Oklahoma Peanut EXPO set for March 14 in Weatherford
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Producers interested in producing peanuts can get answers to many of their questions by attending the March 14 Oklahoma Peanut EXPO in Weatherford.
“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 2019.”
The EXPO will take place at the Business Enterprise Center on the campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. On-site registration and exhibits will open at 9 a.m., with sessions starting at 9:50 a.m. and running through to approximately 2:45 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
Oklahoma 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, the National Peanut Board and partners in the peanut industry. Lunch during the EXPO is being provided free-of-charge to participants by meeting sponsors from industry.
Marshall Lamb, a renowned peanut scientist from Dawson, Georgia. will provide participants the latest information about the peanut market outlook for 2019.
“Nobody knows the industry better than Dr. Lamb,” Sholar said. “He understands the forces affecting the U.S. and global supply and demand for peanuts. Anyone and everyone associated with peanuts in the Southwest should be interested in what he has to share.”
Ryan Lepicier, National Peanut Board senior vice president for marketing and communications will provide a 2019 update on activities and peanut research sponsored by the organization.
“Experts from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service also will be leading key sessions,” Sholar said. “Extension is one of two state agencies administered by OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and is a key part of the university’s state and federally mandated land-grant mission.”
John Damicone, OSU Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, will share the latest science-proven protocols relative to disease control in peanuts. Josh Bushong, OSU Cooperative Extension area agronomist with the state’s Western District will provide a peanut production update. Todd Baughman, OSU Cooperative Extension weed scientist, will highlight information and methods to maximize weed control in peanuts.
Researchers from the USDA-ARS Center for Peanut Improvement in Stillwater will discuss their work and 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 is especially excited about new varieties with improved yield, quality and disease resistance released from Dr. Chamberlin’s breeding program,” Damicone said. “Also, don’t forget that the Peanut EXPO provides participants with an opportunity to visit firsthand with industry representatives who supply the equipment, products and services needed to produce the crop.”
Sholar said OPC will hold a nominations election to select nominees for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board. The election will take place at 2:30 p.m.
“All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate,” he said. “Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.”
The National Peanut Board represents all U.S. peanut farmers and their families. The board’s mission is to improve the economic condition of U.S. peanut farmers and their families through promotion and research.
“USDA requires two nominees from each state for each position of member and alternate,” Sholar said. “The National Peanut Board will submit Oklahoma’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.”
An OPC District 2 Election Caucus also will be held for producers from Alfalfa, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cotton, Garfield, Comanche, Grady, Grant, Jefferson, Major, Kingfisher and Stephens counties.
Anyone wanting additional information about the March 14 Oklahoma Peanut EXPO 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.