Author Archives: Kaye Lynn Hataway

National Peanut Board Wins Grower Support with 93% Approval in Referendum

National Peanut Board Wins Grower Support with 93% Approval in Referendum

June 7, 2019 – ATLANTA, GA – Peanut producers voted overwhelmingly to continue the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Program, administered by the National Peanut Board (NPB), in a referendum conducted by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from April 15 through May 3, 2019. Ninety-three percent of those who voted said “yes” to continuing NPB’s research, marketing and promotion program.

 

In order for the continuance referendum to pass, a majority of eligible producers needed to vote in favor of continuing the Order. Growers who paid assessments on peanuts produced during the representative period from June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018, were eligible to vote.

 

“I am very proud of the work we do at the National Peanut Board; especially in the areas of production research funding, peanut allergy prevention work and our promotion of the great taste and nutritional benefits of peanuts and peanut butter,” said Dan Ward, 2019 chairman of the National Peanut Board and a peanut farmer from North Carolina. “The referendum results are an excellent endorsement of the high-quality of work our Board and staff do together.”

 

The last referendum for peanuts was conducted by USDA in 2014, which is a requirement of The Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996.

 

In the last five years, the National Peanut Board has delivered on its mission of improving the economic condition of USA peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research.

 

Some highlights include:

 

  • Peanut per capita consumption is at an all-time high, growing steadily from seven pounds in 2014 to seven-and-a-half pounds in 2018.

 

  • Among Millennials, peanuts have the strongest reputation and are the preferred nut over other nut choices, according to a 2018 National Peanut Board Brand Tracking Study by The Bantam Group.

 

  • Peanut farmers supported the 2015 LEAP Study, a game-changer showing early introduction of peanut products to infants helped reduce peanut allergy by 86 percent. This led to the NIAID National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issuing official guidelines for introducing peanut foods to infants to help prevent peanut allergy.

 

  • National Peanut Board has accelerated its peanut allergy prevention outreach, education and involvement to healthcare professionals and consumers in the last five years. Since 2001, NPB has allocated more than $25 million toward peanut allergy research and education.

 

  • Since its inception, the National Peanut Board has invested a total of $34.5 million toward production research, contributing to significant yield increases and efficiencies for peanut producers. This total includes NPB’s leverage of just $871,500—of NPB funds and other industry partners’ funds—to obtain over $2 million in NIFA-matching funds for peanut production research.

 

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The National Peanut Board’s mission is to improve the economic condition of USA peanut farmers and their families. Through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research, the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts.

Early Introduction of Peanuts Helps Avoid Allergies

Early Introduction of Peanuts Helps Avoid Allergies

Houston County farmer Fred Helms has been growing peanuts 43 years. He said nothing is more important than growing a safe, delicious, nutritious product people enjoy. That’s why he and other farmers support research to address food allergies.

 

“America’s peanut farmers, through the National Peanut Board (NPB), have contributed more than $25.3 million for food allergy research, education and outreach since 2001,” said Helms, an Alabama Peanut Producer Association board member. “Research has proven when peanuts are introduced to infants early, they’re less likely to develop a peanut allergy.”

 

For Helms, the research has special meaning since his daughter and son-in-law, Dusty and Charles McKinley, recently welcomed a new baby boy to the family.

 

To celebrate Helms’ new grandson, and to promote early introduction of peanuts, McKinley and her son received a basket of early-introduction peanut products, including a “4 to 6 months” onesie. National Peanut Board Ambassador George Jeffcoat, a Houston County peanut farmer, and Mary Helms of the Houston County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee, made the presentation.

 

“The new guidelines from the National Institutes of Health encourage introducing peanut foods to infants as early as 4 to 6 months old to help prevent a potential peanut allergy,” Jeffcoat said. “A groundbreaking study found that parents of children at risk for peanut allergy could reduce their baby’s chance of developing a peanut allergy by up to 86% by feeding them small amounts of peanut foods as early as 4-6 months old.”

 

The study, Learning Early About Peanut Allergies (LEAP), was released in 2015 and was so significant it led to new guidelines established by the National Institutes of Allergies and Infectious Disease (NIAID).

 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, along with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team and other medical and allergy groups, have endorsed those guidelines.

