Southern Peanut Farmers: Recent Episodes
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On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was signed into law following votes of approval by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The primary purpose of a budget reconciliation bill is to fast-track legislation required for federal spending, revenue, and the debt limit.
This “mega bill” included key provisions historically part of the traditional Farm Bill process. The most recent Farm Bill—the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018—originally expired in 2023, but was on its second temporary extension, set to expire in September 2025. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee and U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee both prioritized many typical Farm Bill provisions to be strategically included in the budget reconciliation package, additions which focused on investments in rural America. However, since these items moved forward through the budget reconciliation process, Congress could only include provisions with a direct impact on federal spending or revenue. Lawmakers plan to address the remaining Farm Bill provisions by introducing a smaller legislative version of the Farm Bill at a later date.
The final OBBBA legislation included the top policy priorities for the U.S. Peanut Federation; an increase in the reference price for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, a voluntary base acres update, a marketing loan increase, and modified payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production, all of which are now set as law through 2031.
Reference Price Increase: The legislation raises statutory reference prices for major commodities through the 2031 crop year. Language is included to address the 2031 crop year and beyond, when reference prices will increase by 0.5% each year on a compounded basis, although the total growth cannot exceed 113% of the initial value. This approach allows prices to track long-term market trends while preventing excessive escalation. Peanut growers will experience an increase in reference price from $535/ton to $630/ton, beginning with the 2025 crop year.
Voluntary Base Acres Update: For the first time in more than ten years, USDA will allow farms without existing base acres or with minimal base acres—but with a history of producing eligible crops—to receive up to 30 million newly designated base acres. Farmers can participate without giving up any current base acres. To qualify, farms must have planted or attempted to plant eligible crops during 2019–2023. Allocations will be distributed in proportion based on the average of 2019-2023 plantings and prevented plantings. Beginning in 2026, producers may qualify for PLC or ARC payments with the new base acres. This opportunity is voluntary, and a landowner may opt out of receiving additional base acres if they wish.
Peanut Marketing Loan Increase: For crop years 2026–2031, the marketing loan rate for peanuts will be set at $390 per ton. The new marketing loan rate is an increase from the current loan rate of $355 per ton, which has been set since the 2002 Farm Bill when the new peanut program was established. Storage and handling provisions are also included.
Payment Limit Increase: The payment limit is now $155,000 per entity, which is an increase from the previous limit set at $125,000 per entity. There is also a separate $155,000 limit set specifically for peanuts. Starting with the 2025 crop year, the $155,000 payment limit will be annually adjusted based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Aug. 4, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) proudly supports the Agricultural Act of 2026 bill text released by U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR). The proposed legislation, commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0,” builds upon the historic agricultural investments included in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, further strengthening key Farm Bill provisions that delivered significant benefits to American agriculture, including the U.S. peanut industry.
Specifically, the bill ensures the continued operation of the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program by clarifying program authority and maintaining its availability during any future lapses in federal government funding, strengthening the farm safety net and providing greater certainty for peanut producers. The legislation also reinforces support for agricultural export markets, which is a top priority for the U.S. peanut industry, and includes provisions supporting nutrition and emergency food assistance programs which have long served as important markets for U.S. peanut products.
“With the current state of the U.S. farm economy, we appreciate Chairman Boozman’s leadership and focus on completing the remainder of the Farm Bill. This legislation will provide certainty to America’s producers and includes provisions which will benefit the entire U.S. peanut industry. We urge U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee members to support these important provisions by passing the Agricultural Act of 2026,” says Jamie Brown, chairman, U.S. Peanut Federation.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
March 27, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives from the United States Peanut Federation (USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for U.S. peanut industry priorities. During the trip, USPF representatives met with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff and Administration officials, to engage in discussions on current economic conditions, trade markets, and nutrition opportunities.
H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0,” was recently approved by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. This legislation builds upon the traditional Farm Bill provisions included in last year’s final passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). USPF enjoyed meeting with the Members of Congress who were involved in securing key peanut priorities in these two legislative initiatives.
Additionally, USPF representatives shared updates on the state of the peanut farm economy, including current cost of production and estimated financial losses for the 2026 crop year. As the financial condition continues to be proven unsustainable for Southeast farms, USPF heard from Members of Congress on the potential for additional agricultural economic assistance payments this year. Although payments from the 2026 Farmer Bridge Assistance program have helped, there is still a significant gap to fill before and after the OBBBA safety net payments are disbursed this fall.
“Peanut producers are struggling during these challenging economic times and are in urgent need of support. We appreciate the conversations with leaders in Washington, D.C. who are willing to assist us in finding solutions for our farmers. We look forward to working with Congress and USDA to strengthen the U.S. peanut industry’s future,” said Taylor Arnold, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
“We appreciate our friends in Congress listening to the concerns of the U.S. peanut industry and working with us to find solutions to our current economic situation,” said Chris Chammoun, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association.
“We once again appreciate the opportunity to meet with our representatives, and for their continued focus on supporting one of America’s greatest assets- a secure and nutritious food supply. We also are grateful in their listening to current economic challenges and future actions in keeping the U.S. agricultural supply chain viable for decades to come,” said Jamie Brown, USPF chairman.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Legislation Provides Multiple Provisions for Peanuts
March 5, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a two-day markup held by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was officially passed by the Committee early this morning by a 34-17 vote. The bill was supported by Republican members of the Committee, along with seven Democrat members. Democrats who joined the Republicans in voting to pass the bill were Reps. Jim Costa (CA), Sharice Davids (KS), Don Davis (NC), Gabe Vasquez (NM), Adam Gray (CA), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI), and Josh Riley (NY).
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0,” builds upon the traditional Farm Bill provisions included in last year’s final passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025.
Specifically, this legislation strengthens the operation of the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program by clarifying program authority and ensuring that the program remains fully operational during any future lapses in federal government funding. These updates reinforce the farm safety net and provide greater certainty for producers and market participants who rely on the MAL program for financial stability and market flexibility. The legislation also underscores continued support for agricultural export markets, which remain a top priority for the U.S. peanut industry.
In addition, the bill includes important provisions related to international and emergency food assistance programs—longstanding markets for U.S. peanut products. The allocation of $200 million annually to support emergency food assistance programs for the procurement and distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods will provide meaningful benefits to the entire U.S. peanut industry. Furthermore, transferring the authorities of the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the U.S. Department of Agriculture will expand opportunities for program participation. The bill also reserves 50 percent of Food for Peace resources for U.S.-grown commodities, which will help ensure continued utilization of peanut products in these programs.
USPF recently joined the American Soybean Association, National Milk Producers Federation, and U.S. Dairy Export Council in sending a letter to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig, supporting the inclusion of funding for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) in the bill text. U.S. House Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08) included this support in his opening remarks during the markup.
“The U.S. Peanut Federation appreciates the hard work of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in completing the Farm Bill and passing it out of committee,” stated USPF Chairman Jamie Brown. “The assurance of operations to the Marketing Assistance Loan program are significant for improving the process for all peanut industry participants. Additionally, new investments in food assistance programs will benefit the entire U.S. peanut industry. USPF thanks Charmain GT Thompson for his leadership and applauds the Members of Congress who supported farm communities by voting to advance this important legislation.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
March 4, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) proudly supports the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 introduced by U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. The proposed bill expands upon the many traditional Farm Bill provisions that were included in the final passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025, which provided historic wins for American agriculture, including the U.S. peanut industry.
Specifically, this bill ensures the successful operation of the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program, clarifying program authority and ensuring the MAL program remains operational during any future lapses in federal government funding. This is a critical update, strengthening the farm safety net and providing greater certainty for producers and market participants. Additionally, the proposed bill emphasizes continued support for agricultural export markets, which is a top priority for the U.S. peanut industry.
USPF also supports the bill’s inclusion of provisions for international and emergency food assistance programs, which are historic markets for U.S. peanut products. The allocation of $200 million annually to carry out emergency food assistance programs specifically for the procurement and distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods will greatly benefit U.S. peanut producers and the peanut industry. The transfer of the authorities of the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow for more participation in these programs, and we appreciate the specific reservation of 50% of Food for Peace resources for U.S. grown commodities.
“With the current state of the U.S. farm economy, we appreciate Chairman Thompson’s leadership in prioritizing the completion of the Farm Bill and providing certainty to America’s producers. The inclusion of enhancements to the Marketing Assistance Loan program and new investments in food assistance programs will benefit the entire U.S. peanut industry. We urge the U.S. House Agriculture Committee members to support these important provisions by passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” says Jamie Brown, chairman, U.S. Peanut Federation.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing Lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Jan. 21, 2026, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and United States Peanut Federation hosted the fourth annual Aflatoxin Research Update at the University of Georgia Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Throughout the day, 21 presentations were given by research leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Peanut Research Lab, research and extension professionals from land grant universities such as Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, University of Florida, and Mississippi State University.
“These annual updates allow us to see the steady progress being made across multi-year research projects. From seasoned experts to emerging researchers, this year’s aflatoxin research update highlighted potential solutions at every point in the supply chain—from enhancing plant resistance and displacing the fungus at the soil level, to understanding how warehouse conditions and practices influence aflatoxin proliferation, and developing more efficient detection methods that could help shellers and manufacturers mitigate financial risk,” said Courtney Dorsett, chair of the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on Regulatory Compliance and Research Coordination. “Winning the war against aflatoxin will require a multi-pronged approach, and thanks to the financial support of the U.S. Peanut Federation, we are steadily marching toward success.”
U.S. Congress recently approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies legislation, which would continue the peanut aflatoxin research funding for FY 2026 at $4 million.
