lOA-Sunday, February 26, 1995 THE SAMPSON INDEPENDENT INSIGHT ’95
Tobacco
still king
By Joseph Tew
surr Writer
For many people, the word tobacco
is synonymous with livelihood.
It is what their oitire lives revolve
around. Here in Sampson County,
tobacco has been a major crop for
years. Farmers are turning to other
products and areas to diversify now,
but tobacco is still the ert^ that this
county has been known for, and by all
accounts, will still be known for in the
future.
“Tobacco has been here a long time.
It has gone through some tough times,
but for years it has beat the mainstay,
as far as farmers are concerned,” said
Pee Wee Spell, farm market manager
at Bright Leaf Tobacco Warehouse.
“It is the only crop a farmer can take
to the bank and it will stand for his
credit,” he added.
Spell said as long as the farmer has
price support, which gives the assur
ance of a cmain price p>er pound, he
can thai use that leverage at the bank.
“Tobacco has been kicked around in
the most recent years. It has been a
political football. Just in the last three
months the tobacco situation has sta
bilized sonewhat, because of the to
bacco company’s interest in what’s
produced in Easton North Carolina,”
said Spell.
Over at Sampson Tobacco Ware
house, Carltcai Barefoot, owner opera
tor, said even though farmers have
turned to other areas of farming to
create othw income, tobacco would
not play out of the picture.
“All of us have tried diversifying but
we still wind back up with tobacco
being our major product,” said
Barefoot
“Tobacco has a lot to do with the
ecwiomic future of Sampson County,
the state and the country,” he added.
He went on to say that there has been
many people who have benefited fran
tobacco, not even realizing it was
tobacco supplying the means by which
they were benefiting.
“Tobacco has been good for a lot of
people that do not realize that where
the mcmey came frean was tobacco and
tobacco products.
Thank You For
Your Support!
Owners: Lynn & Debbie Medlin
Tobacco warehouse auction
eers, pricers and buyers are
seen here inspecting tobacco.
The 1995 season is expected to
be the best farmers have ever
seen. And, since the tobacco
situation has somewhat stabil
ized, growers, and warehouse
managers are looking forward
to an even better year in 1995.
According to Spell, the tobacco
produced here is of such quality that it
cannot be produced to the standard
here in the southeastern part of the
United States and es{>ecially North
Carolina.
“Nowha-e else can it (tobacco) be
produced with the aroma and flavor
that is produced in North Carolina.
They produce tobacco in Brazil that
loolu like ours but does not have the
aroma and flavor as we have here...that
one thing will keq) tobacco hwe.
“Tobacco is the livelihood for many
persons, and education for a lot of
children. The money tobacco produces
is one of tremendous value to farm
stores, farm equipment dealws, groc
ery stwe people and dry goods. It is the
bread and butter, or the glue that holds
the farm family life together,” said
Spell.
“I look forward to having a good
year in Clinton,” Barefoot said.
“Tobacco is the backbone of the
farm family life today. Cotton, poultry,
and swine are coming on strong and
have kept a lot of fanners in business
that used it as cash flow,” Spell said,
“but tobacco is still very important to
this economy.”
Sandy Ridge has enjoyed ‘tremendous community support’
Sandy Ridge Country Qub, tic. was
started in 1989 by L.B. Wilson, president
and other own«s, Kenny Godwin,
rumity Matthews, Tommy Sloan and
Lany Naylor.
The “fixHit” nine holes qiened for play
in September 1989 and the “back” nine
opened in 1990. All of the ori^nal lots
have been sold and most lots now have
new houses. Since the original cmstruc-
tiem the clubhouse, the pro stx^ has
expanded and added a grill.
In 1993, the dance Boot was expanded
and a large stage for the band was added.
An additional 29 lots will be available
by mid-1995. These lots will be situated
in the area next to the #2 greoi and #3 tee
and fitMn there to N.C. 421.
Sandy Ridge curroitly enploys ap
proximately 10 people with the numb^
varying with the season. The primary
business is the golf course and member
ships for the swimming pool/clubhouse
and eolf course are available.
“Since the beginning of our business
we have enjoyed tronendous suppeat
fiom our &ie^, neighbors and the entire
region,” Larry Naylor said.
“For this siqrpcHt, we are tharikful and
we will continue our best effcHts to earn
your continued support in the future.”
It’s Planting Time!
•Azaleas
•Garden Pottery
•Water Fountains
•Wind Chimes
•Cabbage Plants
•Broccoli Plants
•Tomato Plants (many varieties)
•Pepper Plants (bell & hot)
•Wolverine Boots
•Trampolines
•Treated Mail Box Posts
•Insecticides
•Fertilizer
•Pine Bark Nuggets
•Seed Potatoes
•Variety of Grass Seed
•Large Selection "Fresh" Garden Seed
•Pine Straw & Wheat Straw
•Herb Plants
•Large Selection Bedding Plants
•Hanging Baskets
•Watermelon, Cantaloupe & Cucumber
Plants (will be available at planting time)
•Vidalia Onion Plants
Stop by & see Lynn or Debbie for all your
lawn & garden needs.
"Your Business Is Appreciated"
MEDLIN SEED CO.
Clinton!
357 S. Blvd.
g
beside Lundy's
592-2717
VISA
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All Insurance Plans Accepted & Filed,
PHP Participating Provider
WAIUCE
FOOT CENTER
285-3362
928 N. Norwood St., Wallace
Covering Sampson County
Since 1953
With Proven ProtectSom^^^
Ruby C. Johnson
Andy Shaffer
Lee Smith Jr.
Regardless of your needs:
. IV;,.
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FARM
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INSURANCE
R.H. Brinson
Agency Manager
Hwy. 421
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We Do Best!
592-8131 Clinton