Sarver named Mississippi peanut specialist

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

JSarverpicUniversity of Georgia graduate student, Jason Sarver, has been hired as the new Extension peanut specialist in Mississippi. Sarver began his new job, Jan. 1, 2014. He is based in the Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University’s main campus in Starkville.

Sarver completed his Ph.D. degree in Crop and Soil Science from the University of Georgia where his advisor has been agronomist, Scott Tubbs. Sarver’s dissertation focused on the effects of plant populations and replanting methods on peanut production and profitability. In Mississippi, Sarver will be providing Extension education and field peanut research throughout the state. His official job title will be assistant Extension/research professor—peanut production.

Since 2011, Sarver has been working as a graduate research assistant in the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus. Previously, Sarver received a M.S. degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Kentucky. There, his research focused on plant populations and weed removal in soybeans. He earlier received a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Kentucky.

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Change coming for Alabama’s private pesticide applicators

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

bradthompson_sprayingpnuts2012Alabama farmers and producers sometimes must use pesticides to protect their crops and fields. Many of these are restricted-use products, meaning farmers and others must have a private applicator permit to legally purchase and use them. Dr. Sonja Thomas, a pesticide safety specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says the process is changing on how to obtain that permit.

“In the past, people needing a private applicator permit could get the study materials from the county Extension office, take the test at home and send the test to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries,” she says. “A passing test score of 70 earned the permit.”

The process is changing in January. Thomas says people will now have three options for learning the materials and  taking the test.  Thomas says there are currently about 5,000 individuals in the state who hold private applicator permits. While many are farmers, she says not all are. “Nursery owners, pond owners and forest land owners are other examples of people who hold a private applicator permit or may need to get one,” she says.

She emphasizes that private applicator permits are different from those needed by pest control operators and other commercial applicators. “The law says a private applicator uses or supervises the use of any restricted-use pesticide for producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented or on the property of another person if applied without compensation.”

Thomas says the key is that a private applicator permit is—just that—private.
“A private applicator cannot charge for their services and can only apply on land they own or rent.”

Thomas adds that are some other factors to remember about the private applicator permitting process. Individuals must be able to read and comprehend the subject matter in English and no tests are given orally. Also, individuals must obtain a passing grade of 70 percent or higher on the test and must successfully complete training and testing and then submit an application for a permit.

Individuals who already have a private applicator permit will need to retest when their license comes due. For additional information visit, Alabama Pesticide Safety Education Program.

By Maggie Lawrence
Alabama Cooperative Ext. Service

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National Peanut Board unveils new brand platform “The Perfectly Powerful Peanut”

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

Perfectly Powerfu Peanut Homepage LogoNational Peanut Board President and CEO, Bob Parker, unveiled the new brand platform, “The Perfectly Powerful Peanut” at the American Peanut Council’s industry luncheon recently. Parker also introduced a new advertising campaign to the industry. Developed by the Atlanta-based marketing and advertising firm LBVD, the advertising campaign features visually distinctive artwork of actual peanut plants created by some of the world’s foremost botanical artists. The art serves as a backdrop for photographic portraits depicting those who benefit from peanuts and peanut butter.

I work hard for them.NPBPPP_Ad9 Two actual peanut farmers, Jeffrey Pope of Virginia, and Charles Hardin of Georgia, are showcased in the advertising campaign. National Peanut Board will roll out this national media campaign in the first quarter of 2014.

“The Perfectly Powerful Peanut” brand platform revolves around consumer trends and preferences toward health and wellness. One of the main reasons consumers are buying nuts today is for their health benefits. The new brand platform provides a message that is  unifying to the entire peanut industry and leverages peanuts’ competitive consumer benefits.

“Our goal is to raise consumers’ health and wellness association with peanuts and peanut butter. Peanuts have seven grams of plant-based protein, more than 30 vitamins and minerals and offer heart-health benefits,” Parker says. “We want to build on these nutrition advantages and the love Americans of all ages have for peanuts, while increasing our competitiveness in the marketplace.”

“The Perfectly Powerful Peanut” aligns the National Peanut Board’s messaging with any    industry initiative and works equally well to support all industry groups, brands and other stakeholders.

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Florida researcher to use $500,000 grant to try to make peanuts more drought-resistant

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby
University of Florida crop physiologist Diane Rowland received a four-year grant to study ways to make peanuts more drought tolerant.

