Growing Peanut Leaders for the Future of the U.S. Peanut Industry

Growing Leaders for a Strong Peanut Future

V-C Participants Reflect on Peanut Leadership Academy Class XIII

Written by: Lily McLamb

Developing the next generation of industry leadership is not just a priority for the Virginia-Carolinas. It is essential for the future of the entire U.S. peanut supply chain. From advocacy in Washington to understanding the complex systems that get peanuts from farm to market, tomorrow’s peanut industry depends on growers, shellers, and allied professionals who are ready to lead.

That’s the purpose of the Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA), a hands-on leadership development program coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation with support from the National Peanut Board, state grower associations, and industry partners. Each class brings together a select group of young growers and industry representatives from across the peanut belt for multi-state tours, professional development, and relationship-building that fosters lifelong friendships.

This year, four participants represented the V-C region:

• Cutchin Anderson- Grower & NC Peanut Growers Association Treasurer- Tarboro, NC
• Eric Bailey- Grower & Vice President of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association- Wakefield, VA
• Doug Jarrell- Grower & South Carolina Peanut Board member (NPB alternate)- Nixville, SC
• Trevor Dyer- Member of the American Peanut Shellers Association, Sandy Land Peanut Company- Edenton, NC

I interviewed each graduate to learn what the program meant to them- and how they plan to carry it forward in the peanut industry.

Learning the Bigger Picture

For many V-C participants, leadership began with curiosity for understanding the peanut industry from beyond the farm.

“I wanted to see what else there is to do,” said Bailey, “we do the work in the field, but there’s an entire system behind us, including policy, research, marketing, manufacturing, and what our grower associations do. I just wanted to learn and see how I could play a bigger role in supporting fellow growers.”

Anderson said one of the biggest benefits of the program was gaining perspective on just how much there is to learn within the peanut industry.

“You don’t realize what you don’t know until you step outside of your everyday environment,” he said. “I didn’t go in with specific expectations- I went in ready to deepen my understanding of the industry and gain the kind of insight you can only learn by seeing the bigger picture.”

For Dyer, who joined as representative of the American Peanut Shellers Association, PLA offered a full-chain perspective. “We saw everything from start to finish- from the equipment manufacturing all the way to finished peanut butter. It gave me better insight and understanding of what farmers are going through and how every part of the industry has to work together.”

Memorable Experiences: D.C. to Texas

Every graduate mentioned a moment that made the PLA impact and industry union feel real.

For Anderson and Bailey, the Washington, D.C. advocacy trip stood out most.

“You feel like you’re all fighting the same battle,” Anderson said. “It’s farmers versus the everyday challenges we face. While we all have separate meetings with representatives, we’re unified as an industry.”

Bailey said the trip boosted his confidence as a representative and spokesperson for Virginia growers:

“Walking into those Senate and House offices representing growers back home was powerful, and I learned that our voices do matter. Each conversation made me more confident in speaking up about agriculture.”

Meanwhile, Jarrell couldn’t say enough about how much he loved the Texas tour. “That was probably one of the best trips I have ever been on,” he said. “It opened my eyes to how differently peanuts are grown across the country, but it also showed me how much we all have in common. That trip built friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Understanding Different Perspectives

One of the strongest takeaways was learning how peanut farming differs across the country, and how those differences create shared opportunities.

“In Georgia, peanuts occupy a higher acreage as they’re a leading crop,” Anderson noted. “Here, in North Carolina, that acreage is more evenly shared among several major commodities. Seeing that difference helped me appreciate how niche and unique the Virginia-type [AC1] market is in comparison.”

During their Virginia tour, Class XII saw firsthand how Virginia-type peanuts contribute to the region’s identity and economy, from visits with iconic retailers to a stop at Bailey’s farm in Wakefield. Visiting colonial Jamestown and different local retailers helped participants understand the historical roots and premium market opportunities that set the V-C region apart.

Bailey said witnessing different production systems opened his eyes to problem-solving:

“Everybody has different issues, such as rotations, acreage, and storage. It made me think, ‘What would I do if I had their challenges?’ And I brought back ideas I could apply to my farm.”

Jarrell appreciated seeing the sheller perspectives more clearly, which humanized the industry beyond the grower vs. sheller stereotypes:

“It gave me a better appreciation for how shellers fit into the bigger picture. When you understand the challenges, they’re working through too, you see we’re really all on the same team.”

Dyer echoed that sentiment from the opposite seat:

“Every farmer deals with similar pressures. Once you get everyone together and start discussing them, you realize the solutions have to work for everyone, including growers, shellers, and the end user.”

Leadership, Growth, & Giving Back

Across the board, the most lasting growth was personal: confidence, communication, and connection.

“I was forced to get out of my comfort zone,” said Jarrell. “I had to speak in front of people- and that was an impactful experience for me. Now I am much more confident representing our farm and our state.”

Bailey said PLA prepared him for current and future leadership roles:

“It’s helped me step into leadership. I am now Vice President of our growers’ association, and I hope to serve as President in the future. PLA showed me how to advocate effectively.”

Dyer said the impact extends beyond the program:

“PLA gave me tools I use in everyday regulatory work, market development, and especially in conversations with growers. It strengthened relationships and helped me see how my role supports their success.”

Anderson sees himself continuing to push for industry representation:

“I love going to D.C. and speaking on behalf of our growers. What I learned through this program will make me a stronger advocate, whether I’m in a meeting with policymakers or just explaining our industry to someone I meet in passing.”

Why Future Leaders Should Apply

When asked what they’d say to the next class of participants from the Virginia-Carolinas region, the group didn’t hesitate:

“Networking,” Anderson said immediately. “There is always something to learn from people who aren’t right in your backyard.”

Bailey added:

“The friendships are the biggest takeaway. If I called any of them tomorrow, they’d answer.”

Dyer’s advice?

“Keep an open mind and absorb everything. You never know when you’ll need what you learned.”

And Jarrell kept it simple:

“Just do it. Your life and your farm will be better because of it.”

A Shared Mission

While the V-C region represents a smaller share of U.S. peanut acreage, our voice carries significant weight, especially in championing the “filet mignon” Virginia-type peanut that so many consumers know and love, and in supporting the industry as a whole.

The Peanut Leadership Academy equips growers and industry professionals to return home energized, connected, and ready to elevate that story together.