..."

Spencer Rattler University of South Carolina QB

Young Leaders Take on West Texas

By Jessie Bland

Members of Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA) completed session three of the 18-month program Aug. 15-18, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. This session focused on peanut production in West Texas, media training and learning about other agricultural sectors in the Lone Star State.

On day one, the group gathered for a chuck wagon-style dinner hosted at FiberMax Center for Discovery. This first-class museum’s mission is “to preserve the history of, tell the story of and instill pride in American Agriculture and values.” Restored antique tractors, harvesting equipment, interactive blacksmith shop, history of cotton ginning exhibit and the largest display of pedal tractors in the United States are a few things to see, as well as modern agricultural practices like the interactive cotton harvesting exhibit that allows visitors to get a real-life view from a cotton harvester.

The following morning, the class traveled to Brownfield for a tour of Birdsong Peanuts’ shelling facility. This location is Birdsong’s Southwest area headquarters and can shell all four types of peanuts grown in the U.S. While here, they also received an in-depth overview of the peanut grading process from Dr. Darlene Cowart, Birdsong’s vice president for food safety and quality. The afternoon

was spent touring area peanut fields. Growing peanuts in West Texas can be a lot different than other U.S. peanutgrowing areas, so the class was able to see and hear about production practices they may or may not have been familiar with. Many of the growers and industry representatives shared their challenges with the current lack of rain and how it impacts their decisions on the farm.

On day three, the class visited Schilling Farms’ sub-surface dripirrigated cotton field and South Plains Compost. South Plains Compost, parent company of Back to Nature, Inc., supplies bagged cotton burr composts and blends to the lawn and garden industry. This operation is unique in how it fits into West Texas agriculture and utilizes the commodities local to the region. The morning’s tours wrapped up at Texas Tech University, where the class toured the Gordon W. Davis Meat Science Laboratory, housed within the department of animal and food sciences. A full tour of the workings of the facility from animal arrival to the department’s retail store featuring Red Raider Meats was given. TTU staff shared how the facility serves others through teaching, research and public service. Lunch took place at Evie Mae’s BBQ, which is owned by Arnis and Malory Robbins, son and daughterin-law of former peanut farmers and

National Peanut Board delegates for New Mexico, Richard and Laura Robbins. To wrap up the day, Dr. Lindsay Kennedy, assistant professor of practice within Texas Tech’s department of agricultural education and communications, conducted the class’s media training and Mr. Tom Sell spoke to the group about how to prepare for their next session, which will take place in Washington, D.C.

The Peanut Leadership Academy, sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association and coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, provides leadership training for young farmers and sheller representatives within the U.S. peanut industry. Throughout the program, participants gain valuable leadership skills to be used in the future and are given an insight into many different issues the peanut industry faces. Current participating states include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy will travel to Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2023 for their fourth and final education session. Additional information on the Peanut Leadership Academy is available online at www.southernpeanutfarmers. org. 

Darlene Cowart, vice president for food safety and quality at Birdsong Peanuts, works with the Brownfield plant staff to demonstrate the peanut grading process.

Class XII members, along with sponsors of the program, tour area peanut farms in West Texas.

Class members visit South Plains Compost, which supplies bagged cotton burr composts and blends to the lawn and garden industry.

2022 Georgia Peanut Tour showcases peanut belt

By Joy Crosby

The thirty-fourth annual Georgia Peanut Tour was held Sept. 13-15, 2022, in Tifton, Georgia, and the surrounding area. Each year, the tour provides attendees the most up-to-date information on peanuts by showcasing a broad view of the industry through farm visits, processing and handling, as well as research facilities in the state. For 2022, tour stops were made in Tift, Colquitt, Mitchell, Baker and Worth Counties.

Tour attendees began day one with a Hot Topics session highlighting an update on the 2022 crop, economic viability of U.S. peanut farmers and a special focus on challenges with aflatoxin in the industry. During the remainder of the tour, attendees were able to see nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state.

On the next two days of the tour, stops were made at local peanut farms in Tifton and Newton, Georgia, Tifton Peanut Company, the Georgia Department of Ag Seed Lab, Kelley Manufacturing Co., Sunbelt Ag Expo, Hayes LTI and Birdsong Peanuts

at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus research farms and the AgResearch Consultants Inc. research farm.