University of Florida crop physiologist Diane Rowland received a four-year grant to study ways to make peanuts more drought tolerant.

A  University of Florida researcher plans to use a $500,000 federal grant to study ways to make peanuts more drought tolerant. Diane Rowland, an associate professor of agronomy and faculty member in UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, won the four-year grant in November from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In the research, Rowland will use a process called primed acclimation, in which she waters peanuts at 60 to 70 percent of their normal irrigation rate ─ what’s called moderate drought stress ─ before the crop begins producing peanuts. This prepares the plant for less water when the weather dries up.  She likens the process to training a non-athlete for competition.

“If you don’t condition your plants early, they tend to be less hardy,” Rowland says.
When summer arrives, she says, a primed plant is better able to tolerate drought.
A study Rowland and other scientists published in October 2012 also studied crop acclimation but looked at only one peanut variety. In the new research study, Rowland said she hopes to acclimate up to half a dozen varieties to drought conditions.

Peanuts are grown in a regional swath through the U.S., extending from the Virginia-Carolinas area, through the Southeast and Southwest, including large portions of Florida. For the last decade, those areas have experienced more frequent droughts. Maintaining sustainable crop production despite limited water has become “the single most important    challenge in the U.S. agricultural industry and worldwide,” she wrote in her grant application.

Rowland will conduct the research in west Texas and at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, also part of IFAS.

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Irrigation motor rebate available to Georgia farmers

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

GEFA_color1The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) recently announced a second round of the Georgia Agricultural Irrigation Motor (AIM) Program, an incentive program designed to help Georgia farmers become more energy-efficient, save money on fuel costs, and reduce emissions.

The Georgia AIM Program will provide farmers with a rebate to replace inefficient diesel irrigation engines with energy-efficient electric irrigation motors. The rebates will cover 25 percent of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 maximum rebate available. The application period for the second round of the program opened online Dec. 4, 2013, at www.gefa.org. Available funding is limited and rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period closes Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at 5:00 p.m.

“GEFA is excited to offer a program that helps farmers save money and become more energy efficient,” says Kevin Clark, GEFA executive director. “We also hope that the program increases awareness of energy-efficiency measures the agriculture industry can adopt and promote.”

The first round of the program awarded 34 farmers throughout the state with rebates totaling $154,309. The new installations are projected to save 30,167 MMBtus of energy and reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by 217,029 gallons.

“We are pleased to have rebates available to help farmers install more  efficient irrigation motors, which will lower their fuel costs and contribute to our state’s culture of conservation,” says Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. “Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry and we want to help it grow any way possible.”

Eligible electric irrigation motor  conversion projects must take place in the state of Georgia, and must replace a diesel engine that is at least 10 years old and in service. Rebates will not be provided for projects that have been completed prior to the start of this program. The project must be completed by a licensed contractor after notification of rebate approval from GEFA. The electric motor size (horsepower) must be a maximum of 75 percent of the diesel engine it’s replacing, with a minimum energy efficiency rating of 85 percent on the new electric motor. The rebate will cover 25 percent of the cost of the project, including expenses associated with connecting the electric motor to the power meter, three-phase converters and variable frequency drives. The rebate does not cover expenses payable to a power company.

Since 1985, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority has approved financial commitments totaling more than $3 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.

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UGA Extension Ag Forecast to be held across Georgia Jan. 24-31

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

AgForecast14_webheadAgricultural topics from the price of peanut butter to how Europe’s demand for wood pellets will impact Georgia’s lumber supply will be discussed at the 2014 Georgia Ag Forecast seminar series. Seminars will be held Jan. 24-31 in Macon, Athens, Lyons, Tifton, Bainbridge and Cartersville. Registration for the series is open at www.georgiaagforecast.com.

The complicated web of policies, climatic conditions and international consumer trends that impact Georgia’s agricultural industry affect Georgians whether they work in a peanut field or an office tower. Each January as part of the Ag Forecast seminar series, UGA economists explain the factors that will influence the state’s largest industry in the coming growing season. In addition to information about commodity markets and yields, these economist link agricultural trends to the state’s economic health as a whole.

The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Department of Agriculture sponsor the annual seminar series, and its attendance grows every year. Topics will vary by location, with UGA economists focusing on commodities that are most important to that region of the state.

