Texas Peanut Producers Board

TPPB Swears in Recently Elected Directors and Elects New Officers

2010-04-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

The Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) swore in five board directors and elected new officers at its meeting April 7 in Lubbock, Texas.

TPPB held statewide elections in January for three seats in voting Region One and one At Large seat. The voting regions are designed for 10 of the 12 TPPB board seats to represent a percentage of peanut production in Texas as reported by the Texas Crop Reporting Service, with the remaining two seats being at large and representing the entire state.

Otis Lee Johnson of Seminole and Haldon Messamore of Sudan were re-elected to their seats in voting Region One, while Jeff Roper of Plains was elected to serve his first term as TPPB director for this region. Winning the at large seat was Luther Don Keith of Dublin. Each person will serve a six year term, or until the year 2016.

Additionally, Ted Higginbottom of Seminole was elected by the board to fill the unexpired term of Chuck Rowland who stepped down from TPPB earlier this year. Higginbottom previously served on the board for 31 years.

“We are glad to have these producers on the board,” TPPB Executive Director Shelly Nutt said. “The research and programs sponsored by the Texas Peanut Producers Board are vital to ensuring the future success of the peanut industry in our state.”

The five board directors were sworn in by Lance Williams with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Following the initiation of these positions, new officers were named by TPPB. Larry Don Womack of De Leon is the new chairman, Haldon Messamore of Sudan will serve as vice chairman, and Otis Lee Johnson was selected as the secretary/treasurer.

TPPB helps raise peanut butter for South Plains Food Bank

2010-03-24T09:35:00.000-06:00

The Texas Peanut Producers Board, along with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, raised more than $1,200 to purchase peanut butter to benefit Lubbock and South Plains families through the South Plains Food Bank in their first-ever Lubbock Peanut Butter Drive.

Sixty-two cases of peanut butter were delivered on a pallet to the South Plains Food Bank. David Weaver, general manager of the South Plains Food Bank, said the donation is vital to the food bank’s ability to respond to the needs of the hungry.

“Peanut butter is one of the basic staple items we want to provide to those who come to the food bank,” said David Weaver, general manager of the South Plains Food Bank. “We are having a difficult time keeping our staple items, including peanut butter, on our shelves.”

Businesses and individuals from across the area donated $20 to purchase a case of peanut butter.

Shelly Nutt, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board, said projects like this directly benefit the producers, the community and the food bank, all at the same time.

“Because 70 percent of Texas peanut production is in this area, Lubbock is directly benefiting financially from the peanut farmers in this area who come here to see doctors, to buy clothes, to eat out and so many other things,” Nutt said. “When we purchase the peanut butter for this drive, we’re helping the peanut farmers who are helping the community financially, and we’re helping the food bank and those in need of nutritious food products.”

“Many people don’t realize that peanuts are grown in this area,” said Eddie McBride, Chamber President and CEO. “Those agricultural dollars translate into business for Lubbock and the region. This is a great way to encourage our members to purchase a product that very well could include West Texas peanuts, and, in turn, helps feed families.”

The connection between the Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce extends beyond the peanut butter drive. Mary Jane Buerkle, Chamber Vice President of Communications, grew up in the peanut industry. Her father, Larry Short from Rochester, Texas, is a long time peanut farmer and former Texas Peanut Producers Board director.

TPPB and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce plan to hold another peanut butter drive at the end of 2010.

Texas Tech Government Internship Program a valuable investment

2010-03-23T13:36:00.001-06:00

Educating others about the peanut industry is a major priority when it comes to using state peanut check-off dollars. Teaching our students about government and agricultural policy is one way the Texas Peanut Producers Board can invest in the industry’s future.

Each year, the Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) helps fund the Government Internship Program within Texas Tech University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The program was established to help students learn how the U.S. government operates and to give them valuable experience in Washington, DC.

Since the program began in 1999, over 180 Tech students have interned at our nation’s capitol.

Texas Tech 2009 graduate, Laramie Adams, is currently interning this spring with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln.

"Working for the Senate Agriculture Committee with Sen. Lincoln has been very beneficial to me and my future career,” Adams said. “The Committee does a great job of representing the people in our country and, more specifically, in rural areas. Working for the committee has taught me so much about the federal government and the direct impact it has on the agricultural industry."

TPPB Executive Director Shelly Nutt said the program’s value far exceeds the one semester students spend on Capitol Hill.

