grade and those leaves with green, or immature tobacco going into a 

 low or common grade. These lots are kept separate and marketed as 

 different grades. 



A farmer and his wife sorting and bundl ing flue cured tobacco foi 

 market . 



Selling Tobacco by Auction 



Tobacco is marketed under the auction system of selling. In 

 North Carolina there are markets located in 47 towns throughout the 

 state. Each local market has several auction warehouses for the 

 farmers' convenience. Upon arrival at the market the grower has his 

 tobacco unloaded by a warehouse employee and packed upon a wicker 

 basket, about 38 inches square, according to the grade he sorted out 

 at home. Each lot is then weighed by a weigh-master licensed by the 

 state for weighing tobacco. The weigh-master places a ticket on each 

 lot with the farmer's name, weight of the tobacco and basket number 

 for identification. The tobacco is then placed on the warehouse 

 floors in rows ready for the auction to begin. 



The tobacco auction is unique in the sale of farm commodities, 

 and an experience worthwhile to the uninitiated. Prior to the begin- 

 ning of the sale a Federal tobacco grader inspects each lot of tobacco 

 on the warehouse floor and places a U. S. Standard grade on it. The 

 significance of this operation is that under a price support program 

 each Federal grade is supported at a minimum price. If any lot 

 placed on the floor by the grower does not bring a price in the 

 auction sale above the support price, the Stabilization Corporation 

 pays the grower the support price established for that particular 

 grade, and then the tobacco is taken over by the Stabilization Cor- 

 poration for future sale. 



11 



