THE LAST DAYS OF TOBACCO: Buster and Jessie Norton on the crop that grew then went away. FOA Ep.14

Buster and Jessie Norton are hardworking farmers. This funny and loving couple farm multiple plots of land in the remote Grapevine section of Madison County, NC. They grow a large garden, make hay, cultivate corn, and are one of the last people to produce tobacco.
Tobacco was once the main crop of North Carolina and Madison County was one the three counties in the western part of the state that were major producers. But times change and the demand for tobacco has dropped due to a reduction in smoking and foreign imports, so the crop is all but gone today.
Here you can watch this all-but-gone process as Buster and Jessie describe the growing and harvesting process, talk about their life farming, and the demands they face as they grow older in the profession. We visit their tobacco fields, watch them harvest the crop, and sit with them for a conversation in the barn where the tobacco is hanging to dry.
For over forty years I have photographed tobacco production from planting through harvest, and all the way to the auction houses at the end of the season. I’ll share images from my files and books, The Face of Appalachia, On Earth’s Furrowed Brow, and Hands in Harmony.

[@melisaarrington7025]

My husband (Charles Arrington) worked for Buster and Jessie almost 40 years. We live over the mtn from them. They are a dying breed, best people in the world!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats a connnection I was not aware of. Wauld that be Bee Tree or Laurel? Do you all farm today?

[@melisaarrington7025]

@@thefaceofappalachia We live on Will Arrington Road. Instead of staying straight going to Buster and Jessie’s, you turn left right above Arrington Branch Church

[@scottallen6062]

Melisa, thanks for watching and letting us know about your connection to the Nortons. I hope we get to meet you and your family at some point. We sure love your neck of the woods. The Nortons are truly wonderful people.

[@donaldwalls3737]

Yes, just down to earth, good folks! I spent many hot Louisiana summers, walking garden rows with my PawPaw. Snapping, and shelling peas, shocking corn, slinging small square hay bales, oh the life of a 10 year old boy!! Haha If I could go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing!

[@raolhooley]

They'd be even more of a dying breed if they smoked their own product

[@melissatuason2395]

when the days were young, this put tears in my eyes how I wish we were in those days again. It was hard I bet , but very fulfilling and wholesome.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Melissa. Thanks for watching. You really have to have a strong work ethic to support yourself with this way of life, for sure.

[@scottallen6062]

Melissa, so glad you stopped by the channel. Thanks for your comment. Please come back often and continue to let us know your thoughts.

[@stormcrow7698]

So says all of us, when the days were young.

[@jackscruggs1536]

Not hard at all

[@shaunmuffoletto3760]

You'd be the first one complaining

[@justintierney2069]

What a lovely couple. Hard, physical work is good for the body and the soul.

[@sgtblt0506]

The first ten seconds made me want to cry. Many of my best childhood memories are tied to tobacco. Tobacco wasn't only a cash crop for Appalachia, but a big part of life. It was a way for folks to get enough money to climb out of debt, or have a slightly better quality of life. Many a birthday present and school outfit were bought with tobacco. It was means to an end, and now that it's gone there's been no worthy replacement. It's a bygone era.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Well said. It is a mostly bygone era and a sorely missing souce of income that almost every farm here cold count on each fall to pay the taxes and settle up on groceries and all.

[@m.t2535]

I grew up in southwestern Virginia in the 70s and 80s. Tobacco was king then. I performed these same tasks. Brings back memories of simpler days. It was hard work, but we did it without grumbling. Most kids today don’t have a clue about manual labor. I still live on the same farm, but no one raises tobacco anymore. Oh how times have changed 😢.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes its hard to find anyone farming tobacco today and it used to be a take it for granted sight along the roadsides here.

[@JJG84679]

I remember taking vo ag classes at John Battle HS near Bristol VA. Part of the fundraisers for FFA came from growing tobacco on the high school grounds. How times have changed

[@RRR-hj6bt]

I’d say I’m 10 year older, never grew tobacco but no stranger to a hoe. Young people just don’t know.

[@deborahh2165]

I went to college in Danville va in the 80s. Part of our first week of freshmen welcoming we were taken to the warehouses in downtown where they dried it. Knew several people who were tobacco farmers.

