The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing a referendum among eligible producers of peanuts to determine whether they favor continuance of the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order), which authorizes the National Peanut Board.

The referendum will be conducted from April 8 through April 19, 2024. USDA will provide the option for electronic balloting. Further details will be stated in the official ballot instructions, which will be sent by regular U. S. mail to all eligible peanut producers. Voters must return ballots postmarked by April 19, 2024. Ballots returned via express mail or electronic means must show proof of delivery by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on April 19, 2024.

To be eligible to vote in this continuance referendum, persons must have produced peanuts and been subject to assessments during the representative period from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

Under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 (Act), the U.S. Department of Agriculture must conduct a referendum every five years or when 10% or more of the eligible peanut producers petition the Secretary of Agriculture to hold a referendum to determine if persons subject to assessment favor continuance of the Order. The Department of Agriculture would continue the Order if continuance is approved by a simple majority of the producers voting in the referendum.

Vickie Carpenter and Deanna Bakken, MDD, SCP, AMS, USDA, Stop 0244, Room 1406-S, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0244, are designated as the referendum agents to conduct this referendum. The referendum agents will distribute the ballots and voting instructions by U. S. mail or through electronic means to all known producers prior to the first day of the voting period. Persons who produced peanuts and were subject to assessments during the representative period are eligible to vote.

Any eligible producer who does not receive a ballot should contact the referendum agent as soon as possible.

The 25th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 17-19, 2024 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah, Georgia. Click here to register. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. Visit the conference blog to see speaker and sponsor interviews as well as photos from past conferences.

In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. Additional information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting one of the coordinating partners listed below.

Montgomery, AL, March 5, 2024 – Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) celebrated National Peanut Month with a proclamation from Gov. Kay Ivey at the Alabama Capitol and a peanut day at the Alabama State House on March 5, 2024.

“Peanut day at the Alabama State House helps remind our legislators that peanuts are an important crop for Alabama agriculture,” said APPA president, Carl Sanders. The peanut industry adds $200 million to the state’s economy. They are also an affordable, protein-packed snack.

Throughout the morning, APPA board members handed out jars of locally sourced peanut butter and peanuts to legislators and talked with them about topics concerning our Alabama peanut farmers.

The double honey peanut butter was made from Alabama peanuts. The Medders Family, including their four kids, also attended the event. As the day wrapped up, Sanders led the House of Representatives in the prayer at the beginning of their session.

Gov. Ivey’s proclamation recognized the peanut as the state legume of Alabama, as well as the impact the peanut industry has on the economy of the state, the farmers who grow peanuts, the nutritional value and environmentally friendly attributes. Gov. Ivey also received cans of peanuts from Sanders.

The Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA) is a program that inspires young peanut producers to get involved with grower organizations and agricultural extension. The academy is sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association. Each grower participant is nominated by their county and then selected by a committee of state leaders. The 2024-2025 class is comprised of 27 people from the American peanut-growing region. This year, four Alabama peanut producers were nominated and selected to participate. In addition, two young menwho work for shellers were selected by the the American Peanut Shellers Association. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association will be highlighting each of these men over the next year. 

August Cassebaum is a Baldwin County native, hailing from a little town called Lillian. He grew up surrounded by diverse agriculture. His family has grown quite a variety, from peppers to peanuts, hogs to hens, and everything in between. Cassebaum Farms is known for their produce stand where they live by “If we don’t raise it, we don’t sell it.” Every fruit and vegetable grown there goes back into the community, to be enjoyed by Lillian locals and summer tourists. Their operation also includes cattle, pecan trees, corn, beans, ryegrass, and browntop millet.

“I chose to apply for the leadership academy hoping to better myself as a leader and to be a better advocate for agriculture, inside and outside of the agriculture community,” said Cassebaum, explaining why the PLA piqued his interest. PLA is a great opportunity for peanut growers to understand how peanuts are grown differently across the state and country, and Cassebaum hopes to share his experiences and issues with others. 

