April 2023 - Southeastern Peanut Farmer

5 | PLA TRAVELS TO DC

Peanut Leadership Academy holds session in Washington, D.C. focusing on the farm bill and legislative issues.

IN AGRICULTURE

Wendy Yeager farms in Orrville, Ala., where she grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum.

| PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

The University of Georgia set to host international conference focusing on precision agriculture in May. 26 |

FPPA ANNUAL MEETING

The Florida Peanut Producers Association holds their 47th Annual Meeting in Marianna, Florida.

Alabama Peanut Producers Association

Florida Peanut Producers Association

Georgia Peanut Commission

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

SEPF TEAM

The 2023 Peanut Disease & Insect Guidebook features general disease management tips for 2023, as well as information on nematode management, tomato spotted wilt virus, root worms and lesser cornstalk borer.

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.

Wendy Yeager grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum at Bell Place Farm in Orrville, Ala. Photo by Kaye Lynn Hataway.

Editor’s thoughts Events

The Faith of a Farmer

Planting season is upon us and another year for farmers to demonstrate their faith by planting another seed in the ground. With increased input costs, an increase in spotted wilt pressure last year and other obstacles; farmers demonstrate their faith each year when they decide to purchase seed, chemicals and more to begin a new season of growing crops.

By having faith, farmers are demonstrating their ability to let go once they bury the seed in the ground. Prior to letting go and planting the seed, farmers are care takers of the land and prepare the soil with nutrients and remove weeds to ensure a viable crop at the end of the season. Throughout the season, the farmer continues to nurture the seed and protect it from disease and insect pressure.

Obstacles may come up from time to time throughout the growing season that may test a farmer's faith. Equipment failure, disease pressure, insect pressure, weather events such as tornadoes or hurricanes can all cause stress for farmers. However, by having faith the size of a mustard seed, farmers are making strides and overcoming obstacles to persevere and keep on going.

I wish for you the strength and faith you need for the 2023 season! 

Integrative Precision Agriculture International Conference

May 18-19, 2023, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel, Athens, Ga. For more information visit hotel.uga.edu/events/integrativeprecision-agriculture.

USA Peanut Congress

June 12-15, 2023, Amelia Island, Fla. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

American Peanut Research & Education Society Annual Meeting

July 11-13, 2023, The DeSoto, Savannah, Ga. For more information visit the APRES website at apresinc.com.

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day

July 20, 2023, Moultrie, Ga. For more information call 229-985-1968 or visit the Expo's website at sunbeltexpo.com.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference

July 27-29, 2023, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar 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. 8-9, 2023, Albany, Ga. For more information call 229-888-2508 or visit peanut-shellers.org.

Georgia Peanut Tour

Sept. 12-14, 2023, Bainbridge, Ga. For more information call 229-386-3470 or visit georgiapeanuttour.com.

Brooklet Peanut Festival

Sept. 16, 2023, Brooklet, Ga. For more information visit the festival's website at brookletpeanutfestival.com.

Plains Peanut Festival

Sept. 23, 2023, Plains, Ga. For more information call visit the festival's website at jimmycarterfriends.org.

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

Joy Carter Crosby

"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20-21

Peanut Leadership Academy Travels to Washington, D.C.

by Jessie Bland

Members of Class XI and XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA) visited Washington D.C. March 20-23, for the fourth and final session of the leadership program. During the session, attendees had the opportunity to hear from industry representatives and discuss the 2023 Farm Bill, commodity policy development and conduct congressional office visits.

The session began on Capitol Hill with a commodity panel comprised of Robbie Minnich with the National Cotton Council; Jamison Cruce with USA Rice; and Andrew Walmsley with the American Farm Bureau Federation. These gentlemen gave an update on commodity policy, particularly as it pertains to the 2023 Farm Bill. Additional day one speakers included: Dr. John Newton, chief economist with the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture; Carley Esser, professional staff with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture; and Trevor White, professional staff with the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. These individuals discussed the 2023 Farm Bill budget and outlook.

Academy participants concluded the Washington D.C. visit with a day of meetings on the Hill. Here, class members were able to visit with their respective state senators and representatives from the peanutproducing areas in the Southeast, Virginia/Carolina region and Texas. Their meetings consisted of discussions related to concerns in their states, as well as expressions of gratitude for their delegation’s service and support.

The Peanut Leadership Academy, coordinated by the Southern Peanut

Farmers Federation and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association, provides leadership training for young farmers and sheller representatives throughout the peanut industry. Through the training, participants gain valuable leadership skills to be used in the future and gain insight into many different types of issues the peanut industry faces.

Additional information on the Peanut Leadership Academy is available online at www. southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Peanut Leadership Academy Class XI and XII held their legislative focused session in Washington, D.C. While in the area participants learned more about the legislative process, visited with elected officials and listened to a commodity panel regarding the 2023 Farm Bill.

Peanut Leadership Academy members participated in a classroom session on Capitol Hill, where commodity representatives and House and Senate Agricultural Committee staff members discussed the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.

Women in Agriculture

Bell Place Farm is Yeager's Happy Place

by Kaye Lynn Hataway

Anon-traditional peanut growing area in Dallas County, Alabama is being farmed by a nontraditional farmer with female farmer, Wendy Yeager, taking the lead and managing the day to day operations.

“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard”, Proverbs 31:16 – or in Yeager’s case, she plants peanuts, cotton, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum. Yeager, and husband Jamie, along with their two daughters, grow 1,100 acres of row crops on Bell Place Farm in Orrville, Alabama. Together,

they have farmed this land since 2007. This part of Alabama is not in the traditional peanut belt of the state, but the Yeager’s have made peanuts work in their row crop rotation since 2014. While the couple makes farm operation decisions together, Wendy works full-time on the farm and Jamie works off the farm for Auburn University.

Yeager is the full-time employee for the farm. The most difficult aspect of farming for her is juggling it all –farmer, wife, mom, cook, etc.

"I am constantly thinking of the most efficient way to do something," Yeager says. "Time is like money; you must spend it wisely."

There is not a schedule to any particular day on Bell Place Farm.

"My daily schedule varies depending on what season and what crops need attention for the day," Yeager says. "I start each morning by eating breakfast with my family, packing the husband's lunch and getting him out the door for his job, getting our girls to school and then returning to the farm to tackle what

Wendy Yeager farms a 1,100 acre row crop farm of peanuts, cotton, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum in Orrville, Ala.

rises to the top of the priority list for the farm on that particular day."

Yeager grew up on a farm in South Alabama near Evergreen and is a 4th generation farmer. She left the farm to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian but fate had a different future for Yeager.

"I can jokingly tell you that I had zero intentions of marrying a farmer and living on a farm, much less being one," Yeager says. "However, God had a different plan for my life and those Wranglers my husband wears, got me at first glance."

Peanuts were first grown on Bell Place Farm in 2014. The Yeager’s started growing peanuts without GPS technology.

"We quickly saw that GPS was needed to help boost yield due to human error during digging and for planting purpose," Yeager says.

At Bell Place Farm, Yeager has only grown the Georgia-O6G peanut variety. Through the years, the farm's yields have increased due to their experience in growing the crop and from plain ole school of hard knocks, which have in turn made Yeager a better manager of the peanut crop.

One of the issues Yeager faces is the distance to a peanut buying point. The logistics have been difficult to manage at harvest time where Yeager averages 4,000 pounds per acre.

