Tennessee Burley tobacco, a classic variety with a rich history and unique characteristics, has played a significant role in the tobacco industry. From its cultivation to its use in the market, the journey of Tennessee Burley tobacco is a fascinating one. Join us as we delve into the world of Tennessee Burley tobacco, exploring its cultivation, its impact on the economy, and its role in the global tobacco industry.
Early Cultivation
Tennessee Burley tobacco has a rich history that dates back centuries. Native to the fertile soils of Tennessee, this unique variety of tobacco was cultivated by early settlers for its robust flavor and versatility.
Modern Developments
Over the years, the cultivation of Tennessee Burley tobacco has evolved significantly. Modern farming techniques and advancements in technology have allowed for increased yields and improved quality, solidifying its place in the global tobacco industry.
Planting and Growing
The cultivation of Tennessee Burley tobacco begins with the planting of seeds in carefully prepared soil. The plants are nurtured and tended to until they reach maturity, a process that requires a keen eye and a deep understanding of the plant’s needs.
Harvesting and Curing
Once mature, the tobacco leaves are harvested and undergo a curing process. This involves air-drying the leaves in a controlled environment to develop their distinct flavor and aroma.
Flavor Profile
Tennessee Burley tobacco is known for its robust and complex flavor profile. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a hint of sweetness, making it a popular choice for a variety of tobacco products.
Uses in the Tobacco Industry
Due to its unique characteristics, Tennessee Burley tobacco is used in a wide range of tobacco products. From cigars to pipe tobacco, its versatility and distinct flavor have made it a staple in the industry.
Local Economy
The cultivation of Tennessee Burley tobacco plays a significant role in the local economy. It provides employment opportunities and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
Global Influence
On a global scale, Tennessee Burley tobacco has a significant impact. It is exported to various countries around the world, contributing to the global tobacco industry and influencing market trends.
Technological Advancements
The future of Tennessee Burley tobacco looks promising, with technological advancements paving the way for more efficient cultivation and processing methods.
Market Trends
As market trends evolve, so does the demand for Tennessee Burley tobacco. Its unique characteristics and versatility ensure its continued relevance in the ever-changing landscape of the tobacco industry.
what is the current state of the tennessee burley tobacco industry
The current state of the Tennessee Burley tobacco industry is characterized by a mix of challenges and opportunities. Despite a decline in overall tobacco demand, the supply of Burley tobacco was extremely tight entering 2023, prompting some cigarette manufacturers and dealers to offer higher contract volumes. The August 2023 USDA crop report estimated that Kentucky Burley would harvest an additional 1,000 acres (+3.6%) compared to 2022. U.S. Burley acres were forecast to be 3.1% higher in 2023, with an average yield of 1,975 lbs/acre.
For the Burley-producing states, USDA s March planting intention survey revealed growers planned to set 35,370 acres, (+9%) which would yield around a 70 million pound crop still potentially lower than the industry’s needs. Despite reduced aggregate needs for Burley by cigarette manufacturers worldwide, Burley remains in a relatively tight global supply/demand balance given smaller than desired U.S. Burley crops in recent years and reductions in Burley supplies outside the U.S.
Tobacco is grown in sixty-six of Tennessee s ninety-five counties, and Burley tobacco is grown in all of these sixty-six counties. The future of tobacco in Tennessee remains uncertain. Although farmers and researchers are looking for alternate crops, there are none presently that can approach the dollars per acre that tobacco produces.
The industry has faced challenges, including a decline in domestic labor, leading to an increased reliance on migrant workers. In addition to providing an income for over one hundred thousand farmers in Tennessee, tobacco also has a significant impact on the state s tax revenues.
Despite these challenges, tobacco remains a crucial part of the financial structure of both large scale and small family farms in East Tennessee, specifically in Greene County, where cash receipts exceed those of other cash crops grown throughout the county.
what are the most common uses of tennessee burley tobacco
The most common uses of Tennessee Burley tobacco are primarily in the production of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
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Cigarette Production: Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production. It is known for its flavor and its combustible quality, which makes it a preferred choice for cigarette manufacturers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/tobacco/. - Chewing Tobacco: Besides cigarettes, Burley tobacco is also used in chewing tobacco. Its unique characteristics make it suitable for this use https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/burley-tobacco.
- Pipe Tobacco: Burley tobacco is also used in the production of pipe tobacco. Its flavor and combustibility make it a good fit for this use https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/burley-tobacco.
- American-type Cigarettes: Burley tobacco is flavored and blended for American-type cigarettes. Its unique flavor profile and combustibility make it a preferred choice for this type of cigarette.