However, some prominent topics that may be addressed include:

  • Georgia’s continued economic recovery and the pace it will take in 2014.
  • The Food Safety Modernization Act’s impact on Georgia’s growing vegetable industry.
  • The impact of new trade liberalization partnerships and how they will influence Georgia fruit, nut and vegetable exports.
  • The way local food and home gardening movements will affect Georgia’s greenhouse industry.
  • How the growing biofuels industry (mostly fuel pellets for export) will impact lumber markets as more Georgia pellet mills come on line in 2014.

Farm succession planning will be addressed at every location this year. Macon attorney Will Thompson will serve as guest speaker for this segment and will offer advice for farmers and landowners on how to best pass land and businesses to the next generation.

The 2014 Ag Forecast sessions will be held Jan. 24 in Macon, Jan. 27 in Athens, Jan. 28 in Lyons, Jan. 29 in Tifton, Jan. 30 in Bainbridge and Jan. 31 in Cartersville.

For more information on the 2014 Ag Forecast, see www.georgiaagforecast.com or search @UGA_CollegeofAg on Twitter.

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Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show set for January 30

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

Al-FL_Trade_Show_2006_Green The annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show is fast approaching. This year’s show will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds located on Hwy. 231 South in Dothan, Ala. Peanut growers who attend will not only be able to fine tune their farming operations, but will have a chance to win prizes valued at thousands of dollars. In fact, more than $25,000 in prizes will be given away during this year’s trade show.

A farm equipment auction will be held on Hwy. 431 in Headland the day after this year’s show. Having the AL-FL Peanut Trade Show the day before the auction will give producers out of town to attend both instead of traveling two weeks in a row.

Sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Florida Peanut Producers Association, the one-day event offers farmers a full day to view the products and services of more than 70 exhibitors and a day of education. The show opens at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 12 noon.

During the catered lunch, a legislative update will be presented followed by a grower production seminar during the afternoon. The seminar is being coordinated by the Alabama and Florida Peanut Producers Associations. A seed and production seminar has also been planned as part of the day’s events. All peanut growers are invited and encouraged to attend this special agriculture event.

2011_alfltradeshow_13This year’s Grand Door Prize of $1,000 cash is being given by Kelley Manufacturing Co. Additionally, the grand door prize winner will receive a certificate good for $6,000 towards the purchase of a new 2014 KMC Six Row Peanut Combine, or lesser amounts towards the purchase of another new 2014 KMC complete implement. These discounts are non-transferrable. The winner must be certified as a peanut grower with an FSA farm number and must be present to win.

A special Grower Prize donated by Amadas Industries will include: $10,000 credit on an Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 credit on the purchase of an Amadas pull-type peanut combine, or $1,000 credit on any other Amadas equipment.

For more information on the show, including exhibit space availability, contact Teresa Mays at APPA (334) 792-6482 or email: teresa2@alpeanuts.com.

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GPC recognizes five farmers in the first Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers Award

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

The Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply presented the first-ever Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Jan. 16, 2014, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The GPC board members started this award to honor farmers each year 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, Charlie Burch, Newton, Ga.; District 2, Jerald Carter, Anderson City, Ga.; District 3, Jimmy Blitch, Statesboro, Ga.; District 4, W.H. “Finn” Cross, Unadilla, Ga.; and District 5, Harold Israel, Smithville, Ga.

These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and a $100 gift card from Agri Supply.

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Pictured left to right: Tim Burch, GPC board member for District 1, Charlie Burch, District 1 Award Winner from Baker County, and Joe Lawrence, Agri Supply.

2014_farmshow_026s

Pictured left to right: Armond Morris, GPC chairman, Jerald and Sherry Carter, District 2 Award Winner from Worth County, and Joe Lawrence, Agri Supply.

2014_farmshow_019s

Pictured left to right: Joe Boddiford, GPC board member for District 3, Jimmy and Patricia Blitch, District 3 Award Winner from Bulloch County, and Joe Lawrence, Agri Supply.

2014_farmshow_014s

Pictured left to right: Rodney Dawson, GPC board member for District 4, Helen and W.H. “Finn” Cross, District 4 Award Winner from Dooly County, and Joe Lawrence, Agri Supply.

