The sign-up period for the tobacco transition payments will begin March 15, 2005 and run through June 17, 2005. Sign-up will occur at local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Specific regulations governing the payments are expected to released before this sign-up period begins.

USDA-FSA has contracted with Wachovia Back to provide information through a mass-media campaign and series of regional meetings. This effort will inform quota owners and producers on the process of applying for these payments.

A television program which will be aired on the Greenville cable access station channel 7 on March 15th beginning at 9:00 p.m. This program will address many tobacco buyout issues. A public viewing of this program will be held on Friday, March 18th in our auditorium. The time will be 10:00 a.m. The date for this program is subject to change so call our Center or visit our website in order to learn about these changes. Please call 902-1709 to pre-register.

PAYMENT CALCULATIONS

A recent news release from USDA regarding the sign-up for the tobacco transition payments has created some confusion regarding the base year used to determine tobacco transition payments for quota owners. The basic provisions of the tobacco buyout legislation have not changed. Quota must be owned on October 22, 2004 to receive the $7 payment and this payment will be based on the 2002 basic quota level.

TOBACCO CROP INSURANCE

USDA-Risk Management Agency has released information on the price election for crop insurance on tobacco.  The maximum price election will be $1.35 per pound for flue-cured tobacco and the price for catastrophic coverage is $0.75 per pound. You can learn more from the Risk Management Agency website. OPERATION TRENCH

With the elimination of the tobacco quota system and the emphasis now placed upon contract production, profits margins in the production of flue-cured tobacco can be expected to be reduced in the future. With reduced profits, it will be critical for tobacco farmers to closely evaluate every aspect of production in order to maximize their returns to management. (cont.)

To assist producers during this transition period, our tobacco educational program will be emphasizing cost reduction practices through an educational effort known as "TRENCH" - To Recoup Every Necessary Cost to Hold On. In addition, "TRENCH" also helps to promote a safer environment. Tobacco farmers of the future can remain TRENCHED" through the adoption of the following cultural practices.

1. Avoid seeding greenhouses too early! - February 15th is early enough for April 15th transplanting
2. Rotate tobacco fields - Avoid fields with high disease pressure to reduce fumigant costs and yield losses caused by disease.
3. Apply recommended lime to tobacco fields - 25% of coastal plains tobacco fields have pH levels less than 4.9. Fields which have pH levels less than 5.0 should receive special emphasis.

Log on to www.ces.ncsu.edu/pitt/ag/tobacco/trench.html for more ways to stay "TRENCHED!"!

GREENHOUSE TEMPERATURES

For the first 7 to 10 days during germination, temperatures for most varieties are recommended to be kept at 86 degrees F during the day and 68 degrees F at night. After germination, maintaining a minimum night-time temperature of 55 degrees at night can reduce fuel costs.

OVER-THE-TOP WATERING

Salts injury is the top problem in the greenhouse in the early season. To offset this problem, more Pitt County tobacco farmers are realizing the benefits of making an over-the-top application of water to reduce salts injury. On average, it is a good practice to water lightly over the top of plants at the 14-21 day period.

However, when outside temperatures exceed 80 degrees F, it may be helpful to water over-the-top twice per week to push salts lower into the tray cells.

In terms of water volume for over-the-top applications, think in terms of "misting" trays early in the season. Use 1/3-1/2 gallons per linear foot of greenhouse. Smaller nozzle sizes such as 8004s work well.

Watering over-the-top of seedlings is not needed after the plant roots reach the water bed.

BLUE MOLD PROTECTION

Plan now to protect your tobacco greenhouse seedlings from blue mold once plants reach the size of a quarter. Once blue mold infects a tobacco greenhouse, there is no treatment which can be applied to reverse this problem!

In order to protect plants, Dithane DF is recommended for use at the rate of one-half pound per 100 gallons of water (one tablespoon per gallon). Three gallons of water would be used per 1000 square feet when plants are the size of a quarter and the volume should be increased to 12 gallons to cover 1000 square feet. Use low volume on smaller plants and higher volumes on larger plants. Applications should be made on a 5-7 day schedule and continued until transplanting. Do not allow Dithane DF to reach the water in the water bed.

PRR MANAGEMENT

Over the past few years, pythium root rot (PRR) has infected several county greenhouses. To correct this problem, growers have used Terramaster in the powder or liquid formulation. HOWEVER, it is recommended that PRR be controlled only after it has been found in the water bed. So, treat only after this disease has been diagnosed - NOT BEFOREHAND!

Water Samples are Key!

