Stored tobacco bales

Lots and lots of tobacco.

Bales vary in weight and appearance depending on where it was grown and the company involved. To make a bale, workers in a tobacco warehouse take dry tobacco that's been cured and fermented and layer it in a wooden crate. Burlap or nylon bags are used. When the desired weight has been achieved, a hydraulic press compresses the tobacco into a rectangular block that may weigh up to 110 pounds. The sides are then stitched by hand and stored for years.