Tobacco production, part 2

So here are the numbers comparing the decline in burley tobacco production in our three states over the past 10 years.

West Virginia: In 1995, 2,000 acres planted. Crop value $4.8 million. In 2005, 400 acres planted, crop value $1.1 million.

Kentucky: In 1995, 166,200 acres planted, value $615.2 million. In 2005, 79,700 acres planted, value $293.9 million.

Ohio: In 1995, 7,700 acres planted, value $27.9 million. In 2005, 3,400 acres planted, value $10.6 million.

Will West Virginia even have a viable tobacco growing industry in 2015? If so, it likely will be smaller than what exists now. Current events work against tobacco growers, so in a few years even Mason County's tobacco fields could be put to other uses.