“This program is important because we can’t assume agriculture will be in good hands in the future,” Nutt said. “These young adults who have agriculture’s best interest in mind could be leading our country someday, and spending a semester in Washington allows them to learn the ropes, and get a foot in the door.”

Many of the program’s participants have made an impact on Washington and agricultural policy. Scott Graves, legislative director to Rep. Mike Conaway, Drew DeBerry, the Texas deputy commissioner of agriculture, and Tom Sell of Combest, Sell & Associates are among the notable alumni who participated in Tech’s Government Internship Program.

March is National Peanut Month

2010-03-15T08:14:00.000-06:00

March is National Peanut Month and the Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) is encouraging everyone to celebrate by indulging in one of America’s favorite foods.

TPPB and the Western Peanut Growers Association are teaming up to promote the peanut holiday by sending one pound bags of peanuts to Texas legislators. Texas is the second leading peanut producing state in the country. The peanut industry is worth approximately $1 billion to the Texas economy.

“This is a great month for everyone to implement peanuts into their everyday diets,” said TPPB Executive Director, Shelly Nutt. “Peanuts and peanut products are healthy and easy snacks for kids and adults alike, and they are packed with protein.”

National Peanut Month first began as National Peanut Week in 1941. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1974. On average, Americans eat about 6 pounds of peanuts per person per year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Peanuts have a flavor as big as Texas, but they have more than just great taste going for them. They are packed with 29 essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. They also have more protein than any tree nut and contain monounsaturated fat, the “good fat”, which has been linked to good heart health.

Naturally high in fiber, peanuts are also a good for people with dietary issues like gluten intolerance or diabetes. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.

Peanut oil is also a healthy choice for everyday use because of the high monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat content. With its distinctive but not overpowering taste, peanut oil has a high heat tolerance. It can be heated to a high temperature without smoking, which makes peanut oil a good choice for deep-fat frying and sauteing.

To celebrate National Peanut Month, try out some great tasting new peanut dishes from the Texas Peanut Producers Board.

Texans account for 10% of Haiti Peanut Butter Donation

2010-02-24T14:52:00.002-06:00

Texans have donated over $13,000 to the "Peanut Butter for Haiti" effort, accounting for 10 percent of the total cash donations of $126,000 used to buy peanut butter.

The following information came to us from Early County 2055, which is coordinating the peanut industry's effort to donate peanut butter to Haitian earthquake victims:

In addition to the peanut butter and in-kind donations and discounts by J.M. Smucker, J.B. Sanfilippo, Ralcorp, ConAgra, Kroger, Unilever has donated a load of Skippy peanut butter so we will be shipping our seventh load early next week. (We are also shipping the peanut product boxes this week). Once Again Nut Butter has also announced a donation of product as well. That makes a total of seven semi loads of peanut butter and peanut products as outlined here:

Total peanut butter: 233,362 lbs
MFKH paste: 9,000 lbs
Peanut product boxes: 4,000 lbs

Total All Shipments: 246,362 lbs
Servings Shipped: 3,449,068

A total of $126,000 in cash donations has been collected, all of which has been used to buy peanut butter. Peanut butter donations and discounts totaled $260,000. Donated transportation costs totaled $6,000

Total donations: cash, product, transportation, - $392,000

Early County 2055 will continue to take contributions through March 2010, which is National Peanut Month

Organizations can participate by sending tax deductible contributions to:

EC 2055 - PB for Haiti, P.O. Box 725, Blakely, Ga 39823

You can also mail your checks to the Texas Peanut Producers Board at 4205 N. I-27, Lubbock, Texas 79403. Be sure to put "PB for Haiti" in the memo line of your checks. Checks must be made out to Early County 2055. TPPB will pass along all checks we receive for the peanut butter donations to Early County 2055.

Haiti Peanut Butter Update: Dublin Middle School Makes Donation

2010-02-12T12:36:00.001-06:00

DUBLIN, Texas - Students at Dublin Middle School held a small change fundraiser to benefit the Peanut Butter For Haiti project.

The school's sixth, seventh, and the eighth grade had a contest to see who could raise the most money. The three classes combined raised $863.00 for peanut butter. A local peanut farmer also promised to match the class who raised the most change.

With the matching check of $357 and the $863 raised by the Dublin Middle School, a total of $1220 was raised for the purchase of peanut butter to ship to the Haiti earthquake victims.

