Enhancing Burley Tobacco Production Labor Efficiency

The objective of this project is to improve the labor use efficiency on burley tobacco farms through the use of time and motion studies to assess the current labor requirements for common repetitive tasks in burley tobacco production. Through this process we plan to identify the specific characteristics that lead to labor use efficiency above the median. Once identified, we will develop training tools to help other growers adopt the practices and methods that improve labor efficiency. Simple tools and calculators will be developed to help growers determine the potential labor savings that may be realized from specific changes to their operating procedures and calculate the payoff period for certain investments in labor saving technology.