“Aflatoxin is a major concern for the US peanut industry. The funding secured by the U.S. Peanut Federation has created foundational knowledge among the researchers and allowed university extension professionals to make applicable recommendations to the industry around the management and mitigation of aflatoxin. Growers, buying points, and shellers have all collectively been part of this effort to continue to research and understand aflatoxin,” said Chris Chammoun, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association.
The U.S. Peanut Federation will continue to work with USDA, land grant universities and peanut organizations on research, funding, and updates surrounding aflatoxin in peanuts.
“The Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to partner in support of these peanut aflatoxin research efforts. We will continue to prioritize this research and welcome future opportunities to advance innovation and progress within the U.S. peanut industry,” said Taylor Arnold, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
“We are pleased to continue supporting research focused on aflatoxin in peanuts. Discovering new strategies to mitigate the impacts of aflatoxin in peanuts is essential to the long-term viability and success of the entire U.S. peanut industry. The National Peanut Buying Points Association appreciates the important work being carried out by research institutions and departments dedicated to strengthening and sustaining U.S. peanut products,” said Tyron Spearman, executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association.
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Photo caption: Dr. Joseph McIntyre, research agricultural engineer at USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory presents current aflatoxin research projects during the Aflatoxin Research Update, Jan. 14, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.
The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing Lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Dec. 9, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, President Trump announced a new agricultural economic assistance package, totaling $11 billion for row crop producers, including peanuts. Specific payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program have not yet been announced, but farmers can expect to receive payments as early as February 2026.
U.S. peanut growers have continued to struggle with high costs of production, low commodity prices, and recent natural disasters. The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is grateful to President Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins for their continued attention to the success of rural America’s producers.
For the peanut industry, this announcement strengthens the farm safety net and provides confidence for producers to continue their farming operations. USDA Secretary Rollins noted that producers will have payment rates by the end of 2025 and will be able to provide this information for lending purposes as growers enter the new crop year. As of now, USDA has shared the following details: the payment rate will apply to 2025 planted acres; a $155,000 payment limit applies; a $900,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) test applies; and for growers who double crop, both crops will be eligible for payments. Additionally, in order to be eligible for this program, growers must file their acreage report and ensure farm data is up to date with their local county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office by December 19, 2025.
“Following years of financial strain for peanut farmers, we are grateful for the efforts made by the Trump Administration to identify options for relief. This new economic assistance package will ensure our industry can continue to operate under a struggling farm economy. We are thankful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for listening to the voices of production agriculture and prioritizing the success and sustainability of our industries,” said Jamie Brown, U.S. Peanut Federation Chairman.
“Peanut growers have remained steadfast in their operations over the past few years, even while facing challenging economic conditions at the farm level. We are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their leadership in securing this economic assistance and their continued advocacy for rural America. This announcement provides hope to U.S. peanut growers as they prepare to enter the next crop year,” said Joe Boddiford, Georgia Peanut Commission Chairman.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing Lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Nov. 17, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three days after the government reopened and despite the radical left Democrat caused shutdown, President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins continue to put Farmers First, including the unprecedented move to reopen over 2,000 county FSA offices in the middle of the government shutdown so farmers could continue to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) services during harvest. Today, the USDA will continue to support farmers and will release billions in disaster assistance for those recovering from natural disasters across the country.
“President Trump continues to put Farmers First and provide relief to American farmers reeling from the devastating natural disasters that struck across the United States in 2023 and 2024. The continued financial success of our farming and ranching operations is a national security priority,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “USDA is doing whatever it takes to make good on President Trump’s promise to expedite disaster recovery assistance to U.S. farmers and ranchers, ensuring viability, prosperity, and longevity for these men and women who dedicate their entire lives to our nation’s food, fiber and fuel production. The majority of payments from the first stage are already in the hands of producers helping them prepare for and invest in the next crop year.”
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering more than $16 billion in total Congressionally approved SDRP assistance. This is on top of over $9.3 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) assistance to over 560,000 row crop farmers and over $705 million in Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to over 220,000 ranchers. Stage Two of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses. For Stage Two program details, including fact sheets, please visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.
The first stage, announced in July, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events. FSA county offices will begin accepting SDRP Stage Two applications on November 24, 2025. Producers have until April 30, 2026, to apply for both Stage One and Stage Two assistance. FSA is establishing block grants with Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts that cover crop losses; therefore, producers with losses on land physically located in these states are not eligible for SDRP program payments.
Since March 2025, USDA has supported U.S. farmers and ranchers with more than $16 billion in supplemental disaster assistance mandated by Congress in the American Relief Act, 2025 including $9.3 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, over $1 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and, to date, more than $5.7 billion in SDRP Stage One payments.
Milk and On-Farm Stored Crop Loss Assistance
The Milk Loss Program provides up to $1.65 million in payments to eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed without compensation from the commercial milk market because of a qualifying natural disaster event in 2023 and/or 2024.
Producers who suffered losses of eligible harvested commodities while stored in on-farm structures in 2023 and/or 2024 due to a qualifying natural disaster event may be eligible for assistance through the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program, which provides for up to $5 million to impacted producers.
The enrollment period to apply for milk and on-farm stored commodity losses is Nov. 24, 2025, through Jan. 23, 2026. Information and fact sheets for both programs are available online at fsa.usda.gov/mlp for milk loss and fsa.usda.gov/ofsclp for on-farm stored commodity losses.
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Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Aug. 25, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the White House released a statement regarding the Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade (“Framework Agreement”) made by the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU).
According to the U.S. EU Joint Statement, The European Union intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and to provide preferential market access for a wide range of U.S. agricultural goods. Additionally, the European Union and the United States have committed to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products.
For almost a decade, the U.S. peanut industry has advocated for EU trade solutions, specifically regarding non-tariff barriers the industry has faced due to EU sampling protocols. The EU has been a long-time importer of U.S. peanuts, and the U.S. peanut industry appreciates the Trump Administration’s efforts to assist in strengthening one of our top export markets.
“We are grateful for the efforts made by the Trump Administration to identify solutions to the non-tariff trade barrier issues the U.S. peanut industry has been facing. The European Union has the potential to be one of our strongest export markets, but we have continued at a significant disadvantage over our export competitors. This agreement provides a sense of security to the U.S. peanut industry with the knowledge that the Administration has prioritized resolving unfair, non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. agricultural products,” said Jamie Brown, United States Peanut Federation Chairman.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Once again, nearly 50 companies and organizations stepped up to make the 2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference possible. We are blessed to have such wonderful supporters for our peanut farmers.
This blog became part of the conference in 2008 and Ag Technologies has been the sponsor since the beginning. “We’re happy to to be here and we serve the the whole Southeast area and we’re growing and we’ve got a lot of new products and we’re just really just trying to be here for any growers to help them,” said Kelly.
He says artificial intelligence (AI) is definitely making an impact with new products. “So our sprayer technology is equipped with the ability to add cameras and the cameras are doing weed identification. They’re doing weed pressure identification. They can change the rate on the go. They can spot spray,” Kelly said. “Getting the weeds identified with artificial intelligence has been big.
Listen to an interview with Travis here:
Travis Kelly, Ag Technologies (4:26)
Here is a list of all the conference sponsors – please let them know you appreciate them.
- Syngenta
- National Peanut Board
- Farm Press/Farm Progress
- FMC Corporation
- Ag Technologies LLC
- BASF
- Bayer Crop Science
- Birdsong Peanuts
- Colombo NA
- Kelley Manufacturing Co.
- LMC Ag
- Nolin Steel
- ProFarm
- Solusil
- SunSouth
- UPL
- Valent U.S.A. Corporation
- Vantage South
- Vive Crop Protection
- WECO The Science of Optical Sorting
- Zimmatic Irrigation
- Agrauxine Corp.
- Amadas Industries
- Gowan USA
- Olam Peanut Shelling Company
- Premium Peanut LLC
- Southeast Ag Net
- Southeastern Peanut Farmer
- Verdesian Life Sciences
- Ag Logic Chemical LLC
- Alabama Ag Credit
- Alabama Farmers Federation
- Early Trucking Company
- Florida Farm Bureau
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service
- Golden Peanut Company
- Harrell Ag Products
- Mississippi Farm Bureau
- National Peanut Buying Points Assn.
- Nichino America, Inc.
- Synovus Ag and Timber Group
- United Bank
- Visjon Biologics
- Corteva Agriscience
- Georgia Agribusiness Council
- HudsonAlpha Wiregrass
2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference photo album
Agriculture Title Includes Key Peanut Provisions
June 13, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is grateful to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for their efficient and effective work in preparing their version of bill text for the budget legislation package.
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman’s proposed legislation is similar to the recently passed U.S. House Agriculture Committee legislation that focuses on Investment in Rural America. The proposed Senate bill contains several important provisions for the U.S. peanut industry, including an increase in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price, an update for base acres, a marketing loan increase, and payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production. This legislation was released by the Committee last night and will soon undergo a parliamentary review process before being considered on the Senate floor.
“This bill takes a commonsense approach to reforming SNAP—cutting waste, increasing state accountability, and helping recipients transition to self-sufficiency through work and training. It’s about being good stewards of taxpayer dollars while giving folks the tools to succeed. At the same time, our farmers and ranchers are facing real challenges, which have been unaddressed for too long. This legislation delivers the risk management tools and updated farm bill safety net they need to keep producing the safest, most abundant and affordable food, fuel, and fiber in the world. It’s an investment in rural America and the future of agriculture,” Chairman Boozman said.