Peanuts are not widely grown in the Blackbelt area of Alabama where Yeager lives because of the soil type. Fortunately, on Bell Place Farm, there is a sandy mixture of Lucedale and Savannah soil types which are conducive to growing peanuts.

In Dallas county, there are only four to five peanut growers.

One of Yeager’s hobbies involve sharing videos and pictures of farming activities on Bell Place Farm through social media. Yeager said she was late coming to social media, and only began using different platforms to share pictures with grandparents and family who do not live close.

learned so much about agriculture in general from following me,” Yeager says.

As a full-time female farmer, Yeager says it used to bother her when people would not acknowledge that she could answer farm-related questions because she was female.

"They didn’t think I knew what was up," she says. "Over the years, I think it’s fair to say that my actions speak louder than words. Now I can go to agricultural meetings and have normal farm-related conversations with men."

"My husband was initially against me sharing anything farm related on social media," Yeager says. "But I was inspired to tell my story from a speaker at a leadership conference we both attended."

In 2020, Yeager created a Facebook page for Bell Place Farm LLC where she could shared photos, videos and stories about their farm. From that point on, Yeager saw others enjoyed her educational posts about the crops they grow on the farm.

"It has been humbling to see how many people enjoy my posts and have

Yeager represents agriculture by serving on the Alabama Corn and Soybean Board and the Dallas County Farmers Federation board. She previously served on the United Soybean Board and was recently recognized as a U.S. Sustainability Alliance Exceptional Woman in U.S. Farming.

Farming is hard work but one occupation that Yeager didn't plan for but loves today.

“Farming gives me an opportunity to work out in God’s office every day,” Yeager says.

Yeager loves having a hand in producing commodities that touch everyone’s life, on a daily basis. 

“Farming gives me an opportunity to work out in God's office every day."

Wendy Yeager

Wendy Yeager harvests an average yield of 4,000 pounds per acre on their farm in Alabama.

Wendy Yeager, Orrville, Ala., shares information about Bell Place Farm and peanut production to the communication officers of the State Departments of Agriculture during their national meeting held in Alabama during 2022.

Checkoff Report

Investments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry

Alabama Legislators celebrate National Peanut Month

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association celebrated National Peanut Month with a proclamation from Gov. Kay Ivey at the Alabama Capitol and a peanut day at the Alabama State House on March 16, 2023.

Carl Sanders, APPA president from Coffee County, and Billy Hixon, APPA board member from Pike County, led the House of Representatives in prayer and pledge at the beginning of their session. Garrett Dixon, APPA young farmer representative from Lee County, led the Senate in the pledge at the beginning of their session.

Throughout the morning, APPA board members and Alabama Farmers Federation staff handed out cans of Alabama chocolate covered peanuts to legislators and talked with them about topics concerning Alabama peanut farmers.

Gov. Ivey’s proclamation recognized the peanut as the state legume of Alabama, as well as the impact the peanut industry has on the economy of the state, the farmers who grow peanuts, the nutritional value and environmentally friendly attributes. Gov. Ivey also received a can of chocolate-covered peanuts from APPA.

APPA donates peanut butter for tornado relief

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association partnered with Alabama Ag Credit, First South Farm Credit, Autauga County Farmers Federation and Dallas County Farmers Federation to donate Peanut Proud peanut butter to the communities in Dallas and Autauga counties devastated by tornadoes in January 2023. While recovery efforts continue in the areas affected by the tornadoes, there are families still displaced from their homes. The peanut butter will provide these families with a much-needed nutritious food source that doesn’t have to be refrigerated and has a stable shelf life.

“Peanut butter is the perfect disaster food,” said Harold Gaines, an Autauga County peanut farmer. “It is non-perishable and provides nutrients in one perfect bite.”

The peanut butter was delivered on March 16, 2023, to the Autauga Interfaith Care Center in Prattville, Alabama, and the Selma Area Food Bank in Selma, Alabama. Each location received four pallets of Peanut Proud peanut butter, totaling 11,530 pounds of peanut butter – enough to make 161,280 peanut butter sandwiches!

FPPA opens scholarship program

The Florida Peanut Producers Association announces the opening of their 2023 Scholarship Award Program. Two $1,200 scholarships will be awarded to deserving high school seniors and/or college students. The applicant or someone in the applicant’s family must be an actively producing peanut grower in Florida, not necessarily a member of FPPA. It is the intent of the Scholarship Award Committee, however, that the award recipients attend a Florida junior college or four-year university.

For an application contact the FPPA office at 850-526-2590 or visit the FPPA website at www.flpeanuts. com. The scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2023.

APPA celebrates National Peanut Month on social media

March is significant to peanut farmers and peanut lovers, thanks to its’ title of “National Peanut Month.” APPA highlighted the month through social media by sharing educational games, recipes, and fun facts with their followers. The participants of the games, posted on “stories,” were entered into a drawing for a basket full of peanut-related prizes. APPA is glad to continue the promotion of peanuts through National Peanut Month and every month.

Alabama Peanut Producers Association board members and staff celebrate National Peanut Month with Gov. Kay Ivey. Pictured left to right, Billy Hixon, Joel Sirmon, Carl Sanders, Gov. Ivey, Garrett Dixon, Mark Kaiser, George Kaiser, Kaye Lynn Hataway.

APPA donates peanut butter to the Autauga Interfaith Care Center. Pictured left to right, Heather Smith, Alabama Ag Credit; Amber Pratt, Alabama Ag Credit; Harold Gaines, Autauga County Farmers Federation and Alabama peanut farmer; Denise Brown, Autauga Interfaith Care Center; Gary Weaver, Autauga EMA, and Keith McCurdy, First South Farm Credit.

Georgia Peanut Commission hosts PB&J Day at State Capitol

The annual Georgia PB&J Day was held March 1, 2023, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Exhibitors from the peanut industry served grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. During the special program, Sen. Russ Goodman and Rep. Robert Dickey presented resolutions highlighting the importance of peanuts to Georgia’s economy. Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed the month of March as Georgia Peanut Month in the state

a proclamation. Exhibitors and sponsors of the event include GPC, Kroger, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Farm Bureau, Peanut Proud, Atlanta Community Food Bank and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.

Georgia Peanut Commission donates peanut butter to Atlanta Community Food Bank during National Peanut Month

The Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to celebrate National Peanut Month in March. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 700 nonprofit partner agencies with hunger relief programs throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

“Peanut butter is a very nutritious and important product to our clients because it has a stable shelf life,” says Ben Burgess, corporate relations manager with the food bank. “One jar can make several meals for a family or individual in need. This donation will help the nearly 10 percent of Georgian residents and the one in seven children who are food insecure in the state.”

Georgia Peanuts exhibits at the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting in Atlanta

The Georgia Peanut Commission attended the Georgia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics annual meeting on March 2-3, in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting hosted registered dietitians and nutritionists from across the state, both virtually and in-person. Along with an online presence, GPC distributed peanut samples, recipes and a variety of the most up-to-date nutrition materials for attendees to use with their clients and patients.

During the event, the National Peanut Board sponsored a cooking demo titled “Peanuts: Exploring Cultural Cuisine” and Sherry Coleman-Collins spoke on the role of RDNs in diagnosing and counseling clients with potential food allergies.