"Peanut Butter for Haiti" Recap and Update
The U.S. peanut industry is responding quickly to the crisis in Haiti resulting from the January 12th earthquake. The industry, as well as individuals and agricultural partners, have formed a coalition to show their concern and to offer their support by sending truckloads of peanut butter to the people of Haiti. Peanut butter is the perfect food since it does not have to be refrigerated, does not require cooking, and delivers a nutritional punch that is life-sustaining.

The project, Peanut Butter for Haiti, was initiated by Barton Rice, executive director of Early County 2055, a Blakely, Ga., non-profit organization, who stepped forward with the first financial pledge to deliver peanut butter to Haiti. The project expanded when Lisa Collins of Early County 2055, contacted several peanut organization leaders to obtain advice on the best way to purchase the peanut butter and have it shipped to Haiti. Golden Peanut Company, Birdsong Peanuts (who both have locations in Texas), the Texas Peanut Producers Board, and the Georgia Peanut Commission immediately met the pledge from Early County and the project took off.

Early Trucking and Southern Ag Carriers immediately offered to donate the transportation for the peanut butter. In less than three weeks, the project has raised $107,000 in cash donations, including over $13,000 in cash raised in Texas alone. The cash has been used to purchase peanut butter at cost, in addition to the approximately $200,000 worth of donated peanut butter. (The coalition has purchased peanut butter at cost from Kroger, ConAgra, and Ralcorp and has received peanut butter donated by The J.M. Smucker Company and John B Sanfilippo & Sons.)

Seven days after the earthquake, two truckloads of peanut butter (almost 75,000 lbs) were delivered to Norfolk, Va., and loaded on a military ship, the USS Sacagawea, bound for Haiti, and are being distributed on the ground by “Operation Blessing”, a charity based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Four days later, two more truckloads were delivered to Miami for transfer to Haiti by airfreight and barge through “Catholic Relief Services” and “Food for the Poor”.

A fifth load of peanut butter is now in Miami awaiting shipment aboard a Carnival Cruise ship for “Operation Blessing”. The sixth truckload was purchased when the coalition was contacted by “Feed the Children,” who urgently need peanut butter to distribute since their warehouse in Haiti was destroyed in the earthquake and all their supplies were lost. That load was shipped on February 8, 2010.

We will continue to raise funds for this project through the end of National Peanut Month (March 2010). Organizations can participate by sending tax deductible contributions to:

EC 2055 - PNB for Haiti
P.O. Box 725, Blakely, GA 39823

Make checks payable to: "Early County 2055" and note "PB for Haiti."

For more information, contact TPPB at (806) 687-6363.

Peanut Butter for Haiti article in Lubbock Avalance Journal

2010-01-27T09:09:00.000-06:00

The Texas Peanut Producers Board is in the news again. The peanut industry came together following the earthquake in Haiti to raise money to purchase peanut butter to send to those in need.

So far, $94,000 has been raised and 170,000 pounds of peanut butter has been shipped to Haiti - that's nearly 2.5 million servings of yummy, high protein, high energy peanut butter. This morning's Lubbock Avalanche-Journal ran a story about how TPPB has been involved with the effort. Through our office, we've been able to raise $12,000 to purchase peanut butter for the earthquake victims.

Read the article here. (It also mentions how you can help and lists my contact information.) Also, contrary to what the article says, this effort has nothing to do with the salmonella issue last year. The peanut butter donation effort stemmed out of Blakely, Ga., which happens to be the largest peanut producing area in the country...and also where the infamous salmonella factory was located. But, the factory is long gone, and the peanut industry in Blakely is trudging along and helping people in Haiti.

Meanwhile, charitable organizations like Operation Blessing, Food for the Poor, and Catholic Relief Services have helped get the peanut butter from the United States to Haiti. Because the port in Haiti was destroyed by the earthquake, the logistics of delivering products into the country became an issue. However, the peanut butter was able to arrive in the hands of the earthquake victims thanks to the Military Sealift Command vessel, which is equipped with a helicopter to hoist the peanut butter from the ship to the ground in Haiti.

To learn how you can help give peanut butter to earthquake victims in Haiti, send an email to lindsay@texaspeanutboard.com.

"Peanut Butter for Haiti" featured on Lubbock's KAMC 13

2010-01-25T16:58:00.000-06:00

Watch this news feature from Lubbock's KAMC 13. The clip discusses how the town of Lamesa is helping with the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

Update on Haiti Peanut Butter Effort

2010-01-25T16:49:00.000-06:00

As of January 25, Texans have donated $12,000 to the "Peanut Butter for Haiti" effort.

