WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The latest Peanut Stocks and Processing Report (PDF version) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows commercial stocks climbing while edible use slowed in August.
Total peanut stocks in commercial storage stood at 1.51 billion pounds as of August 31, up sharply from 1.13 billion a year earlier. That figure included 797 million pounds of farmer stock and 680 million pounds of shelled peanuts.
Of the shelled supply, 511 million pounds were available, including 478 million pounds of edible grades and 33.4 million pounds for oil. Runners dominated at 368 million pounds, followed by 70.9 million pounds of Virginias and Valencias, and 39.1 million pounds of Spanish. Millings reached 389 million pounds in August, with Runners again accounting for the majority.
Commercial processors utilized 192 million pounds of edible-grade peanuts during the month, with the largest share, 118 million pounds, being used for peanut butter, followed by 36 million pounds for candy and 34.3 million pounds for snacks. Crushing for oil and meal totaled 52.2 million pounds.
The USDA noted that season-to-date edible utilization is down three percent from last year, even as overall stocks increased.
