1 00:00:01,064 --> 00:00:06,431 America's Heartland is made possible by.... 2 00:00:06,431 --> 00:00:09,631 They make up a small part of our population, 3 00:00:09,631 --> 00:00:12,598 but have a huge impact on all of our lives. 4 00:00:12,598 --> 00:00:15,898 They take business risks that few others would tolerate 5 00:00:15,898 --> 00:00:17,964 all on our behalf. 6 00:00:17,964 --> 00:00:19,831 They're American farmers 7 00:00:19,831 --> 00:00:23,431 who feed, fuel and clothe the world. 8 00:00:23,431 --> 00:00:25,564 Monsanto would like to recognize them 9 00:00:25,564 --> 00:00:28,598 for all they do for the rest of us, 10 00:00:28,598 --> 00:00:32,098 because ultimately our success and everyone else's 11 00:00:32,098 --> 00:00:34,831 depends on theirs. 12 00:00:34,831 --> 00:00:35,864 ....and by the American Farm Bureau 13 00:00:35,864 --> 00:00:42,198 Federation - the voice of agriculture. 14 00:00:42,198 --> 00:00:43,464 Hi, I'm Akiba Howard. 15 00:00:43,464 --> 00:00:45,831 We're heading for New Mexico to meet the man 16 00:00:45,831 --> 00:00:47,664 who sings the theme song for our show each week. 17 00:00:47,664 --> 00:00:50,364 Michael Martin Murphey is a well known performer 18 00:00:50,364 --> 00:00:52,464 and also a man who champions the cause 19 00:00:52,464 --> 00:00:54,798 of American agriculture. 20 00:00:54,798 --> 00:00:55,931 I'm Jason Shoultz. 21 00:00:55,931 --> 00:00:58,398 If you have a garden at home, you know how critical 22 00:00:58,398 --> 00:01:01,131 water is to the crops you harvest. 23 00:01:01,131 --> 00:01:03,364 Well, think about the impact on farmers. 24 00:01:03,364 --> 00:01:05,464 We'll take you to Georgia where new research 25 00:01:05,464 --> 00:01:08,064 is being done to change the way that that agriculture 26 00:01:08,064 --> 00:01:11,498 looks at too little H2O. 27 00:01:11,498 --> 00:01:12,698 I'm John Lobertini. 28 00:01:12,698 --> 00:01:15,231 Creating a distinctive wine for consumers 29 00:01:15,231 --> 00:01:18,531 demands quality farming and attention to detail. 30 00:01:18,531 --> 00:01:21,464 We'll take you to Missouri to meet a young couple 31 00:01:21,464 --> 00:01:23,964 who decided that their future lay in producing 32 00:01:23,964 --> 00:01:26,331 one of the world's oldest crops. 33 00:01:26,331 --> 00:01:31,898 That's coming up next on America's Heartland . 34 00:01:31,898 --> 00:01:37,998 ♪ You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man ♪ 35 00:01:37,998 --> 00:01:44,064 ♪ in America's Heartland living close to the land. ♪ 36 00:01:44,064 --> 00:01:47,198 ♪ There's a love for the country ♪ 37 00:01:47,198 --> 00:01:50,198 ♪ and a pride in the brand ♪ 38 00:01:50,198 --> 00:01:56,664 ♪ in America's Heartland living close, ♪ 39 00:01:56,664 --> 00:02:07,598 ♪ close to the land. ♪ 40 00:02:07,598 --> 00:02:09,598 Akiba: Every week we bring you stories about the families 41 00:02:09,598 --> 00:02:12,531 who work on farms and ranches across the country. 42 00:02:12,531 --> 00:02:15,264 And part of that story is told in our theme song 43 00:02:15,264 --> 00:02:17,464 on the show, words and music of a commitment 44 00:02:17,464 --> 00:02:19,398 to the heartland. 45 00:02:19,398 --> 00:02:25,331 Michael: ♪ There's a love for the country.... ♪ 46 00:02:25,331 --> 00:02:27,064 Akiba: On this late summer afternoon, 47 00:02:27,064 --> 00:02:29,198 singer - songwriter Michael Martin Murphey 48 00:02:29,198 --> 00:02:30,598 has brought his award winning music 49 00:02:30,598 --> 00:02:34,298 to this high mountain meadow in southeast Colorado. 50 00:02:34,298 --> 00:02:36,864 Michael: ♪ ....in America's Heartland 51 00:02:36,864 --> 00:02:41,531 close to the land. ♪ 52 00:02:41,531 --> 00:02:43,264 It's a performance that taps into 53 00:02:43,264 --> 00:02:45,764 his country roots and his admiration 54 00:02:45,764 --> 00:02:49,131 for people who make their living on the land. 55 00:02:49,131 --> 00:02:51,664 Michael: I kind of grew up more in the piney woods of Texas 56 00:02:51,664 --> 00:02:53,731 and saw people clear the land 57 00:02:53,731 --> 00:02:54,931 and work really hard. 58 00:02:54,931 --> 00:02:57,331 That piney woods country, to get a pasture, 59 00:02:57,331 --> 00:03:00,098 you got to really work hard to clear it. 60 00:03:00,098 --> 00:03:01,831 Akiba: Murphey's rendition of America's Heartland 61 00:03:01,831 --> 00:03:04,364 has been the show's theme song from its beginning. 