Telephone Surveys
2010 Tobacco Grower Phone Survey
The Center for Tobacco Grower Research (CTGR) conducted a telephone interview with 486 tobacco growers in 12 different States from October 25, 2010 to November 18, 2010. The purpose of the interview was to collect information on the performance of tobacco in the 2010 production season compared to past experience, and to understand growers’ plan of tobacco production for next year. Additional information was also collected on contracts and crop insurance.
In brief: Of the 486 respondents, 429 (88%) reported growing tobacco in 2010 while 57 (12%) reported not growing in 2010. Just over 75% of the respondents reported that they grew only one type of tobacco while 17% and nearly 7% of them grew two and three types of tobacco, respectively. Forty-six percent (46%) of burley and 43% of flue-cured growers reported that compared to their past experience, the overall quality of this year’s tobacco is less than average while 54% of burley growers and 57% of flue-cured growers reported having average or better than average quality. In contrast, 74% of dark air and 77% of dark-fired tobacco growers reported having average or better than average quality and only 26% of dark air and 21% of dark-fired growers reported that compared to their past experience, the overall quality of this year’s tobacco is less than average. However, in terms of yield performance, 50% of burley growers reported that compared to their past experience their tobacco yield performance is less than average while the majority of flue-cured, dark air, and dark-fired tobacco growers reported having average or better than average yields. Those with poor or below average yield performance attributed it to unfavorable weather conditions.
The vast majority of growers of all tobacco types have a contract in 2010 with the same company they did contract with in 2009. Compared to 2009, growers of all tobacco types have experienced a cut in the volume of their contracts. The percentage of growers who reported a cut in volume of contracts is the highest among burley (51%) followed by flue-cured growers (43.5%). Similarly, about 27% to 28% of dark tobacco growers reported a cut in contracted poundage, ranging from less than 10% to over 50%. The percentage of cut varies from one tobacco type to another, with burley and flue-cured receiving the largest cut compared to dark tobacco types.
Quick Look at the 2010 Tobacco Grower Phone Survey Results
2010 Tobacco Grower Phone Survey Summary
Additional Comments by Growers in the 2010 Tobacco Grower Phone Survey
2009 Dark Tobacco Infrastructure Survey
Telephone interviews were conducted with 194 dark tobacco producers in October – November of 2009 to collect information about the age and condition of tobacco infrastructure and future investment needs. Below is a summary of results.
In brief: Thirty-eight percent of the dark-fired tobacco barns respondents were using were over 30 years old while 20% were less than 4 years old. However, 59% of dark air tobacco barns respondents were using were over 30 years old and only 7% were less than 4 years old. Only 38% of dark-fired growers reported double-cropping and of those that said they did double-crop their average acreage was 38 acres. The investments that were ranked the highest, i.e. “would greatly benefit their operation”, by the most growers were (1) tobacco barns and other curing structures and (2) wagons and trailers.
Dark Infrastructure Survey Summary
2009 Flue-cured Tobacco Infrastructure Survey
Telephone interviews were conducted with 258 flue-cured producers in October – November of 2009 to collect information about the age and condition of tobacco infrastructure used in flue-cured production and future investment needs. Below is a summary of results.
In brief: Forty-four percent (44%) of the bulk barns respondents were using were over between 11 to 20 years old with the majority of bulk barns (69%) over 11 years old. Seventy-three percent (73%) of bulk barns used by respondents were box barns while 27% were rack barns. The ratio of box to rack barns increased as flue-cured acreage increased. Only 17% of respondents reported that they had intentions of replacing or purchasing bulk barns within the next 5 years. The investments that were ranked the highest, i.e. “would greatly benefit their operation”, by the most growers were (1) bulk barns and (2) greenhouses.
Flue-cured Infrastructure Survey Summary
2008 Burley Tobacco Infrastructure Survey
Telephone interviews were conducted with 250 burley producers in June 2008 to collect information about the age and condition of tobacco infrastructure, adoption of big bale technology and future investment needs. Below is a summary of results.
In brief: Forty-eight percent (48%) of the barns and curing structures respondents were using were over 30 years old and 15% were between 21 and 30 years old. The majority of burley respondents were not delivering in big bales (78%). Of the 22% using big balers 52% of them had 21 acres or more. The investments that were ranked the highest, i.e. “would greatly benefit their operation”, by the most growers were (1) tobacco barns and other curing structures and (2) stripping rooms.
Burley Infrastructure Survey Summary
Contact Us
Center for Tobacco Grower Research
302B Morgan Hall
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37932
Phone: 865.974.0414
ctgr@utk.edu