© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

State Fair Highlights Kentucky's Complicated Relationship With Tobacco

Tobacco leaves at the state fair.
Lisa Gillespie
Tobacco leaves at the state fair.

Kentucky has a complicated relationship with tobacco. At one time the plant was the biggest cash crop in the state. But that’s changed dramatically. Back in 1999, Kentucky farmers harvested 221,000 acres. Last year, the yield had plummeted to only 68,000 aces of tobacco.

For the Tribble family of Mercer County, this means a husband having to leave work as a full-time farmer for a public service job. But as WFPL's Lisa Gillespie reports, Rhonda Tribble doesn't want people to use tobacco products — but she wishes it wouldn't go away altogether.

Listen to the story by using the player above.

 

Tags
Lisa Gillespie is WFPL's Health and Innovation Reporter.