 

Introducing peanut foods to infants can be safe and easy, according to the NPB. Peanut butter is easily thinned with breast milk, formula or water. It can be added to previously tolerated foods, and powdered peanut butter can be mixed into rice cereal or applesauce. Babies can teethe on peanut puffs, and older infants can eat homemade peanut butter teething biscuits.

 

Visit PreventPeanutAllergies.com to find out about your child’s risk and discover more about helping to prevent a potential peanut allergy.

 

The NPB released a limited-edition baby clothing line to emphasize the window of opportunity to introduce peanut products to infants. “Size 4 to 6 Months” links how parents shop for a child’s clothing during a specific time period with this crucial time for introducing peanut foods.

 

Check out this clothing line at PreventPeanutAllergies.com until June 1.

 

Editor’s Note: Approximately half the peanuts grown in the United States are grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. Last year, Alabama farmers harvested 162,000 acres of peanuts, producing nearly 551 million pounds.

For more details about peanut statistics in Alabama, visit the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service website.

Davis joins APPA staff as new executive director

Davis joins APPA staff as new executive director

 

Jacob Davis joined the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) as its executive director May 1. APPA serves over 900 peanut farmers and is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

 

Davis takes the helm after a 25-year career focused on agriscience education.

 

“I’ve been privileged to work closely with individuals from the Alabama Farmers Federation through my involvement with Alabama FFA,” said Davis, 46, who was raised on a cattle farm near Opp. “Through those interactions, I’ve come to fully appreciate what the Federation means to Alabama’s agricultural community. I’m excited to join this great organization and work with the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and farmers across the state.”

 

As executive director, Davis will monitor federal policy issues impacting peanut farmers;
oversee promotions for Alabama-grown peanuts; work on research projects with stakeholders such as Auburn University and the National Peanut Board; and manage the day-to-day operations of APPA’s Dothan office.

 

“We’re thankful for the great relationship between Federation leadership and the APPA board of directors,” said Brian Hardin, the Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department director. “We work closely with APPA to advocate for peanut farmers and are excited for Jacob to join our team. Our farmers will benefit from his agricultural knowledge, organizational skills and understanding of the association’s structure.”

 

Davis is a two-time Auburn University graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
agriscience technology education. Davis taught agriscience for 10 years before joining the Alabama State Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Section in 2004, first as an education specialist and then as education administrator. He retired in April.

 

He has extensive experience serving on statewide agricultural committees, including the Alabama Farm-City Committee, Alabama Ag in the Classroom Steering Committee, Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee, Alabama Forestry Council and Alabama Natural Resources Council. He also served as adviser to the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association board.

 

Additionally, Davis held leadership roles in the National Association of Supervisors of
Agricultural Education, the National FFA board of directors and National FFA Foundation board of trustees.

 

Davis enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife of nearly 20 years, Sonna, and his 16-year-old son, Jaken. They attend Fairview Baptist Church in Samson.

Ag Community request immediate attention to disaster relief

Ag Community request immediate attention to disaster relief

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association along with 134 agriculture organizations and businesses requested immediate action to address the dire situations impacting farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural communities across the nation. The letter, mailed on April 19, was sent to President Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The letter addressed the difficult year farmers have faced in 2018 and 2019 due to challenging market prices and destructive weather conditions. Read the letter online at: Coalition Ag Disaster Letter.

Peanut Butter Toffee Dip Recipe

Peanut Butter Toffee Dip Recipe

Peanut Butter Toffee Dip

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup toffee bits (plain or chocolate covered), divided
apples, vanilla wafer cookies, or celery for dipping

 

Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and whip with hand-held mixer until smooth. Add the brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla and beat again until creamy. Fold in the toffee bits, reserving some to sprinkle over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately with sliced apples, vanilla wafer cookies or celery, or store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

 

2019 Southern Peanut Growers Conference – REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2019 Southern Peanut Growers Conference – REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

You can now register to attend the 2019 Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 18-20 at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Register Online

Conference Details

Download Sponsorship Packet

Resort reservations can be made by calling 1-855-512-3843 and providing the Booking ID: 10Z6G7.
Rooms can be reserved within the conference room block until June 14. Visit www.resortcollection.com/resorts/edgewater/ to book rooms online.
NPB’s New “Size 4 to 6 Months”  Consumer Campaign Encourages  Early Introduction of Peanut to Infants

NPB’s New “Size 4 to 6 Months” Consumer Campaign Encourages Early Introduction of Peanut to Infants

The National Peanut Board continues to advance the conversation around peanut allergy prevention with the launch today of its 2019 early introduction consumer campaign, “Size 4 to 6 Months.”

