In fall 2017, Florida peanut farmers and University of Florida Extension agents reported an unprecedented sudden decline of peanut fields in north-central Florida prior to harvest. Pictures were taken by farmers and Extension agents to document the event. This is what it looked like.

Many theories as to why this happened have been proposed by Extension peanut specialists across the Southeast, who in December met to discuss the problem. At this time, it is unclear what happened exactly, or no one specific reason has been determined, yet. Specialists plan to test theories this growing season to better pinpoint answers. Growers are encouraged to continue to use best management Extension recommended practices in 2018.

Special Southeast Farm Press thanks goes to Mace Bauer, UF Extension agent in Columbia County, Fla., for providing these pictures he took in and around Florida’s Suwannee River Valley.