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
What to do About Ag Labor Issues
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
2022 FarmPress Peanut Efficiency Award Winners
During the Conference four peanut producers received the annual FarmPress 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 the … Read More
How Peanuts are a Great Part of School Nutrition
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
2022 Valent Valor Award Winner is Armond Morris
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
State Peanut Groups Updates
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
2022 Southern Peanut Growers Conference
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
Sen. John Boozman Provides U.S. Peanut Policy Remarks
During the general session, “State of U.S. Peanut Policy,” U.S. Senator John Boozman, (R-Arkansas), provided remarks with a focus on topics like infrastructure proposals, rural broadband and more. After his remarks he met with media representatives for a question and answers session and also discussed the current status of the WOTUS legislation as well as the farm bill and estate … Read More
Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards
This year the Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards breakfast was very special. Winners were honored for both 2020 and 2021 since last year’s conference was canceled. Pictured first are the 2020 winners who attended the breakfast. The winners were: Mark, Tim and Michael Mullen, Lower Southeast Region; Kirk Jones, Upper Southeast Region; Van Hensarling, Mid-South Region and Aaron and Glen … Read More
Peanut Proud Receives Valor Award
This year Peanut Proud received the Valor Award sponsored by Valent. Receiving the award is Gregg Grimsley, Birdsong Peanuts, and president of Peanut Proud, pictured on the right. Presenting is John Alton, Valent. Peanut Proud was formed in 2009 and provides domestic hunger relief, emergency disaster relief and international hunger relief. Through the past 11 years Peanut Proud had donated … Read More