

v^.^^ 





A quiet day in Lexington, Kentucky's largest tobacco market town, 1889 

 From Harper's Monthly 



K 



armers' Cooperative 



The harvests of all types from Kentucky's numerous 

 tobacco farms came to 462 million pounds in 1916. With 

 an overall average of 12.7 cents per pound the total 

 value of production was $58,674,000. Acreage increased 

 during the war years of 1917 to 1919. Burley tobacco sold 

 for 34 cents a pound in the latter year. Then, with pro- 

 duction still high, its price dropped to 13.3 cents a pound 

 in 1920. The war was over— and a long, rainy season 

 was responsible for poor leaf quality. 



At Lexington the auction market opened on January 

 3, 1920 and other Burley markets opened on the day 

 following. They were summarily and simultaneously 

 closed during the morning of the second day thereafter 

 by farmers indignant over the low prices. A few lots had 

 been purchased at prices below the cost of production. 



It was stated that all Burley growers faced economic 

 ruin. Excitement continued high and the mood in the 

 auction areas was ugly. Buyers, who were hardly ac- 



56 



