How are tobacco leaves harvested from the field?

Tobacco is typically harvested 70 to 130 days after transplanting using one of two primary methods:1

• Whole-plant harvest: The entire plant is cut, and the stalk is either split or speared before being hung on a stick or lath for curing. For Burley tobacco, this is traditionally done by workers using a machete-type knife.12
• Leaf-by-leaf harvest: Leaves are removed at intervals as they reach maturity. This method is used for aromatic tobaccos, which are typically picked by hand.12

The specific approach often depends on the tobacco type and intended use:2

• Flue-cured tobacco: Harvested using machines that carry workers who cut the leaves and place them on conveyor belts for mechanical or manual tying.2
• Cigar-wrapper and aromatic tobaccos: Leaves are often strung using a needle or tied with string.12

To prevent bruising or breakage during handling, leaves are often left in the field to wilt for a few hours up to two days before being moved to a curing barn.1