“The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is pleased to support the Senate Agriculture Committee’s budget reconciliation text which addresses the current challenging economic times for the U.S. peanut industry. Following the passage of the House Agriculture Committee’s budget legislation, the Senate Agriculture Committee worked diligently to complete their version of the legislation, which includes provisions for our industry’s success. Peanut farmers are struggling financially due to the impacts of rising costs of production and low commodity prices. There have been two extensions of the 2018 Farm Bill which, due to antiquated data, provides little in the form of a safety net for producers in today’s marketplace. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s bill addresses these outdated farm bill provisions, updates key pieces of the farm safety net, and supports commodity export, research, and marketing efforts. This bill assures that growers, agribusinesses, and rural communities can move forward with confidence in farm policy for the foreseeable future,” stated USPF Chairman Jamie Brown.
“Peanut growers continue to face challenges as costs of production have long outpaced market prices. Unfortunately, peanut growers have seen no signs of hope for improvement in the 2025 crop nor the 2026 crop year. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s budget package contains our industry’s top policy priorities. We are thankful for the urgency in releasing this legislative text and are pleased to support the Committee’s bill. We encourage the U.S. Senate to pass the full reconciliation package, including the Agriculture Committee’s provisions,” commented Joe Boddiford, Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
Alabama Peanut Producers Association President Carl Sanders stated, “The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s proposed budget legislation is very important to Alabama peanut growers. Capitol Hill has listened to the peanut industry’s concerns about the current economic conditions, and we appreciate how the Committee has worked to address them. We believe the peanut provisions included in this budget legislation package are the peanut industry’s best opportunity to address significant financial conditions for growers as soon as possible.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Agriculture Title Includes Key Peanut Provisions
May 16, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) applauds the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture for passing Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s budget legislation that focuses on Investment in Rural America.
Chairman Thompson’s proposed bill contained several important provisions for the U.S. peanut industry, including an increase in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price, an update for base acres, marketing loan increase, and payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production. This legislation was passed by the House Agriculture Committee and will soon be considered on the House floor as part of the full budget legislation package.
Chairman Thompson stated, “We’re strengthening the farm safety net and delivering critical support to the farmers, workers, and communities that keep America fed. These commonsense solutions help build a stronger, more resilient rural America. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Committee for their hard work, and I look forward to passing this bill in the House and delivering results for families across the country.”
“The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is pleased to support the House Agriculture Committee’s Budget Reconciliation bill, which addresses the current challenging economic times for the U.S. peanut industry. With the impact of rising costs of production and low commodity prices, farmers are struggling financially. There have been two extensions of the 2018 Farm Bill which, due to antiquated data, provides little in the form of a safety net for producers in today’s marketplace. The Agriculture Committee’s bill addresses these outdated farm bill provisions, updates key pieces of the farm safety net, and supports commodity export, research, and marketing efforts. This bill assures that growers, agribusinesses, and rural communities can move forward with confidence in farm policy for the foreseeable future,” stated USPF Chairman Jamie Brown.
“Costs of production continue to outpace market prices for peanut growers. We don’t see this situation improving for the 2025 crop nor the 2026 crop year. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Budget package contains the top policy priorities for U.S. peanut growers and the peanut industry. We are pleased to support the Committee’s bill and encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Reconciliation package, including the Agriculture Committee’s provisions,” commented Joe Boddiford, Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
Alabama Peanut Producers Association President Carl Sanders stated, “The U.S. House Agriculture Committee passed Budget Reconciliation bill is good for Alabama peanut growers. The Committee listened to the peanut industry’s concerns about the economic conditions in Rural America and moved to address them. We believe the peanut provisions in the House Bill are the peanut industry’s best opportunity to address these significant financial conditions for growers.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
April 15, 2025, DOTHAN, Alabama – The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF) proudly welcomes the South Carolina Peanut Board to join the federation. Formed in 1998, SPFF was established to allow Southeastern peanut producers to speak with a unified voice on legislative issues and partner with other state peanut organizations for leadership development and coordinated research funding.
“The South Carolina Peanut Board is excited to join the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation to offer the South Carolina peanut industry so many opportunities,” says Richard Rentz, chairman of the South Carolina Peanut Board. “By joining SPFF, South Carolina is taking a step towards the peanut industry working together as a whole.”
SPFF was initially organized by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, the Florida Peanut Producers Association and the Georgia Peanut Commission. The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association joined SPFF in 2008 and now the South Carolina Peanut Board is the latest organization to join SPFF. The SPFF board consists of 10 members comprised of the chief elected officer and the executive director of each organization.
“We are very pleased to have South Carolina join the federation so we can expand our partnership and collaboration on peanut industry issues and help us to be a stronger advocate for growers,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The peanut farmers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina produce 73 percent of the nation’s peanuts. In 2024, farmers in the five states produced an average of 3,560 pounds of peanuts per acre.
The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation coordinates the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, the Peanut Leadership Academy, congressional member and staff relations, as well as research initiatives. Additionally, SPFF publishes the Southeastern Peanut Farmer magazine which is distributed to peanut farmers across the Southeast.
Additional information regarding the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is available online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
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March 18, 2025, TIFTON, Ga. – The Farm Service Agency is issuing a notice in the Federal Register announcing the funding for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), which will provide economic assistance payments to eligible producers of eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. ECAP is a new FSA program authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025. This notice also announces the eligibility (commodities, acres, producers, and losses), payment calculations, payment limitations, and how to apply (pre-filled application and any required adjustments) for ECAP.
This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2025, and available online at https://federalregister.gov/d/2025-04604, and on https://govinfo.gov (Pub. L. 118-158) and administered by FSA. ECAP will use up to $10 billion to issue one-time economic assistance payments to eligible producers of eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. These payments are intended to help farmers cope with losses from natural disasters and a difficult farm economy, and will help preserve family farms and ranches across the country while also continuing to ensure food and agricultural security for our nation.
Eligible commodities include barley, canola, crambe, corn, dry peas, extra-long staple cotton, flax, large chickpeas, mustard, lentils, oats, peanuts, rapeseed, rice, safflower, sesame, small chickpeas, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, upland cotton, and wheat. The payment rate for peanuts is $75.51 per acre.
Farmers can sign up on the FSA website on March 19 at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ecap. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15, 2025.
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March 7, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) leaders combined advocacy with service during their March 2025 Washington, D.C. Fly-in. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), in conjunction with USPF, proudly partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 5,760 jars of peanut butter to serve the Nation’s Capital and surrounding areas. This donation was made to recognize and celebrate National Peanut Month in March.
“We are grateful to provide this donation of peanut butter to the Capital Area Food Bank to help ensure that those affected by food insecurity in this area can have access to safe, nutritional food,” said Joe Boddiford, GPC Chairman.
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 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 CAFB, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry representatives in attendance.
“Protein is a critical nutrient at all ages and all stages of life for the individuals that we serve, and peanut butter is a great way to provide that nutrient,” McGlinchy said. “It’s shelf-stable and kid-friendly, and always in high demand among our clients. We’re grateful for this donation, which will be distributed to neighbors across our region.”
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 60 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.
March is also 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.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Feb. 10, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on February 5 titled “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 1.” The U.S. Peanut Federation was honored to have representation by Garrett Moore of Moore Family Farm LLC in Chancellor, Alabama.
Moore’s testimony highlighted the struggles facing the peanut industry, including growers, shellers, and buying points. He outlined the major financial challenges over the past few years, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflation, non-tariff trade barriers and low market prices. Despite the recently passed economic assistance package, farmers will still face significant deficits, with input costs rising dramatically.
According to peanut economist Dr. Stanley Fletcher, Professor of Policy at the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the 2021 cost of production was $546.54 per ton, and reports the 2024 cost of production at approximately $656.80 per ton, a 20.17% percent increase over the course of three years.
During his testimony, Moore gave anecdotal evidence supporting the rising cost of production, stating, “On our farm alone, many of our expenses have almost doubled since 2018, and we are seeing no signs of relief in the cost of production area. For example, we need specific fertilizers to sustain nutrient levels in the soil, both for the peanuts we are growing and to protect the land for future crops. In the past few years, the significant increase in fertilizer costs has caused tough management decisions.”
Additionally, Moore emphasized the need for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill this year, and to include an increase in the reference price for the peanut Price Loss Coverage program (PLC) and a voluntary base update that will assist newer growing regions and younger growers.
“This testament to our current farm economy clearly conveys why we need a new Farm Bill. Peanut growers, shellers, and buying points all support the PLC program as included in the 2018 Farm Bill, but with a reference price increase. While the 2018 Farm Bill’s PLC program has been beneficial for peanut growers in the past, the rise in cost of production requires a reference price increase if this program is to remain relevant and valuable as a farm safety net,” Moore said.
“Additionally, the U.S. Peanut Federation supports a voluntary base update that includes growers with and without peanut base acres. While the 2014 Farm Bill allowed for base updating for peanut growers that already had base acreage on their farms, it excluded many young farmers and new production areas,” Moore added.
In closing, he stressed the importance of the peanut industry in the global food supply and urged continued support for farmers to ensure the future of agriculture.
“I am proud to be an American peanut grower and am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s food supply. I hope to continue my family’s farm for a 5th generation, which cannot be done without increased support for our industry,” Moore said.
In addition to Moore, Mr. Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, and Mr. Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union, also testified, as well as representatives from other commodities including cotton, corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, soybean, sugarbeet, and rice.
Watch the full hearing here.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Dec. 21, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) applauds Congress for including agricultural economic assistance and disaster assistance in the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations legislation.
