NEW MEXICO'S PEANUT GROWERS ARE STRUGGLING. NOW THAT THE SUNLAND PLANT IN PORTALES HAS CLOSED, FARMERS ARE WONDERING WHERE THEY CAN SELL THEIR PRODUCT. DALENE HODNETT IS WITH THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU. SHE SAYS SUNLAND PAID THEM FOR HALF OF THEIR CROPS LAST YEAR. THIS YEAR, THEY HAVE NOWHERE TO GO.
HODNETT SAYS PEANUTS ARE THE SIXTH BIGGEST CROP IN NEW MEXICO BY CASH VOLUME. SHE SAYS FARMERS CAN SELL THEIR PEANUTS TO THE GOVERNMENT…BUT WON'T GET NEARLY AS MUCH FOR THEIR PRODUCT. SUNLAND FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY AND SHUT DOWN EARLIER THIS MONTH.