62 00:03:04,364 --> 00:03:06,198 Performing keeps him on the road, 63 00:03:06,198 --> 00:03:09,131 but he works his schedule to spend a significant amount 64 00:03:09,131 --> 00:03:10,964 of time here in the rolling hills 65 00:03:10,964 --> 00:03:13,131 and mountains of northern New Mexico 66 00:03:13,131 --> 00:03:18,431 and southern Colorado. 67 00:03:18,431 --> 00:03:22,898 ♪♪ 68 00:03:22,898 --> 00:03:24,998 Michael: All you want to make sure of 69 00:03:24,998 --> 00:03:28,998 is that your cinch has got some tightness to it 70 00:03:28,998 --> 00:03:32,164 but not too much tightness, and you'll be just fine. 71 00:03:32,164 --> 00:03:33,331 Akiba: Sounds good to me. 72 00:03:33,331 --> 00:03:34,664 Can't wait! 73 00:03:34,664 --> 00:03:36,298 Akiba: Off stage, Murphey can often be found 74 00:03:36,298 --> 00:03:38,464 in the saddle keeping horses for himself 75 00:03:38,464 --> 00:03:41,998 and his family at their cabin near Red River. 76 00:03:41,998 --> 00:03:43,731 Akiba: So how'd you start riding? 77 00:03:43,731 --> 00:03:46,498 Michael: Well my granddaddy was a cowboy in east Texas. 78 00:03:46,498 --> 00:03:49,331 He was from Kentucky, and he moved 79 00:03:49,331 --> 00:03:51,564 from the coal mines of Harlan, Kentucky 80 00:03:51,564 --> 00:03:53,298 to east Texas to be a cowboy. 81 00:03:53,298 --> 00:03:54,531 And that's all he ever wanted to do 82 00:03:54,531 --> 00:03:55,598 was run cattle. 83 00:03:55,598 --> 00:03:59,864 So he taught me how to ride. 84 00:03:59,864 --> 00:04:11,031 Michael: ♪ There's a lost river that flows....♪ 85 00:04:11,031 --> 00:04:12,998 Akiba: The settings here allow Murphey to perform 86 00:04:12,998 --> 00:04:15,098 in some unique venues. 87 00:04:15,098 --> 00:04:17,098 The outdoor stage at Bobcat Pass Adventures 88 00:04:17,098 --> 00:04:21,664 is a cowboy campfire for his music and others. 89 00:04:21,664 --> 00:04:22,998 Michael: A lot of our cowboy songs 90 00:04:22,998 --> 00:04:24,998 don't come from people that look like me 91 00:04:24,998 --> 00:04:26,231 or look like Clint Eastwood.... 92 00:04:26,231 --> 00:04:26,998 Akiba:....right.... 93 00:04:26,998 --> 00:04:27,798 Michael:....or Roy Rogers. 94 00:04:27,798 --> 00:04:28,664 Akiba: Right! 95 00:04:28,664 --> 00:04:29,864 Michael: They come from the Indians. 96 00:04:29,864 --> 00:04:31,464 They come from the black slaves, 97 00:04:31,464 --> 00:04:33,631 the ex-slaves from the south. 98 00:04:33,631 --> 00:04:42,131 They come from the Spanish people. 99 00:04:42,131 --> 00:04:43,964 Akiba: And Murphey often showcases performers 100 00:04:43,964 --> 00:04:49,398 like Native American artist Carpio Water Crow. 101 00:04:49,398 --> 00:05:01,098 ♪ (flute playing) ♪ 102 00:05:01,098 --> 00:05:02,231 Akiba: But throughout the summer, 103 00:05:02,231 --> 00:05:05,264 many of Murphey's shows begin with a train ride 104 00:05:05,264 --> 00:05:09,231 on board the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad. 105 00:05:09,231 --> 00:05:11,831 Conductor: All aboard! 106 00:05:11,831 --> 00:05:17,398 (train whistle) 107 00:05:17,398 --> 00:05:20,064 Michael: Narrow gauge came in mainly 108 00:05:20,064 --> 00:05:21,798 during the gold mining era. 109 00:05:21,798 --> 00:05:23,331 Akiba: The San Luis and Rio Grande 110 00:05:23,331 --> 00:05:26,031 takes audience members up some 9 thousand feet 111 00:05:26,031 --> 00:05:28,098 to Colorado's La Veta Pass. 112 00:05:28,098 --> 00:05:30,564 The solar and wind power provide the energy 113 00:05:30,564 --> 00:05:33,698 at the high meadow amphitheater. 114 00:05:33,698 --> 00:05:42,698 Michael: ♪ On a pony she named wildfire.... ♪ 115 00:05:42,698 --> 00:05:45,264 Akiba: With sidemen Gary Roller and Pat Flynn, 116 00:05:45,264 --> 00:05:47,864 concert goers are entertained with music 117 00:05:47,864 --> 00:05:59,664 and some tongue-in-cheek country humor. 118 00:05:59,664 --> 00:06:02,398 Michael: For a great farm to run or a great ranch to survive, 119 00:06:02,398 --> 00:06:04,331 it takes a couple. 