After much deliberation, on December 20, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 10545 by a vote of 366-34, which included a continuing resolution for FY25 appropriations funding, a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $10 billion in agricultural economic assistance, and $21 billion in agricultural disaster assistance. The U.S. Senate passed H.R. 10545 overnight by a vote of 85-11, and President Biden signed the bill into law later December 21, 2024.
Due to the multi-year impact of increased costs of production, low commodity prices, and recent natural disasters, peanut growers are struggling, and many will have difficulty financing their crop for 2025. For many peanut producers, the inclusion of these agricultural assistance provisions in the final legislation will determine whether they continue farming in 2025. USPF leaders are grateful to the peanut state members of Congress and other congressional agricultural leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure these vital initiatives were secured in the final passage of the appropriations bill.
Moving into the new year, peanut producers can expect to receive an estimated economic assistance payment of $76.30 per acre no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted, according to peanut economist Dr. Stanley Fletcher.
Jamie Brown, USPF chairman, said, “We once again would like to extend our gratitude to all of our representatives who stayed steadfast in passing a resolution that would ensure our farmers can continue doing what they do so well- providing this country with the best possible food security in the world. We are thankful that they listened to so many who expressed the challenges that are being faced and have offered an opportunity to meet those challenges in the years to come.”
Joe Boddiford, Georgia Peanut Commission chairman, said, “After a few long, hard years for peanut farmers who were unsure if they would be able to continue farming in 2025, we are grateful to Congress for passing much-needed financial assistance. Thank you to the members of Congress who worked hard to ensure our farmers would receive relief. It’s a great day for families in rural America who work tirelessly to feed our nation.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Dec. 18, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) supports the newly proposed continuing resolution (CR) bill to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2025 programs through March 14, 2025. USPF commends the efforts of Congressional agricultural leaders for ensuring crucial agricultural economic assistance and agricultural disaster assistance provisions were included in the legislation after extensive negotiations surrounding year-end funding.
Following a CR proposal that was withdrawn earlier this week, Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson proposed an amended version of the CR legislation this evening, which still includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, agricultural economic assistance, and natural disaster assistance.
USPF members are supportive of the CR proposal released today, which provides $10 billion in economic assistance and $21 billion in natural disaster assistance to agricultural producers across the country. According to peanut economist Dr. Stanley Fletcher, with the legislation’s payment formula based on at least 8% of the crop’s reference price and the 2024 national peanut payment yield, peanut producers can expect to receive an estimated economic assistance payment of $76.30 per acre no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted.
USPF members are grateful to the legislators who worked to keep these initiatives attached to the CR legislation and are hopeful Congress will follow through by passing the CR as it currently reads by December 20, 2024.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Dec. 18, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) supports the recently proposed continuing resolution (CR) to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2025 programs through March 14, 2025. USPF commends the efforts of Congressional agricultural leaders for working tirelessly to ensure meaningful agricultural economic assistance provisions were included in the legislation.
Following many discussions on Capitol Hill, Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson proposed the CR legislation on December 17, 2024, which included a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill and several attached funding provisions, including both agricultural economic and natural disaster assistance.
Over the past few months, USPF has joined other agricultural organizations in advocating for financial relief after the multi-year impact of increases in costs of production paired with low prices in the agriculture industry. Additionally, many peanut growers have been impacted by various natural disasters, only worsening their situation and increasing their need for assistance. Due to these extreme economic conditions, peanut growers are in urgent need of receiving financial assistance before the 2025 crop year.
USPF members were pleased with the CR proposal released, which provides $10 billion in economic assistance and $21 billion in natural disaster assistance to agricultural producers across the country. According to peanut economist Dr. Stanley Fletcher, with the legislation’s payment formula based on at least 8% of the crop’s reference price and the 2024 national peanut payment yield, peanut producers can expect to receive an estimated economic assistance payment of $77.04 per acre no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted.
USPF members are grateful to the legislators who led the effort to secure these initiatives and are hopeful Congress will follow through with these extremely important provisions by swiftly passing the CR as proposed by December 20, 2024.
Jamie Brown, USPF Chairman, said, “We extend our gratitude to our congressional leadership for providing the necessary economic support during such a critical time to our peanut farmers. It is imperative that we continue to support all farmers who provide this country’s secure food source and are thankful for that continued focus.”
Ross Kendrick, Georgia peanut grower and Georgia Peanut Commission board member, said, “Peanut growers have endured significant hardships over the past few years and financial aid is vital before the new crop year. We sincerely appreciate the work from Congressional leaders in achieving this and hope Congress will quickly pass the Continuing Resolution.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
Dec. 14, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Peanut Federation (USPF) members are disappointed after the recent breakdown of congressional discussions on the inclusion of economic assistance for farmers in upcoming appropriations legislation.
Over the past few months, USPF members have participated in three separate fly-ins to Washington, D.C., urging legislators to provide financial relief after the multi-year impact of increases in costs of production paired with low prices on the agriculture industry. The current extreme economic conditions and low probability, in many cases, of accessing loan services for the next crop year, create a financially devastating situation for farmers going into crop year 2025, with many predicting the closure of their farms. Additionally, many southern growers were impacted by back-to-back hurricanes this year, only worsening their situation and increasing the need for economic assistance.
Congress returned to session on November 12, and USPF members were hopeful agricultural economic assistance would be included in the final appropriations legislation during the Lame Duck session. Unfortunately, recent Capitol Hill discussions have lessened their confidence for economic assistance to be included along with the expected one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Congress has until December 20, 2024 to complete the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, including the Farm Bill extension, and USPF members strongly oppose any supplemental appropriations legislation that does not include vital economic assistance for the agriculture industry.
Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, said, “The current economic crisis has devastated the peanut industry, and Congress must provide economic assistance to support those who feed our nation. Most don’t realize the severity of this situation, and many farmers will be forced out of business if Congress does not act now. It is imperative Congress deny appropriations funding if assistance is not provided to the row crop industry.”
Carl Sanders, president of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, said, “Many peanut growers are unsure how their families will continue farming in 2025 with the current financial struggles they’re experiencing. Financial assistance from Congress is needed to bridge the gap until a new Farm Bill is in place.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
The 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference bids farewell to the fair city of Savannah and a great meeting with plenty of information to take home and digest. To see all of the content in one place, you can go to the SPGC virtual newsroom which includes links to all the photos and audio files.
Here are the highlights of the conference on the blog:
Ready to Roll on the River – interviews with all four state executive directors
House Ag Vice Chairman Addresses Peanut Growers Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA)
Valor Award Goes to Bob Parker – honoring the recently retired NPB CEO
Chancellor Perdue Seeks Grower Input – former ag secretary comments on current issues
Thanks to Our Blog Sponsor – AgTechnologies
House Ag Member Still Optimistic for 2024 Farm Bill – Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK)
Yummy Yom Ice Cream Pops Feature GA Peanuts – Sweet Georgia treat
2024 Peanut Efficiency Award Winners – hear from Dr. Lamb and all the winners
Peanut Growers Appreciate Syngenta Support Thanks to our Diamond level sponsor
Piloting Peanuts through the Course – hear from Georgia Ports Authority
U.S. Peanut Federation Policy Update – Bob Redding provides farm bill update
Peanuts and Chickens – USDA-ARS researcher Dr. Ondulla Toomer
Status of the Southeastern Peanut Crop – Auburn and UGA Extension Peanut Agronomists
Farmers Help Experts Analyze Profitability – Dr. Fletcher and Rep Farm Panel
Sponsors Make it All Possible – Thank You!!
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Nearly 50 companies and organizations were responsible for making the 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference possible. If it were not for their support, the cost of this great event would be more than many growers would be able to afford. That’s what we appreciate their help so much.
FMC Corporation once again stepped up at the Platinum level to sponsor the luncheon on Thursday. FMC Southeast Technical Service Manager Blaire Colvin said they really just enjoy being part of the peanut growing family. “Every year we come every year and we like to be able to talk with growers,” said Colvin. “We feel it’s really important to have that opportunity and meet their families and just demonstrate our support for what they do.”
SPGC24 Blaire Colvin, FMC 2:43
Here is a list of all the conference sponsors – please let them know you appreciate them.
- Syngenta
- National Peanut Board
- Farm Press/Farm Progress
- FMC Corporation
- Ag Technologies LLC
- BASF
- Birdsong Peanuts
- Blanchard Equipment
- Colombo NA
- Kelley Manufacturing Co.
- LMC Ag
- Nuseed
- ProFarm
- UPL
- Valent U.S.A. Corporation
- Zimmatic Irrigation
- Agrauxine Corp.
- Agri Spray Drones LLC
- Amadas Industries
- Corteva Agriscience
- Gowan USA
- Olam Peanut Shelling Company
- Premium Peanut LLC
- Southern Ag Carriers
- Verdesian Life Sciences
- Southeastern Peanut Farmer
- Southeast Ag Net
- The Peanut Grower
- Alabama Ag Credit
- Alabama Farmers Federation
- AMVAC Chemical
- Chemical Dynamics
- Early Trucking Company
- Florida Farm Bureau
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service
- Golden Peanut Company
- Harrell Ag Products
- Mississippi Farm Bureau
- National Peanut Buying Points Assn.
- Nichino America, Inc.
- Synovus Ag & Timber Group
- United Bank
- Visjon Biologics
- Chambliss Seed Co., LLC
- Arrow Truck Sales
- Georgia Agribusiness Council
- Sessions Company, Inc.
- The Evans Network of Companies
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Everyone in the peanut industry likely knows Dr. Stanley Fletcher, a professor of policy at the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. For almost 25 years, Dr. Fletcher’s job has been to analyze the costs of peanut production concerning yields and grade and evaluate the profitability of various production operations.