 

When the guidelines for early introduction of peanut foods to help prevent allergies were released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Board took a bold step to help make this new research part of public discourse.

 

As a new generation of parents are born every year, the need for ongoing awareness around the guidelines remains germane. To continue this important work, the National Peanut Board is releasing a limited edition baby fashion line.

 

Check out the cute outfits and learn more about introducing peanuts to infants at https://preventpeanutallergies.org/4-to-6-months/.

 

USDA Announces Voting Period for Continuance Referendum for National Peanut Research and Promotion Program

USDA Announces Voting Period for Continuance Referendum for National Peanut Research and Promotion Program

USDA Announces Voting Period for Continuance Referendum for National Peanut Research and Promotion Program

 

For the first time, eligible peanut producers can opt to vote electronically or by paper ballot.

March 12, 2019 – ATLANTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has 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 15 through May 3, 2019. 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 May 3, 2019. 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 May 3, 2019.

 

To be eligible to vote in this continuance referendum, persons must have produced peanuts and been subject to assessments during the representative period from June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018.

 

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 percent 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.

 

Jeanette Palmer and Heather Pichelman, PED, 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 National Peanut Board’s mission is to improve the economic conditions for all USA peanut farmers and their families. Through compelling promotions and groundbreaking research, the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts.

Bipartisan Senators Introduce Major Disaster Relief Package

Bipartisan Senators Introduce Major Disaster Relief Package

Bipartisan Senators Introduce Major Disaster Relief Package – President Trump Drives Effort For Disaster Relief Funding

 

 

(WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 26, 2019) – U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today introduced a bipartisan disaster relief package with the backing of President Donald J. Trump. President Trump, working with this bipartisan group of senators, has confirmed his support for disaster relief and encouraged Congress to pass legislation with funding for Alabama and other states that are recovering from recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

 

 

“In October, President Trump and Vice President Pence both saw the devastation of Hurricane Michael firsthand and promised farmers they would have their backs. In pushing for this disaster relief bill, the President is fulfilling that promise,” said Senator Perdue, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Now, it is up to Congress to follow through and pass this critical, bipartisan bill. Our farmers and rural communities cannot wait any longer for disaster relief. For some Georgia farmers, the timing of assistance will determine whether they put a crop in the ground ever again.”

 

 

“I’ve spoken personally with President Trump and Vice President Pence, with Senate leaders, with Governor Kemp and with Georgia farmers about our desperately needed disaster aid legislation and how to get it moving as soon as possible,” said Senator Isakson. “This legislation will provide critical funds to our farmers and producers who suffered significant agricultural losses in Georgia last year during Hurricane Michael. We are now close to planting season, and time is of the essence for the lives and livelihoods in the industry. We cannot overstate the importance of quickly passing this legislation to restore our agriculture community in Georgia.”

 

 

“In Alabama, we’ve seen our fair share of hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather over the years, but that doesn’t mean it gets any easier to either experience a disaster or to rebuild after one,” said Senator Jones. “Therefore, I’m proud to join Senator Perdue to introduce this bill and help folks get back on their feet by providing $13.6 billion in additional disaster relief funds. This bipartisan legislation will help Alabama farmers who were hard hit by Hurricane Michael.”

 

 

“While Senate Republicans voted overwhelmingly to help Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Michael earlier this year, Congress has repeatedly played politics with disaster funding at the expense of local communities still struggling to recover,” said Senator Rubio. “Each day that Congress fails to act, state and local governments become increasingly at risk of running out of the necessary resources needed to address critical issues and fully recover from recent disasters. Our communities should not have to suffer the consequences of Congress’s inaction any longer. It is time to act.”

