Kentucky is a state with a rich agricultural heritage. Since it's founding in June of 1792, the Commonwealth's vast natural resources have supported everything from the world's finest bourbon distilleries to champion thoroughbred racehorses. This fall I was able to explore Kentucky's rich tradition of tobacco farming. I was captivated by the beauty of the leaves and fascinated by the traditional harvest and curing processes that have remained unchanged for centuries. I was also blown away by the work ethic of the migrant workers who performed the heavy labor of the harvest. Special thanks to local farmer Ray Tucker for allowing me unfettered access to his fields and tobacco barns.

Migrant worker Victor Parra of Mexico cuts Burley tobacco grown by Tucker Farms in Finchville, Ky. before hanging the leaves in barns to begin their six week curing process on the morning of Monday, September 9, 2013. The migrant workers participate in the U.S. Department of Labor's H-2A temporary agricultural program which allows agricultural employers to hire temporary help for seasonal work. Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

Joaquin Garcia of Mexico carries spare tobacco stakes while harvesting Burley tobacco grown by Tucker Farms in Finchville, Ky. on the morning of Monday, September 9, 2013.

Migrant workers from Mexico and Nicaragua harvest Burley tobacco grown by Tucker Farms in Pleasureville, Ky. before hanging the leaves in barns to begin their six week curing process.

Migrant worker Rafael Gonzalez of Mexico takes a break while hanging Burley tobacco grown by Tucker Farms in a tobacco barn in Pleasureville, Ky.

Workers clean off empty tobacco trailers after hanging leaves in Shelby County, Ky.

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**Photos copyright Luke Sharrett and Getty Images**