This year attendees were able to see both digging and picking of peanuts on the farm. Attendees were able to see a digging demonstration at the farm of Greg Davis, view a harvest maturity clinic from University of Georgia Extension agents at the Sunbelt Ag Expo farm and see the process of picking peanuts with a combine at the farm of Caleb Overman in Tifton, Georgia.

Attendees were also able to learn more about organic peanut production by visiting the farm of Chad Heard in Newton, Georgia.

shelling plant in Sylvester. Research was highlighted on the tour by visits

During the 2022 Georgia Peanut Tour, attendees were able to see freshly dug peanuts at the farm of Greg Davis in Tifton, Ga.

2022 Georgia Peanut Tour Sponsors

Sponsors

Shellers Assn.

Silver Sponsors

Credit Associations of Georgia

Business Network

Federal State Inspection Service

Foods Corporation

Peanut Board

Innovation Gateway

Sponsors

Peanut Council

Peanut Buying Points Assn.

Peanut Farmer

Peanut Grower

Sponsor

Hershey Company

Georgia Young Peanut farmer award nominations due dec. 2

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in Tifton, Georgia. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF.

The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities.

“We have so many young peanut farmers making a difference in their communities and I consider this awards program a great opportunity to recognize one young peanut

farmer for their contributions to the agricultural industry,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of Jan. 19, 2023. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia.

“BASF is honored to be a sponsor of the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award,” says Dan

Georgia Peanut Tour continued

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Each farm visit offered attendees the opportunity to view the similarities and differences among peanut fields, farming practices ranging from conservation tillage practices as well as irrigated and dryland fields.

Another highlight of the tour included the addition of elementary school teachers. The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Farm Bureau invited nine teachers from metro-area counties to attend in order to learn more about the peanut industry.

“We wanted to bring the educators along on the tour to learn about specific educational pathways in ag - specifically peanuts, career opportunities within agriculture and give them overall insight into the peanut industry in South Georgia,” says Hannah Jones, GPC program coordinator for research and education.

The Georgia Peanut Commission, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus and Griffin Campus, Southwest Research and Education Center, Attapulgus Research and Education

Center and the USDA Agricultural Research Service National Peanut Research Lab coordinate the tour.

The 2022 tour included 201 industry representatives from 13 states and five countries including Uganda, Malawi, Sudan, Ghana and Australia.

To learn more about the 2022 tour stops, visit the tour blog online at georgiapeanuttour.com 

Watts, district manager of BASF Crop Protection Products. “We are committed to agriculture and bringing new innovative solutions to producers that will allow them to continue to be successful.”

Applications are due to the GPC office by Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229-386-3690 or emailing joycrosby@gapeanuts.com.

The 2022 award was presented to Shane Branch of Baxley, Georgia. The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 27-29, 2023, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida, and a sign to display at his or her farm. 

During the 2022 Georgia Peanut Tour, attendees were able to view the latest research in the use of drones for crop management by the University of Georgia Peanut Team.

The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Farm Bureau hosted elementary school teachers on the 2022 Georgia Peanut Tour so they could learn more about the peanut industry and career opportunities within agriculture and the peanut industry.

Georgia Peanut Farm Show set for Jan. 19, 2023, in Tifton

Show Includes Exhibits, Continuing Education, Awards and More

Producers can fine-tune their farming operation with information gained at the 46th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in January. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the 2023 Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference. The show is sponsored and coordinated by the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The one-day show offers farmers the opportunity to view the products and services of nearly 100 exhibitors and continuing education for the 2023 production season.

Farm Show chairman Rodney Dawson is looking forward to the 2023 show.

“I encourage farmers to attend this one-day show in Tifton,” Dawson says. “The knowledge they will gain from industry representatives and

seminars is an investment in the future of their farm.”

The University of Georgia will present an educational peanut production seminar on Thursday morning from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m.

An industry seed seminar will also be held Thursday morning from 10:35 to 11:35 a.m. This event is sponsored by the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on

Georgia Peanut Farm Show January 19, 2023

UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton, Georgia

Jan. 19, 2023

8:00 p.m. - Show Opens

9:00 - 10:30 a.m. - UGA Peanut Production Seminar

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Blood Drive

10:35 - 11:35 a.m. - Industry Seed Seminar

Noon - Awards Luncheon

2:00 p.m. - Grand Door Prize

2:30 p.m. - Show Closes

Check out www.GaPeanuts.com for more info!