[@joehuff1605]

The good days iv got Two boys this is what put them through school and taught them respect for life and how to work for a living God bless the farmers

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like they had a great upbringing!

[@samuelfink4799]

What a beautiful couple, as a 55 year old man this took me back to my younger years of working in tobacco, hay, and gardening with my parents. Little did I know at the time that I was experiencing some of the best this world affords us.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to hear this brought back such nice meories. Thanks for reaching out!

[@wayne-tg1xh]

Good honest and hard working family.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes they are. Widely respected in their community and very involved helping others.

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for your comment. They are awesome people.

[@freebird1ification]

these folks right hear are what built this country -salt of the earth folks for sure

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That they are. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

Wrong color…the folks who literally built this country arent these folks…they may be good people and as a nc native i appreciate what they do…but…lets not rewrite history

[@kirkstinson7316]

​@@TheAcenightcreeper Then stop trying to

[@Longbranchking]

@@TheAcenightcreeperwhites have been an overwhelming majority in this country from the beginning. We wouldn’t be where we are today if they sat back and let 10 percent of the population to do the work.

[@yeedbottomtext7563]

@@TheAcenightcreeperboth groups built this country.

[@dougdavis2038]

A lot of memories just came back to me. When I left home in 1988, Daddy quit raisin backer, sold the cattle, and bought a Gas heating stove! I miss that work so much. Hard work, but it builds good character. Younger generation needs a good dose of the past! That sound of the spear made me smile.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad this brings back good memories and thanks for sharing the story about your dad.

[@scottallen6062]

Doug, thanks for watching and commenting. I love that sound as well! Hope to hear from you again.

[@dougdavis2038]

@@scottallen6062 thank you, I actually had an uncle that worked on the test farm in Waynesville back in the 80’s. Tobacco was a large part of my childhood.

[@randyblackburn9765]

I’ll never forget that smell of burley curing up in the tier rails,weren’t much money but helped daddy pay the GI farm payment and and a little left to make ole Sanny Claus slide down the chimney.

[@anonymousanonym450]

we get a dose of the past when thinking about prices

[@user-ji7ko2ts8k]

I grew up in the holler just about a mile from these two, They are great folks. Hard working people who are just as good as they come. Alan Coates

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Alan; I'll second that. They are valuable members of their communtiy.

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

My mom's family is in Floyd county KY and my grandfather was a coal miner, as was many generations of my family, and grew tobacco. I was a butcher for 40 years and I understand being a dying breed and no one wanting to man up and work. I will be 65 Thursday, May 2nd and I am retired and still working. I sure feel at home around people like buster and Jessie and out of place in the world we live in

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Happy Birthday! We were just at Buster and Jessies this morning filming them seeding trays to plant sorghum in a few weeks to be harvested this fall. Sounds like you come from a family of hard workers!

[@mattservice185]

Happy birthday!

[@DoctorGreenthumb_]

Happy birthday!! Hope all is well for you and your family

[@PNNYRFACE]

Man Up. Aw that cute You sound rediculous

[@DoctorGreenthumb_]

@@PNNYRFACE "rediculos" oh my goodness, you can't have bad grammar AND a bad attitude it's one or the other. God bless you

[@ellencoomer3345]

Tim & Scott, Another good one. My daddy raised tobacco like most people in the area. Buster was good friend of Nathan. They always traded work whether it was making molasses, raising tobacco, or hay . Good memories as usual. Don't stop!

[@scottallen6062]

It always brightens my day to hear from you and learn about the threads and connections that ran through the community. Hope to see you soon.

[@eddybrevet6816]

Tobacco is good insecticide, I use it for mites,

[@Tartarblac]

I love North Carolina I have family there I lived there 7 years while I raised my children there Oh to be there again! I love these country folk Thanks for sharing your life stories

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you are enjoying the episodes!

[@Backflipspagetti]

So much I could say and the memories I could share. They're right when they said people are scared and lazy. I'm from east Tennessee and up till about 20 years ago I made extra money working several crops , tobacco being one . I really miss the old days on the farm. I'm over 50 and you have to drive way out to find any tobacco fields. Used to be everywhere. Blessed my soul watching this. ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to know that you enjoyed the episode and that it relates to your life as well.

