Columbia, S.C., July 11, 2003: Based on July 1 conditions, SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2003 production for tobacco and wheat is expected to be up from last year, according to the South Carolina Agricultural Statistics Service.

This year's WHEAT production is estimated at 7.60 million bushels - up 8 percent from last year, but down 16 percent from 2001. The acreage harvested for grain, at 200,000, is 10,000 acres above a year ago. This year's average yield per acre of 38 bushels is up 1 bushels from 2002 but down 5 bushels from 2001.

The first TOBACCO forecast of the season places 2003 production at 67.2 million pounds - up 13 percent from last year. Harvested acres, at 32,000, are up 1,500 acres from last year. The July 1 yield forecast at 2,100 pounds is up 150 pounds from a year ago but down 350 pounds from 2001.

For additional information call: Robert A. Graham, State Statistician

James S. Peele, Agricultural Statistician