Category: Latest News / Blog

The overwhelming majority of growers (93%) voted in favor of the continuance of the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Program, which authorizes the National Peanut Board.

Since the last referendum was conducted in 2014, the National Peanut Board has successfully fulfilled its mission to improve the economic condition of peanut growers and their families in the U.S. through promotion and groundbreaking research. 

As a result of the National Peanut Board’s efforts,
– Consumption of peanuts is at an all time high. 
-Peanuts are establishing a reputation as the preferred nut among Millennials. 
-The LEAP study, supported by the NPB, showed early introduction to be key in preventing peanut allergies, therefore changing official allergy guidelines for infants. 

Overall, the National Peanut Board has invested 34.5 million toward production research and 25 million toward peanut allergy research. The latest referendum results indicate overall grower satisfaction of the work the National Peanut Board has done and continues to do. 

for the Southwest Region

This week, Farm Press announced their 20th class of Peanut Efficiency Award Winners, which included Jared and Lexi Floyd of Brownfield, Texas representing the Southwest Region. The Peanut Efficiency Award honors farmers who incorporate innovative techniques on their farm to improve overall profitability (high yields at the lowest cost per acre).

The Floyd’s produce conventional and organic peanuts along with conventional and organic cotton, and conventional wheat, in addition to raising show steers in Terry, Gaines, and Yoakum counties. While peanut farming has been in the Floyd family for multiple generations, Jared and Lexi were the first to produce organic peanuts, which though challenging, proved to be worthwhile.

The three-year average yield for the Floyd’s organic peanuts is 3,900 pounds per irrigated acre, while the average yield for conventional peanuts is about 4,000 pounds per irrigated acre. Last year, their organics sold for $1,200 per ton while conventionals sold for around $400 per ton, contracted with All Star Peanuts in Wellman, TX.

For the Floyds, farming is a family affair, as Jared and Lexi farm alongside Jared’s dad, Randy Floyd. In addition, Lexi also serves on the Terry County Farm Bureau Board, the West Texas Young Farmers board and the Western Peanut Growers Association, and is one of Texas’ Peanut Leadership Academy participants this year. 

On behalf of Texas Peanuts, we would like to congratulate Jared and Lexi on their award!

Source: The Peanut Institute

Recent research published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, has indicated that consumption of the necessary vitamins and minerals found in peanuts not only reduces risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events but also promotes overall health.

One of the key players in heart health is the essential Omega-6 fat found in peanuts– linoleic acid. Consumption of linoleic acid has been associated with a 22% reduced risk of death by cardiovascular disease and a 12% reduced risk of stroke. In addition, peanut/linoleic acid consumption keeps blood vessels healthy and reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol.

As a result, peanuts have been labeled a ‘superfood’ of sorts, as they deliver substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals in each serving, which is defined as only 1 ounce of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter– a very small amount to pack such a large nutrient-punch.

Here at Texas Peanut, our goal is to remind consumers that Texas produces a consistently high-quality, high oleic peanut crop. Our Texas-shaped promotional cards have become one of our favorite methods to communicate this.

For our very first promotional card, Texas Peanut Producers Board member Scott Nolen was featured. Soon after, we began cutting our cards in the shape of Texas for a more memorable advertising method, as people are typically drawn toward the unique shape. Since then, we have printed these Texas-shaped cards in both English and Spanish and carried them all over the world.

Held in Albany, Georgia

Class XI of Peanut Leadership Academy held its second session April 3rd-5th in Albany, Georgia in conjunction with the American Peanut Shellers Association’s 100th anniversary celebration.

Aside from attending the APSA Gala and Industry Spring Conference, Leadership Academy participants had the opportunity to tour Tara Foods and Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC), in addition to hearing UGA’s Peanut Research Overview from agronomist Dr. Scott Monfort.

Among the 20 PLA Participants, those representing Texas include Lexi Floyd of Brownfield, Benny Teichroeb of Seminole, and Rustin Knight, also of Brownfield.

We are excited to host the third session of Peanut Leadership Academy in Texas, which will be held August 12-15, 2019 in Lubbock.

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New line of babywear from the National Peanut Board available until May 31st

The National Peanut Board is grabbing the attention of new parents through their campaign “Size 4 to 6 Months”. Available at preventpeanutallergies.org, the line of babywear is designed to spread awareness about early intro, which new guidelines recommend take place between 4 and 6 months, as the name of the apparel line suggests. The shop is temporary and will close May 31st, so be sure to grab some cute, peanut-themed babywear before then.

Because research is so important to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, we have allocated $217,000 this year toward research specific to Texas. We are excited about what is to come from this, and we would like you to meet the team handling our research projects this year. 

After growing up in Japan, Dr. Emi Kimura earned both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Wyoming before going on to earn her PhD from Washington State University in 2014. Emi now works as the Texas AgriLife Extension State Peanut Specialist, as well as an assistant professor and Extension Agronomist in Vernon, Texas. 

