This week marks the annual meeting of the National Peanut Buying Points Association (NPBPA), as industry leaders gather in Kentucky for several days of meetings, discussion, and networking. This year, the association voted to hold its meeting in conjunction with the National Farm Machinery Show, providing attendees the opportunity to participate in both events.
The meeting will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and will be held across the street from the National Farm Machinery Show, one of the largest agricultural equipment exhibitions in the country. The location allows peanut industry professionals to stay connected with broader agricultural trends while focusing on issues specific to peanut buying points and handlers.
Greg Sykes of Meigs, Georgia, will preside over the meeting and formally welcome attendees. His leadership will guide a program that features a strong lineup of speakers addressing policy, market stability, and the future of the peanut industry.
Among the featured speakers is Representative Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky and chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Guthrie is expected to provide insights on federal policy issues that affect agriculture and rural communities, offering attendees a legislative perspective during a critical time for farm policy discussions.
Industry outlooks will also take center stage. Bob Redding of The Redding Firm will present “Peanuts Will Survive,” on behalf of the U.S. Peanut Federation, focusing on resilience within the peanut industry and the challenges and opportunities ahead. His remarks are expected to address market pressures, policy concerns, and long-term sustainability.
Looking toward the future, Don Koehler, senior executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission, will deliver a presentation titled “Managing Change and What’s Going to Happen in Peanuts in the Future.” Koehler will discuss evolving industry dynamics, grower challenges, and strategies to help the peanut sector adapt and remain competitive.
A key portion of the program will include an update on the federal peanut program. Dana Wood of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide an overview of how the program is currently functioning, what is working well, what may need improvement, and how USDA and industry efforts intersect.
In addition to the educational sessions, attendees will enjoy networking opportunities and the atmosphere surrounding the National Farm Machinery Show, making this week in Kentucky both productive and enjoyable for peanut industry professionals.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.