Studies were conducted to investigate the effects of field production practices on the yield, quality, and tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in Burley tobacco. Historically, high rates of nitrogen fertilization have been used on Burley tobacco, though rates have been reduced in recent years. Typically Burley tobacco is harvested at about 4 weeks after topping which has been demonstrated to provide the best balance between yield and quality. However as the size of Burley farms has increased the timeliness of harvest has deteriorated such that some Burley may remain in the field for 6 to 7 weeks after topping. The influence of such a delay in harvest on TSNA levels is unknown. This study was conducted over a two year period at locations in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Two rates of nitrogen application of 200 and 400 lbs N/Acre were tested. The tobacco was harvested at 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after topping. Nitrogen rate increased yield at only 1 out of 6 location/years, at all other locations there was no effect of nitrogen. Higher nitrogen significantly increased TSNA levels at 3 out 6 location/years. Increasing harvest days decreased yields at one location, increased yields at 3 locations and had no significant effect on yield at two locations. Increasing day to harvest increased TSNA at 3 locations and had no significant effect on TSNAs at 3 locations. Best management practices for yield and TSNA would be moderate rates of nitrogen and timely harvest at approximately 4 weeks after topping.