may/june 2015 - southeastern peanut farmer

A communication service of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

Inside:n Southern Peanut Growers

Conference Schedule

n Irrigation Guidebook

6 Southern Peanut GrowersConference schedule of eventsThe Southern Peanut GrowersConference is set for July 23-25 atCallaway Gardens in Pine Mountain,Georgia. The three-day event providesfarmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketingand promotions.

10 2015 Irrigation GuidebookThe 2015 Southeastern PeanutFarmer’s Irrigation Guidebook features information on irrigationscheduling, remote monitoring,precision irrigation and newoptions for growers to use in 2015.

14 Georgia Peanut Commission increases research funding The Georgia Peanut Commissionboard members approved an increasein research project funding for the2015 year. The research projectsinclude 29 project proposals from theUniversity of Georgia and USDAAgricultural Research Service.

Contents

May/June 2015 Southeastern Peanut Farmer 3

Southeastern Peanut Farmer is published six times a year

(Jan./Feb., March, April, May/June, July/Aug., and

Oct./Nov.) by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

The publisher is not responsible for copy omission, typo-

graphical errors, or any unintentional errors that may

occur, other than to correct it in the following issue. Any

erroneous reflection which may occur in the columns of

Southeastern Peanut Farmer will be corrected upon

brought to the attention of the editor. (Phone 229-386-

3690.)

Postmaster: Send address changes (Form 3579) to

Southeastern Peanut Farmer, P.O. Box 706, Tifton,

Georgia, 31793.

Circulation is free to qualified peanut growers and others

allied to the industry. Periodical postage paid at Tifton,

Georgia and additional mailing office.

Editorial Content: Editorial copy from sources outside

of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is sometimes

presented for the information and interest of our mem-

bers. Such material may, or may not, coincide with offi-

cial Southern Peanut Farmers Federation policies.

Publication of material does not necessarily imply its

endorsement by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.

For editorial concerns call 229-386-3690. No portion of

this or past issues of the Southeastern Peanut Farmermay be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the

written consent of the editor. By-lined articles appearing

in this publication represent views of the authors and not

necessarily those of the publisher.

Advertising: The Publisher reserves the right to refuse

any advertisement. Corrections to advertisements must be

made after the first run. All billing offers subject to credit

review. Advertisements contained in this publication do

not represent an endorsement by the Southeastern PeanutFarmer or the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation. Use

of trade names in this publication is for the purpose of

providing specific information and is not a guarantee nor

warranty of products named. For advertising concerns

call 229-386-3472.

May/June 2015

Joy Carter Crosby

Editor

[email protected]

229-386-3690

Director of Advertising

Jessie Bland

[email protected]

Contributing Writers

John [email protected]

Teresa [email protected]

Southeastern Peanut Farmer

P.O. Box 706, Tifton, Ga. 31793

445 Fulwood Blvd., Tifton, Ga. 31794

ISSN: 0038-3694

D e p a r t m e n t s :Checkoff Report ..................................................................................Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association,

Georgia Peanut Commission and Mississippi Peanut Growers Association

Washington Outlook ............................................................................

Southern Peanut Growers Update ........................................................

8

16

18

Cover Photo: Irrigated peanuts at the USDA ARS National Peanut Research Lab in Dawson,

Georgia. Photo by Joy Crosby.

4 Southeastern Peanut Farmer May/June 2015

A G.I.’s simple request for peanuts

(Let us know about your event. Please send detailsto the editor at [email protected].

The request was a simple one during the Vietnam War. Harold

Bascom “Pinky” Durham Jr. requested Georgia peanuts on behalf

of a mother of one of the men in Vietnam. The mother shared with

Durham her son’s desire to get some peanuts in order that he

might share them with the men in his company and with some of the

Vietnamese people of the town where he was located.

Durham served in the armed forces and was a Tifton, Georgia native and

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) alumnus so he knew who to

reach out to in 1966 to request the Georgia peanuts. He mailed a letter to

Pete Donaldson, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission

(GPC). Donaldson had previously served as president of ABAC in Tifton,

Georgia.

The GPC shipped several cases of Georgia peanuts to Durham, which

were greatly appreciated. Through a course of several months in 1966,

Donaldson corresponded back and forth with Durham about the peanuts and

how they were distributed in Vietnam. In one letter, Durham explains how

excited individuals were to receive the peanuts.

“Man you should have seen the eyes of my First

Sergeant light up when I said, ‘These are honest grown

Georgia peanuts.’” Then he said, “Wait, till my

Commander chaws down on some of these.”

That is just one of the many interesting statements

in a letter from Durham to Donaldson. The entire letter

from Durham was filled with interesting news, gener-

ous acts and words of appreciation.

According to Durham’s letter to GPC, every man

in the company got a least one pack of peanuts. The

other six boxes were taken downtown. Durham gave

them to a school where he taught at night. The school

was the Vietnamese Division Culture Center, a non-profit, self-supporting

school that was run by G.I.’s like Durham who donated their time so that the

Vietnamese may have a future. The people at the school felt a need to put

this gift of peanuts to better use, therefore on Sunday night about eight p.m.

Durham explains how the group took the boxes of peanuts to the Korean

hospital and gave them to the Vietnamese who had been wounded at war.

Durham was an ambassador for peanuts while in Vietnam and he served

our country well. Recently, he was remembered and honored by ABAC dur-

ing a reception prior to the Carry the Load Step Off event, which attempts to

restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. Durham is the only Medal of

Honor recipient in the history of Tifton and memorabilia from his life will be

housed on the campus of ABAC.

All of the state grower organizations have sam-

ple bags of peanuts that are distributed throughout

their state, nationally or even internationally.

Sometimes you never realize the impact that is made

until nearly 50 years later when the memory of a

local soldier is being recognized and you search the

archives to learn a little more about the connection

with peanuts!

So, take time to honor those who have served

and gave their life for our freedoms and for those

who are currently serving. t

u USA Peanut Congress, June 13-17, 2015, Omni Grove Park Inn,

Asheville, N.C. For more information visit

peanut-shellers.org or call 229-888-2508.

u Stripling Irrigation Research Park FieldDay, July 8, 2015, Camilla, Ga. For more

information visit striplingpark.org or call

229-522-3623.

u Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, July 9,2015, Moultrie, Ga. For more information visit

sunbeltagexpo.com or call 229-985-1968.

u American Peanut Research &Education Society Annual Meeting,

July 14-16, 2015, Francis Marion Hotel,

Charleston, S.C. For more information visit

apresinc.com or call 229-329-2949.

u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 23-25, 2015, Callaway Gardens, Pine

Mountain, Ga. For more information visit

southernpeanutfarmers.org or call

229-386-3470.

u American Peanut Shellers AssociationPre-Harvest Meeting, Aug. 4-5, 2015, Lake

Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, Ga.

