Abstract
Abstract The U.S. peanut industry may eliminate the 10% moisture content threshold for purchasing peanuts to facilitate implementing continuous flow drying systems and to increase the efficiency of the postharvest processing system. Equations based on the theoretical definition of wet basis moisture content were proposed to determine the weight of various components in a load of farmers stock peanuts. These equations more accurately describe and account for the distribution of moisture within a load of peanuts. Accurate descriptions of the amount of loose shelled kernels, foreign material, and in-shell peanuts would enable improved tracking of losses during storage. Compared to the current price structure, the proposed equations predict reduced payments to growers no more than $30 per 5-mt load of peanuts. The maximum reduction of $30 occurred if peanuts were delivered and marketed at 30% w.b. moisture content. A reduction of approximately $8.50 would occur for a 5-mt load delivered at 15% moisture content. The cumulative economic impact warrants adjustment of the peanut support price schedule if accurate accounting of moisture is implemented.
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