The problem

Tobacco production expenses have become increasing impossible to cover with the yield and prices that the farmers are receiving.  

The educational program response

Producers attend a required tobacco GAP meeting.  Producers from 6 counties and 2 states attend the session in Breckinridge County.  Our county still raises several acres of tobacco and they are always looking for ways to save money or improve their production.  

The participants/target audience

Farmers required to attend to maintain their tobacco contract.  We are always excited to see the growers come through the door and provide them as much information during the meeting or on farm visits as requested from growers.  

Other partners (if applicable)

Common Gap, Tobacco Specialist, Dr. Bob Pearce and other county extension agents.

Program impact or participant response.

Tobacco plant production is one area where I believe producers need to start out the season on the right foot.  After years and years of producing tobacco plants in outside float beds, I have finally convinced a grower to go to a tobacco greenhouse.  

He and his son have been extremely impressed with the quality of the plants that they were able to produce and how many more plants that they have available.  In past years he was concerned with several issues which include, but not limited to; damping off, target spot, sclerotinia, aphids, cut worms, death by heat, death by freezing and so many more issues when it rains all spring long and they could not get them cared for outside.  

If you know, you know.  They were able to walk through that greenhouse day and night to actually see every plant.  Did they have an uneventful growing season, no, but we are going to make some changes, ie. recycle all old trays and only use brand new trays, maybe even plastic trays.  

They were able to save 25% more plants than in past years.   He is usually looking for plants at $375/acre, this year he had extra plants.  They raise 60 acres of tobacco, they were able to save $5625 for the purchase of a used tobacco greenhouse.  They want to expand next year and possibly raise plants for other growers.