[@jonathanweir6084]

I had family from sweetwater. Your cool!

[@mrthreedaysgrace100]

You're dead on about the 20 years ago part. I'm from the tri cities and i can remember my grandfather taking me to show me his friend's cattle farms and tobacco fields as a small boy. Sadly most small farms in East TN seem to be going to land developers anymore as nobody in the family ever want to take them over.

[@joeyallen7927]

From East Tennessee to. Worked tobacco along the French Broad River in the Riverdale community.

[@opalwalker546]

That was a big part of my growing up,miss the way we used to do things.

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

These two are so cute! Bless their hearts. Can you imagine what all they've seen and had to deal with thru the years. Wow. God bless them and may their days continue to be filled with laughter and love.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are a fun and loving couple who have worked hard together to make a great life for themselves and their children. Can't say much higher praise!

[@juanitawilsongay7832]

My Grandparents worked in Tobacco for years. Orange county NC. Still to this day I love the smell of a gold Tobacco leaf. Love the history in these videos. Thanks for sharing..

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for sharing! Its great to hear how many people remember this from their past.

[@keith62970]

Hello from Kentucky! On this side of the hill, I still run across tobacco around. But, it's real sad to watch a long tradition die out. God bless the farmers.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thansk for watching and getting in touch. We certainly appreciate it.

[@Qingeaton]

Farmer's Tobacco Co. of Cynthiana, Ky. produces "Kentucky's Best" brand. The non filters are comparable to the much higher priced Pall Mall non filters. The best tasting tobacco I know of. The filtered variety uses a lesser tobacco, because I have tried those as well. The same is also true of Pall Mall. Kentucky's best are only sold by Casey's stores, so very hard to find. I contacted the company and asked why I can't buy what they make in more than a few stores state wide. They are being throttled. A classic example of an excellent product being choked to death. You can buy 10 different brands of junk all over the state, but can only buy the great stuff when lucky.

[@codysmith605]

What a lovely couple of folks.

[@geraldteaster3298]

Great story! I enjoyed the description of the dying mountain tobacco farming and loved the back and forth comments of the couple. I remember watching my granddad, Ransom Teaster, who was from Madison County, taking tobacco leaves, putting molasses on them and twisting them to dry to make chewing tobacco.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Great memories of your grandfather. Tobacco was a big deal for many folks as far as making extra income to help them survive.

[@scottallen6062]

Gerald, I had not heard of the chewing tobacco recipe. Thanks for that story. Great to hear from you!

[@pamountains2]

You will be proud to know that here in Central PA, Northern Appalachia, tobacco grows through our valleys. Mostly the Amish doing it

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Interesting to know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Would love to see that sometime.

[@NakedOwl501]

Thank god for the Amish, basically our human time capsules.

[@TribulationIsNear]

One of the best memories I have is my time in the tobacco field. And the smell of cured hanging tobacco is sweet.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It is, for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@TribulationIsNear]

@@thefaceofappalachia Thank you for the trip back in time.

[@Nyxeme]

This is why Im on KZbin. Quality stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed this mini documentary.

[@budsatawny]

Good people like these folks are few and far between

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So true. They are really great, hard working folks.

[@thevictorianedge5465]

I’m in SE NC and I grew up helping in tobacco on the old harvester and I would string tobacco on a wood stick. There was 8 people working on the harvester, 4 stringing and each stringer had someone cropping and handing it to the stringer. One person driving the tractor which pulled the harvester and a trailer behind which held the sticks full of tobacco. A person was on the trailer waiting for the stringers to call STICK. The full stick was handed to that person and in exchange an empty stick was given to start all over again. Sometimes at this point a cropper would begin to collect too much tobacco in their lap waiting on the new stick and they’d have to holler WHOA which signaled to the tractor driver to stop so we could catch up. Hot and dirty work but I wouldn’t trade those memories and the opportunity to work at 12 years old for nothing in this world. Good crowd of farm hands, talking while they work or singing and laughing. It was a great time really. Such wonderful memories. ❤❤

[@scottallen6062]

What great memories and stories. Thanks for sharing! Hard work for sure. Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts.

