At harvest time, Kentucky tobacco producers have cause for concern despite good crop
Experts say most of the Kentucky crop is in ‘pretty good shape,’ but labor concerns, market volatility and harvesting problems have cause some concerns. (Photo by Tim Thornberry)
By Tim Thornberry
KyForward correspondent
While there is no such thing as a perfect growing season, most tobacco producers in the region might agree that this year has been adequate enough to produce...
Kentucky tobacco growers still wrangling
with Mother Nature to produce decent crop
Kentucky’s tobacco-growing season hasn’t been an easy one, due to an abundance of rain and cooler temperatures. (Photo by Tim Thornberry)
By Tim Thornberry
KyForward correspondent
As Kentucky’s tobacco-growing season comes to an end, the consensus seems to be it hasn’t been an easy one.
For one thing, tobacco is more of a dry, warm-weather crop, and this...
Rainfall amounts not good for tobacco;
some growers can expect ‘fair crop at best’
Although plant conditions vary by region, a ‘majority of the crop is in fair shape,’ a University of Kentucky expert said. (Photo by Tim Thornberry)
By Tim Thornberry
KyForward correspondent
Tobacco growers throughout the state are off to a late, wet start as rains continued last week and a normally dry-weather crop is trying to cope with excess amounts of precipitation.
Some...
Growing tobacco is not easy, but it is still
a tradition for many Kentucky farmers
Randy Smither finishes the planting phase of 125 acres of burley tobacco. (Photo by Tim Thornberry)
By Tim Thornberry
KyForward correspondent
Tobacco may not generate the revenue it once did, but Kentucky’s crop is still worth nearly $400 million annually in spite of changes in the market and government regulations. And that number is likely to remain steady and may climb if the...
