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 2023. In general most areas of these states had good early rain followed by a dry spell and then more moisture so that the crop is in pretty good shape. Input costs have basically doubled for producers since last year and even parts to fix equipment has been more expensive and difficult to get in a timely manner. One of the big issue looking ahead to legislation include an adjustment in the peanut reference price due to the high cost of production.
Listen in and hear how things are going in each state.
Malcolm-Broome, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association (3:51)
Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut Commission (4:54)
Ken Barton, FPPA (3:51)
FMC once again stepped up to hoist the Jolly Roger and treat the Southern Peanut Growers crew mates to a pirate party.
During the third general session, which focused on the state of U.S peanut policy, Dr. Stanley Fletcher with the 
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.
The second general session of the 2021 Southern Peanut Growers Conference provided a Vision for Farm Automation in the Future.