Georgia Peanut Farm Show provides day of education for farmers

TIFTON — More than 1,000 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 47th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center here. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.

The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of 100 exhibitors and education opportunities. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on the yield and quality of 2023 peanuts and what to expect in 2024, weed, disease and nematode management for 2024 and sustainability in Georgia peanut production. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2024.

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States. The award recipients include Distinguished Service Award — John T. Powell, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association and The Peanut Instititute; Research and Education Award — Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension soil fertility specialist; and the Media Award — Dal Cannady, former bureau chief for WTOC-TV in Savannah.

The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF, was presented to Mallory Harvey of Baxley. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based on the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities.

Harvey grows 1,500 acres of peanuts and cotton, as well as breeder hens with Pilgrim’s Pride. Harvey said he strives to utilize innovative stewardship practices on the farm to reduce his carbon footprint and water usage. He is also active within a number of community and agriculture organizations within his county.

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 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 included District 1 — Donald Shirah, Camilla; District 2 — Gerald Fowler, Sycamore; District 3 — Lee Cromley, Brooklet; District 4 — Sam Crenshaw, Cordele; and District 5 posthumously — Richard Morrison, Lumpkin. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.

At the close of the day, the presentation of the grand door prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Jim Deen of Broxton. Deen received one season’s use of a new 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 2024 season, as well as a cash prize.

Amadas Industries also provided the grower door prize to Zach Brown of Sumner and Ted O’Steen of Ambrose. Brown received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. O’Steen received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.

File Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]