The Peanut Podcast

National Peanut Board

The Peanut Podcast, created by the National Peanut Board, delves into issues that are important to peanut growers and the industry. Join NPB staff hosts Lauren Highfill Williams and Ashton Pellom as they explore hot topics and future trends impacting the industry, including agriculture, sustainability, nutrition, allergies, culture, consumers and more.

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Episodes

Sharing the Farm Story
4d ago
Sharing the Farm Story
In “Sharing the Farm Story”, National Peanut Board co-hosts Lauren Highfill Williams and Ashton Pellom takes listeners on a thrilling ride into the realities of farming, debunking food myths, discussing sustainability, and exploring what keeps farmers passionate about their work.  Featuring insights from Tara Vander Dussen, Randy the Peanut Farmer, and Abram Martens, this episode is a powerful reminder that the food we enjoy every day comes from hardworking individuals who care deeply about their land, crops, and communities.  Social media has made food trends more accessible than ever, but with that accessibility comes a wave of misinformation. Dairy farmer and agricultural advocate Tara Vander Dussen has seen firsthand how viral food influencers can create confusion about what’s actually in our food and more importantly, how it’s produced.    Tara’s mission? To clear the air. She believes that when consumers understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced, they feel more confident in their choices. Instead of listening to misleading claims, she encourages people to turn to real farmers for answers.  For Tara, farming isn’t just a profession, it’s her way of life. Living just steps from her dairy barn, she shared how her daily routine remains consistent, year-round, to keep her animals healthy and well cared for.  Her story is a testament to the deep connection farmers have with their work, there’s no separation between their livelihood and their personal lives. The commitment to caring for their animals and land is a 24/7 responsibility, not just a job they clock into.  Switching gears to peanut farming, Randy the Peanut Farmer reminded us that agriculture isn’t just about growing food, it’s about preserving a way of life and inspiring the next generation. But with the average age of farmers creeping higher, there’s growing concern about who will take up the mantle.  But despite the challenges, Randy remains hopeful. He believes social media can play a role in making farming look fun and inspiring future generations to consider agriculture as a career.  While passion keeps farmers going, sustainability is what will keep agriculture thriving for future generations. Abram Martens, a peanut farmer with a strong focus on soil health and conservation, emphasized the importance of taking care of the land.  Abram highlighted the ways peanut farmers are using new technologies and conservation techniques to improve efficiency while reducing their environmental impact.  This episode is a powerful reminder that agriculture is more than just an industry, it’s a deeply personal, passionate, and evolving field. Whether it’s Tara fighting food misinformation, Randy encouraging young people to farm, or Abram leading the charge in sustainability, one thing is clear: farmers are committed to feeding the world while preserving the land for future generations.  So the next time you pick up a jar of peanut butter or pour a glass of milk, remember the stories behind your food. And if you’re curious about how it all comes together, don’t believe everything you see on social media, ask a farmer instead! Catch the full episode of The Peanut Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts! 🎙🥜
How AI is Revolutionizing Farming: Insights from The Peanut Podcast
Dec 11 2024
How AI is Revolutionizing Farming: Insights from The Peanut Podcast
In this enlightening episode of the National Peanut Board’s The Peanut Podcast, hosts Ashton Pellom and Lauren Highfill Williams explore the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and agriculture, with a particular focus on how AI could impact the peanut industry. Joining them are two experts in the field: Alina Piddubna, Delivery Director at Intellis, and Dr. Simer Virk, Associate Professor at Auburn University, who share real-world insights into AI's potential to effect farming practices.Alina sets the stage by demystifying AI, emphasizing its practical applications over the "magic" many associate with it. “AI is about empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions,” she explains, citing examples like personalized crop recommendations and IoT sensors that track soil and moisture conditions. These tools, Alina says, help reduce losses and increase yields by providing actionable insights tailored to specific farms. Her message is clear: the key to AI's success lies in building trust and infrastructure to make these technologies accessible.Dr. Simer Virk complements Alina's insights with hands-on examples of AI applications in precision agriculture. One standout? A mobile app called Weed ID, which uses AI to identify weeds through your phone's camera. “It’s like having a personal plant detective in your pocket,” Simer quips, adding that similar technologies could one day be adapted to peanut farming. He also highlights projects like using drones for targeted spraying and developing systems to reduce peanut harvesting losses.The episode also dives into the challenges of implementing AI in agriculture, from navigating strict regulations to overcoming farmers’ hesitancy to adopt new technologies. Both guests stress the importance of experimentation, urging farmers to start small and see the benefits firsthand. “Big hugs to those brave enough to experiment with modern technology,” says Alina, encouraging listeners to take the leap into innovation.With its blend of expert insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of agriculture. Whether you’re a farmer, tech enthusiastor peanut aficionado, The Peanut Podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into how AI is reshaping the fields—one byte (or bite!) at a time.
