Nearly three-fourths of Kentucky's tobacco crop is in fair or poor condition because of the heavy spring rains that inundated fields and primed crops for fungal attacks. The Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service estimates 71 percent of the state's No. 1 cash crop is struggling.
Farmers say low yield estimates are likely on the mark.
The Fischers set their crop May 12, but heavy rains destroyed it. They had to reset it two weeks ago, and Fischer said it already is spotty and smaller than he had hoped. Across Daviess County this week, tobacco is blooming with only five or six leaves on the plant. Normally, burley tobacco has at least 18 leaves ideal for cultivating. Now, Palmer says that yield will be much lower.