For more information, call 229-888-2508 or

visit www.peanut-shellers.org.

u Brooklet Peanut Festival, Aug. 15,2015. For more information visit the festival’s

website at brookletpeanutfestival.com.

u Georgia Peanut Tour, Sept. 15-17, 2015,Thomasville, Ga. and surrounding area. For

more information visit the tour blog at

gapeanuttour.wordpress.com.

u Plains Peanut Festival, Sept. 26, 2015.For more information visit plainsgeorgia.com.

u Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 20-22, 2015. Formore information visit sunbeltagexpo.com or

call 229-985-1968.

u Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Meeting,Dec. 6-8, 2015, Jekyll Island, Ga. For more

information visit gfb.org.

u American Peanut Council WinterConference, Dec. 8-10, 2015, Atlanta, Ga.

Editorial Calendar of Events

Joy Carter CrosbyEditor

Harold Bascom

“Pinky” Durham Jr.

Thursday, July 231:00 - 6:30 p.m. Conference Registration

Hospitality & Ice Cream Social

6:30 p.m. Welcoming Reception

7:00 p.m. Welcoming Dinner & Casino NightSponsored by Bayer CropScienceProceeds will be donated to Peanut Proud

Friday, July 246:30 a.m. In it for the Long Run 5K & Fun Run

Sponsored by SyngentaProceeds will be donated to MANA Nutrition

8:00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast Sponsored by Valent U.S.A. CorporationFeaturing The AkinsThe Akins are three brothers and a dad whose faith and family values shape everything they do. Their musical talent, tight family harmonies, and live instruments create a unique sound that is enjoyed by all ages. In recent years, God has nationally expanded The Akins' ministry with their fresh sound and original songs. They have had multiple chart-topping songs including their recent #1 song, "I Want My Stage To Be An Altar." They are two time "Horizon Group of the Year" nominees by Singing News Magazine, and have received multiple nominations at the Inspirational Country Music Awards, including "Entertainer of the Year," "Vocal Group of the Year," and "Christian Country Song of the Year."

9:30 a.m. General Session I Research - The Future is NowQ&A with a Panel of Researchers. This first session covers genomics and the various characteristics and traits that will be available in the future for full utilization. Moderator: Steve Brown, The Peanut FoundationKris Balkcom, Auburn University Scott Monfort, University of GeorgiaDoug Britton, Georgia Tech Diane Rowland, University of FloridaCorley Holbrook, USDA Jason Ward, Mississippi State UniversityScott Jackson, Peanut Genomics Initiative

10:30 a.m. Spouse Program An Overview of Callways Gardens and Horticulture TipsEdward Callaway, Vice Chair of Ida Cason Foundation and Grandson of the Founder of Callaway GardensHorticulturist with Callaway Gardens

10:45 a.m. General Session I continuedResearch - The Future is NowQ&A with a Panel of Researchers. This second session focuses on new technologies including UAV’s, sensors and equipment.

Southern Peanut Growers Conference2015 Tentative Schedule

11:45 a.m. Luncheon Sponsored by BASFKeynote Address by Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta HardenKrysta Harden was sworn in as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on August 12, 2013 after unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Deputy Secretary Harden helps lead the department, working to strengthen the American agricultural economy and revitalize our nation's rural communities. Raised in Camilla, Ga., Harden comes from three generations of southwest Georgia farmers with a proud farming heritage that dates back to the 1800s. As a daughter of farmers, she understands the changing face of agriculture over time, and the need for commonsense policies and programs that create and expand opportunities in rural America. In her role as Deputy Secretary, Harden builds on Secretary Vilsack's leadership to support a diverse and abundant agriculture sector, expand new markets for agriculture at home and abroad and further strengthen conservation of our nation's resources.

1:15 p.m. General Session IIThe Future GenerationKeeping the Farm for Future Generations - Dr. Martie Gillen, University of Florida

2:00 p.m. Survey on Future Conferences

6:30 p.m. Cookout at Robin Lake Sponsored by Dupont

Additional evening activities include:FSU Flying High Circus*Movie at Robin Lake Beach* Limited Availability

Saturday, July 257:30 a.m. Breakfast - Farm Press Peanut Profitability Awards

Sponsored by National Peanut Board

9:15 a.m. General Session IIIThe Future in Washington, D.C.Moderator: Andy RobinsonU.S. Agricultural Trade Policy - Congressman Ted Yoho (R-Florida)Peanut Policy Outlook - Robert L. Redding Jr., The Redding FirmFuture Trade Opportunities with China - Stephanie Grunenfelder, American Peanut Council & Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut Commission

Noon Lunch on your own and afternoon free!

12:30 - 6 p.m. Golf Tournament

7:00 p.m. Reception

7:30 p.m. Dinner and EntertainmentSponsored by SyngentaFeaturing the BushmenThe Bushmen got their start in their hometown of Douglas, Georgia in early 1962 as The Revelons. Their love for both white and black Southern roots music, as well as most good Top 40 radio tunes, helped to enable them to perform pretty much anything that hit the airwaves.

Register online at southernpeanutfarmers.org by June 30.


Checkoff ReportInvestments Made by Growers for the Future of the Peanut Industry.

Scholarship money available from the Florida Peanut Producers Association

The Florida Peanut Producers Association

and other members of the “Fresh From Florida”

promotion campaign returned to Epcot again

this year for the seventh annual Garden Market

Weekend. The annual

three-day event is held

during the International

Flower and Garden

Festival hosted by

Disney at Epcot in

Orlando.

The event allows

farmers, ranchers, com-

modity organizations,

etc., who are members

of the “Fresh From

Florida” promotion

campaign to visit with

thousands of attendees and share the message

of Florida agriculture.

Florida Peanut Producers Association

exhibited at the Garden Market Weekend and

provided peanut growing seed kits, recipe

cards, health and nutritional brochures. The

FPPA also had live peanut plants that were

blooming and pegging on display for the atten-

dees.

“This is a great opportunity for us to visit

with thousands of Disney attendees and share

the healthful message of peanuts and peanut

products and the importance of the economic

impact that peanut production has on the state,”

says Ken Barton, FPPA’s executive director.

Florida peanuts promoted at Epcot

The Florida Peanut Producers

Association is pleased to announce the

opening of their 2015 Scholarship Award

Program. Two $1,200 scholarships will be

awarded to deserving high school seniors

and/or college students. The applicant or

someone in the applicant’s family must be

an actively-producing peanut grower in

Florida.

