SALES OF CLINT WILLIAMS COMPANY BUYING POINTS – Texoma Peanut Company (dba Clint Williams Company), in Madill, OK sold its Madill facilities to Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts November 4, 2014. Texoma will continue to operate the facility under lease from Golden Peanut and Tree Nut. Texoma has solicited offers for the sale of substantially all of its remaining assets on a going-concern basis under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
The company had multiple peanut buying point locations geographically centered in key peanut growing regions from Texas and Oklahoma, to Mississippi and Arkansas. Texoma Peanut’s buying points provide access to over 120,000 tons of farmer stock annually. Texoma and its secured lenders have determined that the best solution for Texoma and all of its creditors is to offer the company for sale on a going-concern basis. The Auction was held in December and here are the results:
BIRDSONG: Greenwood, Mississippi – buying point and equipment
SEVERN PEANUT COMPANY: Levelland, Texas – buying point, Plains, Texas – buying point, Meadow, Texas – warehousing point
BERGEN FARMS: Welch, Texas – buying point
GOLDEN PEANUT COMPANY: Clarksdale, Mississippi – buying point and equipment, Calvin, Oklahoma – buying point, Whitesboro, Texas – warehousing point, Willow and Altus, Oklahoma – buying points, Quail and Clarendon, Texas – buying points, Vernon and Rochester, Texas – buying points
AMERICAN PEANUT COUNCIL COORDINATES CONTRACTORS TO SELL MORE U.S. PEANUTS – APC contractors work hard to sell U.S. Peanuts internationally. Contractors that work on peanuts in export markets attended the APC winter conference and introduced themselves and their work at the export board meeting. The contractors are hired with funds from the USDA’s Market Access Program that APC manages on behalf of the industry.
In Mexico, APC contracts with Grupo PM. Bettyno Moreno and Armando Magallanes attended the meeting in Washington as representatives of the agency. They are responsible for working with Mexican manufacturers to encourage them to buy U.S. peanuts as well as managing a public relations program for Mexican consumers that focuses on nutrition and health of peanuts and peanut butter. Mexico is a growing market for U.S. peanuts, reaching nearly $100 million in sales in 2013.
In Canada, APC contracts with Argyle communications for public relations activities to reach consumers and “influencers” such as dieticians and the media with information about the health benefits of peanuts and peanut butter. Canadians love peanuts, and our research shows more than 90% of households have both in their homes. In addition, Brad Brownsey represents the U.S. peanut industry with the trade, working to increase sales of U.S. origin peanuts at retail.
In Europe, Andrew Craig assists APC with nutrition and health media monitoring, and advises on issues that might affect international sales. Allergy is monitored by Jennette Higgs of Food 2 Fit. APC was successful in keeping nuts part of school programs in the UK, a key success. George Smith represents APC with the trade across Europe, and has been focusing on the markets of Norway, Finland and Scandinavia in recent years. Marina Moje represents the industry in Germany. With lower prices and consistent volume, sales to Europe more than doubled between 2012 and 2013 are expected to be high again in 2014.
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR BUYING POINT CONVENTION – Late registration is still open for the National Peanut Buying Points Association Convention Jan 9-10, 2015 in Charleston, S.C. Contact Angela TODAY if you or a company rep would like to attend. Over 210 have registered as of Jan. 1.
Rodney Locke, Convention Chairman, has announced that Jane Jenkins Herlong, former Miss South Carolina, will be the featured speaker at the Prayer Breakfast on January 10. As a Southern Humorist, Jane combines humor, original Southern stories, and her award-winning singing (you may hear a parody or two) with life lessons. Her singing and humor is featured on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora and she is from Johnston, S.C. Larry Cunningham, co-chairman, of the Legislative Committee, has announced the Convention will feature a Great Cash Giveaway reverse raffle on Saturday evening. Tickets are $150 with final drawn tickets winning 3rd from last ticket winning $1,000, 2nd from last ticket winning $2,500 and the final ticket drawn winning $10,000. A few tickets remain and you do not have to be present to win, make check payable to NPBPA PAC (Political Action Committee) (no-corporate checks accepted). Ten lucky number prizes are valued at over $10,000. Call today for your ticket!! 229-386-1716 – Order now, pay later.
GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW – Make plans to attend the 39th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference on January 15 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, GA. The one-day show opens at 8:30 AM with registration for over $40,000 in door-prizes. Entry is free and limited space for exhibitors is available. Also included is the University of Georgia Production Seminars and an industry wide Peanut Seed Seminar. Sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Peanut Team, the event attracts about 2,000 farmers and 100 exhibitors. For info, see www.gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470.