[@gillisBR549]

My great grandfather had 100 acres of tobacco allotment in 1936, year he died. My grandpa inherited a 1/3 of it ( 33 acres ) in 1938 after estate was settled. The “feds” had cut that 33 acres to about 12 acres by 1974. Great video of great people!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Great story. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@scottallen6062]

So good to hear from you. Thanks for continuing to visit. Great to hear about your history with tobacco farming. Things sure have changed!

[@NicCageForPresident2024]

Fuck the government taking from us.

[@joewearsadroolbib7347]

Very refreshing to see such a loving couple.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks. We agree and appreciate you watching!

[@conniedavidson1807]

Brings back lots of memories, I use to use those tobacco sticks for my "horses" as a kid. I had a whole herd. I remember stringing up those leaves as the guys brought them in from the fields. I must have been about 8 yrs old. Shows how old I am now. We played outside and no computers invented. Barely had TV.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Connie; those are some great memories. I can see it in my minds eye. I have a walking stick someone has made recently from an old tobacco stick. Piles of them in the barns sitting unused now.

[@scottallen6062]

So good to hear from you! I love your memories of your stick horses. Awesome!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

A diffrerent time for sure. Glad it brought back good memories!

[@BillDalby]

Working in tobacco in southern Ontario Canada alot of farmers would hire north Carolina farmers to come up an cure the tobacco for them they had the knowledge met alot of people from Goldsboro and rocky mt. NC

[@susanbelida6981]

❤ I just love these true Americana videos. Wonderful, hardworking folks. The last of the real builders of America.

[@scottallen6062]

Susan, you have made my day. We so appreciate you spending time here and commenting on the video. I hope you have or will subscribe to the channel it really helps us to continue this tribute to the people in our area.

[@rogerwright4323]

Beautiful story and people. I'm so happy I found your channel. Thank you and God bless you!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Welcome!. Glad to have you along. I hope you'll take a look at some of our other videos as well for more great folk!

[@andrewm806]

Thanks for making this. Real sweet.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@the32712]

The last of the baccer went away bout 15 years ago here in NW North Carolina. The barns are all still here. Most growers in this part of the mountains of NW swapped to cattle or christmas trees. My family has small pastured poultry farm. Buster mentioned about the income per acre, pastured poultry seemed to be the best for our small acreage. Expecting a hard freeze tonight 10/07/23. Winter will be here this month with the snow no doubt. Lord's giving us a break from the garden and farm. God Bless you and yours. Got a neighbor of mine, we're both in the fire department, his parents are right about 95 years old. His father cut the first power line right of way to ever enter our county. In our part of our county the electric came right about 1960. One of the last parts of the county to get electrified due to the remoteness and rugged terrain, even moreso than Jefferson and Lansing.

[@scottallen6062]

So good to hear from you! Hope you guys were ready for the freeze. Got down to 34 here last night.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

What great stories. The power came into these communities in late 1940s. A frind has a refrigerator bought new then that is till working! There have been lots of attempts at replacement crops, and many have gone to beef cattle but livestock is a lot of daily work, so its been tough.

[@darrenanderson2244]

What a wonderful couple! Thanks for sharing their story.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you and are glad you are enjoying the episodes.

[@scottallen6062]

Hey Darren. I am so glad you enjoyed this episode on the Nortons and tobacco. Please come back often. You are always welcome.

[@SollidRollerC10]

I grew up in Lumberton NC working in the backer field as we called it and it was hard work. Them days were the golden days where you had little money but were still happy. Man I miss them day's. Not being poor, but just the way life was just so simple. Love your channel.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ericeakes7733]

I love and miss my farming relative's,...I became a man working on their farm, I'm grateful to have had that privilege. They're all passed on now. Bless you folks.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Well said! Thanks for getting in touch and sharing your thoughts.

[@johnregan9644]

Fifty years ago when I was a soldier and stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, we were frequently in the field on maneuvers. We would often meet tobacco farmers who would let us sleep or get out of the weather in their barns (as long as the tobacco wasn't drying). I don't think I ever met a better class of people. We would always pay for our stay by leaving 5-10 lbs of coffee when we left.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

What a wonderful story and a great memory. It sounds like everyone benefitted and helped each other out. And my experinece with farmers is the same; such helpful and giving folk.

