Tharps Harvest Last Crop of Tobacco in Union County

Submitted by Ashley Mike on Tue, 10/08/2019 - 14:46

James and Lora Tharp with their last crop of tobacco hanging to cure in the family barn in Luttrell, Tennessee

Tobacco once was a way of life and a tradition. It is where people came from and how they grew up. A lot of hard work and pride went into the crop, but over the years it has become a dying tradition for many reasons, with little remaining in East Tennessee.
In Union County, Tennessee, a place where tobacco once flourished all through the hills and hollers in late summer months, one family harvested the county’s last crop of tobacco this season. James and Lora Tharp of Luttrell have raised the crop on their farm since they were married twenty-six years ago, and raised it with their families when they were growing up.
They live on the Tharp family farm of twenty-five acres and they lease another approximately fifty acres. They grow a plentiful garden and raise cattle, hay and tobacco. With just their own hands, they invest long hours and a lot of sweat to get all the work in. It is a daylight-to-after-dark job some days.
This year the couple grew just over an acre of tobacco, reduced from past years' average of about three acres. As far as can be told, this operation is the last of tobacco farms in Union County and one of the last of a few remaining tobacco growers in East Tennessee. A few folks in the county, including the Ray Family, grow a couple rows in their garden to make homemade chewing tobacco, but it seems the Tharps are last to grow commercially.
Tobacco farming is true manual labor that entails long hours in hot weather. It is not for the weak.
For a crop of tobacco, the season nowadays begins with purchasing plants from a greenhouse, usually near mid-May, to get them set out. In the past the Tharps, like many others, would grow their own plant beds. It would start with piling up brush and burning it where the beds would be placed. Eventually, like most, they starting using greenhouse plants. David Coppock and Dale Corum grew a lot of the plants locally then, but recently Tharp has bought from a farm in Athens, Tenn.
The plants are cultivated until mid-July when the buds begin to bloom and then it is topped. Topping the plants is done so the nutrients will stop going up, and the energy is directed back into the leaf, making a thicker, heavier leaf, which gives the grower what they are looking for: weight.
After topping, it is typically three to four weeks until time to harvest. Depending upon the variety, it takes until the last week of August or first week of September for it to mature.
How long the tobacco is in the field has a whole lot to do with the weather. Cutting was early this year because of the hot dry weather. The crop is then hung and cured.
Old folks would not start grading it until the first frost, which is what James goes by for the most part as well.
Over the years, the market for tobacco has changed. It used to be sold at auction. Every farm had a quota and sold that amount at auction. They were only allowed to grow that quota unless poundage was bought from someone else, usually for about fifty cents a pound. In the 2002 Tobacco Buyout, the market changed to require farmers to have a contract with a tobacco company in order to sell. Farmers would just take it to the receiving station and come back home with a check. In the buyout, the tobacco companies bought out the quotas. This plays a part in why there is a shortage and many are no longer growing.
Prices on the market have varied over the past four to five years. Overall though it is still bringing almost the same as in 2002; about $2 per pound. Tharp even remembers selling some in 1995 for $2.05 a pound, which is not a large variance in market price.
There are more options for selling if no contract is present. There is an auction barn in Kentucky and one in North Carolina. At auction, crops are bringing $1.40 -1.50 compared to $2.00 from the companies. Unless you have crop insurance, you cannot profit at that price, but crop insurance will guarantee a certain amount per pound per acre.
The tobacco is graded the same as it once was when it was more popular; RJ Reynolds looks for three grades: ground leaves, long reds, and tips, while Phillip Morris wants four grades. Tharp grows the same variety that he grew back in the 90’s when it came out, Tennessee 90. He says that he has tried several other varieties over the years, but continues to see consistency from the Tennessee 90 that he did not experience with some of the others.
Cure color is very important when it comes to selling. The buyers look for a deep dark color when cured out. Darker tends to have more nicotine and a less bitter flavor, Tharp shared.
Both James and Lora are from Union County. He grew up on the farm growing tobacco and has continued through the years. Her dad and grandparents were sharecroppers. James grew his first crop when he was fourteen and always helped his uncles and family as he was growing up. His granddaddy, who originally bought the farm, grew the crop as well, and it may go back even further in generations.
The Tharps use a tractor setter now, but in olden days his granddaddy used an old-time hand setter. Tharp says past generations used a team of horses to work the ground. The first tractor setter was bought by his granddad and neighbor, Tolbert Atkins, together.
Along with hard work are good, but backbreaking, memories. Tharp says he remembers fooling with tobacco since he was just a little fellow, when he was old enough to pull weeds out of the tobacco beds. “Hard work is all I can ever remember about it,” he says.
Several factors led to the decision to make 2019 the Tharps' final season of growing. Tharp said, “The sure fact that you can’t find help” is a big reason; along with regulation becoming increasingly strict. Over the last seven or eight years, farmers were required to go every year and update their Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) training, which the tobacco companies require. It is not just going to the class for a couple hours anymore.
Now, periodically, farms are chosen for a visit where records are reviewed and critiqued, and a $600 fee is charged to that individual. Although crediting accountability and regulation, that kind of fee for small producers cuts a huge amount from profits. This alone moves many of the smaller operations out.
It is easy to see the beauty and heritage of the tobacco tradition in Tennessee, but clear as to why it is a dwindling crop as well. James and Lora Tharp have been loyal to their heritage, and their love for agriculture shines in the other endeavors they continue to practice on their family farm in Luttrell.

