By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor
Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas Peanut Producers will unveil a new precision peanut sheller later this month at AgriLife’s Research and Extension Center in Vernon.
The one-ton-per-hour sheller is one of the first in the nation designed specifically for seed production. It is also capable of processing identity-preserved peanuts, which Dr. Rick Vierling, director of the Vernon Research and Extension Center, noted will aid the Texas peanut industry in producing quality seed varieties and increase marketability.
“Texas A&M AgriLife’s investment in the sheller is a commitment to Texas peanut producers, the peanut industry, food companies and consumers,” he said.
Lots as small as 250 pounds can be processed by the new machinery, and split-seed losses will be reduced to less than 10%, thanks to its design.
There will also be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this innovative contribution to peanut research and development. Vice Chancellor of AgriLife Dr. Patrick Stover, National Peanut Board President and CEO Bob Parker, Texas Peanut Producers Board Chair Grayson Wilmeth, AgriLife Research lead peanut breeder Dr. John Cason and Texas Peanut Producers Board Executive Director Shelly Nutt will deliver remarks that day.
“The Texas Peanut Producers Board has invested a lot of money into breeding peanuts suitable for Texas’ growing conditions, but we’ve had a difficult time with our releases because of contamination,” Nutt said. “Having a shelling facility dedicated to preserving quality and seed integrity will solve the contamination problem we’ve had in the past. This will create a better environment for our peanut farmers to grow more and better varieties and for our shellers as they sell seed to be planted that isn’t contaminated with multiple varieties and types of seed.”
Texas, the fourth-largest peanut producer in the nation, carries the distinction of being the only state to grow all four peanut varieties, as well as organic peanuts.
Texas peanut farmers planted 170,000 acres this year and 190,000 acres in 2020. Last year’s average yields were 2,800 pounds per acre.
Atascosa, Gaines and Yoakum counties are the top peanut-producing counties in the Lone Star State.
The peanuts are used for peanut candy, peanut butter and peanut snacks, among other uses.