Dr. Marshall Lamb, senior scientist, National Peanut Research Laboratory, Dawson, Ga., will open the annual Oklahoma Peanut Expo and Conference March 23 in Altus, Okla., with a market update.

Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural economist Larry Sanders will look at agriculture policy and potential effects on the peanut industry.

Registration and exhibit visitation begin at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting convenes at 9:50 with a welcome from Ron Sholar, executive director, Oklahoma Peanut Commission, who will moderate the conference.

Wrap up is scheduled for 2:30.

Ryan Lepicier, senior vice president, marketing and communications, for the National Peanut Board (NPB), and Les Crall, NPB Oklahoma representative, will report on NPB activities.

Producers also will hear updates on  the latest research and production practices, including: disease management by Dr. John Damicone, OSU Extension plant pathologist, Stillwater; best management practices for peanuts, Jason Woodward, professor and Extension pathologist, Texas A&M AgriLife, Lubbock, Texas; weed management, Dr. Todd Baughman, OSU Extension weed specialist, Ardmore, Okla.; peanut variety trials, Dr. Kelly Chamberlin, USDA-ARS, Stillwater; disease evaluations for advanced breeding lines, Dr. Rebecca Bennett, USDA-ARS, Stillwater.

Following the educational sessions, Oklahoma Peanut Commission District 2 will hold an election caucus. District 2 includes all counties in Southeast Oklahoma.