USDA Peanut Production Forecast Shows Gains in Acreage and Yields Across Southeast
The USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service has released its latest peanut production forecast for the upcoming year, and the outlook is strong for growers across the Southeast. With increases in both planted acreage and expected yields, the U.S. peanut industry is heading into harvest season with optimism.
They’re showing that Alabama should average 3,100 pounds per acre on 192,000 acres. That’s up 1.5 percent from last year on the acreage. Alabama continues to be a steady contributor to national peanut supply, with modest gains helping drive the national average upward.
Florida has increased their acres of peanuts from 157,000 acres to 167,000 acres, and they’re expected to average 3,800 pounds per acre. Last year they averaged 3,500. These improvements mark significant productivity gains for Florida growers, reflecting better growing conditions and possibly improved management practices.
The largest peanut-producing state is also showing strong growth.
The big state, Georgia, Georgia has estimated an acreage of 910,000 acres. Last year they had 845,000. They’re expected to average 4,000 pounds per acre. They had 3,800 pounds per acre last year.
With both acreage and yield increasing, Georgia is poised to once again lead U.S. peanut production.
All the other states going together, they’re expected to average 3,838 pounds across the nation, and that will give a crop of 3,622,000 tons.
This national projection signals a strong year for peanut producers overall.
So overall, they’re expected to increase about 7 percent overall on acres and up about 12 percent on production. Crop is looking good. Harvest will begin in about three weeks.
As harvest nears, industry experts will watch closely to see if real-world results match the USDA’s optimistic projections. Favorable weather and ongoing improvements in agronomy are helping fuel this growth, and demand remains solid for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.