DATE: 11/14/2005

CONTACT: Dr. DeWitt Gooden, (843) 662-3526,

WRITER: Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

State tobacco meeting is Nov. 17 at Lynches

FLORENCE – South Carolina tobacco growers will gather Nov. 17 at Lynches River County Park in Florence County for the annual Statewide Tobacco Meeting and a look at the state of the industry.

“Producers made a good quality crop in 2005,” according to DeWitt Gooden, Clemson Extension tobacco specialist. “Yields were down slightly from last year, though.”

South Carolina farmers planted 23,000 acres of tobacco in 2005, down 4,000 acres from the previous year. The yield per acre was 2,050 lbs., about 200 pounds per acre less than in 2004. Total production was 47.2 million lbs. in 2005, compared to 60.8 million lbs. in 2004.

“The crop was worth about $115 million in 2004,” said Gooden. “If I had to guess, I’d say the 2005 crop was worth about $65-$70 million this year.”

He said tobacco companies may contract for more tobacco in 2006 than they did this year.

“They can buy tobacco somewhat cheaper now (that the old program has been ended),” he said. “Also in the growers’ favor is that tobacco companies like to purchase tobacco from several locations around the world to hedge against weather disasters. Brazil, our major competitor, has had a severe drought the past two years, which has adverse effects on their leaf quality.”

The Nov. 17 meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and will adjourn around 1:30 p.m. Experts from Clemson University and North Carolina State University will talk about issues such as disease and insect management, variety selection, production of quality leaf and how to make a profit under the new contract marketing system when producers also have to deal with higher fuel, fertilizer and chemical costs.

Tomato spotted wilt virus was one of the diseases that caused problems for many South Carolina tobacco growers this year. It was the most severe TSWV that Gooden has seen in three years.

A representative from the Flue Cured Tobacco Stabilization Corporation will discuss industry issues. Lunch will be catered by the Schoolhouse Restaurant.

Lynches River County Park is 10 miles south of Florence just off U.S. Highway 52. After crossing Lynches River, take the first right (Old #4 Road). Turn right to County Park Road (1.9 miles from U.S. 52). The meeting will be in the Community Building.

Certified Crop Adviser and Pesticide Recertification credits will be available.

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