US: Alabama Agricultural Commissioner Rick Pate speaks on 2024 peanut projections

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - After a below average yield in 2023, peanut farmers across Alabama are hoping for a more productive 2024. Dry weather made for a challenging crop but so far this year, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate said things are on pace for at least an average year. “Last year was kind of a struggle for a lot of our farmers, especially in the west side of the state. We had a drought that lasted so long so production was way down,” said Commissioner Pate. “We are hoping to get just an average yield this year and so far, so good.” Even with a proclaimed below average year, the state of Alabama still produced 480 million pounds of peanuts with Houston, Geneva and Henry County being among the top four producers for ...