Features

Tillage systems, twin rows and seeding rates are topics to consider before next planting season. North Carolina Extension peanut specialist David Jordan answers planting-related questions producers may be thinking about over the winter. Q Should I transition my planting pattern to twin rows? A My standard answer is that single rows and twin rows will perform about the same on ... Read More »

SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD Read More »

Well-deserved recognition is in order for the National Peanut Research Laboratory. • By Amanda Huber • Today’s farmers continue to reap the benefits sown by a group of forward-thinking peanut leaders in the late 1950s. That’s when the idea for a laboratory dedicated to research on peanuts and peanut processing was born. “We are the only U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture ... Read More »

A proactive approach using diverse weed-control tactics is the most effective way to manage herbicide resistance. Early detection leads to easier management and decreases the potential spread of the resistant biotype. Unfortunately, because resistant plants and susceptible plants look alike, resistance often is not detected until the resistant biotype has spread to 30% or more of the field and perhaps ... Read More »

Industry experts are writing guidelines to help producers plan for and recover from hurricanes. • By Amanda Huber • Hurricanes and tropical storms produce a multitude of impacts ranging from damaging winds, inland flooding, coastal surges and sometimes an isolated tornado. Coming across the Atlantic or up from the Caribbean, the first place hurricanes and tropical storms often hit are ... Read More »

Tordpedograss (Panicum reopens) is one of the most concerning weeds in Florida, and has become a significant weed problem in the Panhandle. This weed’s favorite habitat is in or near ponds and ditches, but will spread across lawns, turf fields, and pastures. A native grass of both Africa and Asia, torpedograss was introduced through seed in the U.S in the ... Read More »

Velvetbean caterpillars (VBC) have arrived in large numbers in some Georgia peanut fields over the past couple weeks. Peanuts that are 70 to 90 days after planting are likely to be at greatest risk for yield loss from defoliation; the risk is even greater in fields that are drought stressed. VBCs have voracious appetites and can completely defoliate peanuts if ... Read More »

Dialing in both the ground and conveyor speed will help minimize lost pods. • By Amanda Huber • As many Extension specialists and agents will tell you, more revenue can be made or lost during digging than any other aspect of peanut production from seedbed preparation to combining. That’s why digger setup and operation, along with proper timing, is a critical ... Read More »

Irrigator Pro, now available as a mobile-device app, helps farmers enhance water conservation and on-farm efficiency. Is water the new gold? When you consider that about 1 percent of the Earth’s water supply is available for human use, coupled with a growing global population, the comparison makes sense. Across the United States and beyond, farmers are looking for innovative ways ... Read More »

Weather patterns are part of what dictates the possible pathogens to look for. Early hot, dry weather created conditions that favored both Aspergillus crown rot and lesser cornstalk borers says Clemson Extension peanut specialist Dan Anco. Unfortunately, on the Aspergillus crown rot, the recommendations are to plant good quality, treated seed and include an in-furrow fungicide. After planting, and once ... Read More »