Kaye Lynn Hataway – Page 8 – Alabama Peanut Producers Association

Peanut Growers Spreading Good During COVID-19 Pandemic

Peanut butter is one of the most popular food items requested by food banks. Not only is it full of protein and several essential vitamins and nutrients, peanut butter is shelf-stable, versatile and does not require refrigeration. Alabama peanut growers take pride in growing a crop that provides so much to those who are food insecure.

“We are blessed to grow a wholesome and nutritious crop,” said Carl Sanders, president of Alabama Peanut Producers Association and Coffee County peanut farmer. “Peanut farmers are honored to share peanut butter with our friends and neighbors.”

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association and its farmer members have donated 5,760 jars of peanut butter to regional food banks across Alabama to help with the demand for food due to COVID-19. The peanut butter was provided by Peanut Proud, Inc., the nonprofit industry organization dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

The donations were given to local food banks in our growers’ communities, including the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Judson Baptist Association, Elba Community Food Bank, Covington County and Peanut Butter & Jesus of Sulligent.

“Peanut butter is a protein source that doesn’t require refrigeration. It is an absolutely crucial item to have on hand in a Food Bank,” said Julie Gonzalez, assistant director of the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. “We at the Wiregrass Area Food Bank are so grateful to our friends at the Alabama Peanut Producers Association for helping us to meet the needs of our community, especially when non-perishable foods are hard to come by and needed most.”

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association encourages everyone to help farmers in “Spreading Good,” and donate peanut butter to local food banks.

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association represents the interests of Alabama peanut growers through education, promotions and research.

“Spreading Good” is the National Peanut Board’s initiative to share the love of America’s favorite and most-consumed nut-peanuts-and pass along that joy to our local communities.

Jacob Davis (right), executive director of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, and David Hanks, executive director of the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, stand with a pallet of 1,440 jars of peanut butter that will be handed out to food insecure families in the Wiregrass.

Alabama FarmCorps Opportunities for Farmers, Servicemen

This information is courtesy of Marlee Moore, Alabama Farmers Federation:

The Alabama Farmers Federation is putting boots on the ground through Alabama FarmCorps, a program connecting farmers who need labor with military personnel looking for their next mission amid the coronavirus pandemic.

National Guardsmen, reservists and veterans qualify for FarmCorps.

“Farmers and military personnel are both critical to national security, whether safeguarding our food supply or protecting our borders,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “During this pandemic, workers across all industries have been laid off, and servicemen with civilian careers are no exception. Meanwhile, farmers are heading into the summer growing season and are looking for skilled, hard-working help. We’re grateful for this opportunity to thank the men and women who serve our country.”

Farmers can advertise positions and military personnel can apply for FarmCorps at AlabamaFarmCorps.org.

The Federation is coordinating the program with the National Guard. FarmCorps has garnered support from U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama.

“The stability of our food supply is a vital necessity for the security of our state, especially in uncertain times like today,” Aderholt said. “I am proud to support FarmCorps, connecting hard-working National Guardsmen, reservists and military veterans with jobs to keep Alabama’s agricultural industry strong and provide food for American families. I thank Alfa for driving this initiative and the military personnel who will continue to serve the American people through FarmCorps.”

The FarmCorps concept originated in Arkansas as a collaboration with Arkansas Farm Bureau and U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, an Army veteran and House Agriculture Committee member.

For more information visit AlfaFarmers.org.

Cost-saving Options for Peanut Weed Control

Row crop commodity prices have been very low due to COVID-19 and the lack of demand. Peanut prices were at $418 a ton in the second week of April. To survive low commodity prices and global economic uncertainties, farmers will need to cut expenses and use resources more efficiently.

Dr. Steve Li, Extension Weed Scientist, shares the following cost-saving options for weed control with the goal to provide sufficient weed control with a budget around $30 per acre (after discount programs from manufacture and by using generics). The strategy is to use cheaper residual herbicides and reduce applications over crops of more expensive post-emergence herbicides, such as Select Max or Fusilade II.