- Tobacco Research: Tennessee Burley tobacco is also used in research for developing new cultivation techniques and disease resistance. For example, the ‘TN 86’ variety was the first Burley tobacco variety developed with resistance to several viruses.
how has the production of tennessee burley tobacco changed over time
The production of Tennessee Burley tobacco has undergone significant changes over time, influenced by various factors including shifts in cultivation techniques, market dynamics, and regulatory policies.
In the late 19th century, Burley tobacco production began in the United States, including in Tennessee. The introduction of Burley tobacco, also known as white Burley, in the 1880s revolutionized the tobacco industry in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It quickly displayed characteristics that made it a near-perfect cash crop for farmers in the region.
By the early 1900s, Greene County in Tennessee was producing more than 1 million pounds of Burley tobacco a year, leading to significant economic growth. The county became the epicenter of Burley tobacco production in the Mountain South.
In the 1940s, Burley production in the U.S. was increasing rapidly, making it difficult for Burley producers in Tennessee to handle the increased production. In response, Tennessee Burley growers organized the Burley Stabilization Corporation (BSC) in 1953 to serve growers in the state.
However, by the 1990s, Burley tobacco production in the region had drastically declined. This was due to a combination of factors, including changes in market demand and shifts in agricultural practices.
In 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act ended the Federal Tobacco Program, which had provided a system for cooperatives to purchase excess production and store the tobacco until it could be sold. This led to a new marketing system with individual growers contracting directly with manufacturers. In response to these changes, the BSC strategically restructured to supply leaf tobacco from the world s best Burley growers to manufacturers.
Despite these changes, Burley tobacco remains a significant crop in Tennessee, with tobacco grown in sixty-six of Tennessee s ninety-five counties. However, the future of tobacco in Tennessee remains uncertain, with farmers and researchers looking for alternate crops that can approach the dollars per acre that tobacco produces.
Conclusion
Tennessee Burley tobacco, with its rich history, unique characteristics, and significant economic impact, continues to be a vital player in the global tobacco industry. Its future looks promising, with technological advancements and evolving market trends paving the way for continued growth and success.
Statistics on Tennessee Burley Tobacco
Production Statistics
Tennessee produces approximately 20% of the Burley tobacco in the United States, with the majority produced in an eight-state belt. In 1997, there was approximately 51,000 acres in burley production during 1997, valued at $176,393,700, with an average yield 1,830 lbs. per acre.
Economic Impact
In 1997, 97 percent of total U.S. burley tobacco production was in Appalachian states, and ARC counties produced approximately half of the nation s burley tobacco.
FAQs on Tennessee Burley Tobacco
What is the history of Tennessee Burley tobacco?
The history of Tennessee Burley tobacco dates back to the 19th century. It was first grown by George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864 on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky.
What are the unique characteristics of Tennessee Burley tobacco?
Tennessee Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production. It is known for its resistance to disease and parasites.
What is the economic impact of Tennessee Burley tobacco?
Tennessee Burley tobacco has a significant economic impact, particularly in the Appalachian states. In 1997, 97 percent of total U.S. burley tobacco production was in Appalachian states, and ARC counties produced approximately half of the nation s burley tobacco.
What are the future trends for Tennessee Burley tobacco?
The future trends for Tennessee Burley tobacco are influenced by various factors, including changes in consumer demand, advances in technology and agricultural science, and regulatory policies.
How is Tennessee Burley tobacco cultivated?
Tennessee Burley tobacco is cultivated using specific techniques. The plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July.
Recommended Books on Tennessee Burley Tobacco
“A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina” by Billy Yeargin and Christopher Bickers provides a comprehensive overview of the history and cultivation of Burley tobacco in these regions https://www.everand.com/book/266085837/A-History-of-Burley-Tobacco-in-East-Tennessee-Western-North-Carolina.
Sources of Information on Tennessee Burley Tobacco
Information on Tennessee Burley tobacco can be found in various sources, including academic articles, books, and online resources. Some of the key sources used in this article include the University of Kentucky’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco), and the book “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina”https://www.everand.com/book/266085837/A-History-of-Burley-Tobacco-in-East-Tennessee-Western-North-Carolina.
Citations on Tennessee Burley Tobacco
This article cites various authoritative sources on Tennessee Burley tobacco, including academic articles https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
https://webharvest.gov/peth04/20041015083937/https:/arc.gov/images/reports/tobacco/tobacco.pdf, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco), and books https://www.everand.com/book/266085837/A-History-of-Burley-Tobacco-in-East-Tennessee-Western-North-Carolina.