Honoring Excellence in Peanut Production
The 2025 Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards are being presented this week at the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, held at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. These prestigious awards recognize peanut growers who excel in production efficiency — achieving high yields while optimizing input use.
Each year, top producers from four major peanut-growing regions are selected. This year’s spotlight in the Lower Southeast Region falls on an outstanding farmer from Georgia.
Riley Davis Named Lower Southeast Winner
Riley Davis of Terrell County, Georgia, has been named the 2024 Peanut Efficiency Award winner for the Lower Southeast. Davis manages an impressive 628 acres of irrigated peanuts, which average a remarkable 5,600 pounds per acre. His 240 acres of non-irrigated peanuts yield approximately 2,500 pounds per acre — a strong showing despite the lack of irrigation.
Davis is recognized not only for his yield but also for his forward-thinking farming practices. He was among the earliest adopters of precision planting technology in his area. His operation also incorporates spray drones, yield monitoring systems, and cover cropping techniques — all contributing to his efficiency and sustainability.
Legacy and Adaptation
Riley’s success continues a family tradition. After his father Glenn Davis retired and scaled back operations, Riley has taken a focused approach to managing the farm’s 2,500 acres. His current rotation includes corn, peanuts, and soybeans, reflecting a balanced and strategic use of the land.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
With innovative practices and a commitment to production efficiency, Riley Davis sets a strong example for peanut growers across the Southeast. Congratulations to Davis on earning the Peanut Efficiency Award — a testament to both tradition and forward-looking agriculture.
Reported by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.