Fields without much weed pressure in general

Fields with mostly pigweed (Palmer amaranth) and annual grasses

Fields with mostly sicklepod, morningglory, coffeeweed and broadleaf weeds (but not many pigweeds)

Fields with Tropical Spiderwort

Read Dr. Li’s recommendations here.

Alabama Peanut Referendum Vote Has Been Postponed

ALABAMA PEANUT REFERENDUM VOTE HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Due to the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Gov. Kay Ivey April 3, 2020, the Alabama Peanut Producers Association is postponing the Peanut Referendum vote scheduled for April 9, 2020.

All eligible peanut producers will be notified of the rescheduled date as soon as it is available.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our producers.

Please disregard the reminder postcard you may receive in the mail this week.

If you have questions, please contact the APPA office at 334-792-6482.

Simple, Healthy Recipes for Home Cooking

Pantry Items as Base for Tasty, Nutritious Meals

Today, more than ever, it’s important for adults, children and seniors to focus on healthy eating and healthy habits. To provide simple, tasty and nutritious mealtime ideas, The Peanut Institute has curated a collection of recipes that include a number of pantry staples.

Nutrition scientist Dr. Samara Sterling recommends building meals around foods that help support a strong immune system.

“Whole grains, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense so finding ways to integrate them into a daily diet is important,” says Sterling. “They are also versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes or to round out a meal.”

To boost whole grain consumption, Sterling suggests whole grain breads and pastas, as well as oats.

“Oats are a good source of fiber and protein. Plus, they are rich in thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium and iron,” says Sterling. “They’re a wholesome ingredient for an oatmeal breakfast or can be used as the base for a healthy granola mix. To up your nutrient intake even more, add peanuts and dried fruit to the mix.”

Peanuts and peanut butter are another nutritional staple since they’re packed with nutrients and can be incorporated into either sweet or savory dishes.

Peanuts are known as a superfood because they deliver significant nutritional value in a small amount. Just one serving packs seven grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and heart-healthy fats.

Dried or canned beans, such as lentils, chickpeas or kidney beans, also deliver protein and fiber. Plus, since peanuts and beans are high in fiber and protein and low in fat, they’re a healthy substitute for meat. They can be made into a hearty and filling side dish, salad or soups to create a meal that’s full of protein and fiber, which will help you feel full longer and avoid the urge to snack.

While intentional, healthy snacking is fine, Sterling warns against the unhealthy habit of mindless eating.

“When reaching for something in between meals, think about the motivation for eating,” advises Sterling. “Is having a snack in response to hunger? Or, is it related to stress, anxiety or boredom? Pausing for a moment before snacking is a good way to evaluate whether it’s actually your body that’s looking for something to eat or if it’s your emotions that are driving your urge.”

Fruits and vegetables are another key ingredient for optimal health; and it’s important to remember they’re available fresh, frozen and canned.

Sterling says it’s vital to eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to get a mix of different nutrients. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients a body needs.

“A smoothie for breakfast is a great way fit a serving, or more, of fruits or vegetables into the day,” adds Sterling.

For breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack recipes that incorporate peanuts, peanut butter, and other pantry staples, visit peanutinstitute.com.

Dr. Samara Sterling is a Nutrition Scientist with expertise in the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She currently serves as the Research Director for The Peanut Institute and has also worked as a nutrition consultant for various community-based nutrition projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, a master’s degree from Andrews University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Based in Albany, Ga., The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization supporting nutrition research and developing educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. The Peanut Institute pursues its mission through research programs, educational initiatives and the promotion of healthful lifestyles to consumers of all ages. As an independent forum, The Peanut Institute is uniquely positioned to work with all segments of the food industry, the research community, academia, consumer organizations and governmental institutions.

Timely Updates on Weed Control in Peanuts

Dr. Steve Li, Alabama Extension weed specialist, has shared his timely updates on weed control in peanuts. The updates include the 2020 recommendations for tropical spiderwort control in peanuts and integrated weed control in peanuts.

