It was a homecoming for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden at the 2015 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The number two person at the USDA was raised on a peanut farm in Camilla, Georgia so she felt right at home. “That’s what qualifies me for my job, that’s what gives me my passion and my love and the ability to … Read More
Looking Good in Mississippi
The peanut crop in Mississippi overall looks real good, but Mississippi Peanut Growers Association executive director Malcolm Broome says there are a few problem areas. “Couple areas in the state were too wet and got late planting and then it went dry and got 100 degree days, but in the last week we’ve gotten rain all across the state so … Read More
Meet the New Kid at the SPGC
Caleb Bristow is the new executive director for the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, who has been on the job since February. He is pictured here with his predecessors, longtime exec Randy Griggs who retired at the end of 2013, and Jim Cravey, who served as interim director until Caleb was hired. In case you couldn’t figure it out, Caleb is … Read More
The Akins Rock SPGC Prayer Breakfast
2015 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album Our God is an awesome God and this band is an awesome band! The Akins are a father, his three sons, and the drummer who kind of married into the family, whose faith and family values shape everything they do. To borrow a phrase from a certain talk show host, these guys truly … Read More
Callaway Gardens Welcomes Peanut Growers
The location is new this year but the 17th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference has the same great line up of information and entertainment for peanut farmers and industry partners from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. Conference registration kicked off as usual with grilled PB&J sandwiches sponsored by the National Peanut Buying Points Association and ice cream with lots of … Read More
New Location for 2015 Southern Peanut Growers
After being held in Panama City Beach since it began in 1999, the Southern Peanut Growers Conference is heading for the hills – actually the mountains – and a change of venue this year. The 17th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 23-25 at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to … Read More
Peanut Sock Hop
For the first time since we have been covering this event, I left before the final dinner and entertainment this year and it looks like I missed one of the best ever! Sponsored as always by our good friends at Syngenta, the entertainment featured a blast from the past with Rocky & the Rollers who kept everyone bopping as they … Read More
Peanuts and Pirates
A special event sponsored by DuPont at the 2014 Southern Peanut Growers Conference let the little peanuts be pirates while the old salts enjoyed time on the high seas. The “Sea Dragon” Pirate Cruise is one of Panama City Beach’s premier attractions that includes an exceptional sightseeing experience of the waters, shoreline and wildlife near the entrance to St. Andrews … Read More
Thanks to Blog Sponsor AgTechnologies/Trimble
AgTechnologies/Trimble has been the sponsor of the Southern Peanut Growers Conference blog here since the beginning in 2008. “AgTechnologies is a full service precision ag provider,” said representative Robbie Tabb (pictured here, center). They are a Trimble retailer and offer a full line of precision products including guidance and variable rate systems for seed and fertilizer. “We also offer irrigation … Read More
Gridlock, Regulations and Spending
Now that a new farm bill has been passed and is in the process of being implemented, attention in Washington for peanut growers has been more focused on regulations than legislation. “We’ve had gridlock now for most of President Obama’s administration and we’re seeing the administration working more through the regulatory process in moving policy,” said Bob Redding, The Redding … Read More