USDA Forecasts Record-High Peanut Crop with Increases in Acreage and Yields
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its big crop estimate for the upcoming year, offering detailed projections across major U.S. commodities. Among the highlights is a strong year ahead for the nation’s peanut producers, with record-breaking figures in several key categories.
Checking on peanuts first, they said total planted acres is 1.94 million acres. That’s up two percent from the previous estimate and up eight percent from last year on peanuts planted. Area harvested is expected total 1.89 and that will be up seven percent on the harvested.
The rise in peanut acreage reflects increasing market demand and favorable growing conditions. USDA’s forecast also includes notable regional expansion.
A record high harvested acres are expected in Arkansas, a new growing area. The U.S. peanut production is forecast to reach a record high of 7.25 billion pounds. That’s up 12 percent from last year, with a record high production in Georgia and also North Carolina.
Yield estimates are also on the rise. USDA’s August 1 crop conditions report paints an optimistic picture for average output per acre.
Based on the additions of the conditions, as of August 1, the average yield for the United States is expected to be 3,838 pounds per acre. That is up 170 pounds per acre from last year. As of August the 3rd, 92 percent of the nation’s peanut crop had reached the pegging stage.
The pegging stage is a critical milestone in peanut development and signals a strong path toward harvest.
Peanuts getting ready for harvest, that’s a good crop estimate, up seven to eight percent.
With record production forecasted in Georgia, North Carolina, and emerging states like Arkansas, the 2025 peanut outlook shows robust growth. Combined with increased yields and favorable weather conditions, this year’s crop is poised to meet both domestic and export market demand.
As harvest season approaches, farmers and industry stakeholders will be closely watching yield performance and weather developments to see if these projections hold through the fall.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.