[@tarheelpatch3386]

I lived 45 min from Bragg thank you for your service

[@RK-dk5vt]

Thanks. Lovely couple.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are, for sure. Its been a real plaesure to spend time with them. Thanks for watching and getting in touch!

[@HasteDraftHorsesandMules]

I grew up in south central Kentucky and was raised in the tobacco patch. It was our way of life until the buyout when they took all the tobacco bases from farmers.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I kn ow Kentucky was second only to NC in production so both economies took a hit.

[@brianishmael2290]

I'm from here in Central Kentucky and from a little boy my family raised tobacco and the same thing happened the buy out came and not very many people even raise it anymore, but I sure do miss those days.

[@kevingaddis7276]

Tobacco barns is one of the best smells God came up with.

[@debby891]

What an amazing couple and story. Thank you for sharing❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for watching!

[@Per409]

He spoke of the buy outs, this was the late 90s and we sold out to. Strange that most money set aside for farmers went everywhere. I remember a headline in the paper saying $100,000 was given to the Carter Fold in Hiltons Va. why It was hard work and people were strong, wonderful memories.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

My understanding is that there weren't restrictions on how the money was to be used so in North Carolina, for instance ,the legislature put it in the general fund so much of it didn't go to the farmers.

[@williambass5933]

Brings back good memories. Nice to see the tradition is still going. Worked the fields in Barnardsville several times as a young guy. Sure made me understand what Hard work was! Great video and thanks for sharing 👍

[@scottallen6062]

thanks William! Keep coming back.

[@carolinalady7763]

How I long for days gone by. My papaw was a tobacco farmer in Yancey county, NC. I grew up handing "baccer" and the smell of a barn hanging full is unmatched. And these kind of people are the best kind.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like you have some great memories. Glad this video was meaningful to you.

[@macleanhawley1742]

That was awesome, thanks for making this!

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! So grateful that you spent time with the video and channel. You are welcome here.

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

I was fortunate enough to grow up on the fringe of the end of the tobacco growing industry in OH. I'll always remember the field full of tobacco at our friends' farm, and the amazing smell in the barn when it was all hanging to dry.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes its a beautiful plant to look at and is something to smell when hung as you say. Thanks for your comment.

[@zinniaadkins9826]

I'm 45 this is what my childhood looked like,we grew five acres each year, I'm just across the mountain from you in TN,in unicoi county, sounds like our way of life sawmills, gardens, hunting, fishing

[@scottallen6062]

Great to hear from you. Sounds like you got a great way of life! I especially like the hunting and fishing part......lol

[@user-cs4bz2lz2f]

Hello I really appreciate these folks I didn't know the government had athority over growing tobacco good people 😊❤

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chipper442]

As a cigar smoker, I’ll take a second to say thank you for the effort and dedication it takes to produce tobacco.

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for stopping by the channel and your comment. You are always welcome here.

[@frankbrown2399]

My family was in the tobacco business in S.C. and N.C. for generations both growing and tobacco auction houses. I last farmed flue cured tobacco in the late 90's. Miss it! Hard work and a way of life. Thanks to you and the Norton's for sharing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like you have some great memories!

[@scottallen6062]

Hey Frank, thanks for spending time with the video and channel. What is "flue cured" tobacco? Keep coming back. You are always welcome.

[@brucethomas3100]

@@scottallen6062 I grew up on a small farm in Robeson County NC near a little town called Lumber Bridge. Our Dad raised flue cured tobacco as well also soybeans, corn, cotton, wheat and peanuts. Yessir, it was hard, good work. Flue cured tobacco was harvested a few leaves from the bottom of the stalks as they began ripe and strung onto a tobacco stick and hung in a barn. When all of the rooms in the barn were filled the burners, gas or kerosene, were fired to cure the leaves of tobacco. Early flue curing was achieved by using wood heat, I remember my Dad and Uncle telling stories about filling the tobacco barns during the day and watching and feeding the fire during the night.