2014_farmshow_036s

Pictured left to right: Donald Chase, GPC board member for District 5, Harold and Peggy Israel, District 5 Award Winner from Lee County, and Joe Lawrence, Agri Supply.

View Georgia Peanut Farm Show Photo Album.

 

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Branch receives Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby
Randy Branch, Baxley, Ga., receives the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. Pictured left to right are Branch, Billy Smith, sales representative with Bayer CropScience, and Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.

Randy Branch, Baxley, Ga., receives the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. Pictured left to right are Branch, Billy Smith, sales representative with Bayer CropScience, and Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award to Randy Branch of Baxley, Ga., during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Jan. 16, 2014, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.

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. This year’s winner demonstrates volunteerism and service to agriculture in his area. Branch developed his passion for farming while growing up on a diversified row crop operation including corn, soybeans and wheat. Today, the farming operation consists of 4,000 acres of crops including peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat.

On the farm, Branch takes a proactive approach to educate the public as to the practices he implements to preserve the land, soil and water. He educates consumers through farm tours where he showcases the land and soil management, as well as water use management and protection. Branch also uses terraces on highly erodible land; grass waterways to manage water to prevent soil erosion; and buffer strips in designated fields to assist with fertilizer and chemical control. Presently, 25 percent of Branch’s production acreage is irrigated. He tries to make every effort to use surface water ponds for irrigation. At this time half of his irrigation water supply is from ponds.

Branch is also active in the agricultural industry. He is a member of the Georgia Farm Bureau State Commodity Committee for Peanuts, regional director of Staple Cotton Marketing Cooperative and served as the Georgia Young Farmer Association president in 1996. Currently, he is a member of Appling County Young Farmers, Appling County Farm Bureau and chairman of the Appling County Career Technical and Agricultural Education Advisory Committee. He also volunteers with Red Oak Baptist Church, Southern Truck and Tractor Pullers Association, Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department, Appling County Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life and Fourth District Elementary PTO.

Branch is married to Angie, and they have two children, Shane and Brandon, and a granddaughter, Taylor.

Branch receives a sign to display at his farm and a trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. This award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and Bayer CropScience.

View Georgia Peanut Farm Show Photo Album.

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Georgia Peanut Farm Show provides a day of education for peanut farmers

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Joy Crosby

2014_farmshow_135sMore than 2,000 producers were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 38th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 16, 2014, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Ga. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission in cooperation with the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, Southeastern Peanut Farmer, Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and the Tifton-Tift County Tourism Association.

The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of more than 100 exhibitors, as well as a day of education. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on insect management, disease management, unmanned aerial vehicles for detection of field problems, economics of peanut production and more. An industry seed seminar was held which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2014 and calcium application for peanuts.

Armond Morris (right), chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, inducts U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame during the 38th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Jan. 16, 2014, in Tifton, Ga.

Armond Morris (right), chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, inducts U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame during the 38th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show, Jan. 16, 2014, in Tifton, Ga.

The Georgia Peanut Commission installed the fifth recipient into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame by inducting U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss. A portrait of Sen. Chambliss, unveiled at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, will be displayed at the GPC headquarters in Tifton, Ga. Sen. Chambliss was first elected to Congress to represent Georgia’s 8th District in 1994. Throughout his legislative career, he has been recognized numerous times by the public and private sectors for his work on agriculture, defense, budget and national security issues.

The Georgia Peanut Commission also presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the U.S. The award recipients are: Distinguished Service Award – Sen. John Bulloch, retired chairman of the Georgia State Senate Agriculture Committee; Research and Education Award – John Beasley, retired University of Georgia peanut agronomist; Media Award – WALB News Team in Albany, Ga.; and a Special Award – Rick Treptow, retired broadcaster for Georgia Farm Bureau. Also, Emory Murphy, GPC assistant executive director, was honored with the Georgia Peanut Distinguished Service Award and the Georgia Peanut Research and Education Award, for his dedication to the Georgia Peanut Commission for nearly 40 years.

At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Ron McMickle, Donalsonville, Ga. McMickle received one season’s use of a new 4-row or 6-row KMC peanut combine. Amadas Industries also provided a Grower Door Prize of $10,000 off the purchase of a peanut combine to Ken Moore, Blakely, Ga.

For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show visit the Georgia Peanut Commission web site at www.gapeanuts.com.

View Georgia Peanut Farm Show Photo Album.

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