Following the devasting earthquake in Haiti, members of the country's peanut industry came together to raise money to help those in need. The money raised has been used to purchase peanut butter to ship to the Haitian earthquake victims. Peanut butter makes the perfect food item for donation, because it is high in protein, high in energy, does not require water, and is good for 18 months without the need of refrigeration.

Community and business members of Lamesa, Texas contributed $9,350 to the cause thanks to the fundraising efforts of Sharon Cox and Gloria Gonzales of The Fertilizer Place.

Over $84,000 in cash donations has been pledged for the purchase of peanut butter for Haitians. In addition, some peanut manufacturers have donated peanut butter, while others are selling their products at cost to "Peanut Butter for Haiti" to help with the effort. Overall, $254,000 worth of peanut butter has been shipped or is en route to Haiti.

To make a donation for the purchasing of peanut butter, please mail a check made out to “Early County 2055” to the Texas Peanut Producers Board at 4205 N. Interstate 27, Lubbock, Texas 79403. Please not “pnb for Haiti” on the check. Early County 2055 will send receipts to all donors, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Please re-visit this blog for more updates on how you can help with "Peanut Butter for Haiti".

Peanut industry raising peanut butter donations for Haitian earthquake victims

2010-01-20T16:23:00.000-06:00

LUBBOCK, Texas –The Texas Peanut Producers Board and several other organizations in the peanut industry are joining efforts to ship peanut butter to the desperate earthquake victims in Haiti.
“Peanut Butter for Haiti” began last Friday when an offer to spearhead the effort came from Early County 2055, a 501c3 non-profit organization located in the heart of peanut country in Blakely, Ga.

Early County 2055 has donated $5,000 to the cause, which was quickly matched by Birdsong Peanuts, a Virginia-based peanut shelling company that also has locations in Blakely, Ga., Brownfield, Texas, and Alabama. Currently, over $60,000 has been raised for the purchase of peanut butter to supply the Haitian earthquake victims.
“The peanut industry is trying to raise enough cash donations to purchase three truckloads (126,000 pounds) of peanut butter to send to Haiti,” said Shelly Nutt, Texas Peanut Producers Board executive director. “This is a well-organized and trustworthy effort from an industry that is no stranger to helping those in need.”
In West Texas, Lamesa community members raised $3,500 from local businesses and individuals to donate to the peanut butter purchase in just one day. They hope to double that figure before the end of the week.
“Peanut Butter for Haiti” has already delivered its first truckload of peanut butter to “Food for the Poor”, a four-star rated charity that is consolidating food and water at their warehouse near Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to send to their ground operations in Haiti. The peanut butter effort has also been working with other reputable charities to ensure all peanut butter donations are placed in the hands of Haitians.
Check donations can be mailed to the Texas Peanut Producers Board office at 4205 N. Interstate 27, Lubbock, Texas 79403. Checks must be made out to “Early County 2055” in order for the donation to be converted into peanut butter. Please designate "pnb to Haiti" in lower left hand corner of your check. All donations are tax-deductible, and all donors will receive a receipt from Early County 2055.
“This is an easy and secure way for Texans to help the people of Haiti by providing them with a nutritious, non-perishable food item that is high in protein,” Nutt said. “I’m so proud to work in an industry that is always so willing to help others who are in need, especially when we’re producing a product that these people so desperately need.”
For more information, contact the Texas Peanut Producers Board at 800-734-0086 .
The Texas Peanut Producers Board is a state-wide board funded by a $2 per ton voluntary check-off program. For more information, contact Lindsay West Kennedy, TPPB communications director, at lindsay@texaspeanutboard.com or call 1-800-734-0086.

Latest Texas Peanut Crop Information

2010-01-18T09:36:00.000-06:00

Texas peanut production was estimated at 542.5 million pounds, down 35 percent from 2008. Statewide yield, at 3,500 pounds per acre, was 200 pounds more than 2008.

*Released Jan. 12 by the USDA and National Agricultural Statistics Service

PEANUT PRICES - Peanut Marketing News
*Released January 15, 2010

Peanut prices received by farmers for all farmer stock peanuts averaged 19.8 cents per pound ($396 per ton) for the week ending January 9, 2010. The price per pound decreased 1.9 cents from the previous week. Marketings of all farmer stock peanuts for the week ending January 9 totaled 37.8 million pounds, UP 22.8 million pounds from the previous week. The average price of Runner type peanuts was 19.5 cents per pound ($390 per ton) for the week ending January 9. Marketings of Runner type peanuts were 33.7 million pounds.

