Released: Aug. 31, 2024
TIFTON, Ga. – Sixteen farmers were recently announced by the University of Georgia Peanut Team for their high yielding peanuts in 2023. The high yields ranged from 4,629 to 6,357 pounds per acre.
The winners were recognized at a dinner in August which was sponsored by the University of Georgia Peanut Team, the Georgia Peanut Commission, American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, AMVAC, Bayer, BASF, Fine Americas and Nichino America.
Many of the high yielding farmers agree that having a good rotation, good quality seed and good weather make all the difference with their yields. Additionally, the timing of applications for disease, weed and insect management are key in achieving high yields.
“Many of the state winners combine their management strategies like crop rotation, variety, planting date and critical timing of applications of pesticides to reach these high yields,” says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. “The yields are counted for the entire farm, irrigated or dryland; and they continue to increase year after year.”
Another component of the farmers’ success is following recommendations from the Extension service and asking questions.
According to a report on the production practices of the 2023 winners, the majority use a 3-year rotation plan with other crops such as cotton or corn. Most of the winners plant in twin rows during the month of May.
Another trait among the high yield winners is cultivar selection with many of the winners planting the Georgia-06G cultivar. Other cultivars planted by the winners include TifNV-High O/L and Georgia-12Y.
The 2023 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club overall state winners are R&A Partnership, Mitchell County, with 6,357 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category; John Gaines Jr., Baker County, with 6,075 pounds per acre and Cole Godowns, Jefferson County, with 6,048 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category and 4 Miller Farms, Seminole County, with 6,164 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 1 winners are Nochaway Farms Partnership, Webster County, with 4,629 pounds per acre in the 100-299 category and Kyle Odom, Early County, with 6,135 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category.
The District 2 winners are TAC Farms, Mitchell County, with 5,242 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and JLC Farms, Mitchell County with 6,075 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 3 winners are Lanlett Farms, Jefferson County, with 5,602 pounds per acre, and Ray Walker, Ben Hill County, with 5,546 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category; David Selph, Wilcox County, with 6,190 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category; Dawson Brothers Farms, Pulaski County, with 5,532 pounds per acre, River Ridge Farms, Jefferson County, with 5,336 pounds per acre and Kerry Hodges, Screven County, with 5,135 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.
The District 4 winners are Dixie Hay Farm, Brooks County, with 5,709 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category and KCB Partnership, Irwin County, with 5,976 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category.
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