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Farmers tour Birdsong Peanuts Twenty-one Early County Young Farmer peanut producers were given the privilege of touring the Birdsong Peanut facilities in Blakely Dec. 11. Lea Jean Manry, administrative assistant at Blakely Birdsong, was instrumental in putting together the informative tour. The tour was composed of two phases. The first phase of the tour took place in the conference room in which farmers were given information about the consumer products made from locally grown peanuts and the strict standards for quality that have been set forth by industry. The second phase of the tour consisted of a guided tour of the shelling plant and cold storage facilities. Steve Kilcrease, quality control manager for Birdsong, talked about the various products that are made from peanuts and some of the strict guidelines set forth by companies such as Nestle's. John Trawick, who is in control of all peanut warehousing, informed producers on the way peanuts are handled and segregated by quality once they reach the mill from the farm. Warehoused peanuts are strictly monitored to insure quality is maintained before they are shelled and processed. The second phase of the tour was conducted by Bill Bruner. Bill is the manager in charge of the shelling plant and cold storage facility here in Blakely. Bill conducted a step-by-step tour of the shelling plant explaining how each part of the shelling process is done and the quality control practices used to maintain quality. Joe King, a local farmer, said, "I have been growing peanuts all of my life and I have never been through the shelling plant before." King also said, "I never knew there was so much involved in the shelling process to assure a quality peanut." Bruner stressed to the farmers that it is very important that farmers are careful not to get foreign objects and other food sources such as corn or pecans in their peanut trailers before bringing their peanuts to mill. Farmers were able to see first-hand how important it is to deliver a quality peanut to their local buying points. All of those attending the tour left with a better appreciation for the complex process of delivering a quality, safe product to the American consumer.
The Young Farmer program is an agricultural education and leadership program that is open to all adults interested in agriculture. For more information contact Larry Worsley at 229-724-8206.
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