Place tobacco off the floor with tips slightly lapping in the middle of the bulk. Flavor can be lost if it is left hanging in the barn for an extended period. A brief re-firing will help tobacco quality if it is necessary to leave it hanging. Water should not be used to bring tobacco in order. Wait for a natural season.
Water can wash off finish and lead to stain and spoilage.
Care should be taken in stripping and handling the crop. Lugs may be further classed into good and trash, based on dirt and injury. If there is excessive dirt or mud on the leaf or seconds, make a separate grade for the dirty tobacco. If there is just a little mud caked on the tails, twist the dirty tails off as hands are tied. As tobacco is stripped it should be tied into hands of 8 to 12 leaves each.