In order to do that, he finds representative farms in peanut states to get good, sound information about really what is happening on the ground on the farm. Four of those farmers came together on a panel with Dr. Fletcher during the Southern Peanut Growers Conference to talk about the experience. Listen to their conversation below.
Rep Farm Panel:
Carl Sanders, Alabama
Ken Barton, Florida
Tim McMillan, Georgia
Dan Ward, North Carolina (by video)
Dr. Fletcher and Rep Farm Panel 39:17
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Scott Monfort, UGA and
Kris Balkcom, Auburn
Peanut acres are up this year in the Southeast, according to Auburn Extension Peanut Agronomist Kris Balkcom.
“Looking here at Alabama, we had increased about 7 to 10% over the year before. Georgia is up 10% and Florida is up 6% as well. Mississippi is up 25%. And you can see overall here we’re looking at 1.75 million acres,” said Balkcom during a presentation at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. “It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a number that high on the US peanut acreage as a whole that gives us about an 8% increase in acreage over last year.”
As for the condition of the crop, UGA’s Scott Monfort took a look at a variety of different scenarios for the remainder of the season and hopes it will be a good year in the final analysis.
“If we have 1.2 million acres in a poor weather scenario, and this is based on historical yields where we think we’ve dropped off in bad years, 2.254 million tons in the Southeast,” said Monfort. “If we have a pretty good moderate average year 2.439, but if we have a good year, we could be as much as 2.6 million. So it’s a pretty doggone good range. I think right now we’re looking pretty good even though we got problems, fighting worms and disease.”
SPGC24 Kris Balkcom, Auburn University 9:30
SPGC24 Scott Monfort, University of Georgia 10:34
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Peanuts and chickens go together in the South like peanut butter and jelly, so feeding peanuts to chickens could be a win-win.
Dr. Ondulla Toomer, with the USDA-ARS Food Science and Market Quality and Handling Research Unit, has found in her research that feeding high-oleic peanuts to meat-type broiler chickens enhances the fatty acid profile of the meat produced.
“Peanuts can be utilized to enhance poultry and egg production to produce premium quality enriched eggs and poultry meat,” said Dr. Toomer in a brief interview after her presentation at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. “This could mean some expanded market utilization for peanuts.”
SPGC24 Dr. Toomer, USDA-ARS 1:37
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
It was four years ago that the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association joined together to create the United States Peanut Federation, which is piloted by long-time peanut industry lobbyist Bob Redding.
Besides the farm bill, Redding talked about the need to increase exports. “Whether Republicans or Democrats control the White House next January, we’re likely to see increased tariffs, particularly with China. This will be impactful to a number of commodities, either directly or indirectly with peanut, so we might as well face that and brace up for it,” he said. “We worked really hard with the US Peanut Federation to build relationships both in the House and Senate with senior members who are involved in trade policy and we have to increase our export efforts with regard to peanuts.”
In his expectations for a farm bill at this point, Redding said, “We will likely see a farm bill action will be after the election in lame duck session and we’re hopeful the final bill will be similar to the House bill.”
Bob Redding, peanut policy update 35:25
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
This is the first year the Southern Peanut Growers Conference has ever been held in Savannah, home to the Port of Savannah, the single largest and fastest-growing container terminal in America and a very important step on the journey of U.S. peanut exports.
“The port of Savannah is the largest gateway for peanut exports in the United States, over 34% of all peanut exports moved via our gateway here in Savannah,” said David Porter with the Georgia Ports Authority who spoke at the conference.
Porter said they are focused on improvements to make shipping easier for their customers and continue their growth. “Imports account for more than 60 percent of our volume so we want to move that import freight closer to market and what that means for you as exporters is we’re putting empty equipment closer to your farms,” said Porter. “That’s going to allow your your truckers to have much quicker turn times.”
David Porter, Georgia Ports Authority 18:41
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Syngenta has been a loyal sponsor of the Southern Peanut Growers Conference for all 25 years of its existence and they are proud to continue that support.
“In the southeast, Syngenta is a strong player in peanut fungicides, it’s really our bread and butter, and we want to support the growers that are supporting us,” said regional agronomy rep Wilson Faircloth.
Faircloth says they are looking forward to the release of Plinazolin technology. “It’s a new insecticide technology (that) has a great fit for peanut farmers to control root worms and some other pests as well.”
Learn more in this interview.
Wilson Faircloth, Syngenta 2:41
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
L-R: Shannon Nixon; Kevin and Drew Monahan; Milton and Drew Parrish; Jesse Dyck
This year Farm Press celebrates 25 years of recognizing the top peanut farmers in the country.
This year’s class of Peanut Efficiency Award Winners by region are:
Delta States: Drew and Milton Parrish, Lexington, MS
Lower Southeast States: Shannon Nixon, Baker, FL
Southwest States: Jesse Dyck, Denver City, TX
Upper Southeast States: Springhill Farms Parthership, Waverly, VA
As usual, the farmers fielded questions on a panel moderated by Dr. Marshall Lamb.
Award winners panel with Dr. Lamb 27:14
Listen to comments from Parrish and Nixon.
Shannon Nixon, Baker, FL 3:08
Drew Parrish, Lexington, MS 1:15
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Yom Ice Cream, an Atlanta-based premium ice cream company, was pleased to offer its Georgia Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavored push pops as a treat at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference.
Yom co-founder William McLane says they collaborated with Georgia peanut growers to make the flavor. “We got to work with Georgia grinders and make some amazing peanut butter with Georgia peanuts and use those because they’re a special flavor,” said McLane.
He hopes to take that special flavor nationwide. “I think it’s going to easily be that popular,” McLane said. “We want to grow it beyond Georgia…so everybody gets to experience Georgia peanuts that way.”
Listen to an interview with McLane:
William McLane, Yom 4:07
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
This year is the 25th Southern Peanut Growers Conference (since 2020 never happened) and it is the 16th year the event has been archived here as a blog. You can go all the way back to 2008 and see photos and videos and hear interviews and read stories all through those years.
AgTechnologies has been a sponsor of this blog from the start. “Sponsoring the blog at the conference here has been a really big deal for us,” says Travis Kelley, Executive Vice President of Technology for the company that was founded in 2003 in Cordele, Georgia. “The peanut industry has really been a big part of where we started as a company in precision ag.”
As the precision ag tech space continues to accelerate toward autonomy and AI solutions, Kelley says their job is to stay up to date on the latest and provide the education that growers need to make the best decisions for their operations.
Interview with Travis Kelley, AgTechnologies 4:06
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
The former Governor of Georgia and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture came before the Southern Peanut Growers Conference Thursday in his newest role as University System of Georgia Chancellor.
Sonny Perdue was named UGA Chancellor in 2022, a role which provides leadership in higher education, extension, and research priorities within the state university system, so he wanted to hear what peanut growers think is important. “I need to hear from folks on the ground what’s going on out there from a Georgia perspective,” said Perdue. “As Chancellor, the land grant mission and extension model is one where we’re able to disseminate knowledge out to the field and I think that’s been one of the strengths of our agricultural productivity over the years.”
Perdue said he often gets asked about Donald Trump and what he was like as president. “I didn’t understand fully how somebody that grew up in Queens could have such a genuine affection for people of the land like Donald Trump had,” said Perdue. “What I finally concluded was, in the American farmer and rancher he saw the embodiment of the American spirit.”
Would he be willing to serve as agriculture secretary again if Donald Trump returns to the White House. “I flippantly tell people right now, if the opportunity occurred, I’d rather be married,” he joked.
Listen:
Chancellor Perdue listening session 33:57
Chancellor Perdue press conf 4:42
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Valent’s John Alton presents Valor Award to Bob Parker
At the end of 2023, Bob Parker retired as President and CEO of the National Peanut Board after serving in that capacity for a decade. For his tenure and leadership, he was presented with the annual Valor Award by Valent at the 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.“I tell people if you cut by arm, instead of blood, peanut butter instead of blood would come out of my veins,” said Parker as he accepted the award.
Parker has been heavily involved in the peanut industry for decades and has served as chairman of the American Peanut Council, American Peanut Shellers Association, the Peanut Institute and the Peanut Administrative Committee. He has served on the Boards of the Peanut Foundation and Peanut Standards Board.
He also served as the luncheon speaker at the conference on Thursday and gave his perspective on how far the industry has come and how far it could still yet go in the future. “When I started with the peanut board in 2012, the previous five years, the U.S. average production of peanuts was two million tons,” said Parker. “The last five years I was with the peanut board, the average production of peanuts in the U.S. was three million tons… I think within ten years we’re going to see four million ton production, I think it’s coming.”
The question, he says, is “What are you going to do with another million tons of peanuts?”
Listen below:
Valor award presentation 1:56
Bob Parker remarks 20:28
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Many of his Republican colleagues are in Milwaukee this week for the convention, but Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia put peanut growers and his family ahead of attending his party’s big party.
“It’s not that I don’t want to be there it’s that I have a six year old and a ten year old and I had four other things scheduled in the district,” said Rep. Scott.
Scott, who is Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, addressed the conference about the current state of the delayed farm bill. “It’s harder now to get anything done in Washington D.C.,” said Scott. “We’ve got to get a farm bill and that farm bill has got to take care of American production agriculture.”
Several of Scott’s priorities to ensure a strong farm safety net were included in the House version of the farm bill, which passed out of committee in May, and he considers it the best bill for production agriculture. While there is a possibility a bill could pass before the end of the year, he expects it will be put off until 2025 when he is optimistic things might be better.
“I certainly hope that President Trump becomes the president of the United States and he selects someone like Sonny Perdue to be the secretary of agriculture who actually cares about production agriculture,” said Scott.
