Released: Jan. 16, 2026
TIFTON, Ga – More than 1,800 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 49th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference held Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of nearly 100 exhibitors and education opportunities. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on remaining profitable in 2026, disease and weed management. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2026.
The Georgia Peanut Commission inducted its eighth recipient into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame by honoring Don Koehler, senior executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission. A portrait of Koehler, unveiled at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, will be displayed at GPC headquarters in Tifton. Koehler has served as executive director of GPC since 1986, and throughout his 40 years of service to Georgia’s peanut farmers, he has represented their interests on initiatives ranging from farm bills and disaster assistance to appropriations requests and more.
Additionally, 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 – Scott Monfort, Extension peanut agronomist with the University of Georgia; Research and Education Award – Steve Brown, retired executive director of The Peanut Research Foundation; Innovator Award – Frank Nolin, owner and operator of Nolin Steel; Media Award – Amanda Huber, former editor of The Peanut Grower and Tommy Rountree, retired editor and publisher of The Dawon News; and the Special Award – Ken Barton, retired executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, and Andy Bell, former chairman of the National Peanut Board.
The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF, was presented to Will Anderson, Register, Georgia. 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. Anderson grows peanuts, cotton and corn, as well as 8 broiler houses. Anderson strives to incorporate new and innovative ways to increase yields and be a natural steward of the land while also hosting on-farm research trials for the Bulloch County Extension Service.
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 include District 1 – Willard Mims, Donalsonville; District 2 – Jones Brothers Farms, Chula; District 3 – Carl Hood, Midville; District 4 – Keith Moore, Cordele; and District 5 – Rodney Locke, Dawson. 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 Shelton Pickle, Colquitt, Georgia. Pickle 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 2026 season, as well as a cash prize.
Amadas Industries also provided the Grower Door Prize to Frankie Sapp of Quitman, Georgia, and Mac Paulk, Ocilla, Georgia. Sapp received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. Paulk received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.
For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at www.gapeanuts.com.
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