CALENDAR OF PEANUT EVENTS

JULY 15-17, 2025 - The American Peanut Research & Education Society (APRES) will meet for its 57th annual meeting at Omni Richmond in Richmond, VA.  The APRES brings together researchers, educators, growers and industry leaders to share cutting-edge peanut research. See https://peanutsusa.com/events/.   APRES annual meeting offers a unique opportunity to share groundbreaking research, discuss industry challenges, and network with experts from around the world.

JULY 23-25, 2025 – SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS Conference is set for July 23-25, 2025 at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort Conference Center in Panama City Beach, Florida. The theme for 2025 is “Ridin’ Out the Storm.”  Book your hotel accommodations as soon as possible.     Visit  https://southernpeanutfarmers.org. 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. The event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and other special programs.

JULY 24, 2025 – C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Field Day – Camilla, GA  Visit www.striplingpark.caes.uga.edu. 

AUGUST 19-20, 2025 – PRE-HARVEST MEETING – Jointly sponsored by the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Point Association. Meeting starts on Tuesday (August 19) at 5 PM – Reception and Auction – DoubleGate Country Club in Albany. Meeting on Wednesday at 9 AM at the Bindery, Leesburg, GA.  All buying point managers should attend.

NEW USDA NUMBERS

              U.S. peanut production is forecast to rise to 7.5 billion pounds, (3,745,000 tons) up 1.0 billion pounds from MY 2024/25, largely on higher acreage and trend yields. Peanut domestic food use in MY 2025/26 is projected to grow 1.3 percent from the previous year. With higher supply and moderate food growth, peanut crush is forecast up to 900 million pounds and exports to 1.4 billion pounds. Despite large supply, peanut exports are limited by competition with Argentina.

               Ending stocks of peanuts in MY 2025/26 are forecasted to increase to 2.3 billion pounds. With higher stocks, the peanut season-average farm price is forecast down from MY 2024/25 to 24.5 cents per pound ($490 per ton) in MY 2025/26.

              The Forecast predicts farmers will harvest 1,872,000 acres averaging 2000 lbs per acre or 3,745,000 tons, A MODERN RECORD.  The next largest year was in 2017 when the harvest was 3,550,000 tons.  Ending stocks are forecast at 1,142,000 tons.

              Contract prices for runners remained at $500 per ton on 50% of 2024 production. 

PEANUT EXPORTS  for 2025

              Peter Viazakis, Vice President of International Programs for the American Peanut Council reported at the Spring Meeting of the American Peanut Shellers that Export Strategy goals the next 4 years are to maintain 25% exports in Mexico while holding to 84% import share.

                Another goal is to hold import share in Canada, EU, Japan and China.  Long range goals are to add 20,000 FST (farmer stock tons) to new markets by 2028. and +100,000 FST in 10 years. Viazakis listed several themes and market facts:

              - 85% of U.S. peanut exports currently go to mature markets. The need is new categories or new geographic areas.

              -Growth in total peanut kernel imports by Mexico has slowed, but peanut butter consumption is just beginning to grow.   Peanut butter appears to be driving in Europe/UK peanut butter consumption.

              -The U.S. is NOT seen as a consistent supplier to Europe, which has conditioned for Argentina flavor/texture.  Future import share to Europe is limited.

              - Competitiveness outweighs most marketing factors in the majority of the export destinations. What really differentiates USA peanuts beyond quality!

              An increasingly complex global regulatory environment means the U.S. peanut industry needs to be fully engaged in dealing with trade and technical threats, including Europe, aflatoxin, CODEX and other issues.

GEORGIA PEANUT FARMERS TO INVEST IN  RESEARCH

              The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $764,189 in research project funding for the 2025-26 research budget year. The research projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Kennesaw State University, North Carolina State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.  The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.           

            The GPC board of directors approved additional projects focusing on non-food uses of peanuts. The projects aim to provide a new opportunity for growth within the peanut industry. The new projects are looking at utilizing normal-oleic peanuts in poultry feed, an economic feasibility and performance evaluation of pasture-raised broiler chickens in peanut-based farming systems and converting peanut oil from a non-drying oil to a drying oil for timber oils and coatings.  

            Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,460,202 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH GRANTS

              The National Peanut Board is now accepting inquiries for its second annual request for proposals (RFP) for food allergy research grants. The call for applications is open through May 9, 2025. This year, NPB has increased the total availability of grant funding up to $550,000, which will be awarded to qualified projects designed to advance food allergy solutions. Interested applicants can submit a Letter of Inquiry.  

            NPB prioritizes supporting groundbreaking research that drives significant impact in four key areas of food allergy with an emphasis on peanut: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Health equity is a primary lens through which projects will be evaluated, and early-career researchers are encouraged to apply.   

            Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested more than $38 million in food allergy outreach and research. NPB’s investment has contributed to landmark discoveries in peanut allergy prevention; the first FDA approvals of peanut allergy treatments; and best practices for allergy management in schools, foodservice and manufacturing.  For more of the history of NPB’s support of food allergy solutions, check out  ‘Finding a Solution to Peanut Allergies: A 20-Year Journey of Courage, Innovation and Luck.’

FARM BILL UPDATE

              HOUSE NEW BUDGET BILL INCLUDES KEY PEANUT PROVISIONS - WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2025) – The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) applauds the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture for passing Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s budget legislation that focuses on Investment in Rural America.

            Chairman Thompson’s proposed bill contained several important provisions for the U.S. peanut industry, including an increase in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price, an update for base acres, marketing loan increase, and payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production. This legislation was passed by the House Agriculture Committee last night and will soon be considered on the House floor.  Chairman Thompson stated, “We’re strengthening the farm safety net and delivering critical support to the farmers, workers, and communities that keep America fed. These commonsense solutions help build a stronger, more resilient rural America. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Committee for their hard work, and I look forward to passing this bill in the House and delivering results for families across the country." 

SENATE BILL INCLUDES SAME PEANUT PROVISIONS - U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman’s proposed legislation is similar to the recently passed U.S. House Agriculture Committee legislation that focuses on Investment in Rural America. The proposed Senate bill contains several important provisions for the U.S. peanut industry, including an increase in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price, an update for base acres, a marketing loan increase, and payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production. This legislation was released by the Committee last week and will soon undergo a parliamentary review process before being considered on the Senate floor.

              “This bill takes a commonsense approach to reforming SNAP—cutting waste, increasing state accountability, and helping recipients transition to self-sufficiency through work and training. It’s about being good stewards of taxpayer dollars while giving folks the tools to succeed. At the same time, our farmers and ranchers are facing real challenges, which have been unaddressed for too long. This legislation delivers the risk management tools and updated farm bill safety net they need to keep producing the safest, most abundant and affordable food, fuel, and fiber in the world. It’s an investment in rural America and the future of agriculture,” Chairman Boozman said

NOLIN STEEL TURNS 50

               Nolin Steel is excited to announce our 50th Anniversary. Guy & Frank Nolin founded Nolin Steel in 1975, and the company has served all segments of the peanut industry ever since. Over the last 50 years, Nolin has completed projects and manufactured equipment for all major players in the peanut industry here in the US and around the world. Now in our third generation of ownership, with the fourth well on the way, we look forward to serving the industry to an even greater degree over the next 50 years. "We are extremely blessed to serve the peanut industry. We cannot thank each and every one of our customers enough for your trust in us and support for our business and family over the years. We serve the greatest customers in the world." Stay tuned for details of our upcoming celebration.

ENCOURAGE GROWERS TO SIGN UP

            Sustainable U.S. Peanuts (SUSP) has concluded its fourth year with record-breaking participation, highlighting growing momentum behind sustainability efforts across the American peanut industry. A total of 326 peanut growers enrolled in the 2024 crop year, representing 166,338 acres (9.2% of U.S. peanut acreage) across 12 states, the highest levels of grower engagement since the program’s inception.

            Sustainable U.S. Peanuts is an industry-wide effort to support America’s peanut growers in implementing and documenting sustainable farming practices. Designed to help meet rising marketplace expectations, increase demand for U.S.-grown peanuts and ensure the long-term economic viability of peanut farming, SUSP provides growers with tools and insights to measure and improve the efficiency of their operations.

            “This year’s record participation in Sustainable U.S. Peanuts reflects the incredible dedication of our growers and the strong support from partners across the supply chain to promote U.S. peanuts in global markets where sustainability matters more than ever,” said APC Director of Sustainability Allie Randell.

Now entering its fifth year, SUSP is moving into its next phase with an ambitious goal: to reach 13% of total U.S. peanut acreage by 2026. Achieving this milestone will allow the initiative to credibly represent the broader peanut industry to buyers and consumers who are increasingly seeking verifiable sustainability commitments.

PEANUT MARKET UPDATE

              Down on the farm, growers are hoping for a shower as more afternoon rains are being reported in the Southeast.  Overall, the peanut crop looks great as peanut scouts begin inspecting the fields looking for any problems that may occur. The market remains quiet at peanut buying points as the acreage total will remain unknown until mid August.  Peanut producers have until July 15 to report acreage planted to the FSA office.

            One broker reports that the “market is very quiet right now on both old crop and new crop. Buyers know we are planting a huge crop and if we get good growing conditions there will be plenty of peanuts and prices could get weaker than they are now. I’d call a medium runner .52-53 today FOB SE and would have a hard time finding a willing buyer at those prices. They smell blood in the water. It’s ugly.”