Click on the titles below to read the updates from Dr. Li:

Evaluation of Cover Crops and Soil Herbicides for Weed Suppression in Peanut
Production

Tropical Spiderwort Control in Peanut: 2020 recommendation

APPA Office Closed to the Public

The APPA office is closed to the public until further notice due to the COVID-10 Pandemic.

Our staff is still available by phone and email.

You can purchase peanuts by phone (334-792-6482) or online at www.alpeanuts.com/shop.

First Drug Treatment for Peanut Allergy Approved by FDA

On Jan. 31, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Palforzia, produced by Aimmune Therapeutics, to lessen allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts.

Palforzia is an oral immunotherapy (OIT) shown to help some children and teens increase tolerance, reducing the likelihood of a serious reaction from accidental exposure to peanuts. It uses increasing doses of peanut flour to help a body deal with the ingestion of protein powder without a serious systemic reaction.

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in FDA’s news release, “When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy.”

America’s peanut farmers, through the National Peanut Board, release the following statement supporting the significance of FDA’s approval:

“Children living with peanut allergies now have a treatment option that can profoundly change their lives. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is not a cure, but it has already been shown to improve the quality of life significantly for those who completed OIT in trials.

As America’s peanut farmers, we are grateful to the researchers and families who stayed focused on this outcome because they believed a better future for allergy sufferers was both possible and important. Whether to choose OIT or continue to avoid peanuts is a personal decision and should be made in consultation with a physician or healthcare provider.”

Dates Set For 2020 Alabama Peanut Production Meetings

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Alabama Peanut Team are gearing up for the 2020 Alabama Peanut Production Meetings. Eight meetings are scheduled for around the state for peanut growers to get updated information weed control, disease control, pest control and production/ variety information.

Make plans to attend one of these meetings near you.

Monday, February 10

11:00 a.m. Lighthouse Restaurant, Irvington
5:00 p.m. Baldwin County Farmers Federation, Robertsdale

Thursday, February 20

11:00 a.m. Ketchum’s Restaurant, Hartford
5:00 p.m. Wiregrass Res. & Ext. Ctr., Headland

Tuesday, February 25
6:00 p.m. Covington Co. Extension, Andalusia

Thursday, February 27

11:00 a.m. Sportman’s Lodge, Selma

5:00 p.m. E.V. Smith Research Ctr., Shorter

Friday, February 28

11:00 a.m. All Steak Steakhouse, Cullman

Growers who attend one of these meetings can register to win a trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July.

Thank you our sponsors!

ADAMA

Alabama Farm Credit

Bayer Crop Science

First South Farm Credit

Sessions Co. Inc.

Sanbuck Agri Insurance

Syngenta

UPL

Valent

Vantage South

Visjon Biologies

The 2020 Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show A Success

More than 500 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 15th annual Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show on Feb. 6, 2020, at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds, in Dothan, Alabama. The show is sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association, and the National Peanut Board.

The one-day show offered peanut growers and industry partners a chance to view the products and services of over 60 exhibitors.

A complimentary lunch was provided to trade show attendees. After lunch, Bob Parker, President and CEO of the National Peanut Board (NPB), brough greetings from the NPB and updated growers on how their check-off dollars are being spent on the national level. Marshall Lamb, with the National Peanut Research Lab, provided an update on the 2020 peanut market and crop outlook. Bob Redding, of The Redding Firm, presented a legislative update as well.

Several door prizes were given out throughout the morning of the trade show, but the prizes everyone was most looking forward to winning were announced after lunch.

The presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Chris Long of Bascom, Florida. Long 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 2020 season.

Amadas Industries also provided the Grower Door Prize to Joey Koptis of Robertsdale, Alabama. Koptis received a certificate for $10,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas pull-type peanut combine or $2,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas peanut digger or $1,000 towards the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart.

Colombo North America presented a certificate for $10,000 off the purchase of a Colombo combine to Jace Miniger of Walnut Hill, Florida.

Clay Mixon of Dothan, Alabama, won a free trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July. Sammy Williams of Columbia, Alabama, won a Benelli Nova 12 gauge shotgun.

Click here for a list of exhibitors.