Rep. Scott addressed the conference Thursday morning and answered reporter questions.
Rep. Scott remarks (12:44)
Rep. Scott press (5:18)
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
Peanut growers and industry representatives from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi are in Savannah, Georgia this week Rollin’ on the River for the 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.
Leaders of the state organizations, pictured here, gave us an update on the condition of their crops this year and what they are expecting as far as a farm bill after the 2018 law was extended last year and looks to be delayed again this year.
Listen to comments from each state director below.
Libby Johnson, Alabama Peanut Producers Association (2:00)
Ken Barton, Florida Peanut Producers Association (4:32)
Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut Commission (6:26)
Malcolm Broome, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association (4:05)
Here is a link to the photo album, which will be updated throughout the conference.
2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album
It is that time. Time for the 25th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference which will be held July 17-19, 2024, at the Savannah Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah, Georgia.
The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. You can find the conference schedule here.
This conference blog will include speaker and sponsor interviews as well as photos from past conferences. See you there soon.
Legislation Addresses Reference Price, Voluntary Base Update and Other Peanut Priorities
June 13, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) released the Senate Republican-drafted framework for the 2024 Farm Bill. The legislation addresses the top priorities of the U.S. Peanut Federation:
- The maintaining of the Price Loss Coverage Program
- A reference price increase that reflects the increases in the cost of production since the 2018 Farm Bill
- A voluntary base update
Senator Boozman’s framework reflects what he heard from peanut growers, shellers, and buying points across the peanut belt. Senator Boozman and his team visited peanut farms and processors and heard first-hand the impact of increases in the cost of production, struggles with agricultural financing, labor shortages, trade barriers, and a need for a voluntary base update.
In a letter to Ranking Member Boozman, the USPF stated “The United States Peanut Federation sincerely appreciates the challenging work that went into producing the recently released 2024 Senate Farm Bill framework. This proposal reflects what you have heard from the peanut industry and from Production Agriculture across the U.S. We support this proposal and encourage the Senate to move forward with a bipartisan Farm Bill this year.”
USPF is comprised of peanut growers, shellers, and buying points and have been unified in their efforts throughout the Farm Bill process. The peanut industry’s priority is a meaningful increase in the reference price for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. The historic rise in input costs and cost of production make a reference price increase a necessity to keep the farm safety net intact. USPF is pleased that this proposal includes a significant increase in reference price for peanuts in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. The legislation also addresses other peanut priorities, including a provision for a voluntary base update which will be essential for young farmers and new production areas that have not been able to utilize safety net programs to date.
USPF Chairman Jamie Brown commented, “In our testimony before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, meetings on Capitol Hill, and in the peanut belt, we have emphasized the increased costs of production for growers and need for a reference price increase. In addition, we have supported a voluntary base update that assured a pathway for young growers and equity for peanut production regions of the U.S. that did not have peanut base. Senator Boozman’s framework addresses our top priorities.”
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The U.S. Peanut Federation represents the peanut industry in Washington, D.C. and was founded by the American Peanut Shellers Association, the National Peanut Buying Points Association and the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.
May 24, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture voted to pass the Farm Bill, titled “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024” in a 33-21 vote. Four democrats – Reps. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), Don Davis (NC-01), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17) – joined with all Republican Committee members in voting yes on this legislation.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Peanut Federation sent a letter to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson in support of the legislation, stating: “The United States Peanut Federation sincerely appreciates the hard work that went into producing the 2024 Farm Bill. This legislation will support peanut producers who have been struggling in recent years due to increases in farm inputs, labor shortages, trade barriers, and supply chain disruptions.”
Throughout the Farm Bill process, the peanut industry has been united in its priorities, namely a meaningful increase in the reference price for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. The historic rise in input costs and cost of production make a reference price increase a necessity to keep the farm safety net intact. This legislation includes a 17.8 percent increase in reference price for peanuts in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, bringing the reference price from $535/ton to $630/ton.
The legislation also includes other peanut priorities, including a provision for a one-time voluntary base update which will be essential for young farmers and new production areas that have not been able to utilize safety net programs to date.
Peanut-state Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) stated: “As Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, I am pleased that several of my priorities to ensure a strong farm safety net were included in this legislation, and I appreciate the bipartisan support for final passage through committee.”
“The U.S. Peanut Federation appreciates the hard work of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in drafting this Farm Bill and passing it out of committee,” stated USPF Chairman Jamie Brown. “The peanut industry has struggled in recent years due to increases in farm inputs, labor shortages, trade barriers, and supply chain disruptions. Yesterday’s markup was an important first step in getting producers the assistance they need to continue to produce our nation’s food, fuel, and fiber. USPF applauds the Members of Congress who supported farm communities by voting to advance this important legislation.”
Following the markup, U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson said that he does not expect the legislation to be considered on the House Floor before September due to the busy appropriations schedule for the upcoming months.
Find more information about this legislation, including the full bill text, here.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact USPF at 202-543-7464.
May 20, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) sent a support letter today to The Honorable G.T. Thompson, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture in regards to the Farm Bill.
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture is scheduled to markup the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 on Thursday, May 23 at 12:00 p.m. EST. You can watch the livestream of the markup here.
Links:
- Discussion draft text of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 here.
- An updated title-by-title summary can be found here.
- To view additional details on the 2024 Farm Bill as they become available, visit: agriculture.house.gov/FarmBill
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Bob Redding at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing rlredding@reddingfirm.com.
March 8, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for their annual Spring Fly-In. During the 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 2024.
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 Farm Bill.
Rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and low prices have all contributed to the difficult conditions peanut farmers are facing today. Without an effective safety net, peanut growers will continue to struggle, and that is the message that USPF representatives voiced on Capitol Hill.
While USPF representatives were in D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives approved a six-bill government funding package ahead of the March 8 deadline. This package includes the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations legislation, which funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2024. The second set of appropriations bills are under consideration and expire March 22.
In late 2023, the U.S. Congress passed a 1-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. USPF representatives heard from Members of Congress and staff this week that while the Farm Bill has been extended, the work is ongoing. However, there is uncertainty to whether or not a Farm Bill is considered this year.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Bob Redding at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing rlredding@reddingfirm.com.
Jan. 31, 2024, TIFTON, Ga. – Twenty-seven peanut growers and sheller representatives from across the Southeast, Arkansas, Texas and the Virginia-Carolina area began Class XIII of the Peanut Leadership Academy Jan. 8-11, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. The Peanut Leadership Academy is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, the American Peanut Shellers Association and grower organizations. The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Since then, the academy has grown to include farmers from Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and sheller representatives.
Activities in the leadership program are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. peanut industry. Throughout the course of 18 months and five sessions, program attendees participate in sessions ranging from field trips, meetings with industry leaders and professional development training, as well as one session in Washington, D.C., where class members have an opportunity to visit with members of Congress about issues affecting the peanut industry. During this time, class members build on leadership skills, discuss and debate key industry issues and build relationships.
During the first session, the class members participated in leadership team building skills, etiquette training and learned more about the entire peanut industry while joining the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation annual meeting. Participants in PLA Class XIII include: Cutchin Anderson, Tarboro, North Carolina; Eric Bailey, Waverly, Virginia; Emmanuel Bankston with Golden Peanut; Miles Birdsong with Birdsong Peanuts; Sean Brannen, Statesboro, Georgia; August Cassebaum, Lillian, Alabama; Jay Corte, Daphne, Alabama; Riley Davis, Parrott, Georgia; Garrett Dixon, Salem, Alabama; Heath Donner, Manila, Arkansas; Trevor Dyer with Sandy Land Peanut; Henry Froese, Seagraves, Texas; Lonnie Gilbert, Marianna, Florida; Chad Harris with Olam; Judson Hornsby, Iron City, Georgia; Douglas Jarrell, Estill, South Carolina; Cason Kirkland with Premium Peanut; Will Krause, Unadilla, Georgia; Kirk Martin, Brownfield, Texas; Daniel McMillan, Enigma, Georgia; Jess McNeill, Americus, Georgia; Phillip Melvin, Altha, Florida; Travis Mixon, Dothan, Alabama; Garrett Moore, Chancellor, Alabama; Cody Robinson, Williston, Florida; Chase Trimble with Coastal Growers; and Emily Williams with the National Peanut Board.
Session two of Class XIII is scheduled for March 17-20, 2024. For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, contact PLA director, Jessie Bland at jessie@gapeanuts.com or visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
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Nov. 17, 2023, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted this week to approve a short-term funding bill, avoiding a November 17 government shutdown. The funding legislation, which was proposed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), funds the government by setting up two deadlines. The first January 19th deadline covers agencies under four appropriations bills: Agriculture-FDA, Energy and Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD. The other eight appropriations bills are extended to a February 2nd deadline.
In addition to extending funding and setting up deadlines for appropriations, the legislation includes a 1-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation also includes funding for a number of “orphan programs” which are small-ticket programs that had expired funding at the end of Fiscal Year 2023.
Although this legislation extends the Farm Bill through September 30, 2024, lawmakers are hopeful that the 2023 Farm Bill will be passed ahead of that deadline. U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement alongside U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA):
“As negotiations on funding the government progress, we were able to come together to avoid a lapse in funding for critical agricultural programs and provide certainty to producers. This extension is in no way a substitute for passing a 5-year Farm Bill and we remain committed to working together to get it done next year.”
The funding bill passed 336-95 in the U.S. House of Representatives and 87-11 in the U.S. Senate. It now goes to President Biden’s desk for signature ahead of the November 17 government shutdown deadline.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, the National Peanut Buying Points Association, and other organizations. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy.