Research has discovered that PRR becomes more active when the water pH reaches 6.1 or above. Therefore, to offset this problem and the unnecessary application of Terramaster, water beds should continue to receive recommended acid applications until transplanting. These applications should be based upon water sample reports. The turnaround time for water samples is five business days.

NUTRIENT LEVELS AND WATER SAMPLES

As you receive the results of your tobacco greenhouse water samples, listed below is some information which can assist in the management of various nutrient levels.

• Boron - Water sources should not exceed 3 ppm. If the sample report expresses concern over the higher level present, choose a source which contains no boron.
• Calcium - For low sources, gypsum can be applied at the rate of 2 ounces per 100 gallons of water bed volume.

  (OR) Calcium nitrate can also be substituted for the second fertilizer application at four weeks.

• Sulfur - Epsom salts can be applied at the rate of 4 ounces per 100 gallons of water bed volume. NOTE: If battery acid is used, no additional sulfur is recommended.

PITT ROTATION FINDINGS

During our 2005 annual production meeting, county tobacco producers were asked to complete a questionnaire as they made their way to the serving line. Collecting information is important to our Center as we monitor changes in our production and set new educational goals. Listed below are a few of the results of this survey.

• Granville wilt was the top rated disease in Pitt County in 2004 (43%). Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus was second at 29% and black shank was third at 23%.
• In terms of rotations, 46% of producers had two years between tobacco crops and 40% had three years between tobacco crops.
• Growers who indicated that black shank was their top rated disease problem had longer rotations compared to growers who ranked Granville wilt as the highest. Sixty-three percent of producers managing black shank had two year rotations compared to 45% of producers who suffered from Granville wilt. 51% of producers who listed Granville wilt as their top disease grew tobacco on one-year rotations.
• In summary, growers who suffer from Granville wilt can possibly increase their profits per acre by $250 by adding an additional year to their tobacco field rotations.
• Rotation continues to be the single most important practice used in combating tobacco disease problems.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 23 - "Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training" - 10 am - 12 noon (Category V) - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Category X) Pitt County Agriculture Center - Contact Sam Uzzell, Pitt County Pesticide Education Agent at 902-1704

February 23 - "Agricultural Alternatives Workshop" - 9:00 - Martin Community College. Please call (252) 792-1621 for more information

March 9 - "Pitt County Cotton Meeting" - 12:00 noon - Call Sam Uzzell (902-1704) for more information

March 15 - Tobacco Talk Session: PRE-TRANSPLANTING TOPICS - 5 p.m. - Pitt County Agricultural Center Auditorium

March 18 - Tobacco Buyout Tips - Video presentation on the tobacco buyout to be shown on public access television - 10:00 a.m. - Pitt County Agricultural Center auditorium

MEETINGS WELL ATTENDED

With the conclusion of the 2005 tobacco winter meeting schedule, it has been obvious that the issues affecting production are the greatest ever. A meeting was held in our auditorium on December 17 where approximately 250 growers and allotment holders attended to hear our specialists address the latest information related to the tobacco buyout legislation. Our annual production meeting which was held on January 4th had 104 registered and Dr. Loren Fisher, NCSU Crop Science Specialist, did a marvelous job as our keynote speaker. On February 1st, twenty new and existing tobacco greenhouse operators attended an update on greenhouse management. New varieties were also discussed.

Our Center appreciates everyone who participated in these events.

Lugnotes

The 2005 production year will truly be a transitional year for our county's production. Recently, I attended a company grower meeting where the announcement was made that no carryover tobacco would be purchased during this season. Among other strategies, the need to adjust production to hit the mark on production both from a quality and quantity perspective will be vital. Some growers will try to hedge their bet on production by signing a non-exclusive contract with the Flue-Cured Tobacco Stabilization Corporation. This may offer a possible avenue for any excess leaf produced.

Dr. David Smith, NCSU Crop Science Specialist, has developed a very effective strategy for 2005. It is as follows:

"SUCCESS IN THE POST-TOBACCO BUYOUT ENVIRONMENT"

(Production Strategies in a Post-Buyout World)

• Obtain and keep a contact
• Produce quality tobacco that is of good value to purchaser
• Maximize leaf quality
• Minimize pesticide residues and NTRM (Non-Tobacco Related Materials)
• Produce the highest economic yield possible
• Reduce production costs

Mitch Smith, County Extension Director 2/17/05

Disclaimer: The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement of the products or services named or criticism of similar ones not mentioned.

This page was created by Mitch Smith on November 16, 1998 and updated on February 16, 2005.