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. 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 provided peanuts and recipes to the state’s 11 welcome centers for tourists. Throughout the month, GPC promoted peanuts through television ads with the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, a digital billboard in Times Square, social media influencer, The Feast Kings and more.

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

approves

research

Grower dollars allocated from the National Peanut Board Research Committee funded two research proposals for Mississippi State University researchers. The projects funded include "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 $490,052. These are part of the grower funds paid per ton to the National Peanut Board when Mississippi farmers sell their peanuts. Additional checkoff funds are used by the NPB as part of their mission to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for peanuts and peanut products.

Jessie Bland (left) with the Georgia Peanut Commission and Sherry Coleman Collins with the National Peanut Board exhibit during the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Meeting.

with

Gov. Brian Kemp presents a proclamation for Georgia Peanut Month to the Georgia Peanut Commission on March 1, 2023.

The Georgia Peanut Commission donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

2023 Peanut disease & insect Guidebook peanut Disease management Tips

By Joy Crosby

As farmers begin to plan for their 2023 peanut crop, disease management should be at the forefront of their plans. Diseases will be a threat to every peanut farmer’s crop in 2023.

Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, offers some key points for protecting the peanut crop in 2023 from Aspergillus crown rot, as well as leaf spot and white mold diseases which include timeliness of application, coverage of application and product choice.

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, Kemerait says.

To manage Aspergillus crown rot, farmers should ensure quality of seed and effective fungicide seed treatment with excellent seed coverage. In 2023, Rancona and Trebuset will be the dominant and preferred seedtreatment fungicides.

Where Aspergillus crown rot is of particular concern, Kemerait recommends the use of in-furrow products such as Velum or Propulse, and for farmers to avoid planting into hot and dry soils.

Leaf Spot Diseases

Peanut leaf spot diseases, especially late leaf spot, were

problematic in 2022 but were not as severe as in 2021. Leaf spot diseases remain a critical threat to profitability for many peanut farmers.

Environmental conditions such as rain followed by more rain are favorable for development and spread of leaf spot diseases. The wet weather also affects a farmer’s ability to make timely fungicide applications.

"Combinations of these environmental factors along with short crop rotations put tremendous pressure on some fungicide programs," Kemerait says. "In order for farmers to prevent losses from leaf spot, especially late leaf spot, it is imperative to stay on a timely, proven fungicide program."

Kemerait encourages farmers to select fungicides or mixtures of fungicides based upon the threat of disease in the field and to continue

appropriate management programs through the end of the season. To combat an increase in late leaf spot problems in recent years some fungicide programs may need to be adjusted from what they have been in the past. Farmers should carefully note choice of product and timing for application throughout the season to minimize losses to disease.

White mold

White mold was generally less severe in 2022 due to cooler conditions and incessant rains which battered the fungus and helped to wash fungicides to the crown of the plant. However, Kemerait recommends that with common peanut varieties now staying in the ground for nearly 150 days, more attention must be given to protecting the crop from white mold even after the traditional "4-block- 60-to-104-days-afterplanting" window ends.

Critical components of a white mold fungicide program include timeliness of application and timeliness of irrigation or rainfall following applications, preferably within 8-24 hours.

Management of white mold can be improved by early-season banded applications of Proline and protecting the crop during the critical time 60-105 days after planting.

Kemerait also recommends initiating a fungicide program prior to 60 days after planting and extending beyond 105 days after planting when conditions favor development of

Aspergillus crown rot

Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist, recommends for farmers managing diseases to scout and apply fungicides in a timely manner while using the correct fungicides for the disease.

white mold (e.g., shorter rotations or favorable weather) or where disease is active in the field later in the season.

In addition to using products known to be more effective against white mold, farmers need to time their application to capture irrigation or rainfall within 8-24 hours after a fungicide application.

Scouting fields is an important

management step for farmers in diagnosing diseases in their field. When scouting, farmers or scouts should check crown of wilted plants for presence of active white mold.

"No fungicide program will eliminate individual hits of white mold but an effective program must stop white mold from spreading," Kemerait says. "Applying fungicides for white mold control at night also helps as the

folded peanut leaves provide an open path for the products to reach the lower canopy."

As the season progresses, Kemerait encourages farmers to consult with their local Extension agent and with their ag-chemical representatives to best understand modifications to fungicide programs for the 2023 season.

*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.

Nematode management

Variety Selection may be a Key in Managing Nematodes

By Joy Crosby

Losses to nematodes, both the peanut root-knot nematode and lesion nematodes, occurs annually across the Southeast. Many farmers in the Southwest corner of Georgia, Florida and parts of Alabama with sandy soils experience significant damage from the root-knot nematode.

"Root-knot nematode is clearly associated with sandy soils," says Tim Brenneman, University of Georgia plant pathologist. "So, the deeper and sandier land you have, the more likely you are to have nematodes."

The nematodes burrow into the roots initiating formation of permanent feeding sites where they remain attached and aggressively feed off of the plant metabolites, which the peanut needs for its own nutrition. The nematodes rob the plant of the

nutrition, and also form big galls on the roots and the pods.

"It is kind of like a cancer growing on the peanut," Brenneman says. "It's abnormal cell growth and disrupts the function of the plant."

A normal plant root will spread out with long and thin feeder roots. However, a nematode infected plant root can be severely stunted and does not have the finer secondary roots.

According to Brenneman, the nematodes cripple the plant in its ability for the root system to take up water and nutrients. So, the plants end up stunted and chlorotic with yellow leaves. The damaged roots are also more susceptible to other pathogens such as Cylindrocladium that can cause root rot.

The infected peanut plants are not

able to take up the mineral elements out of the soil or the water they need. So, the nematodes essentially destroy the root system of the plant, which is the foundation for everything the plant does.

For farmers who have a rootknot nematode issue, it is a serious problem that has many economic implications. However, there are many management decisions that can help a farmer minimize their risk of nematodes through variety selection, crop rotation and selection of nematicides.

Variety Selection

The real heroes in this story are the breeders, starting with Charles Simpson, long-time peanut breeder at Texas A&M University, who released

Tim Brenneman, University of Georgia plant pathologist, conducts research comparing the nematode resistant varieties against Georgia-O6G. In the trials, Georgia-O6G is treated with nematicides.

Photo by Lakin Whatley.

COAN, the first nematode resistant variety in the United States. This development took Simpson decades to cross the gene from the wild species collected in South America, Arachis cardenasii, in order to develop the Arachis hypogaea breeding line in peanuts used today.

"For many years Dr. Simpson would go on collecting trips to South America, which is the center of origin for the peanut," Brenneman says. "South America has the greatest genetic diversity there with the wild species of peanuts growing there. So, they have the greatest genetic pool to draw from in order to find some of these resistances that are very valuable to us in the U.S."

Unfortunately, COAN was very susceptible to tomato spotted wilt virus and therefore not a good fit for the Southeast. However, Corley Holbrook, peanut breeder with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Tifton, Georgia, had been studying nematode resistance since his master's program at the University of Florida in 1980.

traits, which TifGuard did not have.

Another runner variety, Georgia14N, was developed in 2014 by Bill Branch, UGA peanut breeder. However, TifGuard and Georgia-14N struggled to provide consistent yield results year after year for farmers.

"So, the breeders have been continuing to cross and use that same original genetic resistance by putting it in more and more different peanuts and the yield potential in those keeps getting better and better," Brenneman says.

