The 1998 U.S. flue-cured tobacco crop is off to a very good start. Transplanting in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and eastern North Carolina is complete. Transplanting in the old belt (N.C./Va.border and Virginia) is well underway and should be complete early June.

Spring weather throughout the U.S. flue-cured growing area has been very warm and rainfall adequate. The combination of rapidly rising ground temperature and adequate moisture will allow rapid developement of transplants. Blue Mold is not a threat in any growing area at this time.With the current,exceptional weather, the1998 Crop could be one of the better flue-cured tobacco crops in the U.S. in years.