GFB News Magazine

Peanut show includes awards & industry updates

by Jennifer Whittaker

Posted on March 4, 2025 6:31 PM

All things related to Georgia peanuts were highlighted at the 48th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference Jan. 16 in Tifton. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) sponsors the one-day event each year. Peanut growers had the opportunity to view products and services of about 90 exhibitors. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational seminar covering production issues.

The day began with an awards breakfast honoring an Outstanding Peanut Farmer from each  GPC district. Congratulations to Martine Phillips, GPC Dist. 1; Billy Senkbeil, GPC Dist. 2; Daniel Johnson, GPC Dist. 3; Wayne Peavy, GPC Dist. 4 & Sauls Partnership, GPC Dist. 5. 

Georgia Farm Bureau congratulates the five peanut growers recognized by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) & Agri Supply as Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year. The GPC started this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see Georgia’s peanut industry continue to be the highest quality.  A grower from each of the GPC Districts is selected each year.  The 2025 recipients are: GPC District 1 -  Martine Phillips of Miller County; District 2 – Billy Senkbeil of Worth County; GPC District 3 – Daniel Johnson of Pierce County; GPC District 4 – Wayne Peavy of Dooly County and GPC District 5 – Sauls Partnership of Randolph County. Pictured from left, GPC Committee Chairman & Dist. 3 Director Joe Boddiford congratulates Martine Phillips, Billy Senkbeil, Daniel Johnson, Wayne Peavy, and representing Sauls Partnership – Frankie Sauls (for her late husband, Billy), Jack Sauls & Jason Sauls. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

National Peanut Board working to increase demand for peanuts

Dena Malsom, National Peanut Board (NPB) vice president of marketing and communications & chief marketing officer, gave an update on the work NPB is doing to promote U.S. peanuts.

“Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested over $48 million in peanut research to make sure the quality of peanuts is something we enjoy eating every day and to help growers increase your yield,” Malsom said. 

To increase demand for peanut products, Malsom said the NPB is focusing its advertising efforts on Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012 who are ages 13-28.

“If you don’t see our marketing efforts it’s because we’re advertising on social media and streaming platforms geared towards Gen Z, which is really focused on health. Peanuts have a beautiful story to tell,” Malsom said. 

The NPB is also working to return peanut products to school menus. Malsom said about 50% of U.S. schools don’t serve peanut products.

“We want schools and colleges to know they can safely serve peanuts despite students with allergies,” Malsom said. “We’re providing operating plans for schools to follow to safely serve peanuts.”

Last fall, the NPB introduced Little Peanut, a toy plushie, to educate parents and healthcare providers that feeding small amounts of peanut foods to infants at the right stage of development – typically around 4 to 6 months of age –  can help prevent children from developing a peanut allergy. Parents can learn more at www.littlepeanut.tips/growing-adventurous-eaters/ .

Georgia Peanut Commission presents awards

During the lunch at the 2025 Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference held Jan. 16 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, the Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals & businesses for their service to the peanut industry & promotion of peanuts.

From left, GPC Chairman Joe Boddiford congratulates the award recipients: Research & Education Award – Dr. Tim Brenneman, UGA professor of peanut disease management; Distinguished Service Award – T.E. Moye Jr., president of the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, who has led the FSIS since August 2011 and previously worked for Georgia Farm Bureau; Media Award – WALB Anchor Karla  Heath-Sands accepting for Jim Wallace, retired WALB-TV anchor; & Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award recipient Ryan Ireland of Turner County. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

Koehler to retire in ’26

GPC Executive Director Don Koehler announced his plans to retire Aug. 1, 2026, at which time he will have served 40 years.

“I love each and every Georgia peanut farmer. You have been my life for 38 and a half years. Koehler said. “I think it’s my obligation to help facilitate a smooth transition.”

The GPC has begun searching for his replacement. 

“We are looking for someone with a huge passion for agriculture, specifically peanuts,” GPC Chairman Joe Boddiford said. “The Georgia Peanut Commission needs someone with great leadership qualities, exceptional communication talents and who is a strong advocate for Georgia’s peanut farmers.”

For details about the position, visit  gapeanuts.com/executivedirector.