Peanuts in Schools
Jul 24 2023
Peanuts in Schools
Description: PB&Js have been a school lunch staple for generations—and at most schools they still are. The star ingredient, peanut butter, is nutritious, affordable, shelf stable and tasty. But food allergy concerns are a barrier to schools using more peanuts. Tapping into our recent Summer School Nutrition Summit, we’ll discuss the latest trends, what's on the minds of school nutrition leaders and how schools can serve peanuts while keeping students with allergies safe. We’ll hear from Amy Carroll of Lee County, FL Schools whose district brought peanut butter back to the menu after almost 20 years, Marlon Gordon of Nxt Gen Network, child nutrition chef Rebecca Polson, Leslie Wagner of Southern Peanut Growers and Texas peanut grower Lexi Floyd. For more resources on Peanuts in Schools: PeanutsinSchools.org Bringing Back the Peanut: Peanut Allergy Community Guide  https://peanutbutterlovers.com/about-spg/   National Peanut Board School Recipes  Instead of Peanut Free Be Allergen Aware Guidelines on Managing Food Allergies in Schools School Nutrition Association Food Allergy Resource Center  For articles on peanuts in schools: School Nutrition Pros Now Have a Peanut Power Toolkit  Plan, Don’t Ban article from School Nutrition Magazine How to be Fearless About Food Allergies in Schools Making School Breakfast Cool (and Safer): Adopting Top Trends & Managing Food Allergens  Peanuts in Schools: How Peanuts Can Help Meet Today’s Challenges and Why They Belong on K-12 Menus  How Peanuts can fit in School Nutrition  Making Healthy Choices in the School Lunch Line  School Recipes that Deliver on Taste and Nutrition  Sources: Wang J., B. T. (2018). The Allergist's Role in Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Management in the School and Childcare Setting. JACI-In Practice, 427-435.  CDC: Managing Food Allergies in School
Using Peanuts to Reduce Food Waste
May 31 2023
Using Peanuts to Reduce Food Waste
Farmers put their livelihoods on the line with each crop they plant, tend to and harvest. Now imagine 40% of that crop going into the trash instead of feeding hungry people. That’s the unfortunate situation we’re in with food waste in the US. But there’s a push from multiple sectors to get the most out of every ounce of nutritious food American farmers grow. We’ll explore the issue of food waste and how peanuts are part of the solution on the farm and on the plate through conversations with Valeri Lea of Sherman Moritz, Daniel Kurzrock of Upcycled Foods, Joanne Gendrano of Unilever Food Solutions and Alabama peanut farmer Thomas Adams.Show Notes: To learn more about food waste and what we’ve talked about on today’s episode:Upcycled Foods Inc.: upcycledfoods.com USDA Food Waste FAQ’s: usda.gov 5 Tips to Go Further with Food: Reduce Food Waste: 5 Tips 3 Creative Ideas to Tackle Food Waste: 3 Creative Ideas Naming Matters: Prompting Smaller Portions in an Online RCT: ajpmonline.org To learn more about peanuts and sustainability: Peanuts and Sustainability FAQs: FAQ The Peanut Podcast Episode 2: The New Frontier of Sustainability: Episode 2 Sustainable Snack Swaps: Snack SwapsEven Mother Earth Loves Peanuts: Mother Earth 3 Fast Facts About Peanuts and the Environment: Fast Facts Peanuts Are the Crop of Now: Crop of Now Plastic Straws and Peanut Seeds: Think Small for Big Impact: Straws & Seeds New Data Confirms Peanuts are More Water Efficient Than Ever: Peanuts and water  Sources:Feeding America – Food Waste and Food Rescue: feedingamerica.org Feed The Future’s Commitment to Reducing Food Loss and Waste: feedingamerica.org Datassential – 2022 Trends Part I | 01.06.22: datassential.com EPA – 2019 Wasted Food Report: epa.gov Whole Foods Market Forecasts Top 10 Food Trends for 2021: media.wholefoodsmarket.com7 Food Waste Statistics Every Chef Should Know: blog.cambro.com
"Healthy: Who Defines it Anyway?
Mar 28 2023
"Healthy: Who Defines it Anyway?
It’s a hot time for health. For the first time in almost 30 years, the FDA is planning to update its definition of healthy. In the nutrition community, there’s a movement to consider more factors, like age, lifestyle and culture, when recommending food choices. Consumers are considering health more holistically—not just as the food we eat but also our physical and mental wellbeing. We’ll explore how our thinking about “healthy” has evolved and what it means for peanuts and peanut butter through conversations with NPB dietitians Markita Lewis, Sherry Coleman Collins and foodservice dietitian Ann Dunaway Teh.  Show Notes:  Plan It, Don’t Ban It: https://schoolnutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MA23-Main4.pdf   To learn more about the FDA’s Rule Change: A Fresh Take on What “Healthy” Means on Food Packages  Use of the Term Healthy on Food Labeling   To learn more about how peanuts can fit in a healthy lifestyle:  Peanut Nutrition 101  All About Heart Health  Why Peanut Fit in Your Healthy Diet  Fight Hunger with Powerful Nutrition  Any Exercise is Better Than Nothing: The Power of a Little Movement  What Does Being "Healthy" Mean?  Snacking on Peanuts Everyday linked to Lower Risk of Stoke, Other Diseases, Study Show  Magnificent Magnesium  The Scoop on Hydrogenated Fat in Peanut Butter  The Peanut Institute   Sources: Shake-Up in the Diet Industry: Washington Post Article  Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Equity: https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/healthequity/index.html  Peanut Nutrition 101: NPB: peanut-nutrition.htm KF Provkök launches the idea of basic food: https://web.archive.org/web/20110929023533/http://www.coop.se/Globala-sidor/OmKF/Kooperativ-samverkan/Var-historia1/Tidslinjen/1960-19901/1973/KF-Provkok-lanserar-iden-om-basmat/