Virginia’s 2014 Peanut Yield Sets National Record

2014 was a record-setting year for Virginia peanut growers, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

The Commonwealth broke national records with a yield of 4,350 pounds per acre, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Growers credit these extremely high yields to improved seed varieties, longer rotations and good growing conditions. The 2014 national average was a yield of 3,932 pounds per acre.   

“In addition to being a delicious and nutritious snack, peanuts are important to Virginia’s diverse agriculture industry,” said Sandra J. Adams, VDACS commissioner.

 According to the National Peanut Board, peanuts are grown commercially in 15 U.S. states. The Commonwealth is known for producing the large, premium Virginia type, which is prized for its exceptional taste, texture and size. Virginia boasts the ideal climate and soil conditions for peanut production in the southeastern part of the state, including Dinwiddie, Greensville, Isle of Wight, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex Counties and the City of Suffolk. 

While peanut farms are concentrated in Southeastern Virginia, specialty food companies across the state produce peanut-based food and confectionary items, including gourmet Virginia peanuts, in-shell peanuts, flavored peanuts, and peanut butter, candies and snack foods. More than 30 of these companies have earned inclusion in the Virginia’s Finest trademark program.  

The Commonwealth is home to approximately 175 peanut growers. According to USDA NASS data, Virginia peanut growers harvested 19,000 acres with more than 82 million pounds of production in 2014. The Virginia peanut industry ranks 16th out of Virginia’s top 20 agricultural commodities in terms of cash receipts.  

The Commonwealth’s top peanut producers were Walter F. Drake Jr. and his sons, Matt and Jason, from Southampton County. In 2014, Drake Farms yielded 6,058 pounds per acre on 119 acres.