TPPB announces biennial elections: Four board seats available, voting opens Jan. 9

2010-01-04T11:11:00.000-06:00

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) will be holding an election for four expiring directors’ seats beginning January 9 and ending January 23, 2010.

There are three seats open for election in voting region one, which consists of Andrews, Bailey, Brewster, Castro, Cochran, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Ector, El Paso, Gaines, Glasscock, Hale, Hartley, Hockley, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Lamb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Midland, Moore, Oldham, Parmer, Pecos, Potter, Presidio, Randall, Reagan, Reeves, Sherman, Swisher, Terrell, Terry, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Winkler, and Yoakum counties.

There is one seat open for election of an at large TPPB board member. The at large member may be from any of the 254 counties in Texas, as long as they meet the requirements below.

A person is eligible to vote in this board election if he or she is currently a producer of peanuts, or for at least one production period during the three years preceding the date of this election (Jan. 23, 2010), has been a producer of peanuts or has caused peanuts to be produced for commercial purposes. This includes owners of farms and their tenants or sharecroppers that pay the peanut assessment. Any person qualified to vote is also qualified to seek nomination for election to the board as a director. Qualified persons voting for a seat in voting region one, must reside in voting region one. However any qualified producer may vote for an at large nominee without the region of residence being factor. Nomination applications must be submitted to TPPB, and signed by the applicant and 10 other eligible voters. Nominations will be available at peanut buying point locations and county agent offices in all 254 Texas counties, or they can be requested by mail directly from TPPB at 4205 N. I-27, Lubbock, Texas 79403. If you request a nomination form by mail from TPPB, please include your county of residence.

Ballots will be available from Texas AgriLife Extension Service offices and peanut buying locations in each of the 254 counties where elections are being conducted. Ballots may also be obtained by mail from the TPPB office between January 9, 2010 and January 23, 2010. For a ballot to be valid, it must be mailed to TPPB, 4205 N. I-27, Lubbock, Texas 79403, with a postmark date of no later than January 23, 2010. Ballots with a postmark date later than January 23, 2010 will not be valid.

Texas Tech's remote sensing technology spreads to peanuts

2009-12-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

From Texas Tech:

The economic wallop of Texas peanut products is getting an aerial boost this season from Texas Tech University. Researchers are using a special airborne multispectral remote sensing system on an experimental peanut crop in nearby Brownfield, a small farming community.

The hi-tech gear is used to estimate the plant’s biophysical characteristics, including ground cover, leaf area, biomass and yield.

“Improved monitoring of peanut crops could one day help growers have a healthier crop through improved irrigation practices and pinpoint application of fungicides,” said Stephan Maas, a Texas Tech professor of agricultural microclimatology with joint appointment with Texas AgriLife Research. Maas is a participant in the project, along with Texas Tech Postdoctoral Research Associate Nithya Rajan.

Remote sensing describes the science of identifying, observing and measuring an object without making direct contact with it. The process involves the detection and measurement of light in different wavelengths reflected by the object.
In this instance, the remote sensing system contains high-resolution digital cameras fitted with narrow band-pass filters that allow the cameras to acquire imagery in specific wavelengths of light related to plant growth. The cameras are carried by a single-engine Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Plainview-based South Plains Precision Ag, Inc.

It’s the first year Texas Tech remote sensing experts and peanut breeding specialists from New Mexico State University have used the method on peanuts and, so far, both are excited about the results.

“Development of relationships between biophysical characteristics and remote sensing data could allow routine monitoring of peanut crop growth and yield potential in producers’ fields,” said Naveen Puppala, a peanut breeder with New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Clovis. “With more research on remote sensing, it will help the growers to identify the correct time to irrigate their crops.”

Digital data taken from Tech’s remote sensing imagery has already been used to calculate vegetation values – including what’s technically called the normalized difference vegetation index and the perpendicular vegetation index – for the peanut canopies growing in test plots. The two indicators are used to measure the peanut plant’s growth and leaf canopy density.

“Growing the most cost efficient peanut possible is vital to the survival of Texas peanut production,” said Shelly Nutt, executive director at the Texas Peanut Producers Board. “Maximizing irrigation efficiency is key to peanut production profitability.”

