Let the Harvesting Begin!!!

Now that the Tobacco has been growing for 60 days it's time to harvest it.  

First the men hand chop then place the broadleaf into rows.

The Tobacco has to wilt for an hour before you can begin to pick it up.

When picking up the tobacco there are two ways to secure the plant to the lath. 

One way is to spear.  The second way is to hook.

 At this farm they spear the tobacco then load the wagons (riggens).  The riggen is now full.

 The driver carefully transports  the broadleaf to the shed.

Driving between 9 and 15 miles an hour to make sure the leaves are not damaged from the wind speed.

The tobacco is now hung in the curing sheds.  

The curing process now begins.  The shed is open on all sides only to be closed during heavy rain or wind for the next few weeks.

Broadleaf is cured by natural air and open ventilation.  When it rains for 2-3 days and the leaves start to feel clammy they must be dried or the tobacco will rot. We dry the tobacco with charcoal or propane burners.  The tobacco will be completely cured in 60 days.