[@jefferyschirm4103]

Great maybe you can still get a little credit for some of the cancer deaths , right??!

[@jimbob8969]

@@jefferyschirm4103Why do you have to come here and start your nonsense? If you don’t like it don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

[@soniatriana9091]

Wow! This video was phenomenal in every way!! Jessie & Buster Norton are amazing people! They truly are the epitome of hardworking, honest, fun loving, devoted, & knowledgeable & skilled farmers!! I cannot imagine what a wonderful & rare goldmine of friendship & neighborly comradely must exist in this part of the country!!! Especially among the older generations!! The Appalachian people are truly as amazing as their beautiful land! What a pleasure it was to watch this video - I learned so much!! Thank you!!👍🏻🤗👏🏻

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you so much for your comments. Its so great to know that what we are doing is meaningful to others and that they both learn from it and enjoy watching. The Norton's are a great couple and two of the hardest working, but fun, folks I know. Stay tuned for more!

[@michaelatkins9780]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you for watching.

[@sharonlesley901]

Looking good guys, happy to see you're doing something you love.

[@scottallen6062]

Sharon, thanks for tuning in. Hope you will stop by often. We need you!

[@brandywine4000]

I worked many summers in tobacco fields and at the barns in Eastern NC. I loved the work and cherished the people. I’m thankful for the memories. When I visit my home now, the few farmers who are growing and harvesting tobacco aren’t doing it the same as we did back in the 80-90’s. Thank you for sharing this couple’s story.

[@scottallen6062]

Good to read your comment. Times keep rolling and ways keep changing.We hope to preserve a time capsule here of people and ways that are slowly passing!

[@thomascramer7485]

What agreat real life story old america we once knew❤.

[@scottallen6062]

Thomas, thanks for watching and responding to the video.

[@jonbruce536]

Beautiful people. This country is in short supply of these kind of folks.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Agreed. Its been a pleasure to spend time with them on the tobacco crop and on the molasses making just done.

[@SammyGDude]

What a cool video. I didnt expect to watch it from start to finish, but I really enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it! We appreciate you letting us know.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

They seem like hard working good folks

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They certainly are. Be sure to check out the next video where they are making molasses.

[@matthewthompson7012]

I miss the tobacco worms and playing tag in the barn before we hung. I can smell this video and it brings me joy. Thanks 👍

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad it rung true with you and brought back fun memories!

[@jeffboyles3611]

I'm sure glad you posted this. Helping my Grandfather and Father get their crop in was a big part of my childhood and adolescence. In fact, that was my first taste of "spending money". We worked mules and had a red belly Ford tractor, which was the extent of our equipment. Buster says the young guys today don't want to "man-up". That's a shame. Honest, hard work from those days is something I think about often. And with tobacco, you do need to man-up. It's hot, hard work, but surely builds character. We raised burley and one sucker in southwest Kentucky. Working in the tobacco patch helped me decide that college might be a good idea. It was, but I miss those days and the people who populated them with me. Thanks again for a wonderful program. Buster and Jesse are my kind of people. Sure wish I could have supper with them sometime, my treat.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Jeff; Thanks for sharing such great memories. It sounds like the hard work built character and allowed you to have some pocket money. I hope you'll check out our latest episode on molasses, featuring Buster and Jessie, which might be another thing you remember making or seeing made.

[@scottallen6062]

Jeff, great to hear from you. Hope you are a subscriber to the channel. We need folks just like you to keep making these videos.

[@jeffboyles3611]

I sure will. My Grandfather always called it Sorghum. Probably not entirely accurate, but it sure was good on Mema's biscuits, homemade of course.@@thefaceofappalachia

[@jeffboyles3611]

I subscribed this morning after watched The Last Days of Tobacco killing time before leaving for Church. I'm glad the magic algorithm or whatever it is recommended it for me. I guess I'm getting old, but I despair of the current culture. I guess that's what we're destined to do at a certain age. I'm glad to see this channel is documenting what once was - and could be again. We could do worse.@@scottallen6062

[@brianshell4111]

More people need to see this video

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks Brian. I hope so!