120 00:06:04,331 --> 00:06:07,898 Boys when you're dating, date anybody that you want 121 00:06:07,898 --> 00:06:10,564 and have a good time. 122 00:06:10,564 --> 00:06:12,131 But when you get married, you make sure 123 00:06:12,131 --> 00:06:14,864 that you marry a woman who can run a bobcat 124 00:06:14,864 --> 00:06:18,864 and back a trailer. 125 00:06:18,864 --> 00:06:20,498 Akiba: There's a theme that runs through the music 126 00:06:20,498 --> 00:06:23,364 Murphey's written and the songs he performs, 127 00:06:23,364 --> 00:06:25,431 a celebration of those who provide the food, 128 00:06:25,431 --> 00:06:28,898 fuel and fiber we enjoy as a nation. 129 00:06:28,898 --> 00:06:30,364 Michael: If you can't figure this out, 130 00:06:30,364 --> 00:06:31,898 you can't figure out anything. 131 00:06:31,898 --> 00:06:33,564 And that is there is no culture 132 00:06:33,564 --> 00:06:35,298 without agriculture. 133 00:06:35,298 --> 00:06:36,798 Michael: Working hard is something 134 00:06:36,798 --> 00:06:39,398 that I just really respect. 135 00:06:39,398 --> 00:06:41,531 And you don't find harder workers 136 00:06:41,531 --> 00:06:43,264 than people who work the land. 137 00:06:43,264 --> 00:06:50,464 Michael: ♪ You can see it in the eyes....♪ 138 00:06:50,464 --> 00:06:52,798 Michael: Every single day that you get to ride 139 00:06:52,798 --> 00:06:54,331 in the saddle and every single day 140 00:06:54,331 --> 00:06:56,931 that you get to get out there and work on your tractor 141 00:06:56,931 --> 00:07:02,731 on a good day is a fantastic experience. 142 00:07:02,731 --> 00:07:11,931 Michael: ♪....close to the land. ♪ 143 00:07:11,931 --> 00:07:14,698 Railroads revolutionized agriculture in America 144 00:07:14,698 --> 00:07:16,798 making it easy to ship commodities 145 00:07:16,798 --> 00:07:19,131 like corn and wheat great distances 146 00:07:19,131 --> 00:07:20,598 in a short amount of time. 147 00:07:20,598 --> 00:07:23,064 A steam engine nicknamed The Best Friend 148 00:07:23,064 --> 00:07:26,531 lays claim to being the first American built engine. 149 00:07:26,531 --> 00:07:28,731 It rolled into service in 1830. 150 00:07:28,731 --> 00:07:30,598 It had a short career, however. 151 00:07:30,598 --> 00:07:35,798 A boiler explosion took it off the rails in 1831. 152 00:07:35,798 --> 00:07:37,664 Jason: Having enough moisture in the ground 153 00:07:37,664 --> 00:07:40,198 to ensure a crop is important 154 00:07:40,198 --> 00:07:41,731 whether you have a home garden 155 00:07:41,731 --> 00:07:43,664 or hundreds of acres of cotton. 156 00:07:43,664 --> 00:07:45,564 Here in Georgia, farmers and researchers 157 00:07:45,564 --> 00:07:48,264 are working together to make sure 158 00:07:48,264 --> 00:07:51,931 they use every drop of water efficiently. 159 00:07:51,931 --> 00:07:55,598 Glenn: Without water, without proper timing of water, 160 00:07:55,598 --> 00:07:57,898 without our ability to use it, 161 00:07:57,898 --> 00:07:59,331 we couldn't exist. 162 00:07:59,331 --> 00:08:02,331 Jason: For Glenn Cox, water is life 163 00:08:02,331 --> 00:08:05,298 or at least, crucial to his livelihood. 164 00:08:05,298 --> 00:08:07,731 This fifth-generation farmer grows sweet corn, 165 00:08:07,731 --> 00:08:09,798 field corn, and peanuts 166 00:08:09,798 --> 00:08:12,731 on his one-thousand acres in southwest Georgia. 167 00:08:12,731 --> 00:08:15,598 And season after season, Cox is at the mercy 168 00:08:15,598 --> 00:08:18,764 of the weather. 169 00:08:18,764 --> 00:08:19,864 Glenn: Crops like this sweet corn 170 00:08:19,864 --> 00:08:21,931 are totally dependent on critical water 171 00:08:21,931 --> 00:08:26,231 at the critical time. 172 00:08:26,231 --> 00:08:28,164 Jason: But getting water when they need it 173 00:08:28,164 --> 00:08:30,798 is the ongoing challenge for Georgia farmers. 174 00:08:30,798 --> 00:08:32,431 This region's been battling drought 175 00:08:32,431 --> 00:08:33,898 for several years. 176 00:08:33,898 --> 00:08:35,798 And the state's locked in a 20-year old 177 00:08:35,798 --> 00:08:39,264 water war with Alabama and Florida. 178 00:08:39,264 --> 00:08:41,398 Those two states covet Georgia water 179 00:08:41,398 --> 00:08:43,198 from places like the Chattahoochee 180 00:08:43,198 --> 00:08:45,198 Flint River Basin. 