Variety & Seed Development, Peanut Foundation, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and the Georgia Peanut Commission. Growers will be able to learn about farm-saved seed, peanut varieties available for 2023 and varieties on the horizon.

Farmers will also have the opportunity to earn credit toward their private or commercial pesticide applicator certification.

A free luncheon begins at noon for all attendees, with an opportunity for farmers to win more than $40,000 in door prizes afterward. The Georgia Peanut Commission will present a short program beginning at 12:15 p.m. that will cover award presentations and other special recognitions.

The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with One Blood, will hold a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center during the show.

For more information on the show, contact GPC at 229-386-3470 or online at www.gapeanuts.com. 

The 2023 Georgia Peanut Farm Show is set for Jan. 19, 2023 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.

Photo credit: Jennifer Whittaker, Georgia Farm Bureau.

Georgia Peanut Achievement Club

By Joy Crosby

Fifteen farmers were recently announced by the University of Georgia Peanut Team for their high yielding peanuts in 2021. The high yields ranged from 5,289 to 6,814 pounds per acre.

Many of the high yielding farmers agree that having a good rotation, good quality seed and good weather make all the difference with their yields. Additionally, the timing of applications for disease, weed and insect management are a key in achieving high yields.

“Many of the state winners combine their management practices of crop rotation and critical timing of applications to reach these high yields,” says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. “The yields are counted for the entire farm, irrigated or dryland; and they continue to increase year after year.”

Another component of the farmers' success is following recommendations from the Extension service to a tee and asking questions.

According to a report on the production practices of the 2021 winners, the majority use a 3-year rotation plan with other crops such as cotton, corn or cantaloupe. All of the farmers planted in twin rows except for one winner planting in single rows.

Another trait among the high yield winners is cultivar selection with many of the winners planting the Georgia06G cultivar. Other cultivars planted by the winners include Georgia-09B, Georgia-16HO, TifNV-High O/L, FloRun™ ‘331’, Georgia-12Y and Georgia-18RU.

One common trait among all of the winners included soil testing. All of the winners had soil tests taken on their fields and applied lime, gypsum or other nutrients as needed.

The majority of the winners utilize irrigation on their peanut crop. Those farmers utilize irrigation scheduling methods such as Irrigator Pro to assist them in determing when to apply water. However, two of the farmers produced dryland peanuts and were blessed with plenty of rain during the 2021 growing season.

The 2021 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club overall state winners are John Gaines Jr., Baker County with 6,814 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; Hulin Reeves, Irwin County with 6,726 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and 4 Miller Farms, Seminole County with 6,383 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.

The District 1 winners are Wesley Webb, Calhoun County, with 5,645 pounds per acre in the 100-299 category; Riley Davis, Terrell County, with 5,331 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and Jimmy Webb, Terrell County with 5,745 pounds per acre in the 700-plus

acreage category.

The District 2 winners are TAC Farms, Mitchell County with 5,289 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category and JET Farms, Mitchell County, with 6,109 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.

The District 3 winners are Larry Ray Walker, Ben Hill County with 6,526 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; David Selph, Wilcox County, with 6,319 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and River Ridge Farms, Jefferson County, with 5,747 pounds per acre in the 700plus acreage category.

The District 4 winners are Brenda Reeves, Irwin County, with 6,576 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; Andrew Grimes, Tift County, with 5,902 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and in the 700-plus category, ABC Dorminy Farms, Irwin County with 5,855 pounds per acre and Nellwood Farms, Bulloch County, with 5,912 pounds per acre.

The 2021 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club state winners were recognized at an awards ceremony Aug. 13, 2022, at Jekyll Island, Ga.

Fifteen farmers recognized for 2021 high yields

Washington Outlook

By Robert L. Redding Jr.

Trade Nominees Move Forward in the U.S. Senate

U.S. Senator Warnock Queries Taylor on Peanut Trade Concerns

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has approved Doug McKalip as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. McKalip will now go to the floor of the Senate for final consideration. One U.S. Senator has placed a hold on McKalip’s nomination. This will have to be cleared prior to the Senate taking up the nomination for a final vote on the floor.