It is the intent of the Scholarship

Award Committee; however, that the

award recipients attend a Florida junior

college or four-year university. Each win-

ner will receive $600 when the scholar-

ship winners are announced. The remain-

ing $600 will be awarded after the com-

pletion of one semester and documenta-

tion of passing grades is submitted to the

FPPA Office.

“The Florida Peanut Producers

Association is committed to helping fur-

ther the education of young people in

Florida, and the scholarship program is

evidence of our commitment,” says Ken

Barton, executive director of the FPPA.

For an application, contact the FPPA

office at 850-526-2590 or visit the FPPA

website at flpeanuts.com. The scholarship

applications must be postmarked no later

than July 1, 2015.

The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association prepared peanut goody bas-

kets for television stations across Mississippi during March. The baskets were

used as talking points since they contained all kinds of peanuts and peanut but-

ter products and peanut facts. In fact, the baskets helped to secure interviews at

five television stations across Mississippi during the first week of March. Each

state interviewed Malcolm Broome, MPGA’s executive director, for approxi-

mately five minutes of air time. One of the television stations allowed Broome

to prepare three peanut breakfast items on their kitchen set. Two other televi-

sion stations taped additional interview footage to show throughout the month

of March.

“For a very small cost, we get quite a bang for our buck as the saying

goes,” Broome says. “We even received positive responses from viewers.”

Mississippi Peanut Growers Association promotes peanuts

during National Peanut Month

Ken Barton, Florida

Peanut Producers

Association, visits with

attendees during the

International Flower and

Garden Festival hosted

by Disney at Epcot. The Georgia Peanut Commission

and the Peanut Institute teamed up to

sponsor the Georgia FFA Star in

Agriscience Award during the state con-

vention held in Macon, Georgia. The

State Star in Agriscience Award was pre-

sented to Sarah Spradlin of Madison

County. The state finalists were Auriel

Wright of Northeast Bibb FFA Chapter

and Ian Bennett of Lowndes County

FFA Chapter.

The Georgia Peanut Commission

also exhibited during the career show

and sponsored the Georgia FFA Alumni

photo booth during the career show.

Each member received a 4x6 print with

the Georgia Peanuts logo displayed on

the photo.

Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors Georgia FFA

Joy Crosby, Georgia Peanut Commission,

congratulates the Star in Agriscience

winners for Georgia FFA. Pictured left to

right, Crosby, Sarah Spradlin, State

winner from Madison County; Auriel

Wright, Central Region winner from

Northeast Bibb; and Ian Bennett, South

Region winner from Lowndes County.


is continuing its partnership with

CBS46 in Atlanta by having a peanut

farmer on air. Donald Chase, GPC

board member and farmer from

Oglethorpe, explained how peanuts

grow, his use of GPS and showed

video from his phone of harvest time

to host of Atlanta Plugged In,

Annalee Penny. The show is available

to view online at gapeanuts.com.

Members of the 2015 Alabama Peanut Producers

Association’s “Peanut Teams” participated in two March of

Dimes’ “March for Babies”

annual walks during April

and May. The first event

was held at the Geri

Moulton Children’s Park,

located in front of USA

Children’s and Women’s

Hospital in Mobile,

Alabama. The second walk

was held at Eastgate Park in

Dothan, Alabama.

This year marked the

sixth consecutive year the Alabama Peanut Producers

Association (APPA) has sponsored the Kids Activities tent at the

walks. Children of all ages, along with their parents, enjoyed the

special tent area where they made peanut arts and crafts, won

prizes, received a packet of Alabama peanuts along with educa-

tional brochures on the health benefits of peanuts.

“March for Babies” is held annually in 1,100 communities

across the nation. Over 7 million people, including more than

20,000 company and family teams, as well as national sponsors,

particpate in the event that has raised more than $2 billion since

1970.

Funds raised are used toward research focusing on the pre-

vention of premature births, birth defects and infant mortality.

Every year, more than half a million babies are born prematurely

and more than 120,000 are born with serious birth defects in the

United States. Seventy-six cents of every dollar raised in “March

for Babies” is spent on research and programs to help prevent

these issues.


Reports from the:Alabama Peanut Producers AssociationFlorida Peanut Producers AssociationGeorgia Peanut CommissionMississippi Peanut Growers Association

Alabama Peanut Producers Association promotes

peanuts during the March for Babies events

Children have fun in the Kids Activities

tent during the March for Babies walks

sponsored by the Alabama Peanut

Chase promotes peanuts on CBS46 in Atlanta

Georgia Peanut Commission

board member Donald Chase

discusses how peanuts grow

with Annalee Penny, host of

Atlanta Plugged In on CBS46.

The Georgia Peanut Commission attended the Georgia

School Nutrition Association annual conference held April 9-11

in Athens, Georgia. During the GSNA meeting, school nutrition

personnel from across the state of Georgia attended educational

seminars, visited with food industry representatives and received

recognition for outstanding performance at their respective

schools.

One of many awards given was the peanut recipe award

sponsored by GPC. This award was given to GSNA members

who developed new peanut and peanut butter quantity recipes to

be used in Georgia schools for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

“We are excited to sponsor the peanut recipe awards contest

for Georgia’s school nutrition personnel,” Armond Morris, GPC

chairman said. “We applaud all GSNA members for striving to

develop new peanut recipes to be included in Georgia’s school

nutritional programs throughout the year.”

In the breakfast category, Ann Hamner from Britt

Elementary in Snellville, Georgia, won first place for her

“Peanut Butter Fruit

Roll” recipe, second

place went to Jane

Raburn from Carrollton

Elementary in

Carrollton, Georgia, and

third place went to Dare

Howze with Westside

Elementary in Valdosta,

Georgia. In the lunch

category, first place was

awarded to Ann Hamner

from Britt Elementary

for her “Peanut Ricotta

Lasagna” recipe, second

place went to Jane Raburn from Carrollton Elementary and third

place went to Helen Sellars from Southside Elementary in

Cairo, Georgia. For the snack category, Dare Howze from

Westside Elementary took home first place for her “Triple

Cereal Snack Bar” recipe and second place went to Jennifer

Scott of Langston Road Elementary in Perry, Georgia. Clayton

County Schools was the winner of the peanut usage contest,

which is awarded to the school system with the highest per capi-

ta consumption of peanuts and peanut butter.

The entries were prepared and judged as part of the GSNA

Culinary Competition in March 2015, at Le Cordon Bleu School

of Culinary Arts in Tucker, Georgia.

Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors recipe

contest at Georgia School Nutrition Conference

Jessie Bland (right), Georgia Peanut

Commission project coordinator, congratu-

lates representatives from Clayton County

Schools for winning first place in the

Georgia School Nutrition Association

Peanut Usage Contest.