Holbrook went back to the drawing board with new breeding research tools. Collaboration with Peggy Ozias -Akins and Juliet Chu at the UGA Tifton Campus provided access to marker assisted selection which greatly expedited the breeding process and reduced the need for huge numbers of field plots to select resistant lines. These new tools allowed Holbrook to select specific varieties with nematode resistance and the high oleic DNA marker trait. This led to the release of TifNV-High O/L, a cross between TifGuard and a high oleic variety, Florida 07.

resistant variety lines versus the industry standard, Georgia-O6G. In the plots, Brenneman applies different nematicide programs to the GeorgiaO6G variety.

University of

"It was logical for me to pursue this research since I had the background in nematode resistance, had the greenhouse screening techniques down and a background in nematology," Holbrook says.

Holbrook crossed the COAN variety with a Florida variety, C-99R, that had tomato spotted wilt virus resistance in order to develop the first nematode resistant variety in the Southeast. The variety, TifGuard, was released in 2007. Even though TifGuard was an advance in research for farmers needing a nematode resistant variety; the manufacturers preferred a variety with high oleic

The TifNV-High O/L variety showed an improvement in yield and is the main variety available today for farmers with nematode issues. TifNVHigh O/L was released in 2017. Additional varieties developed that will soon be available include runner type TifNV-HG, virginia types TifJumbo and Georgia-19HP, and a spanish type, Georgia-SP/RKN.

According to Brenneman, the TifNV-HG looked particularly promising in field trials across Georgia last year, producing high yields in multiple trials, most of which had no nematode pressure.

"Where root-knot is a problem, these cultivars will really stand out," Brenneman says. “Nematicides are very expensive inputs, so if we have this genetic tool that a farmer can use to manage this pest, it is a big advantage from a production standpoint."

Through the past few years, Brenneman has conducted various research trials evaluating nematode

"If you have heavy nematode pressure, I don't think we have a nematicide program that can really do what a resistant variety does," Brenneman says. "If a farmer has moderate pressure then they can use nematicides on a susceptible variety such as Georgia-O6G and get a comparable yield as to what they would have on a nematode resistant variety, but there will be extra cost and management needed, especially if they use a pre-plant fumigant like Telone."

According to Brenneman, the more and more nematode pressure a farmer has, the heavier their population is of nematodes and the more likely farmers should consider a nematode resistant variety.

"Nematode resistance is a hugely valuable trait in the newer cultivars, and the breeders keep coming out with greater and greater yield potential," Brenneman says. "I think we're going to be transitioning to those cultivars more each year because all you got to do is plant the seed."

Continued on page 14

Severe root-knot on pods and pegs of peanuts.

“If you have heavy nematode pressure, I don't think we have a nematicide program that can really do what a resistant variety does.”

Tim Brenneman

Georgia

Another added benefit to the nematode resistant lines is improved disease resistance to other diseases such as white mold and tomato spotted wilt virus.

"The nematode resistant lines also tend to do well on other pest problems," Brenneman adds. "For example, Georgia-14N and TifNV-Hi O/L both are among the highest levels of resistance available to white mold, leaf spot and even tomato spotted wilt virus. They have a great package of disease resistance, not just the nematode resistance."

Crop Rotation

Root-knot nematode is associated with poor rotations. According to Brenneman, the more farmers grow peanuts in a close rotation, the more issues they will have. The main rotational crops for peanuts include cotton and corn.

"For the most part corn is a very good rotation, certainly cotton is," Brenneman says. "Also, our small grains and pasture grasses have been good rotation options for peanuts."

However, there are some corn varieties that support nematode reproduction. Cotton also gets a lot of root-knot but it is a different species, southern root-knot nematode, that will not attack peanuts.

Cotton is very effective at reducing peanut nematode populations.

Likewise, peanuts are a very good rotational crop to reduce root-knot nematode on cotton so the benefit goes both ways. However, both of those nematodes are favored by very sandy land.

Nematicide Use

There are a variety of nematicide options available for farmer to use. Farmers have had good success with Telone, but it must be applied to the soil in a separate operation ahead of planting. Also, it has been in short supply in recent years.

"The bulk of what farmers do for nematodes, you have to do by the time you plant the peanut," Brenneman says. "Telone or the early season in-furrow options help to keep off the earlier infections and gets the root system off to a good start."

There are multiple at plant infurrow options which include AgLogic 15GG (aldicarb), Velum, Vydate and Return. Many of these nematicides serve dual purposes and help in managing thrips as well. Velum and Propulse are also very good fungicides, offering a high level of control for seedling diseases, as well as leaf spot and white mold when used later in the season.

"If farmers are going to control nematodes, then they have to start out early season to get the best complete season long control and highest yield

with these in-furrow treatments," Brenneman says.

The mid-season foliar nematicide applications include Propulse, Vydate and Return. However, Brenneman reminds farmers that the later applications do not replace management decisions made before the furrow is closed at planting.

"The foliar sprays mid-season are additional applications a farmer can make if they have severe nematode damage," Brenneman says.

Vydate-CLV is an older chemical which has been used more recently. Vydate has activity on nematodes and thrips. The chemical can be applied in-furrow or mid-season. A similar nematicide is Return, and both contain oxamyl as the active ingredient.

Lesion nematodes are an emerging problem on peanuts in some areas, especially when high numbers are present in a field and damage occurs to the pegs. Research is ongoing but the use of Propulse or oxamyl at pegging time is likely to be an important management tool.

For years farmers have managed root-knot nematode in peanuts with crop rotation and a selection of nematicides, some of the best of which are no longer available. Advances in peanut breeding are now bringing some powerful new tools for farmers to use in this ongoing battle.

Peanut root-knot research trial comparing the nematode resistance variety TifNV-HG to Georgia-O6G.

Spotted Wilt Culprit

Rising Increase in TSWV Pressure Causes Concern

By Joy Crosby

University of Georgia researcher

Albert Culbreath has been working with spotted wilt for 33 years. Through the years, he has witnessed devastation from the crippling disease across many farms in the Southeast. In 2022, he witnessed an increase in spotted wilt across farms and in his research plots at the University of Georgia.

“The damage in 2022 took me back to 1997 when we were seeing some of the worst problems ever with spotted wilt,” Culbreath says. “I can’t really tell you the why on the increase but there have been major fluctuations over time among many crops.”

Many factors may play into the increase. According to Bob Kemerait when the Southeast is in a La Nina weather cycle with a warmer and

drier winter then this type of pattern increases thrips populations. The warmer winters also has farmers itching to start planting peanuts earlier. However, Kemerait encourages farmers to follow the guidelines of Peanut Rx when making their planting decisions.

"I hear from growers all the time, telling me, I did everything you told me to do and I still got spotted wilt," says Bob Kemerait. "Despite our best efforts, we cannot eliminate spotted wilt in the field, but we can minimize the damage."

Variety Resistance

Many farmers are questioning if the variety Georgia-O6G is playing out. According to researchers, the

variety is not playing out.

"The resistance we have had has never been a complete level of resistance, it has been multigenetic," Culbreath says. "It can be overwhelmed. It is not a true high level of resistance."

Culbreath continues to compare variety differences in regards to spotted wilt pressure by planting some of the least resistant varieties like Florunner or SunOleic 97R beside resistant varieties like GeorgiaO6G and Tifguard. I do believe our resistance is still viable and hasn’t been overcome by genetic changes in the virus.

