Barn Talk

Farming Like It's 1850: The Lost Art of Dark-Fired Tobacco

Barn Talk

Show Notes

Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Jordan, Vice President of Jordan Farms out of Nashville, Tennessee. Jesse gives us an inside look at the world of dark fired tobacco, grown and cured using the same tried and true methods from 200 years ago. From starting tobacco in greenhouses, nurturing it in the fields, and mastering the delicate art of curing, Jesse walks us through the hands-on journey that every plant takes. But Jesse’s story is about more than just tobacco. He’s also the owner-operator of a thriving tree service business and shares how he balances entrepreneurship, family farm tradition, and rural life all while being just a half-hour from the heart of Nashville’s country music scene. We talk about living the highs and lows of modern agriculture: the realities of equipment breakdowns, labor struggles, shifting markets, and the satisfaction that comes from a hard day’s work. There’s plenty of laughter, nostalgia, and a few great stories about hunting, barbecuing, and the classic vehicles that make farm life memorable.

Whether you’re curious about farming, love old trucks, or just want to hear what it’s like to build a business from the ground up, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

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00:00 Growing the podcast community

16:46 Starting plants in February

26:42 Controlling tobacco curing process

37:11 Preparing tobacco for grading

48:13 Early career and farming interests

57:01 Balancing farm work and tree work

01:09:04 Staying ahead in farming business

01:14:58 Starting a cigar business

01:25:03 Expanding into direct sales

01:34:56 Buying and selling Jeeps regularly

01:45:54 Starting a farming side business

01:56:13 Collecting and preparing hickory slabs

02:09:27 Jesse's social media and plans

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