Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operations with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 42nd annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the show, which is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC).
During this year’s show, Kelley Manufacturing Co. is providing the Grand Door Prize Package of one season’s use of a new peanut combine (choice of four-row, six-row or combine with Unload-On-The-Go option). At the end of the 2018 season, the winner has the option of purchasing the combine from an authorized KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price. Also, KMC is providing a second drawing for one season’s use of a new Digger Shaker Inverter (choice of rigid or flex model in a two-row, four-row or six-row) or the use of a new KMC Dump Cart. At the end of the 2018 season, the winner has the option of purchasing the digger or dump cart from an authorized KMC dealer with 10 percent off the list price.
Additionally, farmers can register to win the Grower Prize, donated by Amadas Industries. This prize is the choice of one season’s use of a new Amadas four-row or six-row peanut digger/inverter or a certificate good for the amount of $10,000 toward the purchase of any new Amadas self-propelled combine or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new four-row or six-row Amadas pull-type combine.
The winners of the Grand Door Prize and the Grower Prize must be certified peanut farmers with an Farm Service Agency farm number and present to win.
The one-day show offers farmers a full day to view the products and services of more than 100 exhibitors and a day of education. A free luncheon begins at noon for all peanut farmers in attendance. The Georgia Peanut Commission will present a short program beginning at 12:15 p.m. that will cover award presentations and an update from the National Peanut Board and Washington, D.C.
The University of Georgia Peanut Team will present an educational peanut production seminar from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Team members will provide information on irrigation management, insects, fertility, disease and nematodes as well as provide a year-in-review of the 2017 crop. Farmers will also have the opportunity to earn private or commercial pesticide applicator certification.
An Industry Seed Seminar will also be held from 10:35 to 11:35 a.m. during the show. This event is sponsored by the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on Variety & Seed Development, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and the Georgia Peanut Commission. Growers will be able to learn about farm-saved seed, peanut varieties available for 2018 and varieties on the horizon.
The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with the OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the show.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by KMC will be presented to one lucky peanut grower. For more information on the show, contact GPC at 229-386-3470 or online at www.gapeanuts.com.