The January/February 2025 issue of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer is now available online.
Click here!
This issue features:
Garrett Moore of Moore Family Farm LLC in Chancellor, Alabama, testifies at the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry hearing held Feb. 5, 2025.
(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.
More than 400 peanut growers and industry partners from Alabama and Florida attended the 2025 Alabama Florida Peanut Trade Show.
DOTHAN, Ala. (Jan. 30, 2025) – Peanut growers from Alabama and Florida were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show January 30, 2025, at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. The trade show was hosted by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) and the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA), and sponsored by the National Peanut Board. The venue sponsor was the National Peanut Festival.
Over 400 peanut growers and industry partners from Alabama and Florida attended to view industry products and services offered by more than 60 exhibitors.
Researchers from Auburn University and the University of Florida were on hand to showcase the peanut research they are working on with the support of grower check-off dollars. Growers could talk to the researchers one-on-one about the research projects.
Trade show attendees enjoyed a special visit from the Planters® NUTmobile and Mr. Peanut®. The Peanutters, as the NUTmobile crew is called, visited with growers and learned more about how peanuts are grown. Mr. Peanut provided joy and entertainment to the trade show attendees.
“I thought the crowd and number of vendors were really good. Overall, it was a really great and informative meeting,” said Billy Hixon, peanut farmer and APPA Board Member from Banks, Alabama.
During the lunch program, attendees received an update from the National Peanut Board by Lindsay Dominy. Bob Redding of the Redding Firm gave a legislative update, and Dr. Marshall Lamb, from the National Peanut Research Lab, spoke to growers about the 2025 peanut market outlook .
Several door prizes were given out by vendors throughout the morning of the trade show, but the prizes everyone was most looking forward to winning were announced after lunch.
The Grand Door Prize, provided by Kelley Manufacturing Co., was a $5,000 voucher that can be used toward $5,000 off the price of any one piece of equipment or for $5,000 worth of parts for KMC equipment, was won by Gaylan Shelly of Brewton, Alabama.
Rene Jordan, of Bascom, Florida won a free trip to the 2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. Allen Mininger, of Walnut Hill, Florida won a Benelli 12 gauge shotgun.
Gaylan Shelly, winner of $5,000 KMC voucher.
Rene Jordan, winner of a free trip to the 2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.
Allen Mininger, winner of a Benelli 12 gauge shotgun.
View the full gallery of photos from the event here.
The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold the annual Research Report Day, Feb. 5, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), located on the University of Georgia Tifton campus at 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793. The event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by GPC in 2024.
“The commission works to wisely invest peanut farmers’ dollars into research projects across Georgia in an effort to reduce production input costs and improve agronomic techniques,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Although some of the findings are preliminary, the projects are exciting, and many times new recommendations or observations are announced.”
GPC awarded $791,639 to peanut research facilities in the state during 2024. This effort funds 40 research projects from the University of Georgia, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.
The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at www.gapeanuts.com. All research reports will be available online following the GPC Research Report Day.
Make plans to attend the 20th annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. This one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 60 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers can view the latest peanut research, and visit with researchers from Auburn University and the University of Florida at the trade show. New this year will be a breakout session, “Peanut Machinery and Technology Applications,” presented by Simer Virk from Auburn University.
Larry Ford, president of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, says, “The Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show continues to grow in participation from farmers and the agri-business community. We encourage anyone interested in peanut production to join us at the Trade Show and gain valuable information on the latest, most up-to-date advances in equipment, technology, communications, and many other services available to help increase efficiency on our farms.”
At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, including a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates, equipment, a trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference and more.
The Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show is hosted by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) and the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA). For more information about the show, contact APPA at 334-792-6482 or FPPA at 850-526-2590.
More than 1,500 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 48th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference Jan. 16, 2025, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of nearly 100 exhibitors and education opportunities. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on the impacts of multiple weather events in 2024 and what to expect in 2025, management of foliage feeders and soil borne insects, history of tropical spiderwort in Georgia and how to manage it, and effects of the expanded season and weather on leafspot management. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2025.
The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States. The award recipients include Distinguished Service Award – T.E. Moye, Jr., president of Georgia Federal State Inspection Service; Research and Education Award – Tim Brenneman, University of Georgia professor and plant pathologist; and the Media Award – Jim Wallace, retired news anchor for WALB TV.
The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF, was presented to Ryan Ireland, Ashburn, Georgia. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. Ireland grows peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat, hay and cattle. Ireland strives to incorporate new and innovative ways to increase yields and be a natural steward of the land. Ireland chooses to focus on water retention, disease control and overall soil quality.
In addition to the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. The GPC board members started this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continue to be the highest quality. Winners include District 1 – Martine Phillips, Colquitt; District 2 – Billy Senkbeil, Sylvester; District 3 – Daniel Johnson, Alma; District 4 – Wayne Peavy, Vienna; and District 5 – Sauls Partnership, Shellman. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Robb Lane, Omaha, Georgia. Lane received one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2025 season, as well as a cash prize.
Amadas Industries also provided the Grower Door Prize to Melissa Williams of Lenox, Georgia, and Joey Williams, Lenox, Georgia. Melissa Williams received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. Joey Williams received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.
For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at www.gapeanuts.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.
