Burley Kentucky tobacco

A field of Burley tobacco plants in Kentucky's fertile soil.

Create intrigue on the topic of Burley Kentucky tobacco without discussing health and ecology:

History of Burley Tobacco
The story of Burley tobacco began in 1864 with George Webb and Joseph Fore’s discovery in Ohio, leading to its prominence in Kentucky. By 1880, Kentucky was the leading tobacco producer in the United States, with Burley tobacco playing a significant role.

Cultivation Practices
Farmers start Burley tobacco from pelletized seeds, facing challenges such as black shank disease and aphid infestations. Transplanting occurs mainly in May and June, with meticulous care to ensure quality crops.

Harvesting and Curing
The air-curing process is crucial for developing Burley tobacco’s distinct flavor and color. Leaves transition from white to yellow, contributing to the tobacco’s unique characteristics.

Economic Impact
Burley tobacco has been a key economic driver in Kentucky, with significant contributions to the state’s agricultural revenue. Production statistics highlight its importance, with a large percentage of the national supply coming from Kentucky.

Varieties of Burley Tobacco
Kentucky offers a range of Burley tobacco strains, each with specific disease resistance and yield potential. These varieties cater to different market demands and growing conditions.

Burley Tobacco in Blends
Burley tobacco is a primary component in cigarette and pipe tobacco blends, appreciated for its robust flavor profile that lacks natural sugars but offers a mellow taste.

Challenges in Production
Producers must navigate challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns and rising production costs, which can impact profitability and yield.

Tobacco Culture in Kentucky
The culture surrounding tobacco farming in Kentucky is unique, with price controls fostering a sense of community among growers.

Modern Uses of Burley Tobacco
While traditionally used in cigarettes, Burley tobacco has seen shifts in usage patterns, with some farmers transitioning to crops like cigar wrapper tobacco.

Regulatory Environment
Government regulations significantly affect Burley tobacco farming, influencing everything from crop management to market prices.

Future of Burley Tobacco
The future of Burley tobacco farming may involve diversification and adaptation to changing market demands and consumer preferences.

Global Perspective
Burley tobacco is not only a staple in the US but also in demand globally, with countries like Brazil and Malawi contributing to its production.

what is burley kentucky tobacco

Burley Kentucky tobacco is a light, air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is produced mainly in an eight-state belt in the United States, with approximately 70% of it produced in Kentucky. Tennessee also produces a significant amount, approximately 20%, with smaller amounts produced in Indiana, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The origin of Burley tobacco is credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864, who grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky. They noticed it yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow, and cured differently. By 1866, they had harvested 20,000 pounds of Burley tobacco and sold it in 1867 at the St. Louis Fair for $58 per hundred pounds. By 1883, it had become a significant crop in Kentucky.

In the U.S., Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July. Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids.

what are the characteristics of burley kentucky tobacco

Burley Kentucky tobacco has several distinct characteristics that make it unique and highly sought after for various tobacco products.

  1. Varieties: There are numerous varieties of Burley Kentucky tobacco, each with its own unique characteristics. For instance, the KT 222LC variety is a large, high-yielding hybrid with an erect growth habit. It has high resistance to both race 0 and race 1 black shank, and moderate resistance to Fusarium wilt.
  2. Taste and Flavor: Burley Kentucky tobacco is known for its sweet taste and medium-heavy-bodied leaf. After processing, the taste is medium to full-bodied, relatively dry, and contains a clear note of cocoa.
  3. Physical Characteristics: Burley tobacco plants are known for their heavy root system, large stalk diameter, and low profile, which gives them a high resistance to wind lodging. The leaves of Burley are slightly thicker than those of other tobacco varieties.
  4. Curing Process: Burley tobacco is air-cured, a process that takes about six weeks. During this time, the leaves change from yellowish-green to brown. The air-curing process breaks down almost all the sugars in the leaves, resulting in a very low sugar content.
  5. Nicotine Content: Burley tobacco is high in nicotine, which contributes to its strength and satisfying character. However, the pH value of Burley is around 7, which means that it is more or less neutral, and can soften the impression of a sharp Virginia tobacco and make the smoke rounder.
  6. Use in Blends: Burley tobacco is often used as a base for blends due to its high assimilation capacity. It readily adapts to accompanying flavors while providing a rich, nutty, and chocolaty base flavor.
  7. Yield: Burley tobacco varieties are known for their high yield. For instance, the KT 222LC variety is a high-yielding hybrid.
  8. Disease Resistance: Some varieties of Burley tobacco, like the KT 222LC, have high resistance to diseases such as black shank and moderate resistance to Fusarium wilt.

