Planting Into an Unknown Market. Peanut producers are at the point they have to make a decision on planting peanuts. The tomato spotted wilt virus has pushed the majority of peanut plantings into May in recent years. According to Georgia Agricultural Statistics service, peanuts were 3% planted by April 21 as soil moisture levels were mostly adequate. What price producers are planting for is still unknown as the House and Senate Ag Conferees continue to deliberate over the new farm bill proposals. The latest proposals for the peanut title include a $350 (House) or $360 (Senate) per ton loan rate. Debate continues on who pays storage for loan peanuts. Nearly three quarters of the GFA loan pool remain unsold creating a large loss and marketing assessment under the current peanut program. In making the planting decision, producers need to consider what the net market price will be. If handling fees come out of the new loan rate, then the net price could be closer to the $300 - $325 per ton range. An $180 per ton marketing assessment would lower the price for quota to $430 per ton. Thus, producers need to carefully consider their cost of production and yield potential. (Nathan Smith)

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