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Auctioned tobacco era fades as contract farming rises
The piece recalls tobacco auctions in the South, led by figures like Clarksville's Page Roberts, as foreboding signs appear. Farmers and warehouse owners debate a shift to contract growing, with USDA grader reductions and bankrupting closures accelerating the transition. Key players include Donnie Jones, Mac Day, Tommy Bale, and the Bales family, across North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee, amid looming industry disruption and warehouse transformations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Virginia
Page Roberts
Clarksville
South
Roberts
R.J. Reynolds
Wilson
Winborne
Marcus L
Mac” Day
Roxboro
N.C
Day
North Carolina
Kentucky
Maryland
Thailand
Brazil
Lexington
USS. Department of Agriculture
Baggett
Jones
Tobacco
Tommy Bale
Bale
Philip Morris
Twin City
Donnie Jones
Mac Baggett
Springfield
Tenn