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

About this episode

In this episode, Jesse Jordan discusses the traditional methods of growing dark-fired tobacco and shares insights on balancing entrepreneurship with family farm traditions.

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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Tork Whisler, Sawyer Whisler

Guest: Jesse Jordan

Topics covered

• dark-fired tobacco
• farming methods
• entrepreneurship
• rural life
• agriculture challenges
• family tradition

Keywords

• dark-fired tobacco
• farming
• entrepreneurship
• Nashville
• agriculture
• tree service
• curing tobacco
• family farm

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Jordan Farms

Places: Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville

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