For Zach Shelley, green peanut season begins long before customers pull into his farm looking for a bushel. It starts in the spring, when he plants the first seed and begins carefully scheduling additional plantings so fresh peanuts will be available throughout the late summer and fall. Shelley returned to farming in 2007, working alongside his father and cousin before …

Lee County farmers Garrett and Robin Dixon have been named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) following two stiff rounds of competition that included an application and on-farm interview. They were honored during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Mobile Aug. 8. When the going gets tough, Garrett Dixon gets going — digging in, doubling down and …

DOTHAN, Ala. — Alabama peanut producers overwhelmingly voted to continue the state’s peanut assessment during the statewide referendum held Wednesday, June 24, with an almost 99 percent of participating growers voting in favor of continuing the producer-funded program. The referendum allows the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) to continue collecting the $2.50 per ton producer assessment, which supports research, education, …

Alabama peanut growers are encouraged to closely monitor fields after Auburn University Extension Entomologist Dr. Scott Graham reported the presence of lesser cornstalk borers in peanuts at the Headland Research Station. The pest can cause significant stand loss and damage to young peanut plants, particularly during hot, dry conditions. In addition to concerns in peanuts, Graham also documented cotton jassids …

Peanut planting is underway across the state, with most growers hoping to wrap up the planting season within the next few weeks. As with other row crops, planter issues are common when planting peanuts, but one of the most common is the planter putting out either too much seed or not enough. Part of this is due to the traditionally …

May 1, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was officially passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 224-200 vote. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0,” builds upon the traditional Farm Bill provisions included in last year’s …

DOTHAN, Ala. – Alabama peanut farmers across much of the state are facing challenging conditions as ongoing drought continues to impact crop production. In response, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 30 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas, with an additional 12 counties listed as contiguous. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said the designation reflects the …

March 27, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Representatives from the United States Peanut Federation(USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for U.S. peanut industry priorities.During the trip, USPF representatives met with Members of the U.S. House of Representativesand U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff and Administration officials, to engage indiscussions on current economic conditions, trade markets, …

 As part of National Peanut Month, the Alabama Peanut Producers Association is highlighting the next generation of farmers who are stepping up to continue the legacy of agriculture. For Jake Miller, peanut farming is not only a career. It’s a responsibility, an opportunity, and a passion that has been shaped by family and years spent on the farm.  Miller has …

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) welcomed two new staff members at the beginning of November. Morgan Flowers and Peyton Woods will help guide the association’s marketing and communications efforts. As marketing and communications manager, Flowers will develop and coordinate educational and promotional events throughout the state. She will also work with regional and national partners to advocate for the …