Bluegrass Tobacco Standing up to Summer Bake-off

Source from:  tfq.itsmyiq.com Aug 27, 2007 08/28/2007

While scorching heat and drought conditions have ravaged much of Kentucky's agricultural output this summer, the tobacco crop is progressing rapidly, according to the most recent weekly reports. The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service report issued August 27 reported that harvesting of burley tobacco in the Bluegrass State has moved rapidly in spite of the conditions. Tobacco housed earlier in the year looks good, although there are some concerns about houseburn. More humidity would improve curing conditions. Tobacco condition in the field was reported at 16 percent excellent and 42 percent good, with 19 percent rated fair or poor. Burley harvest rebounded to 39 percent cut, which is on par with the average last year and the five-year average. Nearly half the dark tobacco has been cut, well ahead of last year's average by more than ten percent and well above the 29 percent five-year average. Soil conditions continue to trouble the farmers, with 98 percent of the topsoil moisture tares short or very short. Subsoil moisture was 64 percent short and 27 percent short. The high temperatures - many of which have set records - has dried up the recent rainfall before it reached the subsoil. Hay crops and soybeans have been especially hard-hit. Enditem