The 20th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 19-21, 2018, at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida. The conference is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, which includes peanut growers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Opportunities in Change,” plans to focus on growth opportunities and changes within the peanut industry. General sessions on Friday plan to provide an update on promotional activities within the peanut industry, opportunities and challenges facing rural areas along with a question and answer session with a panel of researchers. During the luncheon on Friday, Donald J. Leo, dean of the University of Georgia College of Engineering, will be the keynote speaker.
The opening night dinner will feature entertainment from Dennis Watkins, a third-generation magician and mentalist. The speaker during the Prayer Breakfast on Friday morning is Thomas Kinchen, president of the Baptist College of Florida. During the Saturday morning breakfast, Farm Press will recognize three farmers with the Peanut Efficiency Awards.
During the Saturday morning session at 9:00 a.m., the keynote address will be brought by U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Following Rep. Dunn’s presentation, Bob Redding, representative for the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, will lead a question and answer session with commodity leaders regarding policy and the 2018 Farm Bill.
There are a number of activities for families at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort ranging from relaxation to recreation. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort offers 7.5 miles of sugar white beaches, a spa, golf courses, tennis courts, five-acre Jolee Island Nature Park, 18 swimming pools, putt putt and a variety of activities at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from shopping to an adventure zone.
The registration fee for growers is $145 which includes all conference events and meals. The registration deadline is June 30. The registration fee increases by $50 on July 1. To register and view the conference schedule visit the Southern Peanut Growers Conference website southernpeanutfarmers.org.