TURNER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Ryan Ireland takes great pride in helping Georgia remain America’s number one peanut-producing state.

“We grow 50% of the U.S. peanuts here in South Georgia, and that’s kind of a big deal, you know, to be a part of that,” Ireland said.

For the 2025 season, Ireland planted more than 500 acres of peanuts. Knowing when they’re ready to harvest combines science and good, old-fashioned know-how.

“They make a peanut board that has different numbers and colors on it,” Ireland said. “When you get ‘x’ number of peanuts in the black, they’re saying, ‘Hey, it’s time to dig.’”

Timing and moisture are critical for profits

Allowing the peanuts to dry properly between digging and harvesting them comes down to dollars and cents.

“If you get something up there—18-20% moisture, you’re looking at $40 a ton it takes to dry them and if you’re lucky, you’ve got a contract for $500, so, if you got to pay $40, you’re down to $460 and that’s just eating into your bottom line,” Ireland said.

Ireland, named 2025’s Outstanding Young Georgia Peanut Farmer, admits farming brings many challenges.

“We’ve had combines break down in years past and work all day on it. Get it together. You know, crank it up. It sounds like it’s running good. Take off down the field. It doesn’t go 100 yards and tears right back up, and that will really, you know, you’ll figure out who you are during those times,” Ireland said.

Faith and perseverance are key to success

Ireland said it’s all in how you approach difficulties.

“I’d say it takes a lot of heart. You’ve got to be willing to do it on the good days, on the bad days,” Ireland said. “You can’t get mad and throw in the towel, you know. You can’t quit because nobody’s going to come do it for you. I pray, and I have the most faith that God’s seen me through some horrible times. I just trust in Him.”

But even on the worst days in the field, Ireland said he cannot imagine doing anything other than farming.

“It’s just a blessing to be a Georgia farmer. I wouldn’t, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do,” Ireland said.

Passing on opportunities to the next generation

Ireland’s grandfather passed down his passion for farming. His friend Willis Collins provided Ireland the opportunity to buy his land and equipment when Collins retired, helping him expand his farm.

“He never gave me nothing, but opportunity is what he gave me, and that’s all I’ve ever asked for, you know. Just show me the door, and I’ll open it. So, I was very thankful for him, too,” Ireland said.

He hopes to pass on that same opportunity to his own children or some other young person with a desire to carry the farming torch.

“I do. I do worry about the next generation,” Ireland said. “We definitely have to have farmers because that’s a big part of Georgia’s economy.”

Ireland uses volunteer opportunities in the community to encourage a new generation’s love of agriculture. Just as he contributes to Georgia’s status as the number one peanut-producing state, he hopes to cultivate the next generation of farmers.

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