Wesley Porter has con-

cluded his first year as

the Extension irriga-

tion specialist for

Georgia and Alabama. He’s been on the

job long enough to reach some conclu-

sions about the need for peanut irrigation

and the best way to go about scheduling

irrigation for peanuts.

Peanuts require about 23 inches of

water during the growing season to make

a good crop, according to Porter. Water

requirements for peanuts are low up until

the eighth or ninth week of growth, when

water use reaches about one inch per

week.

Porter says about 78 percent of the

water is needed from weeks 10 through

17 of a typical 20-week growing season.

Peanut water use peaks during the fruiting

peanut growth stage. This takes place

about the 14th week of the growing sea-

son. At that time, the plant can use up to

2.1 inches of water per week or 0.3 inches

of water per day.

In the Southeast, the probability of

receiving 20 to 25 inches of rainfall even-

ly distributed during the growing season

is quite low. This means non-irrigated

peanuts will rarely achieve their full yield

potential.

During Porter’s first year on the job,

he focused on a peanut irrigation schedul-

ing study. Porter conducted the test during

the 2014 growing season at the University

of Georgia’s C.M. Stripling Irrigation

Research Park near Camilla, Georgia. In

the test, he evaluated a dryland treatment

along with five other irrigation scheduling

methods.

A University of Georgia-developed

Smart Sensor Array system proved to be

the best method for scheduling peanut

irrigation in Porter’s test. This system was

developed by irrigation researchers

George Vellidis and Calvin Perry. It used

a total of about 22 inches of water in

Porter’s test, including 9.4 inches of irri-

gation water. This water helped to pro-

duce peanut yields of 6,052 pounds per

acre for Porter.

“For the Smart Sensor Array, we

loaded up the plots with soil moisture

sensors,” Porter says. “We placed these

sensors at depths of four, eight and 16

inches in the soil. We used a weighted

average of these three sensor depths to

determine when to irrigate the peanuts.”

The other irrigation scheduling meth-

ods in Porter’s test included the

Smartfield SmartCrop system that relies

on temperature measurements taken from

the plant canopy.

Another scheduling method for the

test was the University of Georgia’s Easy

Pan system. This system was originally

developed by now retired Extension irri-

gation specialist, Kerry Harrison. The

Easy Pan is a low-cost system that calls

for irrigation when the water in a washtub

pan reaches certain levels. This system is

an adaptation of other pan evaporation

irrigation scheduling methods.

The University of Georgia’s check-

book method of irrigation scheduling was

also included in Porter’s test. The check-

book method is fairly easy to use and

involves using rain gauges to keep up

with rainfall amounts, while also using

addition and subtraction of available

water, depending on the stage of crop

growth and the plant’s water use at each

stage of growth.

The final scheduling method in

Porter’s test was the University of

Florida’s Peanut Farm system. This

method offers irrigation advice online. It

relies on data from local weather stations

along with estimates for peanut maturity

in offering irrigation scheduling recom-

mendations.

Fine tuning peanut irrigation scheduling

IRRIGATION GUIDEBOOK

Wesley Porter, Extension irrigation specialist for Georgia and Alabama, says fewer than eight per-

cent of farmers use irrigation scheduling services, computer simulation models, or plant and soil

moisture sensors in deciding when to water their crops.

Continued on page 13

Photo

by

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Photo

by

John L

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ner.

Remote monitoring of cen-

ter pivot irrigation is pay-

ing off for Rufus Short

and his son-in-law Adam

Walker who farm near Americus, Georgia.

Short and Walker started using this

technology when interruptions in electri-

cal power disrupted their pivot perform-

ance. “Now, if we have a power outage,

these monitors notify us immediately,”

Walker says.

In recent years, Short and Walker

added an alarm system to their pivots that

helps prevent the theft of the copper wire.

“We have about ten center pivots and

we’ve had no copper thefts since we start-

ed using the WireRat technology,” Short

says.

WireRat is a product of Net Irrigate,

an Indiana-based firm that specializes in

wireless irrigation monitoring devices.

The WireRat is a battery-powered security

system that operates without an external

power source. It uses cell phone technolo-

gy and can alert up to 10 people whenev-

er there is a cut in a pivot’s copper wire.

“This is our third year to use the Net

Irrigate products,” Walker adds.

“The WireRat is a stand-alone securi-

ty system that works on all brands of cen-

ter pivots,” says Julie Upchurch, director

of sales for Net Irrigate. “It uses a cellular

network to send out notifications. It will

monitor your pivot during winter months

when the pivot is not normally in opera-

tion.”

As a result, thieves can often be

caught on the farm before they’ve com-

pleted stealing the copper. In the past

year, 60 thieves were arrested when Net

Irrigate systems notified farmers. In

another 200 cases, thieves were stopped

but got away. In a number of these cases,

the farmers chose not to call law enforce-

ment authorities.

“During the past several years, cop-

per wire theft has been a big problem in

our community,” Walker adds.

Short says copper theft is a crime that

is usually committed by local thieves.

“Once word got out that we had a deter-

rent system in place, we’ve seen no cop-

per thefts on our pivots,” he explains.

“This has been a tremendous help to us in

our farming operation.”

In addition, Short and Walker are

using other Net Irrigate products. One is

called PivotProxy. It notifies farmers if a

pivot stops working. PivotProxy features

WireRat technology, plus a global posi-

tioning system to keep tabs of the location

and the operating status of the irrigation

system. “We can check the status of our

pivots using PivotProxy by using either

our smart phone or our laptop,” Short

adds.

“PivotProxy will send alerts when the

pivot starts and stops,” Upchurch says. “It

also gives farmers the ability to remotely

shut off a pivot.”

Walker says he was able to turn off

an electric pivot last year while he was on

vacation in Florida.

Another Net Irrigate monitor is called

PumpProxy. It allows single- and three-

phase electrically powered irrigation

pumps to be remotely started or stopped.

PumpProxy also provides WireRat tech-

nology to receive alerts of well wire tam-

pering. It can be used with timers to turn

a pump off at a given time using a web-

site or a mobile phone app. It will send

alerts if there is a power failure, and will

also send alerts every time a pump starts

or stops.

Upchurch says the basic version of

the WireRat sells for a suggested retail

price of $1,099, and the PivotProxy has a

suggested retail price of $1,349. Once the

units are purchased and installed by local

irrigation dealers, there is no subscription

cost or additional costs to the operators.

The newest version of WireRat features a

battery that should last up to seven years.

Short says the remote monitoring

allows him to have a life off the farm.

Before adding this technology, he spent

much of his time going from one pivot to

another to check on its operating status,

often at night. “With this technology, I

can leave the farm and go to my grand-

kid’s ball games without worrying about

whether my irrigation is working.”

