(L-R) Wes and Andrea Vann and Anita and Marty Tabb Marty Tabb and Wes Vann, of Miller County, were recently honored at Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., along with 10 other Georgia peanut producers and inducted into the 2008 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club for their impressive yields.

Tabb received state honors in Category II (350 - 700 acres), averaging 5,698 pounds per acre on 399 acres, and Vann received state honors in Category III (700+ acres), averaging 5,280 pounds per acre on 850 acres.

The Georgia Peanut Achievement Club is annually coordinated by the University of Georgia and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.

"Syngenta congratulates the 2008 winners on their induction into the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club and is proud to be a part of this program again this year," said Lyle Stewart, district manager for Syngenta Crop Protection.

"Syngenta understands that growers need effective tools to help them produce high-quality peanuts," continued Stewart. "As the first crop protection company to support Peanut Rx™ and offer prescription fungicide spray programs for all levels of disease risk, Syngenta continues to support our peanut growers with proven leadership and effective tools, such as Abound® and TiltBravo™ fungicides. In addition, we are pleased to report that eight of the 12 winners used Abound as part of their fungicide program in 2008."

Tabb, a resident of Colquitt, said "good weather, rotation and planting new disease resistant varieties" all played a key role in his success last season.

Vann, who also resides in Colquitt, credits his high yields to trying a new peanut variety in 2008. "The only change we made last year was the peanut variety we planted. Georgia-06G surpassed any variety we've planted in the past, and it is one of the best varieties on the market, in my opinion."

"Both Tabb and Vann are good managers who don't leave any stone unturned when it comes to going after the top yields," said Tim Moore, Miller County agent. "They do everything they can, from planting improved varieties to close monitoring of their fields, to achieve top yields and profitability."

John Beasley, Ph.D., Extension peanut agronomist with the University of Georgia, commented, "The final average peanut yield in Georgia in 2008 was 3,400 pounds per acre, which is amazing considering how difficult the growing conditions (hot and dry) were early in the year. The 3,400 pound average yield was the second highest on record in Georgia."

Beasley attributes the success of this year's inductees to work ethic and being attentive to details. "The yields accomplished by the winners of the 2008 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club are a testament to their commitment and dedication. These producers pay attention to the details, such as implementing a long rotation, monitoring their fields closely, and being timely with their inputs. They do that little bit of extra that makes them the best," he said.