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First ever peanuts planted on Lincoln University’s Carver Farm

DSCN3125For the first time in history, there are peanuts growing on Lincoln University’s George Washington Carver Farm in Jefferson City, Missouri.  Extension specialist Dr. K-P Paul tells Brownfield that new peanut varieties grown successfully in Oklahoma may compensate for the farm’s northerly latitude.  USDA liaison Julius Moody says it’s also an educational experience for Lincoln University students who did the planting.

DSCN3091“And we try to them basic husbandry skills for the peanut, as far as the planting, weed control, insect control and capturing basic information as far as hydration rate and growth rate,” said Moody at the plot on Friday.  “The next objective is to teach them marketing skills.”

The plan, according to Moody, is to have locally grown peanuts for sale at Lincoln’s farmers market, but Moody has a more forward looking goal.

“We want to eventually try to develop a hypoallergenic peanut,” explained Moody.  “Now, that’s a long-term objective, but we want to work toward that.”

Another reason that peanuts were planted is that the farm’s namesake, George Washington Carver, did extensive research work on peanuts during his career.

AUDIO: Julius Moody (7 min. MP3)

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