This report examined tobacco production in six tobacco producing counties in Missouri (Boone, Buchanan, Chariton, Clinton, Howard and Platte). Platte and Buchanan counties are the primary tobacco production centers in the state. Most tobacco farms are located in these two counties, yet farm numbers are declining. Even in the tobacco counties, less than 1.5 percent of total cropland is in tobacco production. Further, tobacco acreage and sales are declining in all counties. The situation is especially acute in Platte County, where sales losses in 2000 are estimated to be $4,459,161 (from 1997 base) -- all borne by 166 growers.
Platte County, as well as the communities within it, will be adversely affected by reductions in tobacco production and sales. Roughly 85% of all tobacco grown in the state is located in Platte County; and the vast majority of all tobacco grown in Missouri is warehoused and marketed through Weston. Tobacco production not only has economic consequences for producers, but impacts various ancillary businesses in tobacco-dependent regions. Weston warehouses are estimated to lose $165,714 in revenues in 2000 (from 1997 base) -- a drop of 59.5%. In conclusion, tobacco production is a relatively small part of Missouri agriculture. However, reductions will have a substantial negative impact on the agricultural economy in Platte County -- affecting not only producers, but various tobacco warehouse and marketing firms.
Tobacco Quotas in Pounds, 1997-2000.
Source: Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service and MO Department of
Agriculture.
Loss of Revenue From Change in Tobacco Quotas, 1997-2000.
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service and MO Department of
Agriculture.
Adjusted for 1999 dollars.S