“Other researchers like Dr. Sudeep Bag and Dr. Babu Srinivasan have been looking at the genetics

Albert Culbreath, University of Georgia plant pathologist, compares variety difference in regards to spotted wilt pressure by planting some of the least resistance varieties in side by side comparison with resistant varieties.

of the spotted wilt virus but do not think there has been any directional changes,” Culbreath says. “However, today’s peanut varieties are being exposed to more inoculum of the virus.”

Georgia farmers experienced an upswing in the percent losses of spotted wilt in 2022 with approximately 24 percent loss.

“I do believe that resistant varieties and integrated management are the secrets for keeping spotted wilt in check,” Culbreath says. “I shudder to think about how we would have been if farmers were still planting varieties like Florunner, SunOleic or Georgia Green.”

Regardless of the variety researchers are seeing a decrease in spotted wilt when phorate insecticide, commonly known as Thimet, is used in-furrow.

In 2022, Culbreath had the most pressure of spotted wilt in his research plots since 2010. In non-treated plots there were 50 percent spotted wilt in Georgia-O6G and 80 percent spotted wilt in TUFRunner™ '511'.

Varieties showing the most resistance to spotted wilt are Georgia 12Y and TUFRunner™ '297'. The varieties TifNV-HG and AU-NPL 17 show the most resistance when using Thimet in-furrow.

Culbreath also noticed a 50 percent reduction in spotted wilt in

Georgia-O6G when using Thimet. TufRunner™ '297' and TifNV HG with Thimet were highest yielding in Culbreath’s research plots.

"I really don't have an explanation for the heavier pressure of spotted wilt, even in the most resistant varieties in 2022," Culbreath says. "I do believe that all of the resistant varieties have a very useful and critical level of resistance that we have to depend on. Varieties are still our first line of defense among spotted wilt."

Management Practices to Control TSWV

In Culbreath’s research plots, he tries to do everything wrong so he can maximize spotted wilt. He uses a sparse seeding rate, plants early, uses conventional tillage, plants in single rows, and doesn’t use an additional insecticide other than Thimet infurrow. Two huge consistent factors in his research plots are the varietal resistance and Thimet when it comes to reducing spotted wilt.

According to Culbreath, Thimet is the only insecticide that gives farmers a consistent response in managing spotted wilt.

"The responses that we've seen to Thimet across the years is an indication of the continual importance of an integrated management regime to take care of spotted wilt," Culbreath says.

The insecticides Orthene, Vydate, Aglogic and Verimark all provided thrips control but not thrips control combined with spotted wilt control.

“The past couple of years in Alabama we have observed pretty heavy thrips flights,” says Scott Graham, Auburn University Extension entomologist. “Although injury and TSWV transmission still is worse in earlier planted peanuts, our thrips flight has been later than usual over this time too.”

Mississippi farmers may have not seen an increase in thrips, but they are starting to see resistance to acephate which is commonly used as a foliar spray to treat for thrips.

"The impact of resistance has been minimal because most farmers are using an at-planting insecticide such as imidacloprid sprayed in-furrow which reduces overall thrips pressure," says Jeff Gore, Mississippi State University Extension entomologist.

According to Gore, Mississippi farmers are seeing issues in areas where peanuts are impacted by some other stress such as water-logged soils or herbicide injury.

"In these situations where plant growth is slowed, thrips are becoming a bigger issue, even in fields where an at-planting insecticide was used," Gore says. "This is the situation where we typically make foliar applications for thrips."

According to Gore, the plant stress has varied from fairly widespread to uncommon depending on environmental conditions.

"In those situations where we have multiple stresses on the crop, the easiest stress to control has always been thrips. If we can make an effective spray, it eliminates or minimizes the impact thrips have on the crop and allows it to recover from the other stress quicker," Gore adds. "Now that those foliar sprays with acephate are not as effective, it is more difficult to remove that stress."

Across the Southeast, university researchers studying tomato spotted wilt virus all agree that farmers

Continued on page 18

Thrips injury to peanuts.

should consider planting peanuts when conditions are favorable for plant growth and development. The risk of spotted wilt incidence is significantly reduced if farmers can plant in the May 11 to May 25 window. Additionally, the researchers agree that an at-plant insecticide in-furrow is also critical.

Peanut Rx

To assist farmers with their management decisions researchers also encourage farmers to consider utilizing Peanut Rx.

Peanut Rx was developed originally as the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Index in 1996. In 2006, the index was combined with management decisions for the fungal diseases, leaf spot and white mold.

“It is a living document that is reviewed annually,” Kemerait says. “Since the first index there have been new categories, new points and new varieties added to the management tool that is reviewed by researchers at the University of Georgia, Auburn, University of Florida, Clemson and Mississippi State University.”

Peanut Rx is a valuable tool for farmers to use every year. By utilizing Peanut Rx, farmers can reduce costs while maintaining disease control, maintaining yields, and increasing value because of fewer fungicide applications in reduced risk fields. Fields where the risk to disease is reduced to a low or moderate level, for example where fields have longer rotations and are planted to more resistant varieties, typically do not

need the same fungicide program as a higher risk field to maximize yields.

In low-risk fields, it is quite possible to reduce the number of fungicide applications from seven to four, so long as the grower is willing to watch the field to ensure that disease does not begin to develop unnoticed, as can occur when weather is very favorable for onset and spread of disease.

According to researchers, once the furrow is closed, spotted wilt management is done.

"As for every other crop, scouting and monitoring is critical for economic insect management," Graham says. "There is no replacement for boots in the field - walking fields and scouting for insects and diseases."

Updating insecticide boxes on Planters

Applying liquid or granular products in-furrow at planting is one- way farmers can manage insects and disease pressure. Thimet is one product that reduces thrips injury and reduces tomato spotted wilt virus, according to decades of research data by universities.

The equipment needed to apply products in-furrow is advancing and allowing farmers to apply more than one product at a time in-furrow. The technology also allows for a completely closed delivery system to protect farmers and the environment.

According to Kris Balkcom, Auburn University Extension agronomist, not everybody is equipped with insecticide boxes on their planters. When making decisions for 2023, farmers should consider equipping their planters with insecticide boxes.

“Today, farmers need to make sure they have their planters calibrated. It seems like we are past the days of just putting imidacloprid in-furrow and trying to get by," Balkcom says. "Today, farmers

need to consider multiple products that need to be applied in-furrow for overall insecticide and disease management.”

Older planter models are equipped with seed and insecticide boxes using a ground driven system with chains and sprockets. Over time, farmers have updated the seed meter box to hydraulic systems and more recently to electric meters which left the insecticide boxes unusable.

However, with the increase in spotted wilt the past few years many

farmers are looking at options for updating their insecticide boxes to an electric system. According to Balkcom, farmers now have options that come with smart technology to assist the farmer with the application of the specific product.

One option is the Smart Box+ that has one compartment where a grower can add a granular product. A new SIMPAS system has three independent boxes for granular, liquid production application or a combination of dry and liquid product.

The SIMPAS technology allows farmers to develop pressurespecific prescriptions using a variety of factors in their field. The information is loaded into the system which then allows automatic dispensing of the prescribed rate at geo-specific locations in each field.