181 00:08:45,198 --> 00:08:47,598 That water forms the Apalachicola River 182 00:08:47,598 --> 00:08:49,531 in Florida and also flows 183 00:08:49,531 --> 00:08:51,998 into Alabama to help irrigate crops, 184 00:08:51,998 --> 00:08:54,198 generate power, and protect freshwater 185 00:08:54,198 --> 00:08:56,698 ecosystems like Apalachicola Bay 186 00:08:56,698 --> 00:09:01,498 off the coast of Florida. 187 00:09:01,498 --> 00:09:02,864 Calvin: Without water, there's really 188 00:09:02,864 --> 00:09:04,864 not much agriculture here. 189 00:09:04,864 --> 00:09:06,864 Certainly, it may be more important 190 00:09:06,864 --> 00:09:10,831 than even oil in our part of the world. 191 00:09:10,831 --> 00:09:13,598 Jason: Now it looks like science may be able to broker 192 00:09:13,598 --> 00:09:15,131 a peace treaty. 193 00:09:15,131 --> 00:09:17,931 Welcome to the Stripling Irrigation Research Park, 194 00:09:17,931 --> 00:09:20,231 130 acres packed with a thousand 195 00:09:20,231 --> 00:09:22,731 test plots from peanuts to pecans, 196 00:09:22,731 --> 00:09:26,264 and soybeans to sweet corn. 197 00:09:26,264 --> 00:09:27,664 Here, University of Georgia 198 00:09:27,664 --> 00:09:29,364 researchers are working with experts 199 00:09:29,364 --> 00:09:31,164 from the Department of Agriculture 200 00:09:31,164 --> 00:09:32,998 and even the Nature Conservancy. 201 00:09:32,998 --> 00:09:33,964 The goal? 202 00:09:33,964 --> 00:09:35,664 Grow more and use less! 203 00:09:35,664 --> 00:09:36,798 The method? 204 00:09:36,798 --> 00:09:38,264 Modern technology! 205 00:09:38,264 --> 00:09:40,364 Calvin: We call it variable rate irrigation. 206 00:09:40,364 --> 00:09:42,498 And it was developed to allow our farmers 207 00:09:42,498 --> 00:09:44,098 to do a better job of applying 208 00:09:44,098 --> 00:09:46,764 their irrigation water. 209 00:09:46,764 --> 00:09:49,298 In essence, it makes it much more precise 210 00:09:49,298 --> 00:09:51,598 than earlier. 211 00:09:51,598 --> 00:09:53,031 Jason: Statewide, Georgia farmers 212 00:09:53,031 --> 00:09:57,498 use about 15-thousand of these center pivot sprayers, 213 00:09:57,498 --> 00:09:59,964 huge metallic structures that roll slowly 214 00:09:59,964 --> 00:10:02,931 across entire fields spraying massive amounts 215 00:10:02,931 --> 00:10:03,964 of water. 216 00:10:03,964 --> 00:10:05,898 A lot was wasted. 217 00:10:05,898 --> 00:10:07,764 But now, a new computerized system 218 00:10:07,764 --> 00:10:10,298 senses moisture levels in the soil 219 00:10:10,298 --> 00:10:13,764 to see which areas need more or less water 220 00:10:13,764 --> 00:10:15,798 and adjusts the volume accordingly. 221 00:10:15,798 --> 00:10:16,798 Result? 222 00:10:16,798 --> 00:10:20,064 A 17-percent reduction in water use. 223 00:10:20,064 --> 00:10:21,531 Calvin: In Georgia, there are approximately 224 00:10:21,531 --> 00:10:23,331 15-thousand center pivots. 225 00:10:23,331 --> 00:10:26,898 So if we equipped maybe just 2/3rd's of these 226 00:10:26,898 --> 00:10:29,764 with a system like this, we could save billions 227 00:10:29,764 --> 00:10:32,364 of gallons of water a year. 228 00:10:32,364 --> 00:10:34,364 Jason: And this is only one of many ways 229 00:10:34,364 --> 00:10:37,898 science is seeking to save this precious resource: 230 00:10:37,898 --> 00:10:39,831 drip irrigation, watering crops 231 00:10:39,831 --> 00:10:41,964 beneath the soil, and developing crops 232 00:10:41,964 --> 00:10:44,631 that need less water to begin with. 233 00:10:44,631 --> 00:10:46,964 It's a cooperative effort: scientists 234 00:10:46,964 --> 00:10:50,364 and those who work the soil making changes for the present 235 00:10:50,364 --> 00:10:52,164 and the future. 236 00:10:52,164 --> 00:10:53,998 Glenn: Water is critical. 237 00:10:53,998 --> 00:10:56,031 Wasting water is foolish. 238 00:10:56,031 --> 00:10:57,764 We have to be stewards of this land. 239 00:10:57,764 --> 00:10:59,731 And being stewards means we have 240 00:10:59,731 --> 00:11:04,164 to manage it properly. 