His son-in-law agrees. “We are able

to enjoy our time off when we take our

early summer vacations at the beach,”

Walker says. “We can leave for the beach

with the pivots running, and then turn

them off while we are away.” t

Remote monitoring improves pivot performance

Adam Walker of Short Farms can monitor pivot and pump performance using a cell phone app.

BY JOHN LEIDNER

Irrigation Guidebook

Adam Walker can relax knowing he can

remotely monitor his pivots.

Photo

by

John L

eid

ner.

Wesley Porter,

Extension irrigation

specialist for both

Georgia and Alabama,

makes a strong case for adopting variable

rate or precision irrigation.

Many farmers are already using vari-

able rate fertilizer and lime applications,

along with variable rate seeding. Porter

says the benefits of these precision farm-

ing technologies will not be fully realized

if water is not properly managed.

He says research studies show water

is the most important crop input in many

regions of the world, and he notes water

conservation and water use efficiency are

becoming critical issues in many areas

where water resources are limited.

“We are already seeing regulatory

actions restricting agricultural water use,”

Porter says. “Also, it is expensive to irri-

gate.”

It costs about $7 to apply an acre-

inch of water using electricity as the

power source, according to Porter. In

2015, it will cost about $12.50 to apply an

inch of water on an acre using diesel fuel.

Diesel irrigation costs were even higher in

2014, about $16.50 per acre-inch.

In a typical example, Porter says

1,000 acres of farmland would receive

about 10 inches of irrigation water at a

cost of about $12 per acre-inch. So the

farmer would spend about $120,000 to

apply this water. “If 10 percent of the land

does not require water, just a simple on-

off switch for a variable rate system could

save about $12,000,” Porter explains.

“You’re wasting money and you’re wast-

ing water when you apply irrigation water

to non-farmed land such as swamps or

drainage ditches.” t


Irrigation Guidebook

Adopting variable rate or precision irrigation

can save farmers money and conserve water.

The case for precision irrigation

AgSense®, LLC, recently announced

its release of the “Field Commander®

Ultimate” precision irrigation package.

The package combines the industry’s

most-installed controller, the Field

Commander, with AgSense Crop Link®

telemetry units and is available through

the AgSense worldwide distribution and

irrigation dealer network.

The affordable package provides

unmatched versatility in remote monitor-

ing and management of virtually all irri-

gation equipment, regardless of brand,

age or current capabilities.

The Field Commander Ultimate

package allows growers to remotely mon-

itor and precisely control center pivots

and pumps, along with monitoring flow,

pressure and weather. Capabilities include

Variable Rate Irrigation and custom pre-

scription programming by growers or

their agronomists. Soil moisture monitor-

ing can also be added by including an

AgSense Aqua Trac Pro® or Aqua Trac

Lite® soil moisture monitoring device.

“Pivots are controlled and monitored

from the Web at WagNet.net or from the

WagNet® App for iOS and Android smart

phones,” said AgSense Chief Executive

Officer Terry Schiltz. “By packaging

these devices together, growers gain ulti-

mate visibility and control of their fields

by leveraging their existing in field irriga-

tion infrastructure with AgSense technol-

ogy.”

AgSense products remotely manage

more irrigation center pivots than all other

manufacturers combined, with installa-

tions in more than 40 states and 20 coun-

tries.

For more information, visit

www.agsense.net. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER

Fine tuning peanut irrigation scheduling - Continued from page 10

AgSense releases ultimate precision irrigation package

Porter tested these methods on four

peanut varieties, including the widely

grown Georgia-06G. The highest yields

came from the University of Georgia’s

Smart Sensor Array system. Depending

on variety, either the SmartCrop or the

Easy Pan system produced the next high-

est yields. Porter reports that the

University of Florida’s Peanut Farm sys-

tem tended to under-apply irrigation,

while the University of Georgia’s

Checkbook method tended to over-apply

water to the peanuts.

Porter says the over-application of

irrigation using the Checkbook recom-

mendation may have actually reduced

yields in these plots. And based on his

test, Porter has worked with the developer

of the University of Florida Peanut Farm

system Diane Rowland, to fine-tune the

system for 2015 to become more precise

in producing high yields.

Overall, Porter says any of the sched-

uling methods should produce better

yields than irrigating randomly.

“According to USDA, 80 percent of

irrigation is based on visual observation

of the crop,” Porter says.

He says some farmers feel the soil for

signs of moisture stress. Others irrigate

when their neighbors irrigate. Some use a

personal calendar with pre-set irrigation

dates. Still others rely on weather reports

in the news media.

Porter says fewer than eight percent

of farmers use irrigation scheduling serv-

ices, computer simulation models, or

plant and soil moisture sensors in decid-

ing when to water their crops.

For farmers who use no scientific

irrigation scheduling method, Porter sug-

gests starting with a fairly simple and

low-cost system such as the Checkbook

or Easy Pan systems before investing in

the more expensive system such as the

Smart Sensor Array or other sensor-based

irrigation scheduling systems. t

BY JOHN LEIDNER


The Georgia Peanut

Commission (GPC) board

of directors has approved

$357,570 in research proj-

ect funding for the 2015-16 research

budget year. This action was taken during

the commission’s March and April board

meetings. The research projects approved

include 29 project proposals submitted

from the University of Georgia and

USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“We are proud of our close relation-

ship and partnership with research institu-

tions in the state,” says Donald Chase,

GPC Research Committee chairman.

“Peanut growers are pleased to invest in

the future by providing monetary support

for research and education that has con-

tinued to demonstrate a return on our

investment. Due to the continuing success

enjoyed by Georgia peanut farmers over

the past few years, we were able to

increase research funding again for 2015.”

The GPC board approved additional

funding this year to provide a tractor for

the UGA Peanut Team. The tractor is

compatible to four-row equipment and is

equipped with GPS guidance.

“We would like to thank the Georgia

Peanut Commission and the peanut grow-

ers in Georgia for providing the needed

funds for purchasing a John Deere 6125R

tractor for use in research and extension

efforts to advance the production capabili-

ties of Georgia producers,” says UGA

peanut agronomist, Scott Monfort, on

behalf of the UGA Peanut Team. “The

purchase of this tractor will allow the

peanut team to begin to evaluate new

tillage, planting, pest management and

harvest technologies in the future. The

peanut team is very appreciative of the

growers in Georgia continuing to support

the efforts of the University of Georgia’s

Extension and research efforts in peanut

production.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2

per ton annually toward GPC programs

which include research, promotion and

education. Research comprises 22 percent

of available funds in the commission’s

budget.