Both types allow for aftermarket installation on a wide range of planter brands and models. Farmers interested in exploring the new technology should contact their local Trimble dealer or AMVAC representative.

SmartBox+ (left) has one compartment where a farmer can add a granular product while the SIMPAS system (right) has three independent boxes for granular, liquid production application or a combination of dry and liquid product.

Rootworms

Loss of Chlorpyrifos Impacts Management

By Joy Crosby

Southern corn rootworm and banded cucumber beetle have emerged as increasingly serious pests in irrigated peanuts in Georgia in recent years. Chlorpyrifos was the only registered insecticide with proven efficacy against these species in peanut, and tolerances were revoked for all food uses in early 2022.

The UGA Peanut Entomology program has been working for several years to identify alternatives to chlorpyrifos.

"The purpose of this project was to improve our understanding of rootworm biology in Georgia peanut production systems with the ultimate goal of developing new and effective management tactics," says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension entomologist.

The larvae of both insects feed on the pods of peanuts. Rootworms require moist soil to survive and irrigation as well as high clay content increase the risk of infestation.

A large-scale, on-farm study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 predominantly in Terrell and Webster Counties in Georgia to determine the relative abundance of the two rootworm species in peanut and to identify risk factors associated with rootworm injury. Adult beetle populations were monitored season long in more than 30 fields each year using yellow sticky traps and a foodbased lure.

Results clearly demonstrate that the banded cucumber beetle is the most abundant species often outnumbering southern corn rootworm by a factor of 9 to 1. Since there are no historical records of southern corn rootworm density in Georgia peanut, it is impossible to know whether the banded cucumber

beetle has displaced southern corn rootworm.

According to Abney, reports of rootworm injury in Georgia have

increased in recent years, and the research suggests the damage was most likely caused by the non-native banded cucumber beetle. Both

Southern corn rootworm.

Banded cucumber beetle adult.

rootworm species have multiple generations per year, and studies examined the potential role of corn as a source of insects infesting peanut.

"The number of adult rootworm beetles and incidence of pod injury were higher in peanut fields adjacent to corn than in those where corn was not present," Abney says. "Within fields adjacent to corn, there was no significant effect of distance from corn on the number of beetles collected on sticky traps or the incidence of pod injury."

These results suggest that corn may serve as a nursery for early season production of rootworm adults that later migrate to peanut.

Abney also conducted a small plot research trial at the UGA Southwest Research and Education Center in Plains, Georgia, to determine the impact of rootworm feeding on peanut reproductive growth and ultimately on pod yield and quality.

He collected pod samples weekly from six plants in each plot. The two treatments included plots that were treated with an experimental insecticide to reduce rootworm injury and plots where no insecticide was used.

All pods “match head” size and larger were removed, assessed for rootworm injury, dried, and weighed.

Rootworm pressure was severe in the non-treated plots, and the incidence of injury was greater than 70 percent on most sample dates. The total number of pods was greater in non-treated plots than treated plots, but total pod weight was greater in the treated plots. This result indicates that peanuts could compensate for injury by producing a greater number of pods.

"In the case of this trial however, heavy sustained feeding pressure resulted in significant yield loss in the non-treated peanut," Abney says.

An additional year of study is planned to address this objective.

Following the loss of chlorpyrifos, the only management option is bifenthrin through the pivot. However, Abney says that results are inconsistent and most farmers are not set up to apply through the pivot.

The experimental insecticide active ingredient isocycloseram developed by Syngenta Crop Protection has resulted in significant reduction in pod injury when applied in-furrow at plant. Research on rates and use patterns for this material continue.

The US EPA is currently reviewing the registration package for isocycloseram, and a registration in 2024 is possible. The availability of this product should have major benefit for growers with a history of rootworm injury to peanut.

Lesser Cornstalk Borer

Insect Flourishes in Hot and Dry Conditions

By Joy Crosby

Lesser Cornstalk Borers are one of the most economically important insect pests of peanuts if you remove thrips from the equation, says Mark Abney, University of Georgia Extension entomologist. The lesser cornstalk borer is devastating to growers in Alabama, Georgia and Florida while remaining very rare in Mississippi.

Lesser cornstalk borer is a caterpillar pest that bores into peanut stems, crowns, and pods. Feeding can reduce yield directly and increase the risk of aflatoxin.

"This insect likes it hot and dry," Abney adds. "If it starts out wet and cool this year and it stays wet then we won't have to deal with it."

Lesser cornstalk borer can infest any peanut field at any stage of development, but later planted, non-irrigated, low moisture, or sandy peanut fields are at increased risk of infestation. Lesser cornstalk borer thrives under hot, dry conditions.

Some of the hot and dry temperatures farmers received in May and June of 2022 caused the insect pest to flourish. However, the rains in July 2022, slowed down the pest.

The first step in realizing a farmer has an issue is being able to recognize

the moth. The actual lesser cornstalk borer is hard to find because they are located inside of the plant and in the ground.

Abney encourages farmers to scout their fields regularly in order to identify any moths. "When you see moths, then you know you have a problem."

Scouting is the backbone of any integrated pest management program. The only way to economically manage insects is to know what pests are in the field and at what level they are found.

"We recommend scouting fields weekly, from emergence through until the crop is no longer susceptible to insects," says Scott Graham, Auburn University Extension entomologist. "Many of the pests that cause headaches for farmers are secondary pests. We know that thrips are going to be in every field, every year and will require at-plant treatments for control. Others, like defoliating caterpillars, lesser cornstalk borer, spider mites or peanut burrower bug are more sporadic and require monitoring and scouting to find infestations before they reach economic levels."

The options to control lesser cornstalk borers are limited to Vantacor, Diamond and Besiege.

LCB Control

Recently, Abney conducted a survey among growers in Georgia to see how they managed lesser cornstalk borers in 2022. Most of the growers treated with Vantacor or Besiege, which are foliar sprays with the same active ingredient.

Though they share an active ingredient, the insecticides are not the same. The big difference is that Besiege is a premix of two active ingredients and contains a pyrethroid. That pyrethroid can flare spider mites if it is applied to non-irrigated peanuts, especially when it is hot and dry.

Diamond is another product recommended by the University of Georgia Extension that farmers used in 2022. Diamond is a growth regulator and while it will work a little slower than the other products, it has provided good control in research trials and commercial fields.

Two products Abney discourages farmers to use for lesser cornstalk borer are Dimilin or Orthene. According to Abney, Dimilin is great for velvetbean caterpillar control but not for lesser cornstalk borers.

"We also don't want to put pyrethroids on lesser cornstalk borers

Lesser Cornstalk Borer eating peanut vine. Damage from Lesser Cornstalk Borers.

Lesser Cornstalk moth on peanut leaves.

or Orthene on peanuts in July," Abney says. "That’s a recipe for disaster because we lose all of our beneficial insects and we end up with a lot of problems."

Researchers across the Southeast try to put out timely information when conditions are right for lesser cornstalk borers to become a concern.

However, Graham agrees with Abney, that an automatic application of a pyrethroid will only make things worse.

"Lesser cornstalk borer is always a concern on our dryland acres and in sandier soils, particularly in hot, dry conditions," Graham says. "In my three years in Alabama, I have heard of sporadic, localized lesser cornstalk borer issues, but nothing widespread."

On-Farm Research Trial

In 2022, Abney conducted an onfarm trial in Berrien County, Georgia, to assess insecticide efficacy and the economics of spraying for lesser cornstalk borers.