Georgia leads the nation in peanut production, followed by the next-largest grower, Texas. Last year’s peanut production was record breaking with the largest crop on record along with the highest average yield on record. Total U.S. peanut production for 2008 was estimated at 5.1 billion pounds.
Written by Norman Martin

Agriculture Commissioner Awards Texas Food Banks $2 Million

2009-12-14T16:46:00.000-06:00

LUBBOCK, Texas - Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today awarded a grant of $2 million to the Texas Food Bank Network to purchase and distribute surplus produce, such as peanut butter, that was the result of overproduction on Texas farms. The funds are available through the Texas Department of Agriculture's Texans Feeding Texans: Surplus Agricultural Products Grant Program.

"In the last year, Texas food banks have experienced a 30 percent increase in demand," Commissioner Staples said. "As the leader of the largest food bank system in the state, the Texas Food Bank Network can better meet the demand and feed hungry Texans with these funds. The Texans Feeding Texans grant is a win for farmers who have excess products, and a win for hungry Texans in need of nutritious food."

Representative Joe Heflin of Crosbyton, Texas praised the state's peanut farmers for continuing to produce a safe, healthy and quality food product.

"Peanut butter is healthy, it tastes great and it's a great product to provide our state's food banks," Rep. Heflin said. "Peanuts are a product that are grown in this state and on the South Plains, and our farmers work hard to produce a safe, quality food product that is healthy to eat. Our food banks need products like peanut butter now more than ever."

During the last two years, the Texas Food Bank Network was able to acquire and distribute 24 million pounds of food to Texas families through the Texans Feeding Texans: Surplus Agricultural Products Grant Program.

From 2005 to 2007, 14.8 percent of Texas households, or 1.2 million people, did not have access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times. During this same time perioud, 23 percent of Texas children were also food insecure.

Donate peanut butter to your local food bank today! Be a part of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Texas Peanut Producers Board peanut butter drive, by clicking here! Donate a case of peanut butter for just $20 and help feed a hungry family on the South Plains.

Peanut butter drive highlighted on FOX34

2009-12-08T11:13:00.000-06:00

The peanut butter drive benefiting the South Plains Food Bank in Lubbock is now in full swing. The drive is a joint effort by the Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.

This is the only pallet of peanut butter remaining at the South Plains Food Bank (center).

FOX34's Lindsey Ashcraft featured the peanut butter drive last night on FOX34's 9pm news. Click here to watch it!

TPPB Executive Director Shelly Nutt is interviewed by FOX34 yesterday at the South Plains Food Bank.

TPPB and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce are asking area businesses and individuals alike to donate a case of peanut butter for just $20. Our goal is to raise a full pallet (136 cases) to donate to the South Plains Food Bank.

The current economic situation has placed many challenges for families in West Texas this holiday season. Be a part of the peanut butter drive and help a hungry family in your area. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protien, is easy to serve, and has a long shelf life. The food bank can not keep enough of it on their shelves.

To learn more about the peanut butter drive, click here. To make a donation right now, CLICK HERE.

Also, this Thursday is PEANUT BUTTER DAY at the U-Can Food Drive in Lubbock. Look for Tex P. Nut at your local Lubbock United Supermarket!

TPPB and Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Host Peanut Butter Food Drive

2009-11-30T14:52:00.002-06:00

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce have teamed up this holiday season to host a peanut butter food drive benefiting the South Plains Food Bank.

Peanut butter makes the perfect food bank donation item because it’s high in protein, it can be served in many different ways, and it tastes great. It also has been proven to reduce the risk of diabetes.

“Peanut Butter is one of the basic staple items we want to provide to those who come to the food bank,” said David Weaver, South Plains Food Bank general manager. “We are having a difficult time keeping our staple items, including peanut butter, on our shelves. The effort by our community to support the Peanut Butter Drive are vital to our ability to respond to the needs of the hungry.”

Weaver said as the current recession unfolds across the South Plains, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of people being served by the South Plains Food Bank and their agencies.

TPPB and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce are encouraging businesses and individuals to donate peanut butter for this cause by the case. For just $20, businesses and individuals can donate a case (or more than one case!) of peanut butter, which will be donated to the South Plains Food Bank. To make it easy, those interested can go to the Chamber’s website at www.lubbockchamber.com to make a donation using a credit card. Contributions will be tax-deductible.

“One case of peanut butter donated to the food bank can really make a difference in the lives of many families this holiday season,” said Shelly Nutt, executive director for the Texas Peanut Producers Board.

The goal is to raise enough to purchase one pallet of peanut butter, which is 136 cases. If you are interested in matching this or any donation, or would like more information on the drive, please contact Mary Jane Buerkle at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at (806) 761-7008 or Lindsay Kennedy at the Texas Peanut Producers Board at (806) 687- 6363.

