Bissette, co-owner of Zackly-Rite Farms on N.C. 58, was transplanting about 300 acres of tobacco, 10 percent more than last year, for the 2008 growing season.

"We are having a great season so far," Bissette said. "We've had adequate moisture. I don't know. We're off to a pretty good start."

Last year farmers had to struggle through a severe drought that took its toll on cotton, corn and soybeans. But Bissette said he was pleased with his tobacco crop last year despite the dry conditions.

This year Bissette said he was just praying for a great growing season.

Although he is off to a good start with the weather, Bissette said he is concerned about the high cost of producing this year's tobacco crop.

The rising fuel prices are hitting farmers hard this season. Fertilizer has doubled in price and fuel prices have soared, Bissette said.

"It is just going to be a real struggle to make money," he said. "We are hoping for an increase from our contract company to make up for the added expenses."

Bissette did receive an increase on his contract over last year for his tobacco but it didn't take care of production cost since gas prices starting increasing, he said.

"We are going to need about 15 or 20 cents more just to take care of expenses," Bissette said.

Even with climbing production costs, Bissette, a fourth generation farmer, said he thought tobacco has a good future through direct contracting and because farmers no longer half to pay for allotments to grow the crop.

After 30 years working the fields, Bissette said he has no plans to retire. He has two girls so he hopes his brother Jason carries on the farm.

"I'm 48 so I hope I have at least 15 more good years," he said.

Norman Harrell, Wilson County agriculture extension agent, said the planting schedule for tobacco countywide seems to be on target.

Most growers have been transplanting tobacco seedlings from the greenhouses to the fields for seven to nine days, Harrell said.

"We've had some really good weather during this transplanting period," Harrell said. "We've had some nice temperatures and a little moisture to get the plants off to a good start."

But farmers across the county are concerned about the high price of fuel, Harrell said.

"Everything relates back to fuel costs," he said. "Whether it's diesel fuel for their tractors or gas for their trucks or curing (tobacco) this summer. It is all extremely high right now and it is weighing on everybody's mind."

eddie@wilsontimes.com | 265-7820