Very heavy lesser cornstalk borer pressure was found in peanut fields in June approximately 30 to 40 days after planting. The peanuts had started to bloom, but few pods were present on the plant.

The research trial consisted of three treatments: Vantacor (1.4 ounces per acre), Diamond (9 ounces per acre) and a nontreated check applied to plots that were 12 rows wide and 150 feet and replicated four times.

Abney used pitfall traps to monitor caterpillar pressure in each plot following the application of treatments. Pest populations were very high and there were significant

differences in the number of lesser cornstalk borer caterpillars between treatments.

The hot, dry weather in May and June that was responsible for high numbers of lesser cornstalk borer in Georgia in 2022 subsided in July when rains and more moderate temperatures finally returned to the state. When the rains came some farmers decided that they did not need to spray for the lesser cornstalk borer. However, Abney feels this was a mistake.

"Rain does not kill lesser cornstalk borers," Abney says. The rain does wash away silk tubes and makes scouting more difficult for a few days, but the insects are still there. If a rain event is followed by lower temperatures and regular rainfall over several weeks, then farmers may see the number of lessers dwindle."

Vantacor and Diamond reduced lesser cornstalk borer abundance compared to the nontreated check. However, even with these results, Abney wanted to see if a farmer would receive a return on the investment made in an insecticide application. The untreated check yielded 4,600 pounds per acre while the Vantacor and Diamond treatments yielded around 6,000 pounds per acre. The Diamond application didn't kill all of the lesser cornstalk borers, and it took longer to kill them, nevertheless, the yield was still comparable to the Vantacor treated plots.

"If a farmer has lesser cornstalk borers then they do not need to waste time deciding what to do," Abney says. "They need to kill them."

According to Abney it doesn't matter how big the peanuts are; the

insect will cost farmers money in terms of yield and quality whether they are feeding on the stems of young plants or pods later in the season.

"We don’t need to be preventative," Abney says. "We need to scout, and when we find the insect, we need to kill it."

Even though a single insecticide application provided season long control in his research trial in 2022, Abney cautions farmers that one application applied in June will not always be adequate to prevent losses.

Occasionally, Abney will hear from farmers that they didn't spray since they were waiting for rainfall and thought the insecticide needed to be watered in. Rainfall and irrigation are not required when spraying peanuts with Vantacor, Diamond or Besiege.

Lesser cornstalk borer is not a pest to take lightly or wait until the next fungicide spray to apply an insecticide. When a farmer sees moths in the field, then it is time to take a good look at their peanuts and take appropriate measures to control this damaging pest.

Precision agriculture

UGA's Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture to Host International Conference

By David Mitchell

Crop and livestock farms throughout Georgia are in a perpetual exchange of ideas and innovations to solve challenges that have tangible impacts on the state’s—and the country’s—food supply.

But these concerns aren’t relegated to the southeast corner of the United States. Indeed, global shifts in agriculture—from new technologies to changing regulations—are felt throughout the industry, from Georgia’s peanut farms to cornfields in Nebraska, Greek olive groves and beyond.

This May, the University of Georgia’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture will host an exchange of these ideas at the Integrative Precision Agriculture International Conference – Local Solutions Through Global Advances, where global thought leaders from industry and academia will share a vision for how integrative precision agriculture can be applied to solve critical issues facing crop and animal production.

The two-day event will feature 25 speakers presenting a range of topics that offer new perspectives based on expertise and experiences specific to their local environments.

"We thought it was important to provide a range of ideas on problem solving in other parts of the country or world," said George Vellidis, a professor in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and one of the event’s organizers. "We invited a suite of people from around the industry who are on the cutting edge of some of these new agriculture technologies that we know will be a benefit to all our attendees."

The conference, which will take place on May 18-19 at the University

of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel, will focus on a number of challenges:

One session will focus on new developments in the delivery and types of chemicals used to protect crops from insects or disease, providing insight into new technologies that could minimize chemical use by as much as 70%. In addition to the obvious financial cost efficiencies at stake, this would offset environmental costs, as well.

On the second day, speakers will focus on poultry. Industry experts will offer new perspectives and integrative precision agriculture solutions that address concerns about animal welfare in poultry production.

"The international perspective is important," says Harald Scherm, a professor and department head for the Department of Plant Pathology at UGA. "Agritechnology companies have a global presence, and innovations that can benefit the diverse food and fiber systems

in Georgia are developed by small and large companies all over the world. Furthermore, other countries have faced labor, environmental and regulatory issues impacting agricultural production for longer or more severely than the U.S., which promoted earlier adoption of some integrative precision agriculture technologies abroad."

Conference attendees will have opportunities to participate in postconference events like a spray drone workshop, student hackathon and tour of UGA’s Sanford Stadium.

The spray drone workshop will be led by a pair of experts, one from Auburn University and another from Greece, whose experience with the technology varies as a result of the types of crops and climates in which they use it. Attendees will gain new perspective as a result, Vellidis said.

Registration is available online at www.hotel.uga.edu/events/integrativeprecision-agriculture.

The Integrative Precision Agriculture International Conference — Local Solutions Through Global Advances will be held May 18-19 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel. Hosted by UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, the conference will feature speakers who solve problems around the globe and offer new perspectives on common challenges in the field.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference Set for July

Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 27-29, 2023, at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar 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, “Building on Our Strengths,” plans to focus on marketing, precision ag and the 2023 Farm Bill. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Georgia, vice chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

Georgia peanut Commission Approves Funding for FY 2023-2024 Research Projects

by Joy Crosby

The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $706,139 in research project funding for the 2023-24 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 35 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College 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 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, 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 $1,317,215 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.

Florida Peanut Producers Association holds 47th Annual Meeting

Davis receives Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer Award

by Brittany Peacock

The Florida Peanut Producers Association held their 47th Annual Membership Meeting Feb. 23, 2023, in Marianna, Florida. During the meeting, farmers elected new board members and received a report on activities of FPPA and the National Peanut Board, as well as an update from the University of Florida.

The University of Florida senior vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources J. Scott Angle provided an update on the university. Angle has led the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences since July 2020. Angle discussed the ongoing peanut research at UF and how the results will help improve crop production in the future. Dr. Angle encouraged the group and let them know just how important the checkoff dollars are to the research on peanuts at the University of Florida.

The new member elected to serve on the FPPA Board of Directors is Nick Marshall from Baker, Florida. He is eligible to serve two consecutive three year terms. Marshall replaces retiring director positions of James Marshall from Baker, Florida.

Rollin Hudson, Chiefland, Florida, and Dave DeFelix, Campbellton, Florida, were elected for another three-year term on the board of directors. 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. Maria Mehok with the National Peanut Board also gave a report on the national promotions and research funding.

The highlight of the evening included the presentation of the Farm Credit/FPPA Young Peanut Farmer Award presentation. Logan Chappell, loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida presented the award to Chad Davis from Chipley, Florida.

Davis started farming in 2012 at the age of 22. Since then Davis has expanded his operation to around 500 acres of peanuts and cotton stretching across Washington County and Jackson County.

Davis grew up in a farming family with his dad, Roger Davis, and his brother, Alan Davis. Farming is in his family, which also includes his uncles, Sonny, Michael, Keith and Randy Davis.

