No matter ones feelings on tobacco, its production has a colorful history and its tradition runs deep in Caldwell County.  Since the 1800's, this area has consistently produced high yielding and fine quality tobacco.  Production levels for dark fired, air cured, and burley in Caldwell County surpassed 1,240,000 lbs. in 2018. Producers face constant challenges in producing a high quality product.  Labor regulations, changing GAP procedures, major diseases, and major weather events are just a few of the challenges.   The University of Kentucky continues to provide farmers with the most current research based information.  Caldwell and Trigg Counties have worked together to host educational meetings each year to help producers make valuable production decisions.  Over 60 producers were in attendance. This year's meeting topics included: variety updates, results of on-farm trials and market projections, as well as GAP certifications with workbooks that will help producers organize their record keeping requirements.  All surveyed participants stated they felt strongly this production meeting is vital to there preseason planning and plan to implement one or more recommendations provided.