Researchers Study Genetic Diversity of Peanut Disease

In a year dominated by clouds and rainfall, local peanut fields have been inundated with plant diseases. Peanut farmers  utilize fungicides to protect the leaves and the pods developing below ground. However, too much rainfall, while improving growing conditions for fungus, can also reduce the effectiveness of agri-chemicals. Researchers from the University of Florida were recently …

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Spearman Talks “Piles of Peanuts”

Almost 100 farmers and Agribusiness leaders recently met at the Columbia County Peanut Twilight Tour hosted at I.C. Terry Farms. Tyron Spearman, Executive Director of the Peanut Buying Points Association was on-hand to talk about this peanut crop, and those peanuts already in storage. He told guests that there are several “piles of peanuts” that we must systematically …

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El Niño. Can We Have La Niña Back?

I was recently out with a peanut farmer struggling along with others in North Florida to harvest what has the potential to be a very good crop.  Somewhat despaired by rainfall 7 of the last 9 days, he commented, “Is this El Niño?” This followed our previous conversations about being prepared for a high likelihood of above average precipitation …

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Twilight Tour August 27th and FL Peanut Crop

Please join us for a North Florida tradition at the I.C. Terry Farm as we prepare for a safe and bountiful peanut harvest. Dr. Barry Tillman, Peanut Breeder from University of Florida will discuss peanut cultivars, and Tyron Spearman, of the National Peanut Buying Points Association will give a Peanut Market Update. University of Georgia Faculty …

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Blow Their Doors Off, Stroker (Peanut Market)

Much like one of my favorite songs, it looks like we “blew the doors off” the peanut market this year. Farm Service Agency has released the planted acres summary, and there aren’t any positive surprises, from a peanut pricing standpoint. I also suspect the old saying “Big Crops Get Bigger” is in order as well. …

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Columbia County Corn Hybrid Trial (Video)

We were able to get in to harvest the Columbia County Corn Hybrid Trial in between rain showers last week. I’m really thankful for the effort of the team from 83 Farms, as well as all the help from our seed industry, including Monsanto, Pioneer, and Croplan Genetics. This was a late planted field of …

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Inundated with Caterpillars

Inundated=Overwhelmed with things to deal with. We have been hard hit by caterpillars the last 2+ weeks. Starting with Soybean loopers about 14 days ago, and continuing with Velvetbean caterpillar (VBC) the last week. We are well above threshold levels in many peanut and soybean fields locally. Knowing the difference is very important. Control measures required can range from …

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North Florida Corn Harvest

North Florida farmers have been working hard to get their corn crops harvested. Silage harvest is mostly finished, and the earliest planted corn has air dried to about 16% moisture for those who don’t use driers. Late-March planted corn is being harvested and dried in between rain showers. Throughout North Florida, farmers are collecting data …

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