241 00:11:04,164 --> 00:11:06,231 Water is a critical agricultural issue 242 00:11:06,231 --> 00:11:08,898 in many parts of the world not only for livestock 243 00:11:08,898 --> 00:11:11,298 but growing crops as well. 244 00:11:11,298 --> 00:11:13,564 It takes more than 110 gallons of water 245 00:11:13,564 --> 00:11:16,431 to grow a pound of corn, 65 gallons 246 00:11:16,431 --> 00:11:19,164 to grow a pound of potatoes, and hundreds of gallons 247 00:11:19,164 --> 00:11:24,831 to plant and raise a pound of rice. 248 00:11:24,831 --> 00:11:25,631 I'm Rob Stewart. 249 00:11:25,631 --> 00:11:26,531 Still ahead, 250 00:11:26,531 --> 00:11:29,231 we'll take you to Alabama where cotton 251 00:11:29,231 --> 00:11:33,231 planted in 1896 continues to have an impact 252 00:11:33,231 --> 00:11:35,031 on farmers today. 253 00:11:35,031 --> 00:11:35,964 I'm John Lobertini. 254 00:11:35,964 --> 00:11:36,964 Still ahead, 255 00:11:36,964 --> 00:11:39,231 we'll take you to meet a young Missouri couple 256 00:11:39,231 --> 00:11:41,231 who changed careers to tie their future 257 00:11:41,231 --> 00:11:44,631 to distinctive grapes and quality wines. 258 00:11:44,631 --> 00:11:54,664 ♪♪ 259 00:11:54,664 --> 00:13:20,798 ♪♪ 260 00:13:20,798 --> 00:13:21,998 Hello, I'm Paul Robins. 261 00:13:21,998 --> 00:13:23,331 And here's something you may not have known 262 00:13:23,331 --> 00:13:24,664 about agriculture. 263 00:13:24,664 --> 00:13:25,931 There's no doubt that honeybees 264 00:13:25,931 --> 00:13:27,598 are important to agriculture. 265 00:13:27,598 --> 00:13:28,864 Close to a third of the world's crops 266 00:13:28,864 --> 00:13:31,064 are pollinated by the busy little bees. 267 00:13:31,064 --> 00:13:32,464 Add to that? 268 00:13:32,464 --> 00:13:34,531 Bees give us honey and create beeswax 269 00:13:34,531 --> 00:13:37,531 which is used in everything from candles to cosmetics. 270 00:13:37,531 --> 00:13:39,798 Truth is we've been depending on bees 271 00:13:39,798 --> 00:13:41,998 for a very long time. 272 00:13:41,998 --> 00:13:45,064 The ancient Egyptians used honey for more than 500 273 00:13:45,064 --> 00:13:46,564 medicinal potions. 274 00:13:46,564 --> 00:13:48,331 And even today, honey is recognized 275 00:13:48,331 --> 00:13:50,664 for certain anti-bacterial properties. 276 00:13:50,664 --> 00:13:52,531 Greeks and Romans referred to honey 277 00:13:52,531 --> 00:13:54,631 as the Nectar of the Gods . 278 00:13:54,631 --> 00:13:57,398 And athletes used honey as an energy booster. 279 00:13:57,398 --> 00:13:59,231 Europeans brought domesticated bees 280 00:13:59,231 --> 00:14:01,064 to the Americas and established hives 281 00:14:01,064 --> 00:14:02,664 in the New World. 282 00:14:02,664 --> 00:14:04,931 A few figures for you: an average hive 283 00:14:04,931 --> 00:14:07,864 will have one queen bee, hundreds of drones, 284 00:14:07,864 --> 00:14:10,464 and thousands of worker bees. 285 00:14:10,464 --> 00:14:11,864 Those bees will collect pollen 286 00:14:11,864 --> 00:14:13,531 from thousands of flowers and plants 287 00:14:13,531 --> 00:14:15,698 as part of the honey process. 288 00:14:15,698 --> 00:14:19,531 And different flowers give honey different flavors. 289 00:14:19,531 --> 00:14:20,731 By the way, if you've ever 290 00:14:20,731 --> 00:14:22,398 watched a bee zip around you, 291 00:14:22,398 --> 00:14:23,664 don't try to swat them! 292 00:14:23,664 --> 00:14:25,198 You should know that bees can reach speeds 293 00:14:25,198 --> 00:14:32,664 up to 15 miles an hour. 294 00:14:32,664 --> 00:14:33,998 Rob: Cotton is one of the most 295 00:14:33,998 --> 00:14:36,798 important textile fibers in the world. 296 00:14:36,798 --> 00:14:38,998 And it's a crop that's critical to agriculture 297 00:14:38,998 --> 00:14:40,698 not only in the U.S. but around the world. 298 00:14:40,698 --> 00:14:42,864 Well at one university in Alabama, 299 00:14:42,864 --> 00:14:45,931 the recognition that cotton 300 00:14:45,931 --> 00:14:47,931 could be grown better now and in the future 301 00:14:47,931 --> 00:14:55,064 started a long, long time ago. 302 00:14:55,064 --> 00:14:56,531 Rob: Cotton is a critical component 303 00:14:56,531 --> 00:14:58,931 of Alabama's agricultural picture. 304 00:14:58,931 --> 00:15:01,198 The state produces more than half a million bales 305 00:15:01,198 --> 00:15:02,798 each year, worth more 306 00:15:02,798 --> 00:15:10,564 than 140 million dollars. 