Tennessee Burley tobacco, a classic variety with a rich history and significant impact on local economies, is a fascinating topic. Its cultivation process, unique characteristics, and the role it plays in American agriculture are just a few aspects that make it intriguing. Join us as we delve into the world of Tennessee Burley tobacco, exploring its intricacies, evolution, and its place in Southern agriculture.
Modern Production
Today, Tennessee Burley tobacco is a significant part of the state’s agricultural sector. It’s grown on large-scale farms and small family-owned plots alike, contributing to the local economy and preserving a long-standing tradition.
Planting
The cultivation of Tennessee Burley tobacco begins in the early spring. Seeds are sown in specially prepared beds and carefully nurtured until they’re ready to be transplanted to the field.
Growing
Throughout the growing season, the tobacco plants require careful attention. Farmers must regularly monitor their crops for signs of disease or pest infestation, and the plants need to be topped and suckered to promote leaf growth.
Harvesting
Harvesting Tennessee Burley tobacco is a labor-intensive process that typically begins in late summer. The leaves are harvested by hand, then air-cured in specially designed barns to develop their distinctive flavor.
Appearance
Tennessee Burley tobacco is known for its large, broad leaves that range in color from light golden to deep brown. The leaves have a slightly rough texture and are highly resilient, making them ideal for a variety of uses.
Flavor Profile
Tennessee Burley tobacco is prized for its robust, full-bodied flavor. It has a rich, earthy taste with a hint of nuttiness, and it’s often used in pipe tobacco blends for its excellent burning qualities.
Local Economies
Tennessee Burley tobacco plays a crucial role in local economies. It provides income for thousands of farmers and contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural output.
National Impact
On a national level, Tennessee Burley tobacco is a valuable commodity. It’s exported to countries around the world, contributing to the United States’ position as a leading tobacco producer.
Past
Historically, Tennessee Burley tobacco has played a significant role in American agriculture. It was a major cash crop in the southern states, and its cultivation and processing provided employment for many people.
Present
Today, despite changes in the tobacco industry, Tennessee Burley tobacco remains an important part of American agriculture. It continues to be a significant source of income for many farmers, and its cultivation is a testament to the enduring tradition of tobacco farming in the United States.
what are the benefits of growing tennessee burley tobacco
Growing Tennessee Burley tobacco has several benefits.
Firstly, Tennessee Burley tobacco is a classic variety that is commonly cultivated for use in cigarettes. It shows good resistance to disease and parasites, making it a reliable crop for farmers. The plants may be slightly slower to develop than other varieties, but they grow quickly once well established. At their peak, burleys can reach heights of 6′ or more.
Secondly, the ‘TN86’ is an improved Burley-type smoking tobacco with good disease resistance. It is a late maturing variety with an extreme upright growth habit which results in less breakage. ‘TN 86’ has a high yield potential and should be topped at about twenty-two to twenty-six leaves .
Thirdly, the economic benefits of growing Tennessee Burley tobacco are significant. The dollars received for tobacco crops have paid for farms and homes, provided money for Christmas, sent children to college, and added millions of dollars each year to the tax coffers of the state .
Lastly, there are several advantages of using conservation tillage management practices for burley tobacco production. These include reduced soil erosion, soil water conservation, and lower input costs .
what are the characteristics of tennessee burley tobacco
Tennessee Burley tobacco is a classic variety that is commonly cultivated for use in cigarettes. It shows good resistance to disease and parasites, and like most tobaccos, it is easy to grow with plenty of sunlight. The plants may be slightly slower to develop than other varieties, but will grow quickly once well established. At their peak, burleys can reach heights of 6′ or more .
The ‘TN90LC’ is a medium-maturing variety of Burley tobacco with moderately high yield potential. It has a good disease resistance package, including moderate resistance to black shank, some tolerance to blue mold, black root rot resistance, and resistance to common virus diseases. It also has agronomic characteristics such as small stalk diameter, upright growth, and good cured-leaf color .
Burley tobacco farms in Tennessee average 2.4 acres of tobacco. In addition to burley tobacco, Burley producers also harvest an average of 23 acres of other crops .
Burley tobacco is a relatively young tobacco varietal, dating only to 1864, but it became very popular very fast. It responded best to air curing, was high in nicotine, low in sugar, and had leaves that were oily and rich. After about six weeks of air-curing, when the leaves have changed from yellowish-green to brown, the stalks are taken to the stripping room where the leaves are removed and graded according to their quality .