“The commission recognizes the

importance of research to Georgia peanut

farmers through this investment to pro-

vide better cultivars, technologies and

information, along with providing support

for a world-class education and Extension

program to ensure our farmers remain the

lowest-cost producers and sustainable in

today’s markets,” says Jamison Cruce,

GPC director of research & education.

“The number of peanut and related

researchers, such as a peanut entomologist

and an irrigation specialist, has increased

in the past few years allowing for further

opportunities in research and Extension

that will enable the farmers’ success even

more.”

The research programs primarily

focus on peanut breeding for higher yield

and improved quality; economics; conser-

vation methods; irrigation and water man-

agement; pests, weed and disease man-

agement; and peanut allergy research.

However, GPC is stepping up their efforts

by funding research focusing on the

development and evaluation of new culti-

vars with an emphasis on disease resistant

genetic markers and using long range

internet connectivity and other newer

technologies to improve management on

the farm.

For additional information and a

complete list of the research projects

funded by the Georgia Peanut

Commission, visit gapeanuts.com. t

Georgia Peanut Commission increasesfunding for research projects in 2015The commission approves $357,570 in peanut research projects

Georgia peanut farmers

reaffirmed the Georgia

Peanut Commission

(GPC) by a vote of 92.41

percent during the recent referendum,

held March 16 through April 15.

“I appreciate the farmer’s confidence

in the commission and we are committed

to continue earning that confidence,” says

Armond Morris, peanut farmer from

Ocilla, Georgia, and GPC chairman. “The

commission continues to work together as

a partnership between Georgia’s peanut

farmers, the commission board and staff,

in funding research projects to assist with

increasing yield, promoting peanuts and

working on the farmers’ behalf in

Washington, D.C.”

As required by Georgia state law, the

state’s peanut farmers vote on the com-

mission every three years. The ballots

were mailed to peanut growers the week

of March 16 and the Certified Public

Accounting firm of Allen, Pritchett and

Bassett counted the ballots returned on

April 28.

“Our staff is humbled by the over-

whelming support of our growers,” says

Don Koehler, GPC’s executive director.

“We will continue to seek opportunities

through programs in research, education

and promotion to enhance profit opportu-

nities on the farm.”

Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per

ton each year to the commission that is

used in the program areas of research,

education, promotion and communication.

For additional information on the Georgia

Peanut Commission, visit their website at

gapeanuts.com. t

Peanut farmers approve the GeorgiaPeanut Commission by 92 percent

BY JOY CROSBY

BY JOY CROSBY


America’s peanut farmers

were able to take a bite

out of the Big Apple in

April – with peanut butter,

of course. The National Peanut Board

staff and board members were in New

York City for four days of peanut and

peanut butter sampling and engagement,

encouraging people to share their experi-

ences on social media with the hashtag

#peanutpower.

From April 1-2, inside the Perfectly

Powerful Peanut Pop-Up space, NYC

locals and visitors were able to meet and

have their picture taken with peanut farm-

ers, learn about peanut farming and sus-

tainability and find out more about how

peanuts are helping feed people in need

around the world. And of course, atten-

dees were able to sample peanuts and

peanut butter – as well as easy on-trend

recipes like ancient grain bagels with

peanut butter and peanut butter yogurt

parfaits.

Prior to the opening of the pop-up

space, the NPB held a media and VIP pre-

view event, as well as a Twitter sandwich

delivery initiative -- where people within

a certain area who tweeted using #peanut-

power were selected to be receive a free

PB&J lunch.

The day before the pop-up opening,

local, media-savvy dietitians had the

opportunity to meet peanut farmers and

taste peanut and peanut butter inspired

recipes. On the last day of the event,

peanut growers and other volunteers made

more than 1,000 peanut butter and jelly

sandwiches for the Bowery Mission –

which helps the hungry and homeless of

New York City.

The #peanutpower efforts reached

more than 1.5 million accounts resulting

in 2.3 millions impressions. Top social

contributors included Food & Wine

Magazine, Kate Krader (editor of Food &

Wine), Jacque Reid (NBC New York

Live) and Class Pass. Notably, Parade

magazine covered PB&J Day and the

Spreading Party in their Community Table

segment.

Sponsors and partners for the pop-up

event include Hampton Farms, Jif, New

York Apple, One Sandwich at a Time,

Peanut Butter & Co., Peanut Butter for

the Hungry, Planters, Skippy and Which

Wich.

The NPB is taking the pop-up experi-

ence on the road with additional events in

several cities including Atlanta, Los

Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C.

To find out more and to follow the fun,

visit perfectlypowerfulpeanut.org for up-

to-the-minute updates. t

Lonnie Fortner, National Peanut Board

Mississippi Alternate, counts peanut butter and

jelly sandwiches that peanut farmers donated

to feed the hungry in New York City. National

Peanut Board partnered with Which ‘Wich

Sandwich Company and One Sandwich At A

Time to meet their goal of making 1,000 PB &J

sandwiches in two hours.

Are you looking for a one stop shop

for the latest and most pertinent

Agricultural research and technologies?

Look no further. The Sunbelt Expo Field

Day is scheduled for July 9, 2015 at the

Darrell Williams Research Farm, located

at the Expo Show Site.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and

will be followed by a complimentary bis-

cuit breakfast, exhibit viewing, and wel-

come from Georgia Department of

Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau.

Attendees will have a chance to win some

great door prizes as well as receive a free

Expo cap. The trams will depart for the

field tour at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The field

day is free and open to those involved in

agriculture and agribusiness. The tours

will conclude by noon with a BBQ lunch

provided by Ameris Bank.

For additional information on the

field day, check the Expo website at

sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo at

229-985-1968. t

Sunbelt Ag Expo FieldDay set for July 9

Crawford and Nicholson pass awayThe peanut industry was saddened to

learn about the recent passing of two

valuable individuals to the industry.

Jeff Crawford Jr. passed away April

14, 2015 at the age of 76. Jeff served on

the Board of the Florida Peanut Producers

Association from 1988-1995 and served as

president from 1993 to 1995. He then

served as executive director of the associa-

tion from 1995 to 2003. He served on

many other agricultural organizations

including Jackson County Farm Bureau,

Florida Soybean Association, Florida

Foundation Seed Producers, Jackson

County FSA Committee, Florida FSA

State Committee, Jackson County

Planning Commission and the Chipola

College Board of Trustees.

“Jeff Crawford was a great friend of

mine and even in his retirement years he

continued to be a true advocate for

agriculture and especially for peanuts and

the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

Although, not taking an active role in farm

bill negations after he retired, he visited

the FPPA office regularly to keep updated

on policy and new farm programs related

to peanuts,” says Ken Barton, FPPA exec-

utive director. “Jeff was always willing to

discuss any issue or provide input and

council, I only had to ask for it and I did

on many occasions. We cherish the memo-

ries and friendship of Jeff Crawford.”

