US flue-cured auctions open to low prices

Prices were low at the US’ first flue-cured auction of the season at Old Belt Tobacco Sales, Rural Hall, North Carolina, on August 26, according to a story by Christopher Bickers in his Tobacco Farmer Newsletter.

‘About 125,000 pounds (out of 200,000 offered) sold in the range of $1.10 per pound, with a practical top of $1.50,’ said Bickers.

’This was way below the average of 2013, and there was considerable tag tearing [farmers refusing to accept the prices offered].’