No King of Tobacco This Year

Source from:  The Simcoe Reformer 10/12/2009

With 169 years under its belt, the Norfolk County Fair is big on tradition. However, one long-standing tradition is conspicuous this year by its absence. For the first time in 58 years, the fair did not crown an Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco champion this month. Fair officials were prepared to host a competition. But near the end of September, the event was called off due to lack of entries. "We've put the tobacco growing contest on hiatus this year and will see if there is enough interest next year," Karen Matthews, general manager of the fair, said yesterday. Interest in the competition has been waning in recent years with the decline in the number of tobacco growers. Organizers in recent years have had to solicit entrants to keep the contest alive. However, with the number of growers going from nearly 600 last year to 118 growers this year due to the federal buyout of tobacco quota, the pool was simply too small to stage a credible contest. The winner of the competition is known in the community as the tobacco king. However, in recent years, a number of husband-and-wife teams have claimed the title. Judges of the competition rated growers on the quality of the cured leaf they produced. Samples were judged on colour, consistency, texture and aroma among other considerations. Those who did well were deemed to have mastered the cureman's art. The competition may very well rebound in 2010 along with the number of farmers growing tobacco. Some growers like last year's champion Larry Erdelac of Langton stepped back from tobacco this year because there was too much uncertainty surrounding the crop at planting time. Once Erdelac is sure of his options, he will decide whether to plant a crop in 2010. If he does, chances are he will re-enter the fair competition. "I hope it keeps going," Erdelac said yesterday. "I hope they drum it up again next year. But they're going to need the right people to get it back. They may have to send someone out to pound on some doors." Enditem