"Doug McKalip is a strong choice to take on these challenges as our top trade advocate for American agriculture. He has fans on both sides of this committee, and we expect to work closely with him once he’s confirmed and on the job," comments Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has approved Alexis Taylor as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, questioned Taylor about non-tariff trade barriers applied by the EU and UK on U.S. peanut imports.

Senator Warnock: “Last June, I led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Vilsack and Ambassador Tai that was cosigned by 18 of my colleagues. This letter urged USDA and USTR to work together, alongside industry stakeholders, to reduce nontariff trade barriers faced by our peanut farmers when exporting to the European Union. Over a year later, these barriers remain. If confirmed, will you commit to swiftly working with me, as well as industry and USTR partners, to address these trade barriers and expand market access for our domestic peanut industry?”

Alexis Taylor: If confirmed, I will work with you and your staff, other interested members of Congress and my USDA, Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Trade Representative colleagues to continue existing efforts to directly engage our EU counterparts on market barriers related to aflatoxin testing requirements and the treatment of rejected U.S. peanut shipments. I recognize the importance of the EU market for U.S. peanut exporters and will prioritize partnerships with industry to maintain and expand market access for U.S. growers. Non-tariff barriers are a major challenge to market access for many U.S. agricultural products in important markets around the world, including the EU.

After Taylor was approved by the committee, Chairwoman Stabenow commented, “Dr. Jose Esteban, Vincent Logan, and Alexis Taylor have spent their careers as dedicated public servants and are proven to be highly qualified for these critical roles. Each of these nominees has strong bipartisan support, and I am looking forward to moving them quickly through the Senate.”

“I am pleased that the committee acted quickly after the hearing to move these three well-qualified nominees forward. From overseeing the safety of our nation’s food supply, to ensuring access to dependable sources of credit, to expanding market access overseas, Dr. Jose Esteban, Vincent Logan and Alexis Taylor will help guide missions that are essential to our family farmers and ranchers. I am confident they are up to the task and look forward to working with each of them should they receive Senate confirmation,” said Ranking Member John Boozman, R-Arkansas.

U.S. House of Representatives Approve Fiscal Year 2023 Ag Appropriations Legislation

Bishop Peanut Provisions Included in Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Agriculture, Rural Development and Food and Drug Administration appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2023. Included in the bill are peanut provisions proposed by Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, and supported by the peanut industry.

These U.S. Peanut Federation supported research initiatives, aflatoxin and nutrition, are in their second year of funding. Total funding for Fiscal Year 2023 is $4 million for aflatoxin research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia and $1.5 million for the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to work on nutrition priorities.

Peanut Research

The committee provides an additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support research activities to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. The committee directs ARS to enhance ongoing collaborations with land grant institutions to further advance research efforts.

Peanut Nutrition Research

The committee recognizes the need for more research to identify how peanut consumption contributes to overall health, wellness, and reduces chronic disease risk in various groups and across the lifespan. The committee encourages research topics to include chronic diseases, nutrition and wellness across the lifespan, health disparities, dietary patterns for optimal health, and nutrition for the future. The committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 to continue this peanut nutrition research.

The U.S. Senate has not approved their version of the Agriculture Appropriations bill to date. The Senate has passed a Fiscal Year 2023 Continuing Resolution that expires on December 16, 2022. The House is expected to approve the Continuing Resolution prior to October 1.

Peanut Organizations and Congress Comment on U.S. EPA's Consideration of Revocation of Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophosphate Uses

Earthjustice petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to revoke tolerances and cancel registrations for the food uses of organophosphates. The U.S Peanut Federation, Georgia Peanut Commission, American Peanut Shellers Association and other peanut organizations filed comments in opposition to the revocation of tolerances or cancellation of registrations for certain organophosphate uses.

In addition, peanut state members of Congress also have raised concerns with the USEPA. See letters below or online at www.sepfonline.com.

September 25, 2022

Ms. Anna Romanovsky

Re: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0490, Petition To Revoke Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophosphate Uses

Dear Ms. Romanovsky:

USDA Announces Climate Smart Project Approvals

USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding pool, which includes proposals seeking funds ranging from $5 million to $100 million. Several of the approved projects include peanut initiatives. A complete list of project summaries are available to download on USDA’s website

September 19, 2022

Anna Romanovsky

Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P)

Office of Pesticide Programs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

This letter comes in response to the request for comment regarding the Earthjustice Petition, filed on November 18, 2021, for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, or the Agency) to take action by October 1, 2022 to revoke all tolerances and cancel all associated registrations for food uses of organophosphates that its risk assessments determine to be unsafe, update its risk assessments to use neurodevelopmental toxicity instead of 10% red blood cell acetylcholinesterase inhibition as a regulatory endpoint that is protective for children, and cancel registrations for uses that have unreasonable adverse effects on workers.

As Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am writing to express my concern for the impact of the adverse consequences should the EPA accede to the petitioners’ requests. Peanut and cotton growers in Georgia and across the nation will likely see reduced production and loss of income, and consumers of peanut and cotton products may also see supply and cost effects of this decision as well.

I implore the Agency to continue the thorough registration review process, using sound science, and refuse to circumvent the necessary steps to ensure both the safety and efficacy of pesticide products.

Georgia is the number one producer of peanuts and the number two producer of cotton in the United States, and thrips is arguably the number one enemy of both crops. Thrips are sucking insects that can cause feeding damage, including discoloration, dwarfing, stunting that affects a plant’s ability to grow, deformities, and reduced marketability of the crop.

Thrips are the most consistently damaging pest to peanuts, and they infest nearly all cotton acres in Georgia every year. This is the only insect pest for which a preventive insecticide treatment is recommended on cotton, and it is important to note that recent research at the University of Georgia (UGA) confirmed that thrips feeding injury can cause yield loss in peanuts. However, their damage can be much worse when they transmit viruses to plants.

Over 20 plant-infecting viruses are known to be transmitted by thrips, including Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) which causes significant peanut and cotton crop losses. TSWV-resistant cultivars and thrips management are the only way to reduce the risk of virus infection and crop loss.

Phorate (Thimet) is the only insecticide that reduces the risk of TSWV in peanuts, and acephate (Orthene) is the best method of thrips control in cotton. Therefore, it is highly recommended that peanut growers apply in-furrow phorate treatment at planting, as most thrips management options and all TSWV management options end when the seed furrow closes. Likewise, in-furrow acephate treatment at planting is vital for thrips management in cotton crops. It is not feasible to control thrips with foliar sprays alone. In-furrow treatments reduce the need for foliar sprays, a major concern raised by the petitioners.

Another concern raised by petitioners includes organophosphate poisoning. Research shows that poisoning most often occurs by intentional ingestion. So, the mental health of farmers is perhaps the issue that should be most at concern here. It is an often-overlooked challenge that farmers face nationwide. Therefore, $10 million is appropriated each year for the USDA’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. However, OP poisoning is not EPA’s responsibility to address.

Now, our county extension agents and collegiate staff connect farmers with the education, technology, and best practices necessary to produce the best, most affordable, most productive, most efficient crops in the world. Peanut research at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) continues to aid Georgia farmers who face challenges controlling pests, and the FVSU researchers work with entomologists at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory in Byron, National Peanut Lab in Dawson, and University of Georgia in Athens.

UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences creates annual cotton and peanut production guides to help our growers produce the best peanuts and cotton worldwide. The nation’s foremost peanut entomologist – Dr. Mark Abney – is at UGA, and I encourage you to read his comments on this docket and contact him to discuss sound science, substantive data, and expert opinions on this matter. Dr. Stanley Culpepper is a great resource there as well, and I encourage you to consult with him and the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service chemical usage statistics for “ground truthing” on the application rates for phorate and acephate.

I also want to express my support for the EPA’s workplan to balance wildlife protection and responsible pesticide usage. As was mentioned in the workplan, “Without certain pesticide products, farmers could have trouble growing crops that feed Americans and public health agencies could lack the tools needed to combat insect-borne diseases.” This is certainly true in this case. Indeed, if an entire class of products is revoked or cancelled all at once, this would leave farmers without the time to develop and find alternatives – for which none currently exist in the case of phorate and acephate.

In closing, I want to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for its transparency in providing the opportunity for the public to weigh in on the Petition To Revoke Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophosphate Uses. It is my sincere hope that you will make the best decisions in the name of sound science, good governance, and common sense.

Sincerely,

Sanford D. Bishop Jr. Member of Congress

Re: Petition to Revoke Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophosphate Uses

Dear Ms. Romanovsky:

The U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) represents peanut growers, shellers and buying points. Our founding members include the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi peanut grower organizations), American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association.

