Missouri Burley Tobacco

Missouri Burley tobacco, a staple in the tobacco industry, has a rich history and unique characteristics that set it apart. This article will take you on a journey through the world of Missouri Burley tobacco, from its cultivation to its impact on the market. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of this renowned tobacco variety.

The History of Missouri Burley Tobacco

The cultivation of Burley tobacco in Missouri dates back to the 19th century. Over the years, it has become a staple in the tobacco industry, with its unique characteristics setting it apart from other tobacco varieties.

The Unique Characteristics of Missouri Burley Tobacco

Missouri Burley tobacco is known for its robust flavor and high nicotine content. It has a distinct light, airy texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs.

The Cultivation Process of Missouri Burley Tobacco

The cultivation of Missouri Burley tobacco is a meticulous process that involves careful planting, growing, harvesting, and curing.

Planting and Growing Missouri Burley Tobacco

The planting season for Missouri Burley tobacco begins in the spring. The seeds are sown in specially prepared beds and then transplanted to the field once they have grown into seedlings.

Harvesting Missouri Burley Tobacco

The harvesting of Missouri Burley tobacco usually takes place in the late summer or early fall. The leaves are harvested by hand and then air-cured to develop their unique flavor.

Curing and Preparing Missouri Burley Tobacco for Market

After harvesting, the leaves are air-cured in specially designed barns. This process, which can take several weeks, allows the leaves to develop their characteristic light color and robust flavor.

The Role of Missouri Burley Tobacco in the Industry

Missouri Burley tobacco plays a significant role in both the domestic and international tobacco markets.

Missouri Burley Tobacco in the Domestic Market

In the domestic market, Missouri Burley tobacco is highly valued for its unique flavor and high nicotine content. It is used in a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco.

Missouri Burley Tobacco in the International Market

Internationally, Missouri Burley tobacco is sought after for its quality and consistency. It is exported to countries around the world, where it is used in a variety of tobacco products.

The Flavor Profile of Missouri Burley Tobacco

The flavor profile of Missouri Burley tobacco is one of its most distinguishing characteristics.

The Taste and Aroma of Missouri Burley Tobacco

Missouri Burley tobacco has a robust, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Its aroma is equally distinctive, with notes of earthiness and a hint of sweetness.

The Use of Missouri Burley Tobacco in Various Tobacco Products

Missouri Burley tobacco is used in a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Its unique flavor and aroma make it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs.

what is the history of missouri burley tobacco

The history of Missouri Burley tobacco dates back to before the Civil War. The town of Weston, Missouri, was recognized as the most western outpost for U.S. tobacco production and claimed to have the only tobacco auction houses west of the Mississippi River . The origin of white burley tobacco, a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production, was credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864. They grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky .

By 1912, Weston had its first established tobacco market, which lasted 90 years as the only tobacco market west of the Mississippi River . The tobacco was grown by hundreds of farmers in an area that generally stretched from the northern edges of Joseph, Missouri .

Burley tobacco production peaked in the area in 1994 at 8.2 million pounds in what was considered a perfect growing season . However, due to regulations in the United States, and the government taking away a price support system, along with the lack of labor, U.S. tobacco production has significantly decreased .

how is missouri burley tobacco grown and harvested

Missouri Burley tobacco is grown and harvested through a process that involves several steps, starting from seeding to curing.

1. Seeding: The process begins around mid-March when coated tobacco seeds are started in a greenhouse in styrofoam trays that float on fertilized water. Both the temperature and the humidity of the greenhouse must be carefully regulated while the seeds are germinating .
2. Transplanting: The Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June, with a small percentage set in July .
3. Growth and Maintenance: The plants are grown in the field and must be protected from diseases such as black shank and blue mold, and pests like aphids .
4. Harvesting: The tobacco plant matures from the bottom up. In Missouri, it is stalk cut, meaning all leaves are harvested at the same time . The entire stalk is cut by hand and then it’s taken to the barn.
5. Curing: After harvesting, the tobacco is air-cured in natural atmospheric conditions over an eight-week period . The tobacco is hung in the barn to dry, a process that can take several weeks .
6. Stripping and Baling: Once the tobacco is dry, the leaves are stripped from the stalk and then baled. The quality of the Burley tobacco can be damaged if the leaves are scalded by the sun after rain, so the timing of the cutting and hanging is crucial .

Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of Missouri Burley Tobacco

Missouri Burley tobacco has a rich history and a bright future. Its unique characteristics and the meticulous process by which it is cultivated make it a staple in the tobacco industry. As we look to the future, it is clear that Missouri Burley tobacco will continue to play a significant role in the world of tobacco.

