A Note on the Accuracy and Variability of Grading and Marketing High Moisture Farmer Stock Peanuts

Abstract

Abstract Previous research has shown that the farmer stock grade, lot weight, and market value could be accurately determined at kernel moisture contents greater than 10.5% without negative impact on either the producer or purchaser. In the 1998 and 1999 crop years, 686 farmer stock lots consisting of runner, Virginia, and Spanish types were graded and weighed at high moisture content (HMC), cured, and graded and weighed at low moisture content (LMC). The results indicated that LMC grade, lot weight, and lot value could be accurately predicted from HMC grade, lot weight, and lot value for individual farmer stock lots. However, the research did not address variability between HMC and LMC grade, weight, and values. In crop year 2001, a study was conducted in Georgia on runner-type peanuts to address variability in HMC and LMC grade, weight, and values. As farmer stock lots entered the buying point each lot was graded and weighed six times at HMC. The prediction equations estimated from the 1998 and 1999 studies were applied to the HMC values to obtain predicted grades, lot weights, and lot values. The lot was cured and graded and weighed six times at LMC and compared to the six predicted grades, lot weights, and lots values. Thirty-two farmer stock lots were included in the study. There were no significant differences in mean grade, lot weight, or lot value between the predicted and actual LMC values. Sound mature kernels and sound splits (SMKSS) differed by 0.07%. Mean lot weight differed by 7.7 kg (0.13%). Mean lot value differed by $20.11 (0.53%). Variability between predicted and actual SMKSS, lot weight, and lot value was not significantly different.