News  Agriculture  Crops

North Carolina Farmers Tackle Tobacco Transplanting Despite Dry Conditions

Growers are making progress with planting despite dry conditions.

April 28, 2026 03:53 PM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

LOUISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA (RFD News) — The next phase of tobacco planting is underway across North Carolina, with farmers working long hours to get plants in the ground.

At N&N Farms, fourth-generation farmer Travis Nelms is moving from greenhouse to field, transplanting tobacco into rows despite ongoing dry conditions.

Nelms says planting season is one of his favorite times of year: “Planting time is a good time, and it’s the start of everything. I love to see it go in the field. When it goes in the field, things are going good.”

Even with drought concerns, the work continues. Nelms plans to plant about 400 acres this season, averaging roughly 40 to 45 acres a day. While the crop thrives on predictably dry weather, yields and crop quality can suffer dramatically if producers are unable to get a good gauge on unpredictable hot and dry weather patterns.

North Carolina leads the nation in tobacco production and is responsible for about 60 percent of the U.S. crop.

Related Stories
crimson clover cover crops willamette valley oregon_Photo by hktelleria via AdobeStock_158950951.jpeg.png
Sustainability
Conservation Costs Include Risk for Farmers Adopting Practices
Conservation programs may work better when they recognize yield risk and cash-flow pressure during adoption.
May 19, 2026 07:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Cotton Plant. Cotton picker working in a large cotton field_Photo by MagioreStockStudio via Adobe Stock.jpg
USDA
USDA Survey Details Cotton Chemical Use Across States
Cotton growers can use the survey to compare nutrient, herbicide, and pest-management practices against national production benchmarks.
May 19, 2026 06:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
o1Cio7fb.jpg
Business
Huma Information for Farmers: The Four R’s of Nutrient Stewardship
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
May 18, 2026 01:49 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
juKxJcbm.jpg
Washington Policy
Boozman Says Farm Bill and E15 Remain Top Senate Priorities as Farm Pressure Mounts
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.
May 18, 2026 12:21 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
yX61cuSj.jpg
USDA
USDA Survey Seeks Producer Data for June Acreage Reports
Farmers will soon be asked to help shape some of USDA’s most closely watched crop and inventory reports.
May 18, 2026 11:25 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Concrete slab with large cracks, flags of the USA and China. Abstract concept of a break in relations and conflict problems.
Trade
China Ag Commitments Offer New Export Market Signals
RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest U.S.-China ag trade agreements, market reaction, and what producers should watch moving forward.
May 18, 2026 10:37 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Features of Interest Southeast Drought Grower & Producer Stories
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

D9mEYVbZ.jpg
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
TABASCO Pays Tribute to Louisiana Veterans
Seven McIlhenny Company employees received the Louisiana Honor Medal for their military service.
May 26, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
kchp6dhO.jpg
Voices of Agriculture
Virginia Farm Helps Supply Richmond’s Local Flower Market
The operation focuses on seasonal cut flowers while supporting local businesses across the region.
May 26, 2026 12:10 PM
 · 
Morgan Rockovich
G53bXilu.jpg
Farm Monitor
Georgia Peach Growers Brace for Smaller Crop After Frost Damage
Farmers say weather extremes and rising costs are creating a more challenging season across Georgia peach country.
May 26, 2026 12:09 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
twGrjD03.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Hawaii Cattle Operation Focuses on Feeding Island Communities
SC Ranch spans more than 7,700 acres and markets all of its beef within the state.
May 26, 2026 12:06 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
6xEyHPwO.jpg
Rural Health
Falls and Tractor Rollovers Continue Driving Farm Injuries and Deaths
University of Wisconsin-Madison’s John Shutske says simple safety habits can help prevent some of agriculture’s most common injuries.
May 23, 2026 07:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
LNTeM5NU.jpg
Washington Policy
NCBA Members Take Cattle Industry Concerns to Capitol Hill
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
May 23, 2026 03:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Load More
Agriculture Shows
commodity-talk_scott_black-logo_1920x1080.jpg
mdr weekend_eliza_1920x1080.jpg
prairie prophets-share-image_logo.jpg
TopCrop_CombineWLogo_1920x1080.jpg
Commodity Talk
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
Market Day Report Weekend
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Prairie Prophets
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Top Crop
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.