Statistics:

In the late 1990s, farmers around Platte County were still growing about 3 million pounds of tobacco. Burley tobacco production peaked in the area in 1994 at 8.2 million pounds . However, the size of tobacco farms has been decreasing, with the average tobacco farm in Kentucky (mostly burley) averaging 3.9 acres of tobacco .

FAQs:

1. What is the history of Missouri Burley tobacco?
   Missouri Burley tobacco production dates back to before the Civil War, with Weston, Missouri recognized as the most western outpost for U.S. tobacco production .
2. How is Missouri Burley tobacco grown?
   Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June .
3. How is Missouri Burley tobacco harvested?
   The entire stalk of the Burley tobacco plant is cut by hand and air-cured in natural atmospheric conditions over an eight-week period .
4. What is the peak production of Missouri Burley tobacco?
   Burley tobacco production peaked in the area in 1994 at 8.2 million pounds .
5. What is the average size of a Burley tobacco farm in Missouri?
   The average size of tobacco farms has been decreasing, with the average tobacco farm in Kentucky (mostly burley) averaging 3.9 acres of tobacco .
6. What is the primary use of Missouri Burley tobacco?
   Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production .
7. How does Missouri rank in Burley tobacco production in the United States?
   Missouri is one of the smaller producers in the eight-state belt where Burley tobacco is produced in the United States .
8. What are the challenges faced in growing Missouri Burley tobacco?
   Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids .
9. What is the flavor profile of Missouri Burley tobacco?
   Burley tobaccos have no natural sugars; they have an alkaline quality, and have a lot of body (mellower and softer sense of taste) .
10. What is the impact of Missouri Burley tobacco on the local community?
    Once, there were three tobacco warehouses in Weston. The annual start of sales at New Deal Tobacco Warehouse in the late fall would be packed with buyers and millions of pounds of tobacco leaves .
11. How has the production of Missouri Burley tobacco changed over the years?
    The production of Burley tobacco has been decreasing over the years, with the size of tobacco farms also decreasing .
12. What is the future of Missouri Burley tobacco production?
    The future of Missouri Burley tobacco production is uncertain due to various factors including disease, pests, and changing market conditions .
13. What is the economic impact of Missouri Burley tobacco?
    In the late 1990s, farmers around Platte County were still growing about 3 million pounds of tobacco, contributing significantly to the local economy .
14. What are the unique characteristics of Missouri Burley tobacco?
    Missouri Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco with an alkaline quality and a mellower and softer sense of taste .
15. How does Missouri Burley tobacco compare to other types of tobacco?
    Compared to other types of tobacco, Missouri Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It has an alkaline quality and a mellower and softer sense of taste .

Books:

One recommended book on the subject of Burley tobacco is “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell. This book traces the history of burley tobacco from the colonial period to the present, providing an intimate look at those continuing to carry on Kentucky’s tobacco tradition .

Sources of information:

1. “Just a Few Tobacco Farmers Keep Tradition Alive in Western Missouri” – DTNPF https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2020/09/11/major-local-crop-western-missouri
2. “Burley (tobacco)” – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
3. “Burley? :: Pipe Tobacco Discussion” – Pipes Magazine https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/burley.30788/
4. “Burley – The University Press of Kentucky” – University Press of Kentucky https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813142333/burley/
5. “Making Our Cigarettes – Philip Morris USA” – Philip Morris USA https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/products/making-our-cigarettes
6. “United States Department of Agriculture” – USDA https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/tbu-pr.php
7. “2023 Tobacco Contract Provisions Frequently Asked Questions” – RMA https://www.rma.usda.gov/en/News-Room/Frequently-Asked-Questions/2023-Tobacco-Contract-Provisions
8. “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” – Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582
9. “2023-2024 Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide” – University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
10. “Trends in U.S. Tobacco Farming” – USDA https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/outlooks/39463/48597_tbs25702.pdf?v=4152
11. “Burley” – Badger & Blade https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/burley.584530/

Citations:

The information provided in this article is based on authoritative sources such as DTNPF https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2020/09/11/major-local-crop-western-missouri, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco), Pipes Magazine https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/burley.30788/, University Press of Kentucky https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813142333/burley/, Philip Morris USA https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/products/making-our-cigarettes, USDA https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/tbu-pr.php
https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/outlooks/39463/48597_tbs25702.pdf?v=4152, RMA https://www.rma.usda.gov/en/News-Room/Frequently-Asked-Questions/2023-Tobacco-Contract-Provisions, Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582, University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf, and Badger & Blade https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/burley.584530/.