Recently released late-maturing cultivars of peanuts (DP-1, C-99R, Hull, and Florida MDR-98) when multiplied by commercial seed producers, often exhibit poor field emergence resulting in unacceptable field stands. All of these late-maturing cultivars have genetics related to PI-203396, a primary source of their superior resistance to leafspot, tomato spotted wilt virus, and white mold. They are high yielding. Planting these cultivars could allow the grower to reduce the number of fundicide applications, save trips over the field, and reduce the costs of growing peanuts without reducing yields. Because of unpredictable field emergence, commercial seed companies have stopped producing Florida MDR-98 and DP-1. Commercial germination tests usually show acceptable seed quality. Research shows that reduced rate of field emergence does not occur when the seed peanuts have been grown, harvested, and stored in small batches in air-conditioned seedrooms. The poor field emergence occurs when seed production is through commercial channels with large volumes being harvested, stored in bulk, and treated with fungicides. The problem may be related to the commercial practice of storing seed peanuts in large piles with no humidity or temperature control. Four cultivars from two seed sources stored in five locations were tested both for germination using a standard moist towel test in a germinator and for field emergence planted in sandy soil. Peanuts stored in bulk in a traditional peanut warehouse had reduced field emergence. Peanuts stored in a controlled environment did not have reduced field emergence. Seed source did not have a significant effect upon field emergence. Cultivars varied in their response to the storage locations. Standard germination tests were not reliable indicators of field emergence.