[@kimmontgomery54]

I enjoy your videos! Such a lovely couple!❤❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you so much!! Tey are great. Spent another day with them yesterday working hay and preparing to make molasses.

[@stevebruce1235]

This is amazing life,I used to work in tobacco in Tennessee,I now reside in Arizona,no one knows hard work until they have farmed....thank for you Chanel....brought back many memories

[@scottallen6062]

Steve, so good to hear from you. Tim is in Arizona as we speak. I have been there often. I love your neck of the woods. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you keep coming back. You are always welcome.

[@chrisfrench8511]

Great video yo make me smile. I am 68 and headed out the the fields. Help is hard to find.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like you stay busy. I just spent the day with folks making molasses and they rely solely on family and neighbors for help as its hard to find other help.

[@frankknight4491]

These are two beautiful people, often make the same comment to my bride... act like you love me, that was absolutely Priceless for me.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes they are a special couple, married 47 years they've figured something out to still enjoy being and working together.

[@TheMallen07]

My grandfather was a depression era tobacco farmer in Reidsville, NC. My grandmother went on to work at Lorillard in Greensboro till she retired in the 90s. I remember as a kid seeing it growing in the fields of the NC piedmont. It was our states crop, and sort of a shame it’s almost gone now. I think we need to make an effort to preserve the barns while some are still standing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There are efforts in some places to preserve the barns or at least document them but I agree that it would be great if more could be done.

[@maverick_jrt9925]

Great video! Two of the finest people in Madison County.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree and glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@driverjamescopeland]

Tobacco and the families who cultivated/processed it, built this country... and now the government is legislating these families/businesses out of existence 😢 We owe these people a debt of gratitude. Without tobacco, the economic independence prerequisite to our very existence, would not have been.

[@blueridgerider7954]

Tobacco was my first job, Ed Mackey in little River NC. From plowing setting plants, cutting, grading and my favorite part the sale barn. I started at 14 years old, up till I graduated high school every spare moment was in the field. Lots of memories.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That sounds wonderful. Glad this brings back some good memories.

[@goldshieldenterprises692]

Love this!!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for letting us know. Hope you'll check out some other episdoes! Also have a new one coming up that features them some more.

[@acesoftrul3z]

We even used to have baccer here in parts of north GA when I was a kid back in the 90s/early 2000s, not a whole lot but still enough that I knew what it was and could recognize the smell. Recently went through rural kentucky because the highway was shut down and I had to take a detour and it brought me through hundreds of acres of tobacco and it just flooded me with memories

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It was certinly a way of life. NC and KY were the country's largest producers in the day. Lots of folks have fond memories of the fellowship they had working together farming all sorts of crops.

[@Trapphausmusic]

Hoss Tool grows it down in GA

[@chrisrose_krii_lun_aus]

I dont miss any of and i miss it terribly at the same time.

[@thelewddwarf28]

I am amazed how much they accomplished in life, then decide to become farmers of all things in retirement. I hope they both have many more prosperous years, we need more people like them.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I think farming has always been Busters first love, after Jessie, and now she is able to help full time, but it's her third career she says! Amazing couple.

[@Connorkinn]

Such a cool couple 💙

[@scottallen6062]

They are the best kind of people. Great chemistry between them for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@nicke1903]

I financed my teens in tobacco and hay, right over the hill in Barnardsville NC (Northern Buncombe Co).. .hot,hard work but I truly enjoy looking back at the experience.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats neat. Glad the video brings back good memories!

[@user-dk1rr6lk7k]

Me being from CHARLESTON S.C. A country Boy , I love your Home Stead , and both of you guys!! Great Video 😊😊😊😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They have a great place in the mountains and several plots of land on the bottom they work. Lots to keep up with starting this time of year.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

We still grow a ton of tobacco in southern ontario canada. Near lake erie particularly

[@scottallen6062]

Good to hear from you. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment here on the channel. I have been up that way lately. Very beautiful!

[@flapwheat]

Great video, full of information. My ancestors on my dad's side were all tobacco farmers in Davidson County. My dad and his siblings got as far away from farming as they could. Dad said it was a hard life.

[@alpineflauge909]

awesome content

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks. We certainly appreciate you watching.

[@zacharygross7971]

Thanks!

