Tobacco Buyout: One Year Later

Source from:  Greensboro, NC  09/19/2005

The 2004 Federal Tobacco Buyout left farmers with a decision, stay in or get out. Nearly one year after the tobacco buyout in North Carolina some farmers are still growing and others are getting their first buyout check. Tommy Webster is representative of about 65% of the farmers in Rockingham County who decided to keep growing tobacco. The other 35%, like Terry Neal, got out and are now looking at what is next for their future. "That was the hardest question, I don't know what's next, try to get out of debt and find a job somewhere is all I know to do." And more tobacco farmers will likely be standing in Terry Neal's shoes soon. According to the Farm Service Agency as many as half of the ramaining tobaccofarmers in Rockingham County will get out after this year because they are not making enough money. Enditem