Emi works with the Texas Peanut Producers Board to conduct peanut type and variety tests in the four primary peanut production areas of Texas. The different types and varieties are evaluated for yield, quality, and disease resistance. All trial locations as well as results are made available to growers through the variety testing website (http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/peanuts/.)

In addition to variety evaluation, this research also focuses on pest management (weeds and diseases), fertility management, and soil health in peanut production. The development of herbicide resistance in weed populations, disease management in peanuts, and peanut profitability are concerns peanut producers often face, which are being addressed through research in an attempt to find a solution.

Emi’s primary goal as an Extension Agronomist is to provide sustainable and economically sound agronomic practices to Texas producers through collaboration with regional and state Extension research scientists along with external organizations like the Texas Peanut Producers Board. 

We greatly appreciate the work Emi does on our behalf. 

Because research is so important to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, we have allocated $217,000 this year toward research specific to Texas. We are excited about what is to come from this, and we would like you to meet the team handling our research projects this year. First up is Dr. John Cason.

After growing up in Abilene, John received his B.S. in Animal Science and M.S. of Agriculture from Tarleton State University. His Master’s thesis was entitled, Marker Assisted Selection in the Transfer of Root-Know Nematode Resistance in Peanut. John recently graduated from Texas A & M with his Ph.D. in plant breeding, and his dissertation was entitled Introgression Pathway for Drought Tolerance in Peanut.

He is currently employed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Stephenville, where his current research interests focus on variety development, quality characteristics, and disease resistance/drought tolerance identification in wild species peanut, as well as development of introgression pathways for cultivated peanuts for use by Texas/Southwestern growers.

John’s current activities involve the maintenance and use of the wild species peanut germplasm collection as well as cultivated peanut variety development and release. Some of his responsibilities include crossing, location selection, experimental design, seed preparation, planting, plot maintenance, irrigation scheduling, application of pesticide, chemigation, and individual plot application.

John also schedules and conducts harvest on the Stephenville Research and Extension Center Farm, as well as cooperators’ locations across Texas.  He is in charge of plot processing, shelling and grading, and statistical analysis of statewide breeding trials, as well as breeder seed increase and shelling.  Local cooperator interaction and speaking at field days and scientific meetings is also a current responsibility that John engages in on a regular basis.  

We greatly appreciate the work John does on behalf of Texas Peanut Producers. 

We know what you’re thinking. What do peanuts have to do with Spring Break?

Besides being an easy-to-pack protein snack, the Texas peanut is part of a healthy whole foods diet. The key to a toned body is lots of protein. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use peanuts in your Spring Break diet.

Peanuts are Filling

Peanuts are a unique food, because they are perfectly suited for both losing weight and gaining weight. No wonder why Americans eat more than six pounds of peanut products every year!

Raise your hand if you’re a stress-eater. Next time you reach for the bag of chips, grab a couple of handfuls of Texas Peanuts and enjoy a guilt-free filling food.

Peanuts are Nutrient-Packed

Pop a peanut in your mouth and you’re snacking on 29 essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Naturally cholesterol-free, peanuts are also low in saturated fats and high in fiber, making them a delicious way to keep your muscles, skin, bones and organs functioning well.

They’re also an ideal treat for people with dietary issues like gluten intolerance or diabetes.

Peanuts Are Travel-Ready

Have shell will travel. In the shell or in a can, the Texas Peanut is ready to go at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re going on a road trip with friends or loading up the kids for a trip down to the Texas coast for the week, the peanut is ready when you are.

Think of all the peanut possibilities!

Don’t Mess With Texas Peanuts

Texas is the second largest peanut growing state in the nation. When you buy peanuts from a Texas producer, you’re helping farmers and their families put food on their own table.

For more about Texas Peanuts, check out ourwebsite peanut butter and jam-packed with resources.

Nothing makes us come out of our shells like National Peanut Month!

A recentCDC studyshowed only 4 in 10 people eat nuts daily. That’s nuts! Here are some facts you may not have known about this limber legume.

Bigger and Better in Texas

Texas is the only state to grow all four varieties and organic peanuts!

One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.

It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter!

Peanuts are Presidential

Two peanut farmers have been elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

Peanuts are Popular

Americans eat 3 pounds of peanut butter per person every year. That’s about 700 million pounds, or enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon!

The average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter sandwiches by the time he or she graduates from high school.

Did you know there’s a word for the fear of having peanut butter stick to the roof of your mouth?

Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

The Magic Legume

Did you know that eating peanuts and peanut butter can reduce your risk of diabetes? A study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who ate five tablespoons of peanut butter each week could reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 20%.

Celebrate National Peanut Month by cooking a peanut dish a week. Take a look at our favorite people-pleasing peanut recipes here.

For more legume literature, subscribe to the Texas Peanuts blog.