Although many economists and peanut industry analysts predict a double-digit decrease in acreage, the National Agriculture Statistics Service says, based on their interviews with producers, the industry will only decrease total acreage by four percent in 2011. This information...

Proper sprayer operation involves calibrating equipment often and documenting it each time. By John Fulton Extension Specialist, Biosystems Engineering Auburn University Sprayer technology has rapidly advanced in recent years with new rate control systems along with technologies such as guidance and automatic section...

Use this sampling technique to estimate underground pest pressure. By Dr. Ayanava Majumdar “Dr. A,” Extension entomologist and state sustainable agriculture coordinator, Auburn University; and Rudy Yates, regional Extension agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System This past year was a difficult one...

Apply this concept to prime plants to be more efficient users of water By Amanda Huber In production agriculture, water is still the most limiting factor – no matter where you are or what crop you grow. But what Wilson Faircloth,...

JOHN BEASLEY University of Georgia Extension Peanut Agronomist The five cultivars that will account for almost 100 percent of the planted acreage in the Southeast in 2011 all have considerably more resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) than Georgia Green. Because...

Rep. Frank Lucas (R) of Oklahoma is a farmer and knows about peanut production in his state. Lucas recently said that the House of Representatives Ag Committee will be a challenge to lead. “There are 26 republicans and 20 democrats....

BY TYRON SPEARMAN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kick off for the new season is just around the corner. Many producers have their plan-of-action in mind, but more than likely, most farmers will be versatile enough to change plans if needed. It is an exciting...

By Amanda Huber As I walked out onto the porch this morning, cup of coffee in hand, to enjoy the morning sunshine, three chickens ran out from under the porch. Uh-Oh. Someone forgot to shut the chicken coop door last...

Inoculants are one key to achieving vigorous growth and maximum yield. BY AMANDA HUBER Valuable yields are waiting in each peanut seed. The yield potential of each seed is at its maximum when it is put into the ground. Decisions such as...

A back-to-the-basics approach to often overlooked, but costly pests. By Dr. Ayanava Majumdar “Dr. A,” Extension entomologist and state sustainable agriculture coordinator, Auburn University; and Rudy Yates, regional Extension agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System The year 2010 was difficult for peanut...

How do you translate the value of resistance into production practices? By Amanda Huber Peanut Rx incorporates those production factors that affect diseases in a peanut crop, starting with the variety planted. Varieties today have improved resistance to nearly every disease...

Timely application of calcium is critical for large-seeded peanuts. For as long as Clarkton, N.C., peanut grower Dan Ward can remember, timely application of land plaster has been a family tradition that is key to profitability. “We apply a ton to...

How do you translate the value of resistance into production practices? BY JASON FERRELL, EXTENSION WEED SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA  Palmer amaranth is a tough weed that continues to march across the peanut belt. While imazapic (Cadre, Impose) was our main...

Ag Committee Members Announced House Agriculture Committee Chairman-elect Frank Lucas, Okla., announced the new Republican members of the committee. The members are as follows: Bob Gibbs, OH; Martha Roby, AL; Scott Tipton, CA; Rick Crawford, AR; Chris Gibson, NY; Bobby Schilling,...

BY TYRON SPEARMAN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Markets for key commodities grown in the peanut belt are doing some crazy things this fall, and the excitement is spilling over into the peanut market. Two years ago, it was the corn market and the expansion...