Dry spell could hurt quality of Kentucky's burley tobacco

(Courier Journal) Some Kentucky burley tobacco farmers are worried that a prolonged dry spell could hurt the quality of the leaf they'll take to market in coming months.
Steve Moore, the agricultural extension agent in Henry County, said Wednesday that some farmers are reporting that their leaf is turning a yellowish color that's not desired by tobacco companies.
Moore said unless farmers receive some timely moisture to improve tobacco curing, it could lower the quality of the crop. Tobacco curing is an autumn ritual when the long green burley leaves gradually change to a preferred reddish brown color. Continued