of 6.5 acres of tobacco grown on each of Maryland's 

 tobacco-producing farms. The total production of 

 Maryland tobacco for 1970 came to about 27,040,000 

 pounds harvested on 26,000 acres. 



Xopping, stripping, grading and curing 



Around 250 man-hours per acre are required for pro- 

 duction of Maryland tobacco— from seed beds to hai'vest 

 to market. 



Historically, tobacco was always grown on newly 

 cleared land. No commercial fertilizer was used and 

 therefore maximum use of the land was not made. To- 

 day, even with the aid of modem machinery, the type 

 32 tobacco grower must have the same skillful hands 

 and watchful eyes that his colonial predecessors had. 



The production cycle starts in the fall with steriliza- 

 tion of the preliminary plant-bed area, and ends about 

 18-20 months later when the crop is sold. The plant- 

 beds are sterilized for weed and disease control. The 

 beds, about 100 square yards in size, are chemically 

 treated in late September and October. Then the soil 

 is insulated with a plastic cover to keep the ground 

 temperature around 50 degrees. The fertihzing and 

 seeding processes take place in late February and early 

 March with special care taken to be sure there is an 

 ample supply of water. When the soil stays over 50 

 degrees, the seeds begin to germinate. At this time, the 

 beds require about 140 gallons of water each day, either 

 from rainfall or as provided by the farmer. 



In late spring. May and June, the seedlings are trans- 

 planted to the field. A single acre of Maryland tobacco 



