- 5 -
The Tobacco Barn was not completed until November 1994, and
petitioners did not cure tobacco in the Tobacco Barn during 1994.
After its completion, petitioners used the Tobacco Barn for
stripping, grading, and baling the tobacco leaves.
Since 1994, petitioners have used the Tobacco Barn in a
substantial part of their tobacco business, including the curing,
stripping, grading, baling, and boxing of the tobacco leaves.
During curing season, petitioners use the Tobacco Barn mainly as
a curing facility. During that season, all of the work performed
in the Tobacco Barn is related to the curing of the tobacco. For
example, the Tobacco Barn is not equipped with a cable hoist
system, and tobacco is hung manually by petitioners and their
employees.
After the curing season, petitioners use the Tobacco Barn
for about 5 months of the year for stripping, grading, and
baling, and boxing of the tobacco leaves in what is commonly
referred to as a stripping room. A good stripping room is
essential to tobacco producers for preparation of the tobacco for
market. A stripping room need not be located inside a tobacco
barn. In fact, it is preferable to haul the unstripped tobacco
to a more suitable location. However, smaller producers suffice
by temporarily enclosing a portion of their barn with plastic and
using a foldup bench and portable heat. Petitioners chose this
latter option.
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011