Oct. 20, 2023, WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Peanut Federation (USPF) Chairman Jamie Brown travelled to Washington, D.C. this week to attend meetings and events centered around worldwide hunger and peanut nutrition initiatives. The U.S. Peanut Federation partnered with other global hunger advocacy groups to host a reception for congressional members and staff in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing room on peanuts and the role they play in addressing global hunger. The event was co-sponsored by Golden Peanut.
U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) made remarks at the reception on the United States’ role in international food aid and the importance of peanuts as a key component of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food. Also in attendance was Mark Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of MANA Nutrition. MANA Nutrition, which operates out of Fitzgerald, GA, manufactures a Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) composed of peanut paste, milk, and a mix of vitamins and minerals that is used to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
In his comments at the reception, USPF Chairman Jamie Brown reaffirmed the peanut industry’s commitment to helping address global hunger. Peanuts are one of the cheapest sources of proteins and are high in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Peanuts have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, help manage diabetes, and even increase cognitive function.
The U.S. Peanut Federation recently signed a letter with other commodity and nutrition groups advocating for the inclusion of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in new international food assistance.
According to the letter, “Nearly 45 million children – those most vulnerable to food insecurity – suffer from acute malnutrition, known as “wasting”. Through Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), over 95% of wasted children can recover, yet only 25% of children have historically had access to treatment. Thanks to leadership from USAID and Congress last year, over $580 million was mobilized to provide a one-time increase to RUTF procurement, which has doubled the number of children being treated. However, without sustained funding, RUTF treatment will return to previous levels of 1 in 4 children receiving the care they need.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, the National Peanut Buying Points Association, and other organizations. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy.
Aug. 16, 2023, TIFTON, Ga. – Applications are now being accepted for Class XIII of the Peanut Leadership Academy. To be eligible for participation, candidates must derive their primary livelihood from farming and currently produce peanuts, make a commitment to the program, agree to attend all sessions except in times of illness or a family emergency, be between the ages of 22 and 45 and provide a completed application.
The Peanut Leadership Academy is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, the American Peanut Shellers Association and grower organizations. The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Since then, the academy has grown to include growers from Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and sheller representatives.
During the program, participants are taught how to become more effective spokespeople for the peanut industry, develop industry relationships and further grow their leadership skills. Five sessions take place throughout the 18-month class and require approximately 20 days of travel. During the sessions, activities are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the United States peanut industry and include industry tours, meetings with industry leaders and professional development training. Each class also has one leadership session in Washington, D.C. where participants have an opportunity to visit with members of congress on issues affecting the peanut industry.
To download a copy of the upcoming class application, visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. Applications must be postmarked or emailed to jessie@gapeanuts.com by Oct. 1, 2023, for consideration. The first session will begin in December 2023.
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The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently voted to request that Congress require a mandatory base acre update in the upcoming farm bill reauthorization, a proposal which is causing a lot of concern both in Washington DC and around the countryside.
“This was new, certainly surprising to us and a lot of other commodities,” said Bob Redding, during his annual update on peanut policy at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. “This creates a whole different discussion in the farm bill and it will be very divisive.”
Redding says Dr. Stanley Fletcher, ABAC Center for Rural Prosperity, worked up the numbers on how a mandatory base acre update determined by recent history would impact the peanut industry. “Alabama on peanuts will lose almost have of their base, Georgia roughly 30 percent, Florida and Mississippi also lose,” said Redding.
“Peanuts will lose about 40 percent of their base,” said Dr. Fletcher, and farmers may have to make a decision when it comes to strategy for the farm bill. “What’s more important to you, maintaining your base or getting that reference point higher?” he asked.
Bob Redding remarks”] (20:01)
Dr. Stanley Fletcher remarks”] (26:44)
The Southern Peanut Growers Conference is able to offer such a great program because of the amazing sponsors who make it possible.
Once again, FMC sponsored the family entertainment Friday night for all the mateys on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. All the kids loved singing pirate songs, swabbing the deck, having sword fights, and finding treasures.
FMC is one of nearly 50 sponsors for the conference who help defer the costs for growers to attend each year.
Ag Technologies has been sponsor of the conference blog since it was started in 2008 and we chatted with Travis Kelly again this year to find out what’s new with the precision ag company located in Cordele, Georgia.
“We like to support the industry in general,” said Kelly. “We found out very early that peanut growers are someone we could really help (with precision ag).”
Travis Kelly, Ag Technologies (2:24)
2023 Southern Peanut Growers Conference photo album
Dr. Simer Virk, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension precision agriculture specialist, has been working on precision agriculture applications in peanuts for the past five years and he told the Southern Peanut Growers Conference that he sees a lot of promise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance peanut production.
“Artificial intelligence in agriculture is already picking up,” said Dr. Virk. “Sensing and detecting weeds in real time and spraying, we’re already seeing that application out there, and we’re going to see more and more of it.”
Dr. Virk was just named Ag Tech Educator/Researcher of the Year at the Tech Hub LIVE conference. His current research is evaluating performance of application technology on sprayers and VRT on fertilizer application equipment to improve application accuracy and placement of pesticides and nutrients.
Listen to an interview with Dr. Virk here:
Simer Virk, University of Georgia (4:09)
2023 Southern Peanut Growers Conference photo album
Once again this year, the Farm Press 2023 Peanut Efficiency Award winners were honored at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The winner from the Lower Southeast states was Ryan Jenkins of Jay, Florida who farms 2,000 non-irrigated acres of peanuts, cotton, soybeans, corn, wheat and oats.
Jenkins encouraged all peanut farmers to participate in the award program, if only for their own self-improvement. “Get the application and fill it out, even if you don’t turn it in for the contest,” he said. “It took a day for me to fill my application out and that’s when you really begin to learn and you see real numbers right in front of your face.”
Ryan Jenkins, PEA winner (3:10)
The other three PEA winners were:
Upper Southeast states – Colt and Brandon Woody, Aiken, SC
Colt Woody, PEA winner (:29)
Southwest states – John Reddecop, Seminole, TX
John Reddecop, PEA winner (:30)
Southwest states – John Reddecop, Seminole, TX
Triple D Farms, PEA winner (1:17)
Nuseed Carinata was one of this year’s exhibitors at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, offering peanut growers an opportunity to plant a cover crop that provides extra income.
“Our crop is rotated in with peanuts,” said Michelle Howard, Carinata commercial program manager. “You can plant carinata in the early November to mid November time frame and then harvest in April to May…It’s a cover crop that is profitable as well.” Howard says this is the second year they are contracting with growers.
Farmers harvest the carinata and Nuseed buys it from them. “It’s crushed and blended into biodiesel…the oil we produce is actually owned by BP and BP is using it for aviation fuel.”
Learn more in this interview.
2023 SPGC – Michelle Howard, Nuseed (2:11)
2023 Southern Peanut Growers Conference photo album
Dec. 23, 2022, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Congress has passed the $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 consists of all 12 FY23 appropriation bills, including the $25.5 billion Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill.
Included in the bill are peanut provisions proposed by U.S. House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and supported by the peanut industry. These U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) supported research initiatives—aflatoxin and nutrition—are in their second year of funding. Total funding for FY 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 peanut nutrition priorities.
The funding for peanut research will support activities and projects working to mitigate aflatoxin in peanuts and enhance ongoing collaborations with land grant institutions to further advance research efforts.
“USPF appreciates the recognition of the importance of peanut research in the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations bill,” states Karl Zimmer, USPF Chairman. “Although the U. S. peanut industry has effective protocols in place to manage aflatoxin, our ability to reduce its large economic impact while maintaining a safe and reliable supply of peanuts will take investment in innovative research solutions.”
The funding for peanut nutrition research will support projects working to identify how peanut consumption contributes to overall health, wellness, and reduction of chronic disease risk in various groups and across lifespans. Research topics will include chronic diseases, nutrition and wellness at all ages, health disparities, dietary patterns for optimal health, and nutrition for the future.
The omnibus package includes over $3 billion for disaster assistance “related to the loss of revenue, quality or production losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines, as a consequence of droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze, including a polar vortex, smoke exposure, and excessive moisture occurring in calendar year 2022”. The process for receiving disaster assistance will be determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture following the appropriation of the funds.
“Peanut producers have experienced many difficulties this year, from adverse weather conditions to rising input costs,” states Joe Boddiford, Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “The disaster assistance included in this appropriations legislation will help ensure peanut producers can continue to produce a good crop and keep the agricultural economy functioning and healthy.”
Also included in the legislation is language proposed by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade to “encourage the Office of the Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs to prioritize interagency coordination with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and industry engagement in order to develop effective and lasting solutions that will allow increased market access for domestic peanuts into the European Union.”
Karl Zimmer, USPF Chairman commented: “The European Union and United Kingdom are historically one of the largest export markets for U.S. peanuts. It is essential to the health of the peanut industry that we address trade barriers restricting peanut exports to the European Union.”
Lastly, the omnibus agreement includes language related to funding nutrition and feeding programs in the United States and abroad. The legislation encourages USDA to work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the scale up of U.S. production and procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), and to develop a multi-year strategy to support this effort. The legislation also requires an increase in funding for nutrition programs, including $28.5 billion for Child Nutrition Programs.
“We are very pleased to see the importance of investing in nutrition reflected in this legislation,” states Cole McNair, President of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. “The peanut industry has long been committed to educating and advocating for healthful lifestyles across all communities. It is important that we continue to invest in nutrition research and nutrition programs that make healthy foods, such as peanuts, accessible around the globe.”