As a fourth-generation farmer, one of the biggest issues Cassebaum faces is the decrease in land availability. “The good Lord isn’t making any more dirt. We have to learn to produce more on less land and still be able to feed the world,” he said. When asked what the most important part of farming for him is, his answer was sincere. “Being the best stewards of the land we can possibly be so that the next generations can continue to farm as the generations before us have,” Cassebaum stated. 

Cassebaum also worries about the rising input costs. “We are getting the same prices for commodities as my grandfather got in the 80’s and the input costs are almost 10x higher than they were then,” says Cassebaum. “How long can the American farmer hold on?,” he added. Inflation is a growing concern for everyone involved in agriculture. The current reality of farming can be dismal, but PLA hopes to prepare young peanut farmers for a better future by educating them on political affairs. 

Throughout his time on the farm, August Cassebaum has seen new technology, natural disasters, an and less than optimal returns on his investment, but his belief in agriculture is strong. He knows that joining the Peanut Leadership Academy will truly get him out of his comfort zone and he hopes to become a better leader and build a network of friendships to enact a change in the peanut industry.

Ashley Kelley, a third-generation farmer from Andalusia, Alabama, has a story different than most. Kelley grew up on his family’s farm but parted ways with it for a while as a young adult trying to find the right career path. Eventually, farming found its’ way back into his life. In 2009, he got back into the family business, tending around 600 acres of row crops. Now, Kelley and his two sons, Mason and Landon, farm over 3500 acres across Covington and Conecuh County. With almost 500 acres of peanuts harvested last year, he is fully enveloped in the peanut industry.

Kelley was elected to the Alabama Peanut Producers Board of Directors at the APPA Annual Meeting on February 1. He is replacing Glen Walters, who stepped down in 2024. Walters has been a wealth of knowledge to Kelley since getting back into farming and his greatest piece of advice was to get more involved so that he could have a say in the improvement of the peanut industry. 

Like many others, Kelley didn’t have the best crop in 2023. “Our peanut yield wasn’t as good as it usually is. We fought wild hogs, dry weather, and hard ground. We had to replant almost an entire 83-acre field, said Kelley. “I’m still very thankful for what we had,” he added. Despite a hard year, he isn’t slowing down. With the help of his wife, Sandra, Kelley is preparing to plant over 600 acres of peanuts this year. APPA is looking forward to the new perspective that Kelley will bring to the board.

Sanders was elected president of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) held its annual meeting Feb. 1, 2024 in conjunction with the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show in Dothan, Alabama.

Delegates elected open director positions for the APPA board as well. Ashley Kelley was elected to hold Covington County’s open seat.

After the annual meeting was adjourned, the APPA Board of Directors convened to elect officers for 2024. Carl Sanders was re-elected to serve as President. Sanders has held this position for 24 years. Mark Kaiser was re-elected to his eighth year as Vice President. Jerry Byrd was re-elected to serve his 24th year as Treasurer.

2023 Alabama Peanut Producers Association Board of Directors

Carl Sanders, President, Coffee County
Mark Kaiser, Vice-President, Baldwin County
Jerry Byrd, Treasurer, Dale County
Thomas Adams, Henry County
Tom Corcoran, NE District
Darrin Driskell, SW District
Fred Helms, Houston County
Jimmy Royce Helms, Geneva County
Billy Hixon, NW District
Jesse Scott, Geneva County
Joel Sirmon, Baldwin County
Ashley Kelley, Covington County
Jason Weber, Escambia County
Ed White, Henry County

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From the coast’s greenhouses and sweet potato fields to the bountiful row crops of the Wiregrass and northwest to the forests, pastures and poultry houses scattered throughout, Alabama agriculture shined brightly as Sunbelt Ag Expo’s 2023 Spotlight State.

The state agricultural marketing brand provided a cohesive theme as more than 10,000 visitors to the Spotlight State building ventured on a “Road Trip through Sweet Grown Alabama” during the expo Oct. 17-19 in Moultrie, Georgia.

“The Alabama Peanut Producers Association was proud to have peanuts as the first “stop” of the Sweet Grown Alabama barn. What better way to welcome guests than with a healthy and nutritious snack like peanuts?,” said Alabama Peanut Producers Association Executive Director Libbie Johnson. “By helping to sponsor Alabama’s showcase as the highlight state activity and participating in Sunbelt, it was an excellent opportunity to share information on the importance of peanuts to Alabama and the southeast with all of the event’s visitors.”