Maylon Nicholson, age 79, of

Donalsonville, Georgia, passed away May

13, 2015.

Prior to retirement, Nicholson was the

export advertising manager for Kelley

Manufacturing Co. and was editor of the

Southeastern Peanut Farmer from 1965 to

1977. He was also a former member of the

Lions Club and a honorary member of the

Young Farmers.

“Maylon dedicated twelve years to

reporting news to farmers through the

Southeastern Peanut Farmer,” says Joy

Crosby, editor of the Southeastern Peanut

Farmer. “Even after his retirement from

KMC he visited the Georgia Peanut

Commission office and wanted to keep up

to date with issues affecting farmers and

read current issues of the magazine.” t

Peanut pop-up in the Big Apple

USDA proposes actively engaged

regulationThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has

published its proposed regulation that defines a person

“actively engaged” in farming. After review, there are

important issues that concern Southern agriculture

including, but not limited to, the limits on the number

of farm managers.

“We want to make sure that farm program pay-

ments are going to the farmers and farm families that

they are intended to help. So we’ve taken the steps to

do that, to the extent that the farm bill allows,” says

Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack. “The farm bill gave

USDA the authority to limit farm program payments

to individuals who are not actively engaged in the

management of the farming operation on non-family

farms. This helps close a loophole that has been taken

advantage of by some larger joint ventures and gener-

al partnerships.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission and the

Southern Peanut Farmers Federation are part of a

coalition of peanut, cotton and rice producers meeting

on the proposed regulation. Comments to USDA, on

the proposed regulation, were due by May 26, 2015.

2016 Budget process heads to

conference The House and Senate have passed their 2016

budget legislation, which includes some cuts to

agriculture. The House bill includes $1 billion in cuts

for agriculture and major reforms for SNAP or food

stamps. The Senate package includes $1 billion in

agricultural program cuts and an additional $14 billion

reduction in conservation, natural resource and energy

programs. House and Senate budget negotiators will

now work out the differences in the two bills.

It is important to note the anti-agriculture amend-

ments proposed did not become part of either bill. In

the Senate, the GPC and SPFF were concerned about

crop insurance amendments proposed by Sen. Jeff

Flake, R-Arizona, including an Adjusted Gross

Income (AGI) test. Senate leadership did not allow the

amendment to come up.

Washington Outlookby Robert L. Redding Jr.

Legislative Updates available online at www.americanpeanuts.com


House Ag Committee reviews “Waters of the

U.S.” proposal The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on

Conservation and Forestry held a hearing on the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Waters of the U.S.” proposal. House

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, R-

Penn., and the Transportation Committee’s Water Resources and

Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, introduced

legislation to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Waters of

the United States” proposed rule.

In announcing his support of the legislation to halt the proposal,

Chairman Conaway stated: “The United States Supreme Court twice

rebuked EPA for overstepping its bounds but, unfortunately, the Obama

Administration’s response was to double down. In its current form, this

rule continues EPA’s massive overreach, leading to exorbitant permit-

ting costs, red tape and even effective loss of property use for

landowners. This could happen even when the land or water in ques-

tion has no impact on navigable or interstate waters meant to be pro-

tected under the law, including virtually every farm ditch and pond in

this country. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of The Regulatory Integrity

Protection Act of 2015 to stop EPA’s power grab.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission has joined other agricultural

organizations in opposition to the U.S. EPA proposal.

Congressional hearings on state biotech

legislation The House Committee on Agriculture held a public hearing to

examine the costs and impacts of states implementing mandatory

biotechnology labeling laws. In 2014, 125 bills mandating the labeling

of biotechnology were introduced in 30 different states.

According to the Committee, voluntary marketing programs

already exist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provide con-

sumers with this information in an effective and affordable manner,

such as the National Organic Program.

“This growing patchwork of mandatory state laws is creating

confusion and driving up the cost of food, harming the most vulnerable

Americans,” says U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman K.

Michael Conaway. “Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most

affordable and most abundant food in the world. Unnecessary and

conflicting regulations will only make it harder for our farmers and

ranchers to feed America and the world. These state laws are not based

on science and are both inconsistent and misleading. We have a federal

regulatory process for the approval of biotechnology that is both

scientifically sound and works. It is incumbent on us to make sure

that the system is not undermined. These state laws are a tangible

threat to American agriculture and all of us who depend on it.”


May 6, 2015

Dear Member of Congress,

The undersigned organizations strongly support the passage of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and

Accountability Act of 2015, otherwise known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry

with over $71 billion in economic impact. For Georgia agriculture in Georgia to continue to compete globally, impediments to

international trade must be eliminated.

Foreign trade is very important to Georgia agriculture. In 2013, Georgia exported nearly $3 billion in agriculture products up

from $1.8 billion in 2009. Georgia’s exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting about 22,500 jobs, both on

the farm and in related industries such as food processing, transportation, and manufacturing. Nationwide, U.S. food and agri-

culture exports reached a record $150.5 billion in 2014, supporting more than one million American jobs.

Each and every one of the trade agreements that delivered these achievements was made possible by the enactment of trade

promotion authority bills. Those bills gave U.S. negotiators the ability, with clear direction and backing from Congress, to

extract the best deals possible from other countries.

Without TPA, our negotiating partners would be unwilling to make the toughest concessions needed to grow our exports here

at home. We would also be ceding potential markets and economic leadership to our competitors.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing economic region in the world. With the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the

administration is working hard to close a comprehensive deal that will eliminate barriers to our exports and raise standards

within the TPP nations. But for TPP to become a reality, Congress needs to pass TPA. We urge your authorization of TPA

with the support of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

Sincerely,

Georgia Agribusiness Council

Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Georgia Cotton Commission

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia Forestry Association

Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Milk Producers

Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia Pecan Growers Association

Georgia Poultry Federation

Georgia Urban Ag Council

Georgia Watermelon Association

Southern Crop Production Association

Southeastern Wood Producers Association

U.S. Pecan Growers Council


joined other major Georgia farm organiza-

tions encouraging the state’s congression-

al delegation to support Trade Promotion

Authority (TPA) legislation before the

U.S. Congress.

The letter (see letter below), initiated

by Georgia Farm Bureau, highlighted the

importance of agricultural exports to

Georgia’s economy and called on

Congress to note that: “The Asia-Pacific

region is the fastest growing economic

region in the world. With the Trans

Pacific Partnership (TPP), the administra-

tion is working hard to close a compre-

hensive deal that will eliminate barriers to

our exports and raise standards within the

TPP nations. But for TPP to become a

reality, Congress needs to pass TPA. We

urge your authorization of TPA with the

support of the Bipartisan Congressional

Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of

2015.”

