AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Every peanut counts. In a time when agricultural markets are unpredictable, Alabama Extension is helping peanut producers understand how the value of their crop is determined and providing the steps to calculate it.

Aaron Wells, an agronomic crops Extension agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, said a farmer’s goal is always to achieve the best possible price for their peanuts when selling to a buyer.

“Estimating prices enables farmers to make savvy decisions when it comes to timing and pricing,” Wells said. “Extension is always ready and willing to help producers as they navigate the season.”

Season-Long Support

The Alabama Extension agronomic crops team supports peanut growers throughout the season with timely information about input applications, as well as insect and weed management. The team is ready to support farmers coming out of an unusual growing season and headed toward harvest. The crops team also conducts pod blastings as the season draws to a close. Growers know that harvesting at the optimal time can increase yields.

“Extension hosts pod blasting events during harvest season at various locations around the southeastern part of the state to help growers determine the optimal digging date to help increase grade and yield,” Wells said.

Finding Value in Every Load

Wells said when making peanut load value estimates, growers need two things.

“First, a peanut farmer is going to need an FSA-1007 form,” Wells said. “Second, they need the chart published by the Farm Service Agency that gives the base value per ton of peanuts, plus premiums and discounts.”

Wells recently worked with the Alabama Peanut Producers Association to make a video that walks peanut farmers through using the form provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture grader to estimate the value of a load of peanuts at the buying point.

“This is a great way for farmers to estimate their load value,” Wells said. “The FSA-1007 form is one that every load of peanuts will receive at the buying point, so it is a great tool. Producers can determine the base value for a load of peanuts using the charts. Farmers can also estimate discounts or premiums they may receive based on grade factors provided.”

As an added bonus, Wells said there is an online version of the form through the FSA website.

“There is also an Excel spreadsheet version where you can manually enter information and the information will be printed for you instead of calculating by hand,” Wells said. “If both of these options are more than you’re ready to tackle, you can always call us at the local Extension office for help.”

More Information

Extension agents are scheduling pod blastings throughout the southeastern part of the state. Contact your agronomic crops Extension agent to find out about upcoming pod blastings near you. Learn more about peanut production and seasonal management strategies at aces.edu.