Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference provides a day of education for peanut farmers.
From Georgia Peanut Commission
By Joy Crosby
Georgia Peanut Commission sets record attendance with exhibitors and attendees.
TIFTON, Ga. — More than 2,100 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 39th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference on Jan. 15, 2015, 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 and the Southeastern Peanut Farmer.
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 marketing, SDHI chemistries and the changing face of disease and nematode management, insect management and more. An industry seed seminar was held which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2015.
The Georgia Peanut Commission 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 – Birdsong Peanuts; Research and Education Award – Steve Brown, retired University of Georgia interim associate dean for Extension; Media Award – 92.5 The Farm, WKZZ; and Special Awards to Steve Spooner of S&S Marketing, Peanut Proud, Inc. and Debbie Cannon, retired regional representative for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss.
The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award was presented to Andrew Grimes of Tifton, Ga. 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 local area.
Grimes developed his passion for farming while growing up on a diversified row crop operation including peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat and vegetables. On the farm, Grimes is very involved in stewardship and conservation practices. Grimes utilizes GPS technology, plants a cover crop, uses twin-row planting and a 3-year rotation to aid in crop efficiency and replenishing the soil with nutrients. His farming practices continue to help him achieve high yields annually with an average of 7,200 pounds per acre for peanuts.
Grimes 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 BASF.
In addition to the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. 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 - Wayne Carr, Donalsonville, District 2 - Ralph Underwood, District 3 - Olin Boyd, Sylvania, District 4 - James Warbington, Vienna, and District 5 - Jimmy Curry, Shellman. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and a $100 gift card from Agri Supply.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Jared Cross, Unadilla, Georgia. Cross received one season’s use of a new six-row KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2015 season. KMC also provided $1,000 cash as part of the Grand Door Prize package to Drew Whigham, Cairo, Georgia. Amadas Industries also provided a Grower Door Prize of one season’s use of a new Amadas four-row or six-row peanut inverter or a certificate good for the amount of $5,000 towards the purchase of any Amadas pull-type peanut combine to Steve Shivers, Ft. Gaines, Georgia.
For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference visit the Georgia Peanut Commission web site at www.gapeanuts.com.