The three-day extravaganza started with a ribbon cutting where Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock applauded Spotlight State volunteers, sponsors and committee members who contributed to the expertly designed exhibit.

“The Spotlight State concept came about in 1983, and this is Alabama’s fifth time shining in the Sunbelt spotlight,” Blalock said. “This year, they’ve done a great job depicting the diversity, variety and quality of Alabama agriculture — from north to south, east to west. Alabama’s got it going on when it comes to agriculture.”

Flanked by Spotlight State platinum-level sponsors, Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Farmer of
the Year representatives Darrel and Lydia Haynes of Cullman County snipped the red ribbon and welcomed guests into the building.

Covering 3,000 square feet, the rectangular building mimicked regions of the state with 10 exits, or displays, that highlighted commodities produced in each area, like peanuts and cotton in the Wiregrass and catfish in west Alabama. Each exit included informative backdrops, interactive games and Sweet Grown Alabama-inspired giveaways.

The road trip theme included rest areas with benches and picnic tables built by the Elmore County High School FFA. On the demonstration stage, food bloggers shared recipes featuring Sweet Grown Alabama ingredients while three Alabama Extension experts presented on gardening and decorating with outdoor materials.

More than 60 volunteers staffed the building and helped in planning. Plus, more than 40 organizations, businesses and farms supported the effort through monetary sponsorships and in-kind donations.

By Mary Wilson

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     November is the month of comfort. Farmers wrap up their harvest season, families travel home to gather around tables with an assortment of food, and folks from all over rush to attend the National Peanut Festival. The 2023 National Peanut Festival (NPF) has come and gone, but peanut farmers are still working; Working to put the food on the table and the peanuts in peanut butter jars. 

     This year, our Peanut Pavilion at NPF was nothing short of fantastic. Great weather, great food, and great people made for an unforgettable week. The highlight of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) exhibit was our new and improved, Sweet Grown Alabama grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A big hit among fairgoers, the sandwich included double honey peanut butter made from Alabama peanuts by Medders Family Farm out of Montevallo, AL, and also featured honey local to the area. The apple jelly was also harvested and preserved in Alabama by Palmer Farms in Eclectic, AL. That means our grilled PB&Js were homegrown products of our beautiful state and directly support Alabama farmers. 

     We believe it is important to get involvement from the farming community to showcase the faces behind the products. Young Farmers from the Wiregrass area were an integral part of our booth’s success. Serah Hall, Houston County Young Farmer chairman, shared a story from her week. “One of the most fun things about helping with the Peanut Pavilion at the National Peanut Festival is getting to educate the public about how peanuts are grown and harvested. I had the opportunity to talk with a couple from Washington and another couple from Colorado who had very little knowledge about what a peanut even is. They had decided to make a trip down just to enjoy the peanut festival and learn more about peanuts. It was a pleasure to chat with them and educate them,” Hall says. APPA is glad to provide a taste of peanuts and a quick guide to peanut farming to anyone who asks. 

     Libbie Johnson, newly named Executive Director at APPA, got to experience the National Peanut Festival for the first time this year. However, a fast-paced initiation was right up her alley. “What a great experience it was to see the National Peanut Festival in full swing. It was a joy to see so many people join together to celebrate Fall, the season of peanuts, and family togetherness. It was especially nice to be able to educate people from outside of Alabama about how peanuts grow and what they are used for outside of peanut butter and candy. I loved seeing people line up to eat a grilled peanut butter and jelly—it brings the comfort of home to the joy of a festival.  What an exceptional combination.” 

     The comfort of peanuts and peanut butter is something you can’t find anywhere else. Maybe that is why the National Peanut Festival is beloved by so many. However, it is thanks to our peanut farmers that we have reason to celebrate. Roasted peanuts, fried peanuts, grilled PB&Js and other samples were all courtesy of Alabama peanut farmers, because we grow comfort.