U.S. House Agriculture Committee

Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas,

issued the following statement regarding

TPA: “TPA will provide our negotiators

with the credibility necessary to conclude

the most effective trade agreements possi-

ble, by making it clear to the rest of the

world that Congress and the

Administration are serious about this

endeavor. Trade is crucial for a growing

and dynamic American agricultural sector

that must maintain and increase access to

the world’s consumers, 95 percent of

whom live outside of our borders. We

cannot sit idly by and allow others to fill

consumer demand around the world. That

being said, the details of trade agreements

are of utmost importance. The Agriculture

Committee will do its part to ensure they

are favorable to U.S. agriculture. At the

end of the day, even with TPA in place, it

is Congress who decides if trade agree-

ments will be ratified. But, passing TPA is

an essential part of getting to that point.”

Georgia ag groups unite to support trade legislation

Peanuts take center stage in Nashville,

Tenn. at Southern Women’s ShowSouthern Peanut

Growers exhibited to a

crowd of 55,000 people at

the Southern Women’s Show

in Nashville, Tennessee,

April 30 – May 3. Thursday

was Peanut Lovers Day at

the show with special

announcements throughout

the day, three cooking

demonstrations on the

Celebrity Cooking Stage,

Georgia Grinders tastings at

the booth and a Peanut

Butter: Spread the Love cut-

ting board for the first 250 people in line.

The four-day show was staffed by Southern Peanut Growers,

Alabama Peanut Producers

and Georgia Peanut

Commission and included a

total of six cooking demon-

strations; peanut and peanut

butter recipe sampling from

the 10 x 20 booth space; dis-

tribution of recipe brochures

and cards (more than 12,000

total!); distribution of nutri-

tion information; and distri-

bution of promotional items

such as t-shirts, peanut butter

spreaders and notepads.

Georgia Grinders, a new hand-crafted peanut butter using

exclusively Georgia-grown peanuts,

sampled from the booth on Thursday

and secured Chef Margot McCormack,

chef/owner of Margot Café & Bar in

Nashville, for the first cooking demon-

stration on Thursday. Chef Margot uses

peanut butter in her French-inspired

restaurant and she shared her favorite

Peanut Butter Bars with the audience.

The bars are adapted from an

old-favorite recipe – the peanut

butter bars served in the school

lunch program years ago!

Southern Peanut Growers

Marketing arm of Southern Peanut Growers1025 Sugar Pike Way · Canton, Georgia 30115

(770) 751-6615 · FAX (770) 751-6417

email: [email protected]

Visit our website at

http://www.peanutbutterlovers.com

Come see the Southern Peanut Growers at these upcoming

events:

u National Restaurant Association Annual Meeting,

May 12-17, Chicago, Ill.

u Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, May 28-31, Atlanta,

Ga.

u USA Peanut Congress, June 14-17, Asheville, N.C.

u Sweetest Chefs of the South, July 21, Ridgeland,

Miss.

u Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 23-25,

Pine Mountain, Ga.

u Farm to Table Chef Taste Challenge, August 7, New

Orleans, La.

Upcoming Events

Chef Margot’s Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:Bars:

2/3 cup butter

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

Directions:Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butters and sugars.

Add eggs and vanilla and

mix. Sift salt, flour and bak-

ing powder together and add

to peanut butter mixture. Stir

until combined. Spoon onto

a 1-inch deep 17 x 12 cookie

pan. Bake 30 minutes. Cool

completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients:3 Tablespoons butter

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

5 cups powdered sugar

pinch salt

squeeze of lemon juice

splash of milk

Frosting Directions:Cream butters and sugar

with salt and lemon. Add

milk for appropriate frost-

ing consistency and mix

until smooth. Frost bars.

Leslie Wagner, Southern Peanut

Growers, and Caleb Bristow, Alabama

Peanut Producers Association,

demonstrate Beef Kabobs with Peanut

Sauce and Asian Peanut Slaw on the

Celebrity Cooking Stage during the

Southern Women’s Show.

Southern Peanut Growers distributed

peanuts, recipes and nutritional infor-

mation to more than 55,000 attendees

during the Southern Women’s Show.

Chef Margot McCormack demon-

strates her Peanut Butter Bars on

the Celebrity Cooking Stage during

the Southern Women’s Show.

Makes 16 servings.


Georgia Federal-State Shipping Point

Inspection Service (GFSPIS) has initiated

a proposal for new grading equipment and

procedures and is soliciting applications

from interested parties with the ability to

design and fabricate new grading equip-

ment for farmers’ stock and re-grade

peanuts.

GFSPIS seeks to improve the technol-

ogy, efficiency and economics of the cur-

rent grading equipment while resulting in

a practical application for the industry.

The current equipment and grading proce-

dures have been utilized by GFSPIS for

the past 70 years. The grading procedures

using the current equipment is an exten-

sive hands-on process which is both very

time consuming and labor intensive.

T.E. Moye, President/CFO of

GFSPIS, sees the technological advances

made throughout the agricultural industry

and has a vision for GFSPIS to progress as

well. “We believe there is a better way to

grade peanuts and we are willing to put

forth the resources necessary to find it,”

Moye says.

A committee of 10 individuals has

been appointed by James Sutton, director

of operations at the Georgia Department of

Agriculture, who serves as the chairman of

the GFSPIS Board of Directors. This com-

mittee represents all aspects of the peanut

industry and will oversee and administer

the project. John Harrell, a peanut farmer

north of Whigham, Georgia, has been

named chairman of the New Grading

Equipment and Procedures Committee. As

a grower, John recognizes the importance

of new technology being brought to the

inspection process.

“This project will benefit all areas of

the peanut industry. As peanut acreage

continues to grow and peanut buying

points continue to expand, the need for

increased efficiency is warranted to meet

the demand,” Harrell says.

GFSPIS began serving the agricultur-

al industry in 1927. The organization pro-

vides an honest, impartial and accurate

third party service to the members of the

agricultural community. They inspect over

35 commodities, including peanuts, fresh

fruits and vegetables and pecans. The use

of the Inspection Service ensures the ship-

ment of high quality produce and

enhances Georgia’s reputation as a suppli-

er of superior agricultural products.

GAFSIS currently staffs 120 employees

and will hire approximately 800 more

employees for the upcoming farmers’

stock peanut season.

The committee will be sending out

proposals on May 22, 2015, and will

accept applications until November 2,

2015. For more information or to obtain a

proposal, contact Mallory Black at 229-

432-6201 ext. 107 or via email at

[email protected]. t

Innovative project underway at Georgia FederalState Shipping Point Inspection ServiceInspection service seeks advancements for peanut inspection

may/june 2015 - southeastern peanut farmer

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