Tags: 
Heritage
Tradition
Harvest
Tobacco
Farm
Agriculture
Luttrell
Tharp

Photo by Marilyn Toppins

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AdobeStock 734733997

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UCCC Under the Tree Distribution December 7

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:00

Treasurer Brooke Simpson, Chairperson Gina Gilbert, Chief Elf Carol Pratt, and a host of volunteers will be distributing toys and gifts from Under the Tree, a project of Union County Children's Charities, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The big orange applications will be sent by the end of August to be returned before the end of September. Wish Trees will be set up on November 1 at Food City and surrounding businesses. As toys and gifts are donated, the elves will be bagging the them for the Saturday, December 7 Distribution Day.

Introduction to Disaster Relief and Specialized Classes – Knoxville (East TN)

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:23

November 9, 2024 – Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN. To pre-register for this class, contact Cassie Williamson at cassie.williamson@gracebc.org with your names and classes desired.

Please pre-register by Monday, November 4, so that we can supply you with the proper training materials and/or lunch count on Saturday.

Social media content creation workshops offered

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 15:27

Direct farm marketers, value-added agriculture entrepreneurs and agritourism operators seeking to establish and grow their social media marketing efforts are encouraged to register for one of the upcoming Design to Strategy: Building Blocks for Social Media Content Creation workshop sessions.
This educational event offers an opportunity for direct farm marketers to participate in a hands-on activity utilizing computers and free content creation software to produce effective social media content for their farm businesses.

Birth of Maverick Bunch

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 20:16

Tim and I are excited to announce the birth of our grandson: Maverick Jace Bunch. He made his appearance six weeks early on August 21 of this year, weighing in at 5 pounds and 5 ounces. He will be the eighth generation to be raised on our family farm. His parents are Jordan and Sara Bunch. Grandparents are Rodney and Kathy Bunch and Tim and Brooke Cox. Great grandparents are Dick and Gail Bradley and Sue Cox.

Obituary

ida Bell Savage

Ida Bell Savage-age 81 of Luttrell passed away Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was a member of First Apostolic Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd Savage; parents, Major Lester and Edith (Davis) Jones; grandsons, Clayton Lloyd Miller and Steven Smyser; son-in-law, C. J. Miller; two sisters and three brothers.

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger-age 80 of Luttrell passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Willow Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Wolfenbarger; parents, Charlie and Bertha Thomas; siblings, Ed, Bill, Earl, Georgia and Blanche.

Judy Ann Bailey

Judy A. Bailey-age 79 of Luttrell, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the home of her niece and caregiver, Michelle Strunk. She was a 25-year employee of Flowers by Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bailey; her parents, Fred and Mettie Dukes; sisters, Ilah Washam, Reba Herron, Nalda Slaughter; brothers, Ted Dukes, Roy Dukes.

Dorothy Louise Cummings

Dorothy Louise Cummings born on April 16, 1939, a resident of the Karns Community in Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Otha Taylor Stoffel and Matilda Jane Stoffel. Dorothy worked at and retired from Robert Shaw. She was married to Lionel “Jack” Cummings for 38 years. Dorothy loved her family and was always there for them. She was a devoted Christian and grandmother to numerous grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.

Oralia De Leon Briano

Oralia De Leon Briano – age 63 of Strawberry Plains, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her family. She enjoyed walking, cooking, working in her garden and walking with her dog. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ana Lopez and Arnulfo De Leon; brother, Jose Luis De Leon.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Briano; children, Dalila Leek (Josh), Ruben Briano (Emily), Cindy Briano (Tanh); grandchildren, Alexia Leek, Jacob Cao, Catherine Davenport, Sophia Briano, Ana Lucia Cao; three sisters and six brothers, many nieces and nephews.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr-age 76 of Tater Valley in Washburn passed away surrounded by his family Monday, October 28, 2024, after a long illness, we believe to be ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Roy was a lifelong member of Mount Eager Baptist Church in Hogskin. Roy was a long-time employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City where he made many lifelong friendships. He loved his job and their monthly breakfast gatherings and reunions. Roy finished his work career with the Grainger County Highway Department where he forged many more lasting friendships.

