Joy Carter Crosby
SEPF Editor
By July, the excitement of planting has settled into the reality of the growing season.
The planters have been parked for weeks, and now comes the part of farming that requires perhaps the greatest amount of patience. The crop is in the field, but there are still countless decisions to make. Irrigation schedules, fungicide applications, insect scouting, weed control and weather forecasts all compete for attention. Every field seems to tell a different story.
July has a way of reminding us that farming is rarely about having complete control. It is about making the best decisions possible with the information available and trusting the process.
Peanut growers know that every season brings its own challenges. Some years it’s too dry. Others, too wet. Heat, insects, disease pressure and market uncertainty can all change the outlook in a matter of days. Yet farmers continue doing what they have always done by adapting, solving problems and preparing for whatever comes next.
One thing that never changes is the importance of paying attention to the details. The small decisions made throughout July often have a tremendous impact on the crop that will eventually be dug in the fall. Consistent scouting, timely management and resisting the urge to cut corners can make all the difference when harvest arrives. University research continues to show that careful, in-season management is critical to protecting both yield and quality.
As you read this issue of Southeastern Peanut Farmer, be sure to spend some time with the 2026 Peanut Harvest Guidebook. While harvest may still seem a few months away, the work of a successful harvest begins long before the first peanuts are dug.
The guidebook offers practical information to help growers prepare equipment, improve harvest efficiency and maximize yield and quality. From preseason maintenance tips for diggers and combines to using the Official Variety Trials to better estimate optimum maturity, the guidebook is designed to help you head into harvest with confidence. You’ll also find coverage of new equipment from KMC and AMADAS, highlighting the latest technology and innovations available for the 2026 peanut harvest season.
To every peanut farmer across the Southeast, thank you for the work you do. Long before harvest begins, you’ve invested countless hours, resources and faith into this year’s crop. We know the work isn’t easy, but it’s important. Here’s hoping July brings timely rains and the promise of a successful harvest ahead.
By Joy Crosby