Rains delay N. Mississippi peanut harvest

Rains have delayed the last part of north Mississippi's peanut harvest, according to Mike Howell, south Mississippi Extension Area Agronomist, who also works statewide with peanuts.

"A little over 6 weeks ago, we were averaging 2 tons/acre, but rains have really slowed progress," he told us this morning. "People are hunting and pecking for fields dry enough to dig. Harvest in north Mississippi is the furthest behind. About 95% of the crop in south Mississippi has been harvseted. But in the Delta, probably 50% of the crop is still in the ground. The growers who were able to combine last week were still making good yields, and grades were hanging in there. I'm still optimistic, but I'm not sure how much longer some of these can hold out, especially now that they've gotten some cold weather."

Areas in northeast Mississippi were hit hardest by this summer's drought, Howell added, and yields suffered. "But growers in that part of the state will want to try peanuts again next year," he added. "We had two meetings last week in that part of the state, and attendance was good. At one stop, 17 people attended, and 35 showed up for the other meeting."

In January, the state holds its first peanut growers association meeting and production shortcourse. The event is in Hattiestburg on January 8-9, which somewhat dovetails with the Beltwide Cotton Conference in New Orleans, which starts on January 9.

For more info on the peanut conference: Flier and agenda.