   SOUTHWEST, AL (Sept. 24-26) – A group of Alabama culinary educators and a food blogger became students this week as they joined the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) for the 2023 Alabama Farm to Table Peanut Harvest Tour on Sept. 24-26, 2023. The goal of the harvest tour is to educate the participants so that they can use their platform to share their newfound knowledge and gain a new perspective. The 3-day immersive experience included building personal relationships with peanut farmers, learning about technology and research, and hearing from industry professionals. 

   The tour began in Baldwin County with a welcome dinner at The Hope Farm where the group had an opportunity to network and socialize. Executive Chef Adam Stephens prepared the meal, complete with personal-sized peanut butter pies. Following dinner, participants were able to see different foods grown hydroponically at The Hope Farm, highlighting new and exciting innovation in farming.

   The first leg of the tour began at the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center in Fairhope, Alabama. Researchers shared their insight into ongoing peanut variety trials, issues that peanut farmers face, and how to tell if a peanut is ready to harvest. “I was really impressed with how much preparation goes into farming before it ever hits the ground,” said Kimberly Cruz, Culinary Arts Teacher at McAdory High School. Many were also shocked that peanut variety trials can take up to 10 years before the farmer is able to sow the seeds of a new variety. 

   After the visit to the Extension Center, the group traveled to Sirmon Farms in Daphne, Alabama. Joel Sirmon, an APPA board member, led the tour on his five-generation family farm, showing the beginning stages of peanut harvest with peanut inverters in the field. Sirmon Farms also grows sweet potatoes, and attendees toured their sweet potato packing house. Crop diversity is a key component in successful farming. “This was a great group, and I really appreciated them being receptive and asking questions,” remarked Joel Sirmon. 

   During lunch on Monday, Markita Lewis, a registered dietician with the National Peanut Board, gave a presentation on peanut nutrition, allergies, and health benefits. Attendees were able to ask questions regarding issues around the early introduction of peanuts and the banning of peanuts in schools. Lewis reiterated the importance of peanuts as a healthy source of protein, fiber, and over 30 essential vitamins and minerals. 

  The tour picked back up in Mobile County, Alabama, at Reeves West Bay Peanut Buying Point. The group was led through the facility, demonstrating how peanuts are processed once they leave the farm. Afterward, they joined Darrin Driskell, an APPA board member, at his family’s farm in Grand Bay, Alabama. Driskell Farms grows a wide variety of commodities, including peanuts, sod, cattle, and cotton. While visiting, the group watched peanut combines gather peanuts and get loaded for transport to the buying point. Tabor Edgecomb-Echols, Culinary Instructor at Limestone County Career Tech Center, enjoyed her time with the Driskells. “The Driskell family was just so welcoming, and that made it a great experience. It really gives you a new perspective on farming,” she said.

   The trip ended with a tour of Coastal Growers, LLC, in Atmore, Alabama, on Tuesday morning. The group observed the peanut shelling process at the plant owned by local farm families. The tour stop highlighted the technology and innovation required in the peanut industry. Darrell Echols, Culinary Arts Educator at Decatur City Schools Career Academy, was also surprised by the measures it takes to turn farm fresh peanuts into peanut butter on your table. “There is a greater appreciation for peanuts now that we know the process and how much work goes into it,” added Echols.

   Brooke Burks, a food blogger from Grady, Alabama, said it best, “I had no idea the time and dedication it takes to make sure that the crop is sustainable, not just next year but for my kids and my grandkids.” The Alabama Peanut Producers Association works to provide information in a new and fun way and looks forward to offering more harvest tours in the future.

The Peanut Leadership Academy is a cooperative effort between grower organizations and agricultural extension. The academy is sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association. Participants are nominated by agricultural leaders in their counties and then selected by a committee of state leaders.

The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Today, the program has evolved to include growers from Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia as well as sheller representatives.

Applications are now being accepted for Class XIII of the Peanut Leadership Academy. To be eligible for participation, candidates must derive their primary livelihood from farming and currently produce peanuts, make a commitment to the program, agree to attend all sessions except in times of illness or a family emergency, be between the ages of 22 and 45 and provide a completed application.

Click here to find out more information and download the application.