Smallest Tobacco Crop in U.S. History???

The USDA published its annual Prospective Planting Report, and the estimates for tobacco plantings in the United States are disturbing. Based on surveys of farmers conducted during the first two weeks of March, the report projects that tobacco plantings of all types in 2019 are expected to total 244,040 acres, down 16 percent from 2018. If realized, this would be the lowest tobacco acres harvested on record.
​
​
For the individual types:

• Flue-cured--165,000 acres, 17 percent below 2018. 
• Burley--53,800 acres, down 12 percent from last year. 
• Fire-cured--14,740 acres, down 22 percent from 2018. 
• Dark air-cured--6,900 acres, down 30 percent from last year. 
• Cigar filler--2,200 acres, down eight percent from the previous year.
• Southern Maryland--1,400 acres, no change from 2018.

---