307 00:15:10,564 --> 00:15:13,031 And Alabama's Auburn University lays claim 308 00:15:13,031 --> 00:15:16,831 to part of cotton's success story here. 309 00:15:16,831 --> 00:15:18,898 That's because the university 310 00:15:18,898 --> 00:15:20,831 is home to the world's oldest 311 00:15:20,831 --> 00:15:24,464 ongoing field research on cotton production. 312 00:15:24,464 --> 00:15:26,698 The test plots here have been used 313 00:15:26,698 --> 00:15:28,798 by agricultural scientists since 1896, 314 00:15:28,798 --> 00:15:31,164 a time when cotton farmers thought taking their fields 315 00:15:31,164 --> 00:15:36,464 down to bare soil was the best planting practice. 316 00:15:36,464 --> 00:15:37,931 Dennis: They were real proud of the way they buried 317 00:15:37,931 --> 00:15:40,398 all the crop residue and left the fields bare 318 00:15:40,398 --> 00:15:42,064 and no weeds. 319 00:15:42,064 --> 00:15:43,664 But in the meantime, there was a lot of soil erosion 320 00:15:43,664 --> 00:15:45,131 that went on. 321 00:15:45,131 --> 00:15:49,331 All the nutrients were washing down to the creeks. 322 00:15:49,331 --> 00:15:51,598 Rob: For more than a century, plant scientists here 323 00:15:51,598 --> 00:15:54,664 have manipulated conditions to test theories 324 00:15:54,664 --> 00:15:57,598 on field conditions that directly impact 325 00:15:57,598 --> 00:15:59,598 cotton harvests. 326 00:15:59,598 --> 00:16:01,064 Dennis: The big improvement we've seen 327 00:16:01,064 --> 00:16:03,998 is when we go ahead and plant a winter cover crop. 328 00:16:03,998 --> 00:16:05,131 You know? 329 00:16:05,131 --> 00:16:07,864 Keep something green here year-round? 330 00:16:07,864 --> 00:16:09,798 Keep those roots growing, and keep the soil 331 00:16:09,798 --> 00:16:13,231 from washing away. 332 00:16:13,231 --> 00:16:15,998 Rob: The continuity of research has also allowed students 333 00:16:15,998 --> 00:16:19,598 to take a hands on approach in evaluating the impact 334 00:16:19,598 --> 00:16:22,398 of crop rotation, field moisture, 335 00:16:22,398 --> 00:16:25,131 and plant nutrients. 336 00:16:25,131 --> 00:16:30,131 Steve: In some plots, they are taller and more lush. 337 00:16:30,131 --> 00:16:32,998 This one's got a lot more compared to all the other ones, 338 00:16:32,998 --> 00:16:34,298 most other ones. 339 00:16:34,298 --> 00:16:37,098 Rob: On this summer morning, ag student Steven Tapley 340 00:16:37,098 --> 00:16:39,164 and his colleagues are evaluating 341 00:16:39,164 --> 00:16:42,431 planting procedures that affect crop yields. 342 00:16:42,431 --> 00:16:47,098 It's a unique connection to the roots of past. 343 00:16:47,098 --> 00:16:48,431 Steven: It's neat to know that 100 years ago 344 00:16:48,431 --> 00:16:51,731 people were doing the same thing on the same spot. 345 00:16:51,731 --> 00:16:53,264 Rob: But the work here is not just 346 00:16:53,264 --> 00:16:55,131 historic comparison. 347 00:16:55,131 --> 00:16:57,798 Information gleaned from these research efforts 348 00:16:57,798 --> 00:17:00,331 makes its way to county extension agents 349 00:17:00,331 --> 00:17:04,198 who work directly with farmers in the field. 350 00:17:04,198 --> 00:17:06,731 Tom Ingram is one of those farmers. 351 00:17:06,731 --> 00:17:09,931 He's been working his land for more than a half century 352 00:17:09,931 --> 00:17:12,931 often utilizing research that comes directly 353 00:17:12,931 --> 00:17:15,998 from university field studies. 354 00:17:15,998 --> 00:17:20,164 Tom: We used to make, every day when we started, 355 00:17:20,164 --> 00:17:22,131 maybe a bale to acre a day. 356 00:17:22,131 --> 00:17:24,398 Today we make two, two and a half bales. 357 00:17:24,398 --> 00:17:27,064 So that's double. 358 00:17:27,064 --> 00:17:29,598 Rob: And Tom hopes the lessons found in the soil 359 00:17:29,598 --> 00:17:32,731 at the Old Rotation will leave his land 360 00:17:32,731 --> 00:17:36,498 in more fertile shape for future generations. 361 00:17:36,498 --> 00:17:38,931 Tom: I plan to leave it in better condition... 362 00:17:38,931 --> 00:17:40,998 ...my sons, when they take over... 363 00:17:40,998 --> 00:17:44,331 ...than it was when I started. 364 00:17:44,331 --> 00:17:46,864 Rob: Auburn's research in tesing better methods 365 00:17:46,864 --> 00:17:50,264 to improve yields is something the university says 366 00:17:50,264 --> 00:17:53,698 touches on a belief that agriculture is critical 367 00:17:53,698 --> 00:17:55,531 to our nation. 