212 Million Peanut Butter Sandwiches: Escambia Peanut Harvest Underway

September 26, 2014

The peanut harvest is underway in Escambia County.

According to the Farm Service Agency, there were 7,062 acres of peanuts planted this season in Escambia County — about enough to make 212 million peanut butter sandwiches.

The current prices to the farmer is about $425 per ton. “That is not nearly where farmers would like it to be,” said Libbie Johnson, Escambia County extension agent.

Chad Helton, manager of Tri County Peanut near Huxford, AL, said the quality of this year’s crop has been good so far. He said a few peanuts did not grade well due to unfavorable conditions, and yields are variable because some farmers needed more than than they received.

After a dry period, Johnson said farmers a looking forward to some rain this weekend to make it easier to dig their peanuts.

The peanut harvest, along with the upcoming cotton harvest, also means an increase in the amount of large farm machinery on the roadways.

“I’d also like to remind those driving in North Escambia to be ever mindful of our farmers moving equipment on the roads.  Please be patient and cautious.  Maneuvering farm equipment is no easy feat,” Johnson said.

Pictured: Peanuts being harvested near Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “212 Million Peanut Butter Sandwiches: Escambia Peanut Harvest Underway”

  1. bewildered on September 30th, 2014 11:07 am

    22 pennies per pound???? Where do you shop? I always freeze peanuts to boil during the winter months, but I have been paying a lot more per pound.

  2. David Huie Green on September 27th, 2014 10:10 am

    Less than 22 pennies per pound. Peanuts are wunnerful.

  3. deBugger on September 26th, 2014 10:21 pm

    Great Headline.

    Love the Farmers.

  4. anne on September 26th, 2014 8:55 am

    Thank you to the peanut farmers!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News