Our peanut organizations have been discussing the importance of organophosphate insecticides phorate and acephate for insect and disease management for peanuts with their land grant universities. According to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, “tomato spotted wilt (TSWV) is a serious viral disease of peanut that is transmitted by thrips. Minimizing losses to TSWV involves the use of field resistant cultivars, cultural practices designed to avoid heavy thrips pressure, and phorate. Phorate is the only chemical that consistently reduces the incidence of TSWV in peanut.”

To assure a safe, reliable supply of peanuts, TSWV must be managed during the growing season. It is critically important that there not be a wholesale revocation of tolerances for the entire class of organophosphates. The evaluation of these tolerances should be part of a thoughtful, scientific process. Without this approach, peanut growers will likely face a reduction in production, loss of farm income, increased risk of insecticide resistance and a reduced ability to respond to emerging insect threats, i.e. invasive species.

We ask that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continue to allow phorate products to maintain their federal registrations for peanuts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely, Robert L. Redding Jr. President

Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency

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

Chef Camp Peanut Immersion

Southern Peanut Growers worked with FEAST Global to bring working chefs to South Georgia for an immersive peanut experience September 12-13. The first stop was Billy Senkbeil’s farm where Scott Carlson, Worth County Extension Coordinator, explained the purpose of UGA Extension and gave a maturity board demonstration. The chefs were thoroughly impressed with Billy Senkbeil’s peanuts and a few of them were thrilled to ride in the tractor to help dig a row.

The group then toured Farmers Cooperative Peanut Buying Point to learn about grading and then Sumner Farms for a demonstration of harvest with the combine.

The highlight of the trip came in the Southern Woods Plantation commercial kitchen when the chefs gathered with a collection of peanut products including raw and boiled peanuts, peanut flour, peanut powder, peanut butter, green peanut oil, and peanut butter whiskey. The chefs worked cooperatively to create an amazing meal including boiled peanut hummus, fried onion rings breaded with peanut flour, fried quail wings breaded with peanut flour and topped with a peanut butter whiskey sauce, bacon wrapped quail over Moroccan style peanut rice pilaf topped with fried peanuts tossed in pepper jelly, popcorn grits topped with peanut butter whiskey sauce glazed grilled chicken and popped sorghum, peach tart with a peanut crumble and a peanut sauce, and an adult peanut butter milkshake.

MANA Nutrition was the final stop on the tour the next morning where the chefs learned about how a specially formulated peanut butter is used to save children from severe acute malnutrition around the world.

Teachers and Trainers Learn About Peanut Nutrition and Allergy Prevention

Southern Peanut Growers (SPG) spoke and exhibited at several meetings of family and consumer science extension agents and teachers to highlight the latest in peanut nutrition research and the details of early introduction of peanuts to prevent peanut allergy. Leslie Wagner, executive director, exhibited and spoke at the following meetings:

• Georgia Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Science annual conference in Ellijay, Ga., Aug. 30-31.

• International Federation of Home Economists annual conference in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 7-8.

• National Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Science annual conference in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 14-15.

SPG offered complete high school lesson plans for culinary and food and nutrition science, recipes and nutrition materials, food allergy management in schools, and several early introduction pieces with the offer to send any materials in quantity for use in their training and classes. Three shipments already have been fulfilled by September 19 for trainers in Virginia, Florida and Oregon.

Back to School Virtual Cooking Class

Chef Brittany Garrigus-Cheatham, a Birmingham pastry chef with Atlanta connections through Chef Steven Satterfield, led a virtual cooking class focused on family-friendly recipes kids will love to help make and eat as they are heading back to school. There were 63 participants across the country in the live class which will be posted to YouTube for future viewing.

Chef Brittany showed how to make Thai Peanut Naan Pizzas and Peanut Butter Crunch Mousse as she shared cooking tips and interesting peanut facts along the way. The virtual class was hosted on the Eat Y’all platform who provided a host as well as marketing the class and provided post-production services. Three participants won a Peanut Butter Lovers gift basket during the class.

Leslie Wagner, Southern Peanut Growers executive director, exhibits at the Georgia Extension Family and Consumer Sciences meeting.

Chefs from the Southeast visited the farm of Billy Senkbeil in Worth County, Georgia, during the Chef Camp in September.

Birmingham pastry chef Brittany GarrigusCheatham led a virtual cooking class featuring peanut butter.