Burley Innovations: A Half Century of Burley Technology

Burley tobacco thrived in Kentucky and elsewhere for over a century as a profitable farm cash crop with intensive manual labor requirements. Many efforts were made to reduce labor required for production methods. This book describes over 140 innovative methods, structures and machines that have been created during this period. Brief performance data and adoption comments are made about each innovation.

Additionally, over 85 patents are listed on machines and processes.

The more successful labor reducing developments were the float tray transplant production and the small bale packaging and marketing method. The Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation leaders were instrumental in pursuing changes in the state and federal regulations necessary for the bale method to be accepted.

New varieties, fertility management, pest and disease abatement also have contributed greatly to yield and quality gains. All these innovative concepts and methods could be the greatest number of advances for any agricultural crop, animal or product related to Kentucky in a half century.

The book summarizes the multitude of technological innovations to be remembered and discussed for years to come. Buy a book and enjoy reading about the journey of the golden leaf.