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Summary

Peanut Maturity is a vital method to determine when to dig peanuts, which is directly tied to profitability. Grade and yield are affected by digging too early or too late.

Situation

Peanut farmers depend on the proper timing of harvest to make the most profit from the peanut crop. The primary way this is done is by using the Peanut Pod Blasting Method. This method was developed by UGA scientists as a way to determine maturity. The Atkinson County Extension agent uses this as a way to determine when the farmer’s peanuts need to be dug. Many environmental conditions affect peanut maturity, so it is important to blast the peanuts and see how mature the peanuts are. Grade and yield can be affected by digging too early or too late.

Response

Each year the Atkinson County Extension agent blasts about 125 samples or more from separate fields and places them on a maturity board. He also opens some of the peanuts and asks questions about the leaves and vines to determine a date for digging.

Impact

The service is a free service that the Atkinson County Extension office provides and helps the farmers maximize profits. It gives the farmer the optimum time to dig for the best yield and grade. In 2019, Atkinson County had 11000 acres of peanuts. Determining maturity can save farmers from 200 to 400 pounds of peanuts per acre. If a farmer gains 200 pounds per acre at a price of $400 per ton, they can gain another $40 per acre just by harvesting at the right time. Farmers can also get a little extra premium for a better grade. This total equates to $440,000 for the farmers in the county. This service helps the farmer maximize profits.

State Issue

Plant Production

Details

  • Year: 2020
  • Geographic Scope: County
  • County: Atkinson
  • Location: College Station, Athens
  • Program Areas:
    • Agriculture & Natural Resources

Author

  • Barnes, Tony L
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Extension Impact