Conclusion
Tennessee Burley tobacco is more than just a type of tobacco. It’s a part of Tennessee’s history and culture, a significant contributor to local and national economies, and a symbol of the enduring tradition of American agriculture. Its rich flavor and unique characteristics make it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs, and its cultivation process is a testament to the skill and dedication of the farmers who grow it.
Statistics:
In 2023, the U.S. burley crop was projected to total 66 million pounds, which was a 13% increase compared to the previous year’s 58.6 million pound crop. The USDA 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 .
FAQs:
-
What is Tennessee Burley tobacco?
Tennessee Burley tobacco is a classic variety of tobacco that is commonly cultivated for use in cigarettes due to its good resistance to disease and parasites . -
How tall can Tennessee Burley tobacco plants grow?
Tennessee Burley tobacco plants can reach heights of 6′ or more at their peak . -
What is the yield potential of ‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco?
‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco has a high yield potential and should be topped at about twenty-two to twenty-six leaves. -
How has the production of Burley tobacco changed over the years?
In 2023, the U.S. burley crop was projected to total 66 million pounds, a 13% increase compared to the previous year’s 58.6 million pound crop . -
What is the average yield of U.S. burley acres?
The average yield of U.S. burley acres was forecast to be 1,975 lbs/acre in 2023 . -
How does Tennessee Burley tobacco compare to other tobacco varieties?
Tennessee Burley tobacco shows good resistance to disease and parasites, and like most tobaccos, it is easy to grow with plenty of sunlight . -
What is the ‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco variety?
‘TN 86’, also known as ‘Tennessee 86’, is an improved Burley-type smoking tobacco with good disease resistance . -
What is the maturation period of ‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco?
‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco is a late maturing variety . -
What is the growth habit of ‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco?
‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco has an extreme upright growth habit which results in less breakage . -
How much did the U.S. burley crop total in 2023?
In 2023, the U.S. burley crop was projected to total 66 million pounds . -
How much did Kentucky burley harvest in 2023?
In 2023, the USDA estimated that Kentucky burley would harvest an additional 1,000 acres compared to 2022 . -
How much did U.S. burley acres increase in 2023?
U.S. burley acres were forecast to be 3.1% higher in 2023 . -
What is the average yield of U.S. burley acres in 2023?
The average yield of U.S. burley acres was forecast to be 1,975 lbs/acre in 2023 . -
How does ‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco compare to other Burley tobacco varieties?
‘TN 86’ Burley tobacco is an improved Burley-type smoking tobacco with good disease resistance and a high yield potential . -
What are the characteristics of Tennessee Burley tobacco plants?
Tennessee Burley tobacco plants are resistant to disease and parasites, grow well in plenty of sunlight, and can reach heights of 6′ or more at their peak .
Books:
- “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina” by Billy Yeargin and Christopher Bickers. This book provides a nostalgic look at the historic transformation of the tobacco industry in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina .
Sources of information:
- University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- East Tennessee History Center https://www.easttnhistory.org/store/history-burley-tobacco-east-tennessee-western-north-carolina
- Institute News, University of Tennessee https://utianews.tennessee.edu/topics/tobacco-production/
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/2023-tobacco-update
- Little Shop of Stories https://www.littleshopofstories.com/book/9781540213754
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1354&context=utk_agbulletin
- Victory Seeds https://victoryseeds.com/products/tn86-burley-tobacco
- Burley Stabilization Corporation (BSC) https://www.bscleaf.com/history
- University of Kentucky Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/stripping_and_market_prep_id160_2019.pdf
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/tbu-ha.php
- Heirloom Organics https://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingtennesseeburleytobacco.html
- Tennessee Encyclopedia https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/tobacco/
Citations:
- University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- East Tennessee History Center https://www.easttnhistory.org/store/history-burley-tobacco-east-tennessee-western-north-carolina
- Institute News, University of Tennessee https://utianews.tennessee.edu/topics/tobacco-production/
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/2023-tobacco-update
- Little Shop of Stories https://www.littleshopofstories.com/book/9781540213754
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1354&context=utk_agbulletin
- Victory Seeds https://victoryseeds.com/products/tn86-burley-tobacco
- Burley Stabilization Corporation (BSC) https://www.bscleaf.com/history
- University of Kentucky Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/stripping_and_market_prep_id160_2019.pdf
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/tbu-ha.php
- Heirloom Organics https://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingtennesseeburleytobacco.html
- Tennessee Encyclopedia https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/tobacco/