October 11, 2022
Much needed rain slows peanut harvest.
The 5-day rainfall totals gave us some much needed moisture, but has slowed peanut harvest in several areas. Please keep sending me your harvest photos (I can't publish videos) but I can add your harvest photos to our Photo Gallery.
October 15, 2022
Here is a letter from Dr. W. Scott Monfort, Associate Professor UGA Extension that he wrote to Georgia peanut growers about the upcoming cooler temperatures.
Good Day Everyone,
How Late Season Temperatures affect peanut maturity and decisions on when to dig:
There is a misconception that temperatures in the upper 40’s and lower 50’s shut down the plant. Those temperatures will slow the maturation down but it will not cause it to stop, especially if daytime temps are in the 80’s . However, temperatures in the lower 40’s and lower for several mornings in a row will cause the plants to shut down. With this in mind, A good part of Georgia’s growing areas are likely to see several days with the low temps in the upper 30’s to low 40’s the middle part of next week. The question is what do I need to do. The short answer is the crop will likely stop progressing therefore dig them at your convenience after the cold temps/frost event has passed.
If there is a risk of a frost/freeze the best thing to do is leave the peanuts in the ground. They are insulated in the ground.
Inverted peanuts less than 48 hrs before a frost or freeze --- there is a high risk for frost damage.
Inverted greater than 48 hrs before a frost or freeze --- less risk of Frost damage. Please call me if you need any help or have questions.
In summary:
A grower could go ahead and dig 2-3 days ahead of the low temperatures/frost or wait until after the cold temps have passed and then dig. Either way they should be okay. Other places in the state where temps do not get in the low 40’s and have a frost, they can leave them and let them continue to slowly mature. All of which is really dependent on the health of the vines and disease pressure.
I hope this helps,
W. Scott Monfort - University of Georgia Extension
October 13, 2022
Digging Peanuts in Beckham County
photos by Charles Keahey
October 13, 2022
Harvest in Caddo County.
photos by Skipper Bates
David's Blog October 2022