The Rise of Cotton in Early American Agriculture Cotton has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of American agriculture, becoming one of the nation’s most influential and economically important crops. Its journey from a wild-growing plant to a cornerstone of the U.S. economy began centuries before America became a nation. According to historical accounts, explorer Christopher Columbus encountered …
Peanut Research and Education Award Presented
At the USA Peanut Congress held in Florida this past week, the Peanut Research and Education Award was presented. Dr. Marshall Lamb out of Dawson, Georgia was the winner. He has been serving in that capacity for about 35 years. He has conducted research that has improved the profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness of the U.S. peanut industry. He is the …
Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™
Verdant Robotics is offering growers the option of targeted application of herbicides or beneficials through SharpShooter™. We sat down with Chad Yagow, Director of Agronomy, Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs to learn more about the SharpShooter™. “Yeah, this time of the growing season, you know, we’ve gotten through that first flush of weeds and we’re dealing with the second, maybe …
No Margin for Error with June-Planted Cotton
The extended drought that impacted the southeast region meant some cotton growers were delayed in their plantings this year, which puts more pressure on producers with June planted cotton, says Camp Hand, University of Georgia Extension cotton agronomist. Hand and the Georgia Cotton Commission caution growers who have later planted cotton this year. “Cotton’s a very forgiving plant. Once you …
The USA Peanut Congress Presents Lifetime Achievement Awards
The USA Peanut Congress this past week, sponsored by the American Peanut Council and the American Peanut Shellers, honored leaders in the company and the peanut industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The winners were Lewis Carter, Lewis M. Carter Jr., Chairman Emeritus of the Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing Company based in Donaldsonville, Georgia. During his 38 years as Chairman …
Hall of Fame Recipient Honored at USA Peanut Conference
The American Peanut Council and the Peanut Shellers Association held a joint convention this past week at the USA Peanut Congress. The Hall of Fame was named for this past year. The Hall of Fame award is given to the person that has been a significant, substantial, and long-time standing individual promoting the peanut industry. The winner this year was …
USDA Chief Economist Provides Forecast for Winter Wheat Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the Winter Wheat Production forecast for June 2026 and the USDA Chief Economist Justin Benevidez provides his observations on the forecast. “The decline in production, I’ve realized this is going to be some of the lowest production since 1965, our lowest production since that period. Last year, percent rated good to excellent was around 52 percent, …
Highlighting Peanut Industry Meetings
Special meetings unveil new things that may be coming during the coming year. The peanut industry has two or three special meetings that they learn what’s going to happen in the future and how they’ve done in the past with their industry. The 30th annual USA Peanut Congress was held this week at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Florida. It’s co-hosted …
National Peanut Board Partners With Jeremiah Love in New Campaign
Well, peanut farmers fund a checkoff program that is managed by the National Peanut Board. They have launched a new campaign to get more peanuts out to the public and one of them is hiring Jeremiah Love, a former Notre Dame star and a number three overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond his talent, he credits part of his performance to …
Winter Wheat Condition Index
We keep an eye on winter wheat as harvest continues to roll north. Along with weekly condition ratings, USDA puts out a weekly wheat condition index. It encompasses a variety of factors. The 10-year average for winter wheat in this part of early June, 327. The index this week in Oklahoma scored a record low, 219. But it gets worse as you move north. …








