“Opportunities in Change” is the theme, Sandestin Resort is the place, and July 19-21 are the dates for the 20th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference.

The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament, as well as a fun beach location on the beautiful Gulf Coast. The conference is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, which consists of peanut growers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.

This year’s conference will focus on growth opportunities and changes within the peanut industry. General sessions on Friday will 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 2018 farm bill will be in the spotlight Saturday morning, with House Agriculture Committee member Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), and a question and answer session with Bob Redding, representative for the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation in Washington, D.C.

Registration is now open for the conference, July 19-21, at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida. 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 southernpeanutfarmers.org.

Once again, ZimmComm will be producing the SPGC conference blog, as we have done every year since 2008.