The National Peanut Buying Bonds Association (NPBBA) will hold its annual meeting February 12 through February 15 in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together industry leaders to discuss current challenges and future opportunities across the peanut sector. This year’s meeting theme, From Setback to Comeback: The Power of the Peanut Industry, reflects both recent obstacles and the industry’s outlook moving forward.
The second day of the meeting will feature a full agenda of speakers and panel discussions focused on markets, exports, sustainability, and production issues that directly impact peanut growers, shellers, and buyers.
A domestic market update will be presented by Maria Mayhawk of the National Peanut Board, offering insights into current consumption trends, demand shifts, and factors shaping the U.S. peanut market. This session will provide valuable context for stakeholders navigating changing market conditions.
Export markets and sustainability will also be highlighted, with Luke Blystein, CEO of the American Peanut Council, delivering an update on international trade, global demand, and sustainability efforts within the peanut industry. Exports remain a key component of market stability, and this discussion will focus on both opportunities and challenges facing U.S. peanuts abroad.
Nutrition and promotion will be addressed by Chris Shimon, representing American Peanut Shellers and the Peanut Institute. His presentation will focus on the health benefits of peanuts and how nutrition messaging continues to support demand among consumers nationwide.
Several technical and operational topics are also scheduled. A panel on aflatoxin management will cover detection, prevention strategies, and updates on ongoing research, helping producers and handlers reduce risk and protect crop quality. Another panel will focus on peanut buying points and grading, offering a practical discussion on grading standards and how peanuts are evaluated before entering warehouses each year.
The day will conclude with an update on the 2026 peanut crop. Dr. Scott Monfort and Dr. Mark Abney will present research-based insights as farmers begin making planting and management decisions for the upcoming season.
The NPBBA meeting serves as an important forum for collaboration, education, and forward planning, reinforcing the peanut industry’s focus on resilience, quality, and long-term success.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.