Burley tobacco crop in Kentucky, Tenn., make late comeback after timely rains

(The Republic) FINCHVILLE, Ky. — For burley tobacco farmers in Kentucky and Tennessee, forecasts for a close-to-average yield are coming as a big relief after sweating through prospects of a paltry harvest as extreme heat and a dry spell stunted the crop's growth for much of the season.
Piles of recently cut burley tobacco sit on a trailer on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, on a farm near Finchville, Ky. For burley tobacco farmers in Kentucky and Tennessee, an average crop being forecast is a big relief. A few weeks ago, the crop was on the brink of ruin from extreme heat and drought. Now, tobacco specialists say much of the burley has gone through a growth spurt, thanks to recent rains. (AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner) Tobacco showed its toughness after timely rains spurred a late-season spurt for much of the crop. In a matter of weeks, some knee-high burley sprouted to shoulder length. The added weight of the tobacco leaves figures to help fatten paychecks for farmers at markets that open late in the year. Continued

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