 

 

“As Governor of Florida, I saw firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Following these storms, we worked nonstop to help our communities recover – but there is still a lot to do, especially when it comes to rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base. Disaster funding should not be a political fight and needs to be brought to the floor of the Senate as quickly as possible. I will never stop fighting for disaster funding to help Tyndall return to its full operation and make sure Florida families and businesses have the resources they need to get back to their normal lives. I’m glad this bill also includes the funding to help our friends in Puerto Rico continue to rebuild following Hurricane Maria.”

 

 

“It’s well past time for Congress to move forward with this much needed disaster funding,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Thanks to my colleague Senator Perdue for leading the charge, and I hope we see a vote in the immediate future.”

 

 

“Alaskans are a tough, resilient, and caring people. Within hours of the last November’s earthquake, the Trump Administration was eager to do what they could to help in the aftermath,” said Senator Sullivan. “In addition to the response of our local Emergency Response personnel, Alaska Department of Transportation and countless others were out inspecting and repairing infrastructure within hours – that rebuilding continues today. This bipartisan relief package provides for states like Alaska that seek to further that rebuilding process in the aftermath of a major natural disaster.”

 

 

“As North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Florence, this bipartisan legislation is a positive step to ensure our great state receives the resources it needs to help communities affected by the storm,” said Senator Tillis. “Immediately following the destruction, I worked with Senator Burr and the entire North Carolina delegation to secure an initial down payment of recovery funding on behalf of North Carolinians, but much more still needs to be done. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and ensure our families, businesses and farmers have the opportunity to rebuild from the devastation left by Hurricane Florence.”

 

 

This bipartisan funding package includes:

  • Approximately $13.6 billion in overall relief efforts to all those affected.
  • Critical agriculture disaster relief for farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters across the country.
  • Development grants for small, rural communities impacted by natural disasters in 2018.
  • Assistance for veterans’ health facilities, and military construction projects devastated by Hurricane Michael.
  • Emergency funds for critical timber, watershed, and wastewater infrastructure needs.
  • Restoration of highways, aviation facilities, and other transit projects damaged by natural disasters.
  • Additional $600 million in nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico in response to President Trump’s disaster declaration.

 

 

Click here for text of the bipartisan disaster relief package.

Peanuts: The Superfood That Fights Cancer

Peanuts: The Superfood That Fights Cancer

CANCER AFFECTS MILLIONS OF LIVES EVERY YEAR &
PEANUTS CAN DELIVER A PUNCH!

The Peanut Institute is bringing awareness of the cancer fighting properties of peanuts to do their part in creating a healthier world.

 

Multiple studies have found associations between nut consumption and reduced risk of cancer mortality. In fact it has been shown that peanuts specifically have many nutrients with cancer-preventive properties, including unsaturated fats, certain vitamins and minerals and bioactives.
Breast Cancer – A 2015 study found high consumption of peanuts and tree nuts was associated with a 2-3 times reduced risk of breast cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer – A 20 year study found consuming just one teaspoon or more of peanut butter daily was associated with significantly reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in men.
Colon Cancer – One 2018 study reported women who ate peanuts and tree nuts two times per week had a 13% lower risk of colorectal cancer. Colon cancer patients who consumed nuts (including peanuts and peanut butter) two times per week also had a lower incidence of cancer recurrence and death.
Esophageal Cancer – Eating peanuts one to three times per week reduced esophageal cancer risk by 38%, while eating them four or more timese per week lowered risk by 70%.
A review of studies noted that several components found in peanuts work in a synergistic way to block cancer cell development. Two compounds with anti-cancer properties are phytosterols and resveratrol.
Phytosterols – are known to reduce bad cholesterol, but there is evidence phytosterols may also inhibit lung, stomach, ovarian, prostate, colon and breast cancer by preventing cancer cells from growing, as well as cutting off blood flow to cancer. Studies have found phytosterols reduce prostate tumor growth by over 40%, and decrease the chances of cancer spreading by almost 50%!
Resveratrol – this antioxidant has been shown to cut off blood supply to growing cancers and inhibit cancer cell growth. Found in both raw and roasted peanuts, as well as peanut butter, resveratrol has exhibited evidence for cancer protection, as well as promise in treating Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

To learn more about the health benefits of peanuts, including their cancer fighting properties, go to www.peanut-institute.com