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, the National Peanut Buying Points Association and other organizations. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, please contact the USPF at (202) 543-7464.
Dr. Stanley Fletcher encouraged peanut producers to get involved in the upcoming farm bill process if they want to see a strong safety net for peanuts continue. He also recommended some innovative thinking when it comes to expanding markets for the product. “You need to think outside the box and create new demand because basic productivity exceeds the traditional demand ... Read More
There was excitement around a new product from Verdesian Life Sciences at the 2022 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. Phil Shelley covers the southeast peanut market, as well as some cotton and soybean acres. He shared information about SEED+GRAPHITE, a nutritional planter box solution that is already available for cotton and is now in trials for peanuts. “The big thing on ... Read More
Different weather conditions have challenged peanut growers this year, including lesser cornstalk borer where fields have been dry. FMC Technical Service Manager Blaire Colvin said a project using smart traps to monitor those moths throughout Alabama and Georgia is helping growers to identify and control that pest. She said now that some areas are receiving rain, disease pressure is a ... Read More
Congressman Michael Cloud (R-Texas) shared thoughts on the state of U.S. peanut policy during the 2022 Southern Peanuts Growers Conference. He said the American agriculture industry continues to do a great job even amid policies that are sometimes restrictive. “What we’ve seen over the last year is the American ag industry continues to have higher yields with less inputs. That’s ... Read More
It is important for peanut growers to be involved in the community and to establish themselves as a resource for school districts. That was the message shared by Judson Crane with the Florida School Nutrition Association during the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. Crane said one school district’s experience with parents making unreasonable demands because of their son’s peanut allergy opened ... Read More
The School District of Lee County in Florida brought peanuts back to school menus in 2022 after the product had been banned in the district’s school kitchens since 2004. While labor shortages and supply chain challenges were large factors in bringing peanut products back, Food and Nutrition Services Coordinator Amy Carroll said allergy management education is a more realistic and ... Read More
Today’s technology allows landowners to control feral hogs with a trap activated and monitored by their cell phones. But Chris Monhof with Jager Pro Hog Control Systems said education is also a big part of the company’s mission. “We need to start conducting hog control on the farm fields just like you would do maintenance on your tractors,” Monhof said. ... Read More
Peanut growers across the southern states are in good spirits since timely rains have come to their fields this season. But that moisture also means timely applications of fungicide will be important, according to Syngenta Agronomy Service Representative Wilson Faircloth. “Elatus and Miravis are two keystone products. We like to see them put together, but timely is the most important,” ... Read More
The work on equipment never really stops for the folks at Ag Technologies. As soon as planters are parked for the season, it’s time for annual inspections, maintenance and rebuilding as needed. And although availability has been volatile, Executive Vice President of Technology Travis Kelly said things are looking good for next season. “Obviously, everything is on the rise cost-wise, ... Read More
Labor shortages are affecting most American industries, and agriculture is no exception. As many former farm workers have taken other jobs, farm owners struggle to find reliable employees for hard work that is often seasonal. “It has exacerbated the problem on the farm to find workers who will come in, do the job for a season or even year-round, and ... Read More
During the Conference four peanut producers received the annual Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards presented at the Friday Saturday breakfast. Producers were praised and recognized for efficiently growing high-yielding peanuts. The 2022 winners are: Upper Southeast: Ben Cowin, Williamston, N.C. Lower Southeast: Wayne Hobbs, Irwin County, Ga. Delta: Mitchell Rogers, Covington County, Miss. Southwest: Karl Stutzman, Weatherford, Okla. Pictured are ... Read More
The first general session this year was titled, “School Nutrition, How Importance Is It?” Sherry Coleman Colling, dietician for the National Peanut Board has lots of reason. I visited with her after the session to get a few of her takeaways. A main focus was on allergies with good information on how schools can and do have protocols to address ... Read More
The 2022 Valent Valor Award was presented to Armond Morris, a Georgia peanut grower. Making the presentation was John Alton, Valent. Armond was very surprised and expressed his appreciation of the support for the peanut industry from Valent. Armond dedicated over 40 years of service to the Georgia Peanut Commission including being Chairman and serving on many committees. He has ... Read More
It’s a tradition. We ask the executive directors of the Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi peanut grower associations about their state situations. Questions include what the crop looks like and how many acres were planted, effects of the pandemic and supply chain issues, crop inputs and early discussions on the farm bill that will be more formally worked on in ... Read More
It is back to the beach in 2022 for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The 23rd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 21-23, 2022 at the Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses ... Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 9, 2022 – The U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade, held a hearing June 9, 2022, on “Agricultural Trade: Priorities and Issues Facing America’s Farmers.” Representing the U.S. Peanut Federation, Karla Baker Thompson with JET Farms Georgia and Integrity Farms of Camilla, Georgia, presented testimony on the export market for peanuts and some ... Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 18, 2022 – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2022 Washington D.C. Fly-in. The Georgia Peanut Commission in conjunction with USPF proudly partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the Nation’s Capital and surrounding area. The delivery of ... Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2, 2022 – The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing March 1, 2022, on “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Commodity Group Perspectives on Title I.” Chairman David Scott, D-Georgia, opened the hearing stating, “As we look ahead to the 2023 Farm Bill, I am committed to making sure that the full breadth of ... Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 24, 2022 – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) held an Agricultural Employer AG Labor Roundtable in Albany, Georgia on January 21. Dan Bremer, CEO of AgWorks led the discussion on Ag labor solutions for the peanut industry. Participants in the Roundtable included USPF grower, sheller, and buying point members. Dan Bremer explained the significant difference in ... Read More
TIFTON, Ga., August 2, 2021 – Applications are now being accepted for Class XII of the Peanut Leadership Academy. To be eligible for participation, candidates must derive their primary livelihood from farming and currently produce peanuts, make a commitment to the program and agree to attend all sessions except in times of illness or a family emergency, be between the ... Read More
Syngenta appreciates the Southern Peanut Growers Conference each year as an opportunity to visit with growers. “The Southern Peanut Growers Conference is always well attended, and it’s always a great chance to see farmers and a lot of producers that you know and visit with them about the latest technology, find out what they’re doing, find out what’s working, what’s ... Read More
Vantage Southeast continues to support the Southern Peanut Growers Conference year after year. “We’ve always been firmly planted with the peanut growers. We started out with guidance just because of being able to plant and dig your peanuts correctly. We’re very focused on precision, just making sure that we can line back up and not tear fruit off the vine,” ... Read More
FMC once again stepped up to hoist the Jolly Roger and treat the Southern Peanut Growers crew mates to a pirate party. Those enjoying the pirate cruise included Blaire Colvin, technical service manager for FMC‘s southeast region. Colvin said FMC offers a strong portfolio for peanuts, including a new insecticide, herbicide and fungicide currently available. She said the conference is ... Read More
During the third general session, which focused on the state of U.S peanut policy, Dr. Stanley Fletcher with the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation shared his thoughts on the upcoming Farm Bill process and important considerations for peanut growers. Fletcher said determining the cost of production is key. He also described a few “elephants in ... Read More
Corteva Territory Manager Tony Brunson appreciates the relaxed atmosphere at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference and the opportunity it presents for him and his company to connect with growers. He describes Corteva’s investment as a reimbursement in what they’re doing for farmers when it comes to research and development, with lots of products aimed specifically at peanut growers. Tony Brunson, ... Read More
The third general session at the 2021 Southern Peanut Growers Conference featured several speakers, including Bob Redding of The Redding Firm in Washington, D.C. Redding spoke on topics like the next Farm Bill, nutrition programs and USDA challenges, climate infrastructure, guest worker programs, and unfilled positions important to agriculture at the state and federal level.
BASF Sales Representative William Reed continues to support the Southern Peanut Growers Conference as he finds it to be a valuable opportunity for growers to get together and talk about what’s happening on farms through the current growing season.
Reed said wet conditions have been challenging peanut growers in southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and does not remember another year when things were this far behind. He is excited about the newest BASF fungicide for use in peanuts, called Provysol.
William Reed, BASF (3:09)
The second general session of the 2021 Southern Peanut Growers Conference provided a Vision for Farm Automation in the Future.
Three panelists spoke on that topic, including Chad Carney with Blue River Technology/John Deere. Carney said while innovation in agriculture used to be about getting bigger, faster, and stronger, the industry has seen a shift in last 20 years towards precision agriculture and getting smarter and more precise to make things easier for farmers.
Dr. Wes Porter from the University of Georgia shared the importance of defining on-farm automation and looking for opportunities to automate on the farm and at the processing level.
Dr. Joby Czarnecki from Mississippi State University believes it is important think about ways unmanned aerial vehicles can collaborate with ground-based autonomous vehicles to help with efficiency on the farm.
Listen to their comments and an interview with Czarnecki below.
Interview with Dr. Joby Czarnecki, MS State University (7:03)
General Session II – Vision for Farm Automation in the Future
Chad Carney, Blue River Technology (17:42)
Dr. Wes Porter, University of Georgia (31:00)
Feral hog damage costs $1.5 billion annually in the U.S. and farmers in the southeast know only too well the havoc these wild animals can cause on the land.
HogEye Cameras has a solution and they were happy to be part of the Southern Peanut Farmers Conference to spread the news. Jack Robertson says their company specializes in camera systems for trapping nuisance animals.
“The camera systems we make are live feed video,” said Robertson. “It makes it more efficient because the user is actually live watching so you can see the pigs in the trap and those still outside the trap so the landowner can make an informed decision on when to deploy the trap.”
The system comes with solar panels to provide the energy for the live feed camera 24/7.
Learn more in this interview.
Jack Robertson, Hogeye (10:28)