Peanut Harvest in Full Swing; Local Farmers Report Cautious Optimism Amid Dry Conditions

CHIPLEY, FL – Across the fields of Washington County, the hum of tractors and the sight of dust clouds signal the peak of the 2025 peanut harvest. Local farmers are working from sunrise to sunset to bring in this year's crop, a cornerstone of the region's agricultural economy.

Despite a prolonged dry spell through late July and August, many local growers are expressing cautious optimism about their yields.

"It got a little scary there for a bit without the rain," said fourth-generation farmer Michael O'Bryan, taking a brief pause from operating his peanut inverter near Chipley. "The plants were stressed, no doubt. But we got some timely showers late in the season that really helped them fill out the pods. It won't be a record year, but it's looking a whole lot better than we feared."

The harvest process involves first digging the peanut plants and flipping them over to dry in the sun for several days before a combine separates the peanuts from the vine. Weather during this crucial drying period is critical.

According to Julie Piggot, the Washington County Extension Agent with UF/IFAS, the resilience of the crop is a testament to modern farming practices. "Our growers do a fantastic job with irrigation management and soil health, which helps the crop withstand periods of drought," Piggot explained. "While overall yields may be slightly below average, early reports on quality and grade are looking very strong." For now, local farmers are hoping for clear skies and a smooth harvest as they work to bring one of the Florida Panhandle's most vital crops from the field to the market.