Businesses and individuals can also be a part of the U-Can-Share Food Drive December 7-12. Thursday, December 10 has been designated as Peanut Butter Day!

TPPB has a new Web site!

2009-11-18T13:59:00.000-06:00

The Texas Peanut Producers Board Web site now has a new look.

Launched today, the new site has information about peanut and peanut butter nutrition, news and media, as well as useful links within the peanut industry. Coming soon on the site will be video of peanut production in Texas, as well as educational materials.

Take a look!

National Peanut Butter Lovers' Month

2009-11-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

Each year, peanut butter fans have one month designated to celebrate the great taste and nutritional benefits of America’s favorite snack.

Packed with energy and over 30 essential vitamins and nutrients, peanut butter is just what your body needs to keep your muscles, skin, bones and organs functioning well.

Shelly Nutt, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) said more peanuts are used to make peanut butter than any other use.

“There is a jar of peanut butter in nearly 89 percent of American households,” Nutt said. “Our goal is to get a jar of peanut butter in every household. It’s a great tasting, healthy snack that’s convenient and easy to serve.”

Each year to promote the month, TPPB sends out baskets packed with peanut butter products to TV station weathermen across the state of Texas. The baskets also include fact cards about peanut butter to provide the weathermen with information to use on the air. This effort has helped raise awareness in Texas about peanut butter's health benefits.

Texas ranks No. 2 in the U.S. in peanut production. Last year, Texas farmers produced nearly 835 million pounds of peanuts. Although drought and a surplus from last year’s crop reduced peanut acreage in 2009, farmers are still expected to harvest around 528 million pounds of peanuts in Texas.

TPPB visits Japan to strengthen export opportunities

2009-10-13T14:16:00.004-05:00

Otis Lee Johnson and Shelly Nutt in Japan.

Members from the Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB) and the American Peanut Council (APC) traveled oversees last week to meet with the Japan Nut Association and U.S. Embassy trade officials to look for ways to promote and increase imports of American peanuts into Japan.

For many years, Japan imported Chinese peanuts until the pesticide residue levels became unacceptable. Over the past two years Japan has been looking for more stable and reliable markets. Shelly Nutt, TPPB executive director, said the trip was very successful and there are hopes to fill the potential market. “In order to increase our exports we need to build our relationship with the Japanese,” Nutt said. “This trip opened dialogue and built trust in our peanut crop and with us as individuals.”

Seminole, Texas peanut farmers Otis Lee Johnson (TPPB chairman) and Roger Neitch (National Peanut Board President) examine a peanut plant in Japan.

America has built a strong relationship with Canada over the years, exporting peanuts valued at over $60 million annually. The APC hopes to build relations with Japan to continue the rise in market exports America already has with Japan. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, peanut exports to Japan from the U.S. are currently at $12.2 million, up 148 percent from 2007.

American peanut representatives were given a tour of some of Japan's peanut processing facilities.

Seminole, Texas peanut farmer Otis Lee Johnson, who is the chairman of both the APC Exports committee and TPPB, gave a presentation to members of the Japan Nut Association describing every aspect of America’s traditional peanut growing process, including peanut processing and shelling. Johnson also discussed the high quality of American peanuts with the Japanese representatives, promoting their value as an export product.

Stephanie Grunenfelder (APC) and Shelly Nutt (TPPB)

To help build a relationship with the Japanese, Nutt and Johnson, along with National Peanut Board Chairman Roger Neitsch of Seminole, APC Director of International Marketing Stephanie Grunenfelder, and Bob Coyle of Lawler Ballard Van Duran in Atlanta, Ga., spent their time touring manufacturing facilities and peanut farms.

The five American representatives toured the Tabata and Ikenobe factories where they roast, chop and manufacture a variety of peanut products, including whole, shelled and peanut powder. Nutt said the businesses were much smaller than American factories, but were just as efficient, using every amount of space available for stacking, storing and processing.

Although the Japanese peanut farms toured are smaller than typical American fields, the Japanese plants are higher yielding and produce great crops. Nutt said the farming techniques are also different from those used in America. The Japanese plant peanuts mechanically, but harvest by hand, whereas the entire production process in America is done mechanically and average around 3,500 pounds per acre.

Texas Peanut Harvest

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Peanut harvest is in full swing in West Texas, and most peanut producers couldn't be happier to move on from 2009. The challenges of the year ranged anywhere from drought to a surplus in the market from last year's crop to a salmonella outbreak caused by one bad egg in the industry.

