Moisture, Low Row-Crop Prices Prompt Possible Record Texas Peanut Production

By Kay Ledbetter

Summer rains and a competitive market that outpaced other commodities could result in record-breaking Texas peanut production, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists.

“Starting in May through the end of planting, we had good rainfall across much of Texas,” said Emi Kimura, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide peanut specialist, agronomist and associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Vernon. “Then the growing season in June and July saw more beneficial moisture – something that hasn’t happened the past few years.”

Pancho Abello, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural economist and assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, said in addition to good growing conditions, prices for other commodities were lower, and peanuts offered higher profitability potential for some producers.

 “Every other option in terms of commodities was not as competitive as peanuts, so we have seen more producers shifting acreage this year,” Abello said. “We are expecting a record-breaking production.”