Oklahoma Peanut EXPO set for March 24 in Altus
Monday, March 14, 2016
Peanut growers interested in the latest research-based production and marketing information about their crop should plan now to attend the 2016 Peanut EXPO, taking place at the Western Oklahoma State College in Altus on March 24.
Attendees will hear from leading peanut experts who will provide updates on everything from variety and market type selection to marketing and industry outlook. There is no cost to attend.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn from and speak with leading experts in the field and to interact with other peanut producers and industry members,” said Ron Sholar, Oklahoma Peanut Commission executive director. “This will be the premier peanut education and training event in the region for 2016.”
The Peanut EXPO is a joint effort of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Risk Management Agency, the National Peanut Board and cooperating partners in the peanut industry.
“Lunch is being provided free-of-charge thanks to the generosity of sponsors from industry,” Sholar said. “The EXPO will kick off with registration and exhibits opening at 9 a.m. with the program starting at 9:50 a.m. and ending about 2:30 p.m.”
George Lovatt, a well-known peanut broker from Roswell, Georgia will provide key insights about the peanut market outlook for 2016.
“No one knows the industry better than George,” Sholar said. “He understands the forces affecting U.S. and global supply and demand for peanuts. Anyone growing or who is associated with peanuts in the Southwest should be interested in what he has to share.”
Sessions will be led by John Damicone, OSU Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, who will provide research-based insights about peanut disease control, and Todd Baughman, OSU Cooperative Extension weed specialist, who will speak about cover peanut weed control.
Researchers from the USDA/ARS Center for Peanut Improvement in Stillwater will discuss their work and the latest results. Kelly Chamberlin will discuss high-oleic peanut varieties being developed for the Southwest and Rebecca Bennett will discuss disease resistance evaluation of varieties and advanced breeding lines.
“The peanut industry has expressed great interest in the new varieties with improved yield, quality and disease resistance released from Dr. Chamberlin’s breeding program,” Damicone said.
Jason Woodward, who doubles as both a Texas A&M AgriLife plant pathologist and Extension peanut specialist, will share the latest in best management practices for peanuts.
“In addition to the formal sessions, the Peanut EXPO provides an opportunity for participants to visit with industry representatives who supply the equipment, products and services needed to produce the crop,” Damicone said. “Attending the EXPO provides maximum value for a producer’s time and interest.”
Anyone interested in additional information about the March 24 event should contact Damicone by email at john.damicone@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-743-7968, or Sholar by email at okpeanutcomm@aol.com or by phone at 405-780-0113.