The 2008 harvest in Texas yielded over 860 million pounds of peanuts - the state's largest peanut harvest. The crop was valued at over $185 million, a reflection of the impact the Texas peanut industry has on the state's economy. According the the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Texas peanut farmers have produced 544 million pounds of peanuts to date in 2009. Fewer acres were planted this year to offset the surplus from last year's crop, and consequently, in response to the drop in demand from the salmonella scare at the beginning of the year.

The good news is the good reputation of the nation's peanut industry and its peanut products has helped restore consumer confidence, and sales of peanut butter are up dramatically since February of this year. Like this little rattlesnake found in one West Texas peanut farmer's field, one company's careless mistakes can not destroy an industry built on quality, honesty and safety.

The resilience of our farmers, processors, shellers and manufacturers have helped restore the industry. Former TPPB director Ted Higginbottom said it best when he said, "It’s unfortunate peanut growers in Texas can do everything right to produce a healthy and safe product to feed both their families and the nation, and then have to carry the burden for something they could not control." To read more about TPPB's communications during the salmonella outbreak, click here.

Be sure to subscribe to this blog to keep following the Texas Peanut Producers Board. To sign up to receive TPPB's weekly emails, just subscribe at lindsay@texaspeanutboard.com .

Peanut Research in West Texas

2009-09-22T15:04:00.002-05:00

Agriculture is full of great individuals who are sincerely passionate about what they do. Delwin Morrow is that kind of person.

Delwin is a peanut farmer from Brownfield, Texas who loves growing peanuts! Even greater than his love for growing a good peanut is his love for peanut research.

Over the past few years, Delwin has leased some of his peanut acreage for research purposes. Dr. Ernest Harvey, one of the world's leading peanut breeders from the USDA’s National Peanut Research Lab in Georgia, has led a team of researchers at Delwin's farm over the past several years as he attempts to develop a more drought tolerant, early maturing peanut.

Raising crops in West Texas has many unique challenges when compared to other parts of the country. Little rainfall, strong winds and cool evening temperatures are just a few of the issues West Texas farmers deal with every year. So, what better place than West Texas to test drought tolerant peanut varieties?

Dr. Harvey's research is aimed at developing a peanut that can mature quicker, which would help producers minimize their risks. An earlier harvest could mean fewer irrigations - saving thousands of dollars for producers. Early maturing peanuts could also reduce the risk of having peanuts in the ground when the first frost occurs.

This year's test plot, like most of peanut production on the South Plains, experienced little rainfall. Delwin said between the time this same plot was harvested last year and this year's harvest, the plot received just 5 inches of rain.

While that meant hardships for producers, the lack of rain did allow researchers to put their tested varieties through the exact harsh conditions they are being designed to withstand.

Over half of the TPPB's budget is allocated to research to help scientists develop better peanuts for better production effeciency.

Check back later for more about Texas peanut research and updates on how the Texas peanut harvest is going. Don't forget to subscribe to the TPPB blog to keep up with what's going on with the Texas Peanut Producers Board.

Welcome

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Thanks for stopping by the new blog of the Texas Peanut Producers Board (TPPB).

TPPB is a statewide board funded by a $2 per ton voluntary checkoff from Texas peanut producers. Checkoff dollars are used for peanut production research, to promote Texas peanuts, and to educate others about the high energy and nutrition value of peanuts.

Over half of TPPB's annual budget is used to fund research projects aimed at improving peanut production in Texas. Research is mostly focused on producing a more drought tolerant, disease resistant peanut that is better suited for the varying Texas growing conditions. Stayed tuned for future blog posts that will highlight different research projects and results given at peanut field days.

TPPB is also very involved in promoting peanut butter donations to the hungry. In 2008 following the devasting hurricane season on the Texas Gulf Coast, TPPB along with the Western Peanut Growers Association and the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, helped gather over 15,000 pounds of peanut butter to donate to the desperate food banks in South Texas. Since then, TPPB has been involved in several peanut butter food drives in an effort to promote the donation of peanut butter to the state's food banks. Peanut butter makes the perfect donation production because it is nutritious, packed with energy and has a long shelf life.

Building and maintaining relationships with foriegn manufacturers of Texas peanuts is also a focus for TPPB. The board, along with the American Peanut Council, hosts regular tours for manufactures from Mexico, Japan and Italy to allow them to see how peanuts are produced and processed in Texas.

Visit us again to learn more about Texas peanut production and the activities of the Texas Peanut Producers Board!