what are the different types of burley kentucky tobacco

There are several types of Burley Kentucky tobacco, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the varieties:

  1. KT 215LC: This variety is known for its disease resistance, particularly against black shank, and its desirable traits such as stalk diameter, growth habits, yield, and quality.
  2. KT 212LC: Another variety that is selected based on disease resistance and the needs of the contracting company.
  3. KT 210LC: This variety is also chosen for its disease resistance and the specific needs of the contracting company.
  4. KT 209LC: Like the other varieties, KT 209LC is selected based on its resistance to diseases and the needs of the contracting company.
  5. KT 206LC: This variety is also chosen for its disease resistance and the specific needs of the contracting company.
  6. KT 204LC: Like the other varieties, KT 204LC is selected based on its resistance to diseases and the needs of the contracting company.
  7. TN 90LC: This variety is also chosen for its disease resistance and the specific needs of the contracting company.
  8. KY 14 x L8LC: This variety is selected based on its resistance to diseases and the specific needs of the contracting company.
  9. HB 04PLC: Like the other varieties, HB 04PLC is chosen for its disease resistance and the specific needs of the contracting company.
  10. HB 3307PLC: This variety is also selected based on its resistance to diseases and the specific needs of the contracting company.

Conclusion
Burley Kentucky tobacco remains an integral part of the state’s heritage and economy. Its rich history, cultural significance, and economic impact underscore its enduring legacy in American agriculture.

Statistics on Burley Kentucky Tobacco

Production Statistics

In 2017, Breckinridge County was the leading burley tobacco producing county in Kentucky, with production totaling 5,120,000 pounds. The yield for Kentucky increased from 1,600 pounds per acre in 2016 to 2,700 pounds per acre in 2017.

Economic Impact

Burley tobacco is a billion-dollar crop in Kentucky. One of every 14 jobs in Kentucky, directly or indirectly, exists because of tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Burley Kentucky Tobacco?

Burley Kentucky tobacco is a light, air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is produced mainly in Kentucky and Tennessee in the United States.

How is Burley Kentucky Tobacco Grown?

Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July.

What is the Economic Impact of Burley Kentucky Tobacco?

Burley tobacco is a billion-dollar crop in Kentucky, contributing to one of every 14 jobs in the state.

Recommended Books on Burley Kentucky Tobacco

  1. “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813142333/burley/
  2. “Tobacco Culture: Farming Kentucky’s Burley Belt” by John van Willigen and Susan C. Eastwood https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Culture-Kentuckys-Kentucky-Remembered/dp/0813192285

Sources of Information on Burley Kentucky Tobacco

  1. University of Kentucky’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
  2. National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.kyagr.com/KY-AgNews/2018/Breckinridge-Was-Leading-Burley-Producing-County-in-Kentucky-in-2017.html
  3. Burley Tobacco Extension https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu
  4. ScienceDirect’s Agricultural and Biological Sciences section https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/burley-tobacco

Citations on Burley Kentucky Tobacco

  1. “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813142333/burley/
  2. “Tobacco Culture: Farming Kentucky’s Burley Belt” by John van Willigen and Susan C. Eastwood https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Culture-Kentuckys-Kentucky-Remembered/dp/0813192285
  3. University of Kentucky’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
  4. National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.kyagr.com/KY-AgNews/2018/Breckinridge-Was-Leading-Burley-Producing-County-in-Kentucky-in-2017.html