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Abstract
Excerpts from the report Summary: Peanuts became an important crop in the South following the boll weevil advance across the Cotton Belt. Since peanuts could be sold as a cash crop, hogged-off, or used for hay, they made an excellent replacement crop for cotton. Peanuts were included under Government price-stabilizing programs in the 1930’s. Since that time they have been under some form of Government program almost continuously. The development of mechanized harvesting and drying techniques for peanuts has had a major impact on the peanut marketing system. More rapid movement of peanuts from farm to market has reduced loss due to insects, rodents, mold, and weather damage. This has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of farmers' stock peanuts. In addition, the marketing system has had to adapt its operations to the new technology by providing adequate bulk-storage facilities in some areas. During the last decade, many new farmers' stock storage structures have been built that are especially designed to handle bulk peanuts. Continued increase in per capita consumption of peanuts is expected; but it will be necessary for the industry to take positive action in product development, quality improvement, and merchandising and promotional activities to bring this about.