Bob Kemerait, Extension specialist with the University of Georgia (UGA) in plant pathology and chairman of the Georgia Peanut Tour is excited for the kick-off of the 28th Annual Peanut Tour in the East Georgia area. He is especially proud of Georgia’s peanut production and the growers who produce such excellent peanuts – the best in the world. The tour initially started to try to bring education of the peanut industry to the state of Georgia, which produces nearly half of all peanuts in the U.S. The tour is a great opportunity for anyone interested or associated with peanut industry to come and learn more about the industry in Georgia and receive an up close look at the industry. Attendees will be able to visit growers’ fields and learn more about the practices and management of pests, diseases and weeds. Participants will be able to see digging and harvest of peanuts while on the field visits. Attendees will also tour Birdsong Ogeechee Peanut Buying Point to learn more about the grading process. According to Kemerait, the tour group is also going to visit the Port of Savannah and learn more about the peanut export market. Research based information is critical for growers so tour attendees will be visiting the Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center in Midville. Individuals not able to attend the tour, can follow along at www.georgiapeanuttour.com.
