FAQs • Franklin County, VA • CivicEngage

What issues are affecting County tobacco farmers?: All tobacco producers are being faced with a declining demand product. Recent governmental and consumer litigation against the tobacco industry has led to a drastic reduction in the amount of tobacco an individual farmer can produce. Franklin county producers can only plant 56% of the tobacco they planted in 1997. This tremendous reduction in income has placed much hardship on county tobacco producers.

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Cooperative Extension - Agriculture

1. What is the best variety of grass to plant for pasture or hay?: For most situations, Fescue is a suitable choice. In some situations, such as for pregnant mares, Fescue may not be the best choice and other grasses such as Orchard grass may be a better choice. For help choosing the right grasses for your hay or pasture, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

2. What varieties of corn are best to plant for silage in Franklin County?: Generally, the varieties of corn seed made available for sale in this area are suitable to the growing conditions of Franklin County. There can be variation in performance from farm to farm. For help in choosing the right varieties for your farm, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

3. How do I take a soil sample, and where do I send it?: Proper soil sampling procedure is critical to getting the correct fertilizer and lime recommendations. Instructions, boxes, and the form for submitting a soil sample are available at Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office, located at:
90 E Court Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

4. What are the most common production concerns for Franklin County tobacco producers?: The most common tobacco production problems in Franklin County include soil fungal diseases such as Black Shank, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium. These diseases, although not severe, cost county producers approximately $30,000 per year in lost tobacco sales.

5. What types of tobacco are grown in Franklin County?: The main tobacco grown in Franklin County is flue-cured. Flue-cured tobacco is used primarily for smoking purposes in cigarettes. Several farms in the county also produce Virginia dark-fired tobacco that is sold on the export market for snuff, chewing tobacco, and cigars.

6. Where is Franklin County tobacco sold?: Tobacco producers are free to sell their tobacco at any operating tobacco market in Virginia or upper North Carolina. Due to traveling distance limitations, most of Franklin County tobacco is marketed in the Danville area. Producers have the option of selling at auction or directly to tobacco companies or leaf dealers. The general trend over the past three years has been away from the traditional auction to the direct sale arrangements.

7. What issues are affecting County tobacco farmers?: All tobacco producers are being faced with a declining demand product. Recent governmental and consumer litigation against the tobacco industry has led to a drastic reduction in the amount of tobacco an individual farmer can produce. Franklin county producers can only plant 56% of the tobacco they planted in 1997. This tremendous reduction in income has placed much hardship on county tobacco producers.

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10. Who can I call to give me an unbiased evaluation of my overall dairy herd status?: Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office can give you an evaluation. Contact us at 540-4383-5161.

11. I think I have problems with mycotoxins in my feed. Who can help me find out?: If you think you have problems with mycotoxins in your feed, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161, or your local feed company.