Unit 12: Specialty Crops

Lesson 4: Exploring Tobacco- Teacher’s Guide

Estimated Time for Completion- 60 minutes

Student Learning Objectives:

  • As a result of this lesson the student will…
  • Explore the tobacco industry in the U.S.
  • Examine tobacco production and marketing issues in the U.S.
  • Understand production-related issues facing tobacco production enterprises.

Purpose:Thanks to its addictive qualities provided through the nicotine found in tobacco, this crop has become one of the top ten market value crops in the United States. This crop has is rooted deep in American history, and researchers are still exploring possibilities to expand the tobacco market. Through this lesson, you will have the opportunity to explore both the history, and current state of the tobacco industry.

Directions:Access the commodities and products tab on the AgMRC website ( and find the link to Specialty Crops, then Tobacco. Utilize information located here to answer the questions below:

  1. What historical importance does tobacco hold in America’s history? Where did tobacco production in the U.S. originate? Why? (Hint: Think climate)
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Specialty Crops” link.
  • Select the “Tobacco” link.
  • Look in the “History” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.
  1. According to the AgMRC website, “once mass production of tobacco products became possible, marketing became important in creating demand for this product”. Why would marketing have become important to the industry?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Specialty Crops” link.
  • Select the “Tobacco” link.
  • Look in the “History” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.
  1. How did the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 help tobacco farmers in regard to their productivity and profit? Why was this important? (Hint: Remember that the Great Depression was occurring during this time frame)
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Specialty Crops” link.
  • Select the “Tobacco” link.
  • Look in the “History” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.
  1. Why do you think consumer demand for tobacco products began to decline during the 1950s? Is tobacco consumption decreasing or increasing throughout the world today? Why?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Specialty Crops” link.
  • Select the “Tobacco” link.
  • Look in the “History” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.
  1. Land-grant universities in several of the major tobacco-producing states continue to dedicate much time and effort to research with this economically-important cash crop. What impact could/does this research have on the tobacco industry?
  • First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
  • Then select the “Specialty Crops” link.
  • Select the “Tobacco” link.
  • Look in the “Production” section to find the desired information.
  • Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

Reinforcement activity: What are your thoughts?

For this activity, you will write a short essay sharing your thoughts on tobacco. What kind of regulations do you think should be placed on the production, or sale of tobacco? Should there be an age limit placed on the purchase of tobacco? Do you think further research should be done to determine all of the effects of tobacco, and why? Answer these questions, and share any other information or thoughts that you find relevant.