The Peanut Podcast

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 Caro...

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 navig...

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 th...

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 o...

Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine. The country has also recently established itself as the top export market for U.S. peanuts. In this episode, we explore the work the American Peanut Council has done to nurture this market, the popularity and uses of the peanut in Mexico (and the potential for peanut butter) and what characteristics of peanuts matter to Mexican buyers and cons...

Peanut production in the US is skyrocketing. Ten years ago, US peanut farmers produced a two-million-ton crop. Today it’s three million. In ten more years, it will likely be four million. Putting future peanut crops to good use will take innovative approaches and requires attention now to set farmers and the industry up for success. In this episode, we’ll learn about promising areas of innovation—like peanuts’ benefits for poultry ...

Whether today’s farmers come from a multi-generational line of growers or they're the first generation to be called to agriculture, those paths are filled with twists and turns, challenges, redemption and kindness. In this episode, we’re sharing compelling stories from the peanut grower community that open up new opportunities, possibilities and appreciation in agriculture. Featured peanut farmer guests on this episode are Kar...

Description: PB&Js have been a school lunch staple for generations—and at most schools they still are. The star ingredient, peanut butter, is nutritious, affordable, shelf stable and tasty. But food allergy concerns are a barrier to schools using more peanuts. Tapping into our recent Summer School Nutrition Summit, we’ll discuss the latest trends, what's on the minds of school nutrition leaders and how schools can serve pe...

 Farmers put their livelihoods on the line with each crop they plant, tend to and harvest. Now imagine 40% of that crop going into the trash instead of feeding hungry people. That’s the unfortunate situation we’re in with food waste in the US. But there’s a push from multiple sectors to get the most out of every ounce of nutritious food American farmers grow. We’ll explore the issue of food waste and how peanuts are part of the sol...

With the few months of 2023 behind us, it’s time to look into what’s working and what’s on the horizon in marketing. Are Gen Z and millennials still the darlings of marketing? How are brands and organizations reaching them, and what can the peanut industry learn? How do exports play into marketing trends? We’ll find these answers with perspectives from Caroline Coyle from Golin, Radhika Murari from OmMade peanut butter, Shelly Nutt...

 It’s a hot time for health. For the first time in almost 30 years, the FDA is planning to update its definition of healthy. In the nutrition community, there’s a movement to consider more factors, like age, lifestyle and culture, when recommending food choices. Consumers are considering health more holistically—not just as the food we eat but also our physical and mental wellbeing. We’ll explore how our thinking about “healthy” ha...

 Peanut oil may be best known as the oil of choice for frying that delicious Thanksgiving turkey or the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich. But changes in the marketplace, climate and economy are leading industry stakeholders to explore the possibility and opportunity of producing more peanut oil in the U.S. In this episode, we talk with National Peanut Board President & CEO Bob Parker, Texas A&M researcher Dr. John Cason and Exe...

George Washington Carver is known as the father of the peanut industry. He brought a new understanding of sustainable agriculture to the Southern U.S. to help farmers support their families and have a better life. In this episode, we go beyond the basics and explore Carver as a dynamic person who was a scientist, educator, artist, humanitarian and inspiration. This episode includes perspectives from Curtis Gregory from the George W...

Show Notes: 

For resources mentioned in the show: 

·       AgriSafe Resource Page 

·       National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

For more resources on mental health:

·       MentalHealth.gov 

·       Suicide Prevention Resource Center

·       National Alliance on Mental Illness

Sources:

·       Maintaining Mental Health During the Holiday Season (And A Pandemic)

·       The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on Ag...

Show Notes:  

To learn more about Virginia Carolinas Peanut Promotions, click here. 

 For more info on peanuts during the holidays:  

• The Ultimate Halloween Guide for Peanut & PB Lovers 
• Peanut Butter Lover’s Guide to the Holidays 
• 5 Gifts for Peanut Butter Lovers 
• 9 Gifts for the Peanut/Peanut Butter Lover in Your Life 
• 3 DIY Holiday Décor Ideas with Peanuts  
• Budget Friendly, DIY Holiday Décor with Peanuts  

For some delici...

Show Notes: 

To learn more about the organizations mentioned on today’s podcast: 

·       Project Peanut Butter

·       Peanut Butter for the Hungry

·       Peanut Proud 

·       Edesia 

To learn more about peanuts humanitarian relief and aid: 

·       Stock the Shelves with Peanut Butter at Your Local Food Bank this Summer

·       Here's a Unique and Fun Way to Help Your Local Food Bank

·       Journey of a Peanut Butter Jar: Fightin...

Most of us know the basics of how peanuts grow—and that there’s no such thing as a peanut tree! But unless you’ve been able to spend a good amount of time with peanut growers across the U.S., you may not know much about the different challenges and practices growers face throughout the Peanut Belt. Diverse soil types, equipment, diseases, weather and more can impact peanut production. 

Show Notes:  

To learn more about prod...