In this enlightening episode of the National Peanut Board’s The Peanut Podcast, hosts Ashton Pellom and Lauren Highfill Williams explore the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and agriculture, with a particular focus on how AI could impact the peanut industry. Joining them are two experts in the field: Alina Piddubna, Delivery Director at Intellis, and Dr. Simer Virk, Associate Professor at Auburn University, who share real-world insights into AI's potential to effect farming practices.

Alina sets the stage by demystifying AI, emphasizing its practical applications over the "magic" many associate with it. “AI is about empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions,” she explains, citing examples like personalized crop recommendations and IoT sensors that track soil and moisture conditions. These tools, Alina says, help reduce losses and increase yields by providing actionable insights tailored to specific farms. Her message is clear: the key to AI's success lies in building trust and infrastructure to make these technologies accessible.

Dr. Simer Virk complements Alina's insights with hands-on examples of AI applications in precision agriculture. One standout? A mobile app called Weed ID, which uses AI to identify weeds through your phone's camera. “It’s like having a personal plant detective in your pocket,” Simer quips, adding that similar technologies could one day be adapted to peanut farming. He also highlights projects like using drones for targeted spraying and developing systems to reduce peanut harvesting losses.

The episode also dives into the challenges of implementing AI in agriculture, from navigating strict regulations to overcoming farmers’ hesitancy to adopt new technologies. Both guests stress the importance of experimentation, urging farmers to start small and see the benefits firsthand. “Big hugs to those brave enough to experiment with modern technology,” says Alina, encouraging listeners to take the leap into innovation.

With its blend of expert insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of agriculture. Whether you’re a farmer, tech enthusiastor peanut aficionado, The Peanut Podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into how AI is reshaping the fields—one byte (or bite!) at a time.

In the latest episode of The Peanut Podcast, co-hosts Ashton Pellom and Lauren Highfill Williams whisk listeners away on a globetrotting adventure through the captivating history and future of peanuts—think of it as an epic odyssey starring a humble legume! 

From their South American origins to their North American fame, peanuts have traveled far and wide, fueled by pioneers like Dr. Charles Simpson, who embarked on 28 expeditions to uncover wild peanut species that are now the backbone of drought-resistant crops. 

Along the way, we meet Dr. Steve Brown, who shares the inside scoop on the Peanut Genome Initiative, which mapped the peanut genome faster than you can say "buttery goodness." 

And speaking of flavor, Dr. Chris Liebold from J.M. Smucker spills the beans on crafting delicious innovations like Jif's peanut butter chocolate—because nothing says love like a peanut-centric treat. 

Dr. Jeff Dunne wraps up the episode by highlighting how industry funding is like a superfood for research, helping farmers thrive. 

Whether you're a peanut enthusiast or just curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode is a crunchy blend of history, science, and tantalizing future possibilities that will leave you craving more. 

Tune in and discover why peanuts might just be the unsung superheroes of the legume world!

Experiencing flavors from around the world is a priority for many consumers. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in traditional cuisines yet also find their way into new dishes with fresh takes on flavor pairings. Enjoying peanut foods is an easy way to pair familiar foods with the unfamiliar, ultimately allowing for more diverse palettes and opening the door to adventurous eating. Parents are also eager to raise more adventurous eaters. Diversifying a young palette can begin early with starting solids and including peanut foods in their diet. In this episode, we’ll explore exciting ways that consumers, restaurants and new parents are being adventurous with peanuts through interviews with Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat In Color, Amanda Lemein of Golin, and content creator, chef, and cookbook author Jon Kung. 

In the U.S., we call them peanuts, but these tasty legumes are enjoyed in cuisines around the world. In Africa, peanuts go by many names like groundnuts, gerte, and nguba—the origin of the nickname "goober." In this episode, culinary experts and passionate food lovers reveal how peanuts are a key ingredient that connects diverse regions and plays a role in bringing vibrant flavors to African dishes. Explore how exciting, delicious and interconnected African food culture is through the lens of peanuts. We speak with chef Michael Twitty, Nina Oduro of Dine Diaspora, Catherine Karanja of NPB and chef Grace Odogbili. 

With the average American enjoying 7.7 pounds of peanuts a year, our country sure has a thing for peanuts. But we don’t just eat them quietly and call it a day. Nope. Instead, peanuts and peanut butter are loud and proud parts of pop culture. From Peanut Butter Baby to Peanut Butter Jelly Time, these legendary legumes are the stuff of art, movies, songs, sports, celebrity love, beauty, accessories and more. In this episode, we’ll scratch the surface of peanuts omnipresence in pop culture through interviews with jewelry maker Mini Hay Avant and sports dietitian nutritionist Leslie Bonci. 

We’re a quarter of the way through 2024 and exciting things in marketing are already happening. At NPB, we’re launching a long-term creative campaign called We the Peanut and we have a new chief marketing officer on board. Also state groups are finding fresh ways to connect with consumers. In this episode, we’ll delve into 2024 marketing trends and speak with Ginny Lewis of Golin, Dena Malsom of NPB and Ashley Collins of North Carolina Peanut Growers Association.  

As unique as each crop year, every peanut grower has a noteworthy story to tell about their journey to farming and agriculture. Back by popular demand, we’re sharing a second round of our How I Got Here series. In this episode, we hear from Florida peanut farmer Mikaela Massey about her family’s support of her involvement and learning on the farm; Executive Director of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association Caitlin Joyner on navigating to agricultural leadership through Future Farmers of America; and National Peanut Board member from Oklahoma Mark DeLeon on his remarkable journey as a first-generation farmer and youngest of 14. 

Sources

• 2022 Census of Agriculture Highlights: Farm Producers 
• Family-Owned Farms Account for 96% of U.S. Farms, According to the Census of Agriculture Technology Report: Small Family Farms Make Up 88% of All U.S. Farms

The National Peanut Board is in new yet familiar leadership hands. Former senior vice president and chief marketing officer Ryan Lepicier is the new president and CEO of the National Peanut Board as of January 1, 2024. In this episode, Lepicier shares his vision for the future of NPB and his passion for the industry. We talk with guests involved in the hiring process and industry members excited about what Lepicier will bring at the helm of NPB, including NPB Chairman Greg Baltz, Georgia board member Casey Cox Kerr, executive search consultant Garland West, and Crazy Richards owner Kimmi Wernli.

In 2012, the National Peanut Board hired Bob Parker to become the Board’s second president and CEO. Parker grew up on a peanut farm, worked for Golden Peanut Company and had close to 40 years of experience. While some may have initially been hesitant that a former sheller could have the best interests of farmers at heart, Bob’s integrity and strong relationships across sectors showed that he absolutely did. As we approach the end of Bob's 11 year-tenure at NPB, we highlight his key accomplishments and future thoughts, talk to colleagues who have become true friends and share insights into choosing a successor. This episode features interviews with Parker; food allergy advocate Mary Jane Marchisotto; American Peanut Council Vice President and European Marketing Director Louise McKercher; NPB Chairman and Virginia peanut grower Paul Rogers; and executive search consultant Garland West.

Episode 23 of the Peanut Podcast will be released on Tuesday, December 12. This episode is all about celebrating NPB’s success under Bob Parker’s leadership and setting the course for the future of NPB after his retirement at the end of the year.