Berneice "Bea" Larmer Lee

Berneice (Bea) Larmer Lee-age 88 of Washburn passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2024 at The Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. Bea was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church and a retired employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City. Preceded in death by husband, Delmer Gail Lee; parents, Oak and Carrie (Nicley) Larmer.

Survivors include many cousins with a host of friends and other relatives.

Angela Newman

Angela Dawn Newman - age 59 of Luttrell, passed away October 12, 2024. She loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids. Angela enjoyed being out at the lake fishing and spending time with her dog, Beauty. She will be greatly missed by many.

Larry Eugene Miller

Larry Eugene Miller, age 67 of Halls, TN, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Sacred Ground Hospice House after fighting a battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN to Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael. He was a Halls High school graduate class of 1975. He worked most of his life, in jobs ranging from Mynatt Brothers to Cooks and Pioneer Pest Control.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael, and Caitlynn Carmichael.

Melissa Michelle Schubert

Melissa Michelle Schubert-age 54 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at U. T. Medical Center unexpectedly after she lost her battle with cancer. She loved the Lord and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She was a very hard worker and loved being creative. She enjoyed painting, drawing and decorating. She was a free spirit and loved her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She has been rejoined with her son, Michael Conatser who passed away in 2022 and her baby brother, Michael.

Sandra Ann Muncey

Sandra Ann (Brown) Muncey-age 62 of Maynardville passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge. Preceded in death by her mother, Juanita (Asbury) Brown; father, Wayne Brown; brother, Tony Brown; sister, Mary Brown.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Muncey of Mississippi, Jessica Nicley of Maynardville, Bridget Muncey of Maynardville; grandchildren, Christian Fox of Mississippi, Emily Erwin and Ashley Erwin of Chattanooga; brother, Donnie Brown of Maynardville and several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and many friends.

Carlos Anton Dew

Carlos Anton Dew-age 51 passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Carlos loved spending time with his family and friends but loved most his two sons, Matthew and AJ. He was a voracious reader and always will be an Eagles fan. Preceded in death by his father, Larry Dew; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dew.

Left to mourn his passing, his mother, Dinah Dew; sons, Matthew and AJ; brother, Matthew McMillan; close relatives, Cathy Nowak, Jodi Moore, Melissa King; close friend, Dylan Squires.

Ricky Lynn Fife

Ricky Lynn Fife-age 65 of Tazewell passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation. Preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Billie Marian (King) Fife.

Left to mourn his passing, granddaughter, Christine Charlene Poole.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Kenneth George Hayes

Kenneth George Hayes-age 84 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Mountain View Church of God of the Union Assembly, Luttrell. Kenneth was retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of serving. He was the owner of Hayes Hollow Apiary. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hayes; parents, George A. and Billie Virginia (Goss) Hayes; sister, JoAnn Human; brother-in-law, Leonard Ray Johnson.

Josie Rhea Rauhuff

Josie Rhea Rauhuff-age 15 of Corryton passed away suddenly October 8, 2024. She was born January 23, 2009 at UT Medical Center. She had the biggest heart and a dark sense of humor. She loved drawing, music, parkour, Lego’s, puzzles and playing with her dog Ceasar and cat Asher. There was never a dull moment with “Jo” around.

She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Lori Rauhuff; sisters, Kelsey Davis (David), Serena Buckner (Dillion), Abigail Rauhuff; nieces and nephews, Harper, Lincoln, Aria, Ryder; grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner-age 57 of Sharps Chapel passed way Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, at her home. She was born April 7, 1967, at Oak Knoll Navel Hospital in Oakland, California and was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Sharps Chapel. Aundra was a former employee of D.T.R. in Tazewell. She was a graduate of Dixon High School, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Aundra was a loving and caring person who was hard working and had a great sense of humor.

Bill Howard

Bill Howard-age 87 of Tazewell, Tennessee, formerly of Luttrell was born in Ages, Harlan County, Kentucky and passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at LaFollette Medical Center. He was a member of the Tazewell Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Nannie Howard; and his wife, Lena Howard.

Bill served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. By occupation Bill worked for the Phone Company, was a Coal Miner, and then worked for Straight Creek Boat Dock.

Betty Lou Nicley

Betty Lou “Speedy” Nicley – age 89 of Washburn, passed away October 8, 2024 peacefully at home. She was a member of Central View American Christian Church. She was cherished by so many and will be remembered for her love and kindness. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, gardening, coloring and any sport involving her grandchildren.

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