368 00:17:55,531 --> 00:17:57,264 Dwayne: And that notion goes back as far 369 00:17:57,264 --> 00:17:58,531 as Thomas Jefferson. 370 00:17:58,531 --> 00:18:02,898 Thomas Jefferson felt like, and said, 371 00:18:02,898 --> 00:18:06,298 that those who cultivate the soil 372 00:18:06,298 --> 00:18:09,831 are the sturdy yeomen that form the backbone 373 00:18:09,831 --> 00:18:11,631 of the republic. 374 00:18:11,631 --> 00:18:15,298 Rob: As the research continues, scientists approach their work 375 00:18:15,298 --> 00:18:20,031 with a respect for the past and an eye to the future. 376 00:18:20,031 --> 00:18:21,564 Dennis: Just dispelling the notion 377 00:18:21,564 --> 00:18:24,698 about that cotton itself is hard on the soil, 378 00:18:24,698 --> 00:18:26,031 that you couldn't grow cotton. 379 00:18:26,031 --> 00:18:29,798 And we proved you could do it the right way 380 00:18:29,798 --> 00:18:32,798 with the winter cover crops and use the other 381 00:18:32,798 --> 00:18:34,231 recommended practices. 382 00:18:34,231 --> 00:18:39,698 But you can keep growing cotton. 383 00:18:39,698 --> 00:18:40,964 Cotton was one of the earliest fibers 384 00:18:40,964 --> 00:18:42,798 known to man dating as far back 385 00:18:42,798 --> 00:18:44,698 as 5 thousand B.C. 386 00:18:44,698 --> 00:18:47,631 When Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492, 387 00:18:47,631 --> 00:18:49,831 he found cotton growing in the Bahamas. 388 00:18:49,831 --> 00:18:51,798 By 1500, cotton was known 389 00:18:51,798 --> 00:18:56,764 throughout the world. 390 00:18:56,764 --> 00:19:01,831 ♪♪ 391 00:19:01,831 --> 00:19:03,631 Do you like baked potatoes? 392 00:19:03,631 --> 00:19:05,298 Do you like them loaded with chives, 393 00:19:05,298 --> 00:19:07,831 butter and sour cream? 394 00:19:07,831 --> 00:19:08,898 Sour cream! 395 00:19:08,898 --> 00:19:10,364 What is it about sour cream? 396 00:19:10,364 --> 00:19:13,031 I always thought that sour was not desired 397 00:19:13,031 --> 00:19:14,131 in the food world. 398 00:19:14,131 --> 00:19:16,364 But sometimes it is like lemon or vinegar. 399 00:19:16,364 --> 00:19:19,598 What is it exactly about the sour in sour cream 400 00:19:19,598 --> 00:19:21,631 that make it tastes so good? 401 00:19:21,631 --> 00:19:22,698 Jason: Ok, before things 402 00:19:22,698 --> 00:19:25,564 get too confusing, sour cream doesn't start out 403 00:19:25,564 --> 00:19:26,598 that way. 404 00:19:26,598 --> 00:19:29,464 Sour cream is actually heavy sweet cream 405 00:19:29,464 --> 00:19:33,731 fermented with bacteria cultures derived from lactic acid. 406 00:19:33,731 --> 00:19:36,764 The bacteria not only changes that taste of the cream, 407 00:19:36,764 --> 00:19:39,864 but also causes the cream to become the thick 408 00:19:39,864 --> 00:19:42,864 and tangy concoction we dollop generously 409 00:19:42,864 --> 00:19:45,131 on potatoes and burritos. 410 00:19:45,131 --> 00:19:46,664 The term sour refers more 411 00:19:46,664 --> 00:19:48,998 to the production process of souring 412 00:19:48,998 --> 00:19:52,664 than it does to the mildly sour flavor. 413 00:19:52,664 --> 00:19:55,231 So what's the skinny on sour cream? 414 00:19:55,231 --> 00:19:56,798 Well, let's talk butterfat. 415 00:19:56,798 --> 00:19:59,064 There's less saturated fat than you'd get 416 00:19:59,064 --> 00:20:01,498 in an equivalent portion of mayonnaise 417 00:20:01,498 --> 00:20:04,664 and less saturated fat than some 12 ounce portions 418 00:20:04,664 --> 00:20:05,964 of milk. 419 00:20:05,964 --> 00:20:07,498 Luckily for the weight conscious 420 00:20:07,498 --> 00:20:09,231 among us, there's light 421 00:20:09,231 --> 00:20:11,764 and non fat versions that utilize stabilizers 422 00:20:11,764 --> 00:20:15,864 to replicate the thickness of regular sour cream. 423 00:20:15,864 --> 00:20:19,631 You can actually make sour cream substitute at home. 424 00:20:19,631 --> 00:20:21,464 Take a cup of cultured buttermilk, 425 00:20:21,464 --> 00:20:24,798 add 2 cups of heavy cream, and leave that in a warm place, 426 00:20:24,798 --> 00:20:28,264 about 80 degrees or so for 8 to 24 hours. 