ID-129: A Cost Comparison of Three 10-Acre Tobacco Transplant Production Systems

Tobacco production in Kentucky has undergone numerous changes in recent years. Perhaps the most dramatic of these changes has been the introduction of float plants. Since its inception, the float system has grown rapidly in both technology and acceptance by producers. Today, tobacco float plants are produced across the state under a variety of conditions in greenhouses and outdoor float systems. New practices, technologies, and problems are continuing to develop in float plant production. Tobacco producers have responded to these changes by altering the way they select and use transplant systems. As farmers consider these new methods of plant production, the need for economic evaluation arises. This publication compares the cost of three transplant production systems used by smallto moderate-sized tobacco operations. These systems include conventional plant beds, outdoor plug and transfer, and outdoor direct seeding. All costs necessary to prepare plants for field transplanting are evaluated in this publication. Specific annual costs are categorized as operating costs, labor costs, and capital costs.