Davis is married to Somer and they have two boys, Cooper and Barrett.

After high school, Davis received a degree in business which shows in his farm management decisions. He is financially responsible and carefully weighs out each decision made on the farm. Davis has been farming for over ten years and has proven that he has what it takes to grow peanuts and cotton in the Florida Panhandle successfully.

Logan Chappell (left), loan officer with Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, presents Chad Davis (right) of Chipley, Fla., with the Farm Credit/Florida Peanut Producers Association Young Peanut Farmer Award during the 47th FPPA annual meeting held Feb. 23, 2023, in Marianna, Fla.

Washington Outlook

By Robert L. Redding Jr.

U.S. Peanut Federation Washington D.C. Fly-In

Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation traveled to Washington, D.C., in March for their annual Spring Fly-In. During their trip, USPF representatives met with key members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff to discuss issues facing the peanut industry today. The USPF Fly-In is essential to connect with Congress about peanut industry priorities, especially since Farm Bill programs are up for reauthorization in 2023.

During their meetings, representatives of the U.S. Peanut Federation discussed the rising costs of production for peanuts, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, and peanut priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing on USDA Oversight

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry recently held a hearing titled "Oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture." U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was the witness at the hearing.

The hearing focused on reviewing the enforcement and implementation of programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During his questioning, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, stressed the importance of resources for rural communities in the 2023 Farm Bill.

"Alabama’s hardworking farmers and producers continue to face an uphill battle as they work to feed our nation. Inflation is skyrocketing and input costs continue to rise for feed, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment — which cut producers’ bottom lines. Bottom line: we’re struggling … We cannot lose sight of the importance of this

Farm Bill, for the next five years, for our farmers and producers all across our country." Tuberville says. "Our producers need a strong Farm Bill with sufficient funding for crop insurance and farm safety net programs like ARC and PLC that keep our hardworking farmers whole. We must ensure each producer remains in charge of what operations occur within their own farmland and forestland. All conservation programs must remain voluntary, market-driven, and incentive based."

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Releases Letter on Budget Views and Estimates fro FY24

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a letter to the U.S. House Committee on the Budget on views and estimates for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. After the letter was reported favorably out of Committee, Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson issued the following statement.

"The Committee’s budget views and estimates letter outlines a clear, bipartisan blueprint to invest in the hardworking men and women of American agriculture—the folks who work 365 days a year to feed and fuel our nation. While additional funds are necessary, there is no piece of legislation that provides a better return on investment than the Farm Bill," Chairman Thompson says. "In the wake of record inflation, a global pandemic, and geopolitical turmoil, American farmers, ranchers, foresters, producers, and consumers are suffering. The best way to support them is to pass an effective, bipartisan, and timely Farm Bill, and the letter considered today provides a sensible path forward."

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Hosting Farm Bill Listening Sessions

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee hosted the second Farm Bill listening session Feb. 14, 2023, in Tulare, California, at the World Ag Expo. U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, was joined by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California and U.S. Representatives David Valadao, R-California; Jim Costa, D-California; Doug LaMalfa, D-California; David Rouzer, R-North Carolina; Salud Carbajal, D-California; Jimmy Panetta, D-California; John Rose, R-Tennessee and John Duarte, R-California.

Chairman Thompson hosted the third listening session March 15, 2023, in Waco, Texas. Chairman Thompson was joined by U.S. Representatives Pete Sessions, R-Texas; Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Austin Scott, R-Georgia, Doug LaMalfa, R-California; Kat Cammack, R-Florida; Ronny Jackson, R-Texas; Tracey Mann, R-Kansas; Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas and Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisconsin.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop Appointed to House Agriculture Committee

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for the 118th Congress. The Agriculture Committee will oversee the development of the upcoming Farm Bill, a reauthorization of federal programs related to agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs. Bishop also serves as the Ranking Member on the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies."

Georgia Peanut Farmers Donate Peanut Butter to Capital Area Food Bank

More than 10,000 jars of peanut butter donated during USPF Washington, D.C., Fly-In

By Madeline Hawkins

The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2023 Washington D.C. Flyin. 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. This donation was made to recognize and celebrate National Peanut Month in March.

“Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its long shelf-life," says Ross Kendrick, GPC board member. "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."

USPF representatives were able to visit the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) and hear firsthand how this donation will positively impact families in the local community. According to representatives at CAFB, the peanut butter donated today will be distributed as quickly as this week to children, families, and the elderly in the community.

Molly McGlinchy, deputy chief of programs and innovation at the Capital Area Food Bank, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry representatives in attendance.

"On behalf of the staff, the volunteers, and the folks that we serve, I want to say thank you for this donation," McGlinchy says. "We recognize that protein is a really critical nutrient at all ages and all stages of

life for the individuals that we serve, and peanut butter is the perfect vehicle for providing that nutrient"

CAFB 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.

Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month - a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus, and

magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.

The 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.

Peanut industry representatives donate 10,080 jars of Peanut Proud peanut butter to the Capital Area Food Bank. The donation was made during the U.S. Peanut Federation's Spring 2023 Washington, D.C. Fly-in and in recognition of National Peanut Month in March.

Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference

nut, peanuts are definitely a uniquely sustainable plant. Participants also learned about how peanuts, with nitrogen-fixing properties and robust root systems, are good for the soil and other crops.

It’s Strawberry Season!

The Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference was held March 3, in Statesboro, Georgia. There were 40 people in attendance for this year’s conference theme: Sustainability. Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, spoke about Sustainable Peanuts.

As nature’s zero-waste plant with the lowest carbon footprint and lowest water usage per serving of any

Peanuts have an even greater story to tell when you consider sustainability in terms of nutrition equity. Peanuts are a nutrient-dense super food which is not only genuinely liked by most people but which also is inexpensive, shelf-stable and versatile relative to other foods. Even the peanut allergy research, funded in great part by America’s peanut farmers through the National Peanut Board, which has resulted in the new recommendation to introduce peanuts early to help prevent peanut allergies will help with nutrition equity as the cost of having a food allergy is quite high.

Participants were quite impressed to hear about the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts initiative where peanut farmers, who protect the land for a living and a livelihood, can participate to help create and tell the peanut sustainability story and bring it to life with real-world statistics.

Georgia FCCLA Annual Conference

The Georgia Chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America hosted its annual conference in Athens, Ga. March 23-25. High school students from across the state had the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication necessary in the workforce. Activities at the conference included personal and professional development workshops,

competitive events, and motivational general sessions.

Leslie Wagner staffed the Georgia Peanuts exhibit during the conference. Food & Nutrition, Culinary and Early Childhood teachers and students visited the exhibit to get classroom materials on nutrition, early introduction to prevent peanut allergy, and new high school peanut curriculum as well as peanuts and promotional items.

A PB&J is one of the most popular sandwiches in America. During strawberry season, SPG highly recommends changing up that traditional PB&J by replacing the jelly with freshly sliced strawberries. Add a little fresh basil and you have an excellent lunch –or breakfast, especially if you serve as a peanut butter and strawberry toast!

Visit peanutbutterlovers.com and enter your name and email address in the pop-up window to receive your free downloadable cookbook! These are 10 of our best recipes (plus one for the dog!) and you'll be signed up to get more sticky news and peanutty treats every month.

Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers, and Ashleigh Childs, University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Candler and Evans Counties, at the annual meeting of Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.