Neal Baxley
Mullins, South Carolina Chairman
National Peanut Board
Neal Baxley is the 2026 Chairman of the National Peanut Board and proud seventh-generation farmer. He co-owns and operates Baxley Farms, LLC alongside his father, Steve, and brother, Gene Robert, where they grow Virginia and runner peanuts, corn, cotton, soybeans and tobacco, and manage a cattle and hog operation.
Where is the NPB checkoff money being invested for 2026?
We’re continuing to be good stewards of the farmers’ checkoff dollar by continuing to push peanut consumption through promotions, activations and our new brand rollout. We’re also funding state research projects to help improve peanut production and we’re looking for ways to multiply the impact of our growers’ checkoff dollars by partnering with organizations on allergy research.
What are the key priorities of NPB?
This year is going to be especially exciting because we are rolling out our new consumer brand campaign and logo that will include a peanut seal similar to the iconic cotton seal. We hope this will unify the peanut industry and ultimately increase peanut consumption.
What are the current research priorities for NPB?
We recently had our annual research meeting where we approved funding for research projects from all of the peanut growing states. These research projects range from variety and disease trials to new uses of peanuts and many different ways to increase efficiency for farmers. We’re also looking at ways to fund research to increase overall farmer profitability and sustainability. To me, the sustainability of the American farmer means that the farmer is making a profitable crop and their farm can prosper and be passed on to the next generation.
What advice do you have for fellow farmers who are struggling in 2026?
Times are hard right now. We have a large supply and poor prices on many of our crops. We’ve got international conflicts, high fuel and fertilizer prices, and drought. But never underestimate the resilience and the determination of the American peanut farmer and the American farmer in general. It takes a lot of faith to plant a seed, and we need to keep our faith in the One who gives the increase.
By Joy Crosby