The record high yields achieved by Mississippi peanut growers in 2012 were reflected in winning entries in the yield competition sponsored by the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association, says Malcolm Broome, the organization’s executive director.

Winners were announced at the MPGA annual meeting at Hattiesburg.

“Our state averaged 4,400 lbs. on about 48,000 acres,” Broome says,” and the crop across the U.S. “was the best in our nation’s history.”

Mississippi, which led the nation in average yield in 2011, dropped to second place in 2012, he says. “Georgia edged us out of first pace with a 4,550 lb. average.

“But Mississippi growers produced an outstanding crop, which was all the more impressive considering the large number of new growers. Almost all of our winning entries had yields in excess of 5,000 lbs., and one topped 6,000 lbs.”

In the 100-400 acres category, James K. McDuffie III, Lucedale, won first place with a yield of 5,945.39 lbs. per acre on 301.4 acres; Blantonia Farms, Lorman, was second with a yield of 5,910.58 lbs. per acre on 330 acres; and Rodgers Planting Company, Clarksdale, was third with a yield of 5,377.46 lbs. per acre on 315.9 acres.

In the 401-800 acres category, Triple D Planting Company, Lexington, won first place with a yield of 6,064.97 lbs. per acre on 687.1 acres; Rock Lake Planting Company, Port Gibson, was second with a yield of 5,529.45 lbs. per acre on 525.7 acres; and Westbank Farms, Durant, was third with a yield of 5,268.89 lbs. per acre on 566.7 acres.

In the 801-plus acres category, M&M Farms, Hattiesburg, was first place winner with 5,660.71 lbs. per acre on 1,243.8 acres; Red Oaks Farm, Richton, was second place winner with 5,620.02 lbs. per acre on 862.5 acres; and Seward Farms, Lucedale, was third place winner with 4,661.94 lbs. on 1,619.3 acres.