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Thank ya for the stories of Buster and Jessie Hard living but love the earth and it is pretty neat putting your hands in the earth I woman that I know her and her family grew tobacco she said it was hard work,but she said looking back she would do it all over ✌️❤️

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing your story about your friend.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Soft times make soft men.

[@user-dk1rr6lk7k]

You two are a wonderful couple indeed !! Love ya😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are a great couple who work well together and have fun while they work.

[@FISHPOT77]

I remember working on my grate Uncle's farm in the summer. He grew tobacco over near Wilson, NC. Long days, hot and very sticky. It was a small family operation, I miss working on the farm and all those older family members.

[@scottallen6062]

Wow what a great memory! Keep stopping here for a visit, you are always welcome.

[@tonyindiana]

I love these two folks

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, they are really great folks. Be sure to check out our current video where we visit them again while they make molasses.

[@williamwimer2074]

Very good and interesting video

[@scottallen6062]

William, thanks for watching. We appreciate you!

[@andrewdaugherty3141]

video brings back good memories of working in tobacco for my dad in central kentucky its truly a lost art now.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That it is. Just visited them again and they are planting seeds in the greenhouse for this year.

[@DavidDowdy877]

Congratulations on a marriage well lived! Thanks for sharing your story about this disappearing way of life!

[@dixienormous2704]

I never grew up near a tobacco farm, but I grew up a block away from Bloch Brothers Tobacco in Wheeling, WV. That sweet sweet smell of snuff and molasses on a balmy summer night is a memory I miss.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, that does sound nice. Those smells are part of growing up here and I'm sure many of us share those memories. Thanks for watching.

[@derekc180]

I love tobacco, its a beautiful, magical medicinal plant. You don’t have to abuse it. Harvested it with my family every summer then had a big country cookout afterward. Miss those days.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It is a communal effort as it requires so much labor so its great when folks get together to help with one anothers crops.

[@cognitivedissonancecamp6326]

Super cool video

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are so kind. Thanks for watching and glad yyou enjoyed it.

[@reneebrown2968]

I have 1 tobacco plant in my garden. It was very intriguing to watch it grow. Always wondered how it would grow

[@scottallen6062]

Renee, so great to hear from you. I hope you had a good garden this year. Our bush beans did amazingly well. We were able to can a bunch for winter. thanks for spending time with the video and channel. I hope you will keep stopping by for a visit.

[@lamarmcabee2341]

Fantastic!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you like it!

[@Khaymen223]

We still have an old tobacco barn on our property. We spent the last few years slowly replacing rotting boards, and now its lookin good.

[@scottallen6062]

That is great to hear. Seems like the landscape would not be the same without them. Thanks for tuning in and commenting. Keep coming back!

[@jonathanschadenfreude9603]

did cukes and bacci in northern mass my entire 11-17yrs growing up and ended up in arborculture. Outdoor work is gods work. Sandersons veggie farm N.hatfield mass area, i miss it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for getting in touch and for watching!

[@Kevin-bz7hj]

I remember living in N.C in the 60’s and all the tobacco farms and the smell of the drying barns .

[@scottallen6062]

Kevin, good to hear from you. So glad the video brought back good memories.

[@davidlj53]

Folks like this won’t exist much in 20 more years. They know how to work and don’t whine about it.

[@scottallen6062]

David, I hear ya! So glad that on occasion we meet great young folks that understand and value some of the old ways. Folks will hopefully remember before it's all gone.

[@rickchamberlain6373]

this vidio brings back memorys of when i was a kid in the tobacco feils. we called it primeing when we picked it and string it was done by hand. we had tractors but allso used mules that drug sleds through the feilds to get the tobacco out of the feilds.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Rick, what greatrecollections. So glad you enjoyed the video and that it brought back good memories.

[@timmelcher6780]

They don't build em like that anymore. Amazing people!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes they really are. He's 73 and climbing arouind the poles in the barn like a teenager and she's always working on something!

[@Noamgood]

Two good people, you don't know it but your way of life is honorable and is fast disappearing. Keep that farm going as long as the good Lord will allow you.

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for your time and comment. Please keep stopping by for a visit!