A Warren County farmer has ventured into the world of peanuts this growing season, and he’s expecting a good crop at a good price.

By the numbers

Peanuts in Mississippi:

• 2005 — 15,000 acres planted, 44,800 pounds produced.

• 2006 — 17,000 planted, 46,400 produced.

• 2007 — 19,000 planted, 59,400 produced.

• 2008 — 22,00 planted, 81,900 produced.

• 2009 — 20,000 planted, 66,500 projected to be produced.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service

First-time peanut farmer Edward Mahalitc and his family have planted 97 acres in a field off of Bovina Cut-off Road.

“I wanted to try another market,” he said. “So far, I’m pleased.”

He’s testing the waters after recommendations from another farmer who did well with the crop last year.

“There’s good ground for peanuts here — the sandier-type of soil,” said Mahalitc, who also has 600 acres of corn in Warren County.

“I’ve had some guidance from other farmers in the area,” he said. “They’ve given me advice on weed controls and other things when I have questions.”

Unlike other crops, peanuts require crop-specific equipment, including an inverter, which takes the peanuts out of the ground, and a combine, which scoops up the peanuts once dried.

Mahalitc plans a harvest at the end of this month. His peanuts will be used to make peanut butter and candy bar fillings.

Josh Miller, the governor-appointed vice chairman and Delta representative of the Mississippi Peanut Promotional Board, says national peanut butter sales increased 27 percent in June, compared to the same time last year.

“During a recession or in bad economic times, people tend to buy more peanut butter because of its protein and price,” Miller said.

Peanut prices are projected to be between $355 to $400 per ton at harvest, and that’s what attracted Mahalitc to the crop.

Miller, who planted 150 acres at Tara Wildlife and 385 acres in Yazoo and Sharkey counties, said, “It’s the only crop I’ve made money on in the last three years. I’ve been planting peanuts for five years, and it’s more profitable than anything I’ve planted. It’s going good right now.”

The MPPB was established in 2007 to promote the peanut industry in Mississippi. Funded by a portion of peanut growers’s sales, the six-member committee uses the funds to research ways to improve the crop.

Historically, peanuts have been grown in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with Georgia as leading producer. But, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of peanut acres in Mississippi has been on a steady rise since 2005.

That year, 15,000 acres were planted, producing 44,800 pounds. In 2006, 17,000 acres were planted, producing 46,400 pounds. In 2007, 19,000 acres were planted, producing 59,400 pounds. In 2008, 22,000, acres were planted, producing 81,900 pounds. This year, the number declined to 20,000 acres, with a projected yield of 66,500 pounds.

“I plan on planting it again next year, maybe with more acreage, if the price gets better,” Mahalitc said. “You got to get your feet wet first.”

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com