Written by: Jacob Forehand
Leave a Legacy Without Getting Caught in Tradition
While talking to many growers across the V-C, most operations are the result of multiple generations of hard-working individuals who were invested in seeing the farming operation survive. In fact, someone once asked my dad why both his sons’ names start with a J. He stated that it was so we wouldn’t have to repaint the peanut trailers when we took over the operation. I don’t know if that was true or if it was so the initials in our hand-me-downs would match. Either way, it was important to my father that the farming operation was still around for my brother and I to come back to.
As someone who is hoping to one day take over that operation, balancing tradition with innovation can be one of the most challenging decisions farmers have to make.
On one hand, the actions of those who have come before us have worked to remain profitable, otherwise the operation would not exist in today’s market. It is important to note that no one has more first-hand experience with the specifics of farming in your area or your operation than the growers who have managed that operation for years. Do not take their advice for granted.
On the other hand, technology and innovation are constantly progressing in the ag industry, increasing yield and making inputs go further. Whether you are focused on new precision application techniques and equipment, AI, or emerging products, there always seems to be something new and exciting to try.
Part of our job, through Extension programming, is to try some of these new innovations to help make the decision a little easier when determining whether a product or management tactic could be beneficial. While integrating some of these advancements can ultimately help your bottom line, they may not all be as beneficial to your specific operation.
Ultimately, every operation should evaluate its own needs as they relate to new products or technology, weighing the expected benefits against the cost of implementing those decisions. Specifics of your operation, including acreage, labor force, and logistics, should all be considered when making these decisions.
Proper Inoculation Still Matters
As fertilizer prices increase, one specific management decision that cannot be overlooked, especially as we get into planting season, is proper inoculation.
Inoculants represent the most cost-effective way to provide nitrogen requirements for peanuts. While there are many inoculants to choose from, proper utilization of those products is critical for success, especially on land that has been out of rotation for an extended period. Key guidelines will be listed on the inoculant label as well as in your state’s production guide.
A few key reminders include:
- Utilize a chlorine-free water source, as chlorine can reduce the number of viable bacteria applied to the soil.
- Keep inoculant bladders out of direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Ensure the liquid in-furrow stream reaches the bottom of the furrow rather than the sidewall.
- Disregard any inoculant that has remained in the tank for an extended period.
You only get one chance to ensure proper inoculation, so be sure you do everything in your power to make it successful.
Making Smart Tank-Mix Decisions
Another management decision that will come into play this year is tank mixtures. As fuel prices surge, managing the number of trips across a field will be at the top of everyone’s list.
Most products used in peanuts tank-mix well with one another, although there are a few exceptions. When multiple products, adjuvants, fertility agents, or pesticides are added together in one tank, a whole host of different things can occur. This can increase the risk of crop injury or potentially reduce the efficacy of one, if not several, of the products being applied.
Tank mixing products can certainly be beneficial from a fuel savings standpoint, but growers should carefully consider which products are added together before making each application.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As I am writing this, fuel and fertilizer prices continue to skyrocket, putting extra strain on a production year that looked slim at best. To be successful in 2026, inputs must be utilized efficiently, and the timeliness of these inputs is just as important as the input itself.
I highly encourage you to evaluate the production practices you implement and determine what benefit you receive from those inputs. Incorporating a management decision simply because that is what we have always done could result in reduced yield or increased production costs compared to implementing a different approach.
However, keep in mind that if reducing rates or not utilizing a product causes you to spend more later or creates the need for an additional application, was cutting that expense really worth it?
As always, if there is anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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