427 00:20:28,264 --> 00:20:30,298 The bacteria cultures in the buttermilk 428 00:20:30,298 --> 00:20:33,264 will interact with the cream resulting in that thick, 429 00:20:33,264 --> 00:20:37,531 velvety goodness that so many people love. 430 00:20:37,531 --> 00:20:39,798 Jason: So do you have trouble peeling off those pesky 431 00:20:39,798 --> 00:20:40,931 sour cream lids? 432 00:20:40,931 --> 00:20:42,864 Well, manufacturers have got your solution. 433 00:20:42,864 --> 00:20:44,531 Squeezable sour cream! 434 00:20:44,531 --> 00:20:46,264 They're marketing it right now. 435 00:20:46,264 --> 00:20:47,531 It's just the thing you need to make 436 00:20:47,531 --> 00:20:49,498 any dining occasion that involves sour cream 437 00:20:49,498 --> 00:20:55,598 that much more convenient. 438 00:20:55,598 --> 00:20:57,564 John: If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, 439 00:20:57,564 --> 00:20:59,598 our next story should pique your interest. 440 00:20:59,598 --> 00:21:01,464 It involves a young Missouri couple 441 00:21:01,464 --> 00:21:04,098 who's decided to tie their future 442 00:21:04,098 --> 00:21:07,464 to one of the world's oldest crops. 443 00:21:07,464 --> 00:21:13,098 ♪♪ 444 00:21:13,098 --> 00:21:14,764 John: Jason and Colleen Gerke are a match 445 00:21:14,764 --> 00:21:18,798 made in wine making heaven . 446 00:21:18,798 --> 00:21:21,531 He knows marketing and public relations. 447 00:21:21,531 --> 00:21:23,131 She comes from one of California's 448 00:21:23,131 --> 00:21:25,564 richest wine making regions. 449 00:21:25,564 --> 00:21:27,231 Colleen: The ones up high don't look like 450 00:21:27,231 --> 00:21:29,764 they're ripening as fast. 451 00:21:29,764 --> 00:21:31,198 John: Their first bottles were little more 452 00:21:31,198 --> 00:21:32,831 than science projects in a basement 453 00:21:32,831 --> 00:21:35,364 in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. 454 00:21:35,364 --> 00:21:37,431 But in 2004, Jason and Colleen 455 00:21:37,431 --> 00:21:39,964 decided to try their hand at agriculture, 456 00:21:39,964 --> 00:21:42,064 planting grapes on a piece of farm land 457 00:21:42,064 --> 00:21:43,731 not far from the city. 458 00:21:43,731 --> 00:21:46,031 Jowler Creek Winery was born. 459 00:21:46,031 --> 00:21:47,298 Colleen: At first, I think we thought 460 00:21:47,298 --> 00:21:48,298 it was going to be a hobby. 461 00:21:48,298 --> 00:21:50,264 We put some grapes in, and they looked pretty 462 00:21:50,264 --> 00:21:52,331 driving up the road. 463 00:21:52,331 --> 00:21:54,364 We put 250 in the first year, and it kinda 464 00:21:54,364 --> 00:21:59,598 got out of hand from there. 465 00:21:59,598 --> 00:22:02,998 John: Cabernets and chardonnay's won't survive 466 00:22:02,998 --> 00:22:04,864 the Midwest heat and humidity. 467 00:22:04,864 --> 00:22:06,331 But Norton's, Vignoles, 468 00:22:06,331 --> 00:22:08,931 and several other local grapes thrive. 469 00:22:08,931 --> 00:22:09,698 Jason: Her dad? 470 00:22:09,698 --> 00:22:11,764 He's very fond of our reds. 471 00:22:11,764 --> 00:22:13,464 John: They passed the in-law test: 472 00:22:13,464 --> 00:22:15,931 Colleen's parents are admitted wine snobs. 473 00:22:15,931 --> 00:22:18,664 But confirmation of their agricultural acumen 474 00:22:18,664 --> 00:22:21,564 came in 2007 when consumers sampled 475 00:22:21,564 --> 00:22:24,264 their wines during a regional arts festival. 476 00:22:24,264 --> 00:22:25,098 Jason: The response was great. 477 00:22:25,098 --> 00:22:25,998 They really like it. 478 00:22:25,998 --> 00:22:28,298 We sold wine. 479 00:22:28,298 --> 00:22:29,431 It was very fulfilling. 480 00:22:29,431 --> 00:22:31,898 You know, after planting sticks in 2004 481 00:22:31,898 --> 00:22:33,898 (looked like dead sticks) you never know. 482 00:22:33,898 --> 00:22:36,764 These are going to grow, right? 483 00:22:36,764 --> 00:22:38,431 John: That moment uncorked the dreams 484 00:22:38,431 --> 00:22:40,764 that had been fermenting for years. 485 00:22:40,764 --> 00:22:42,664 Jason: As soon as you taste it, there's a real woody taste 486 00:22:42,664 --> 00:22:43,731 to it. 487 00:22:43,731 --> 00:22:45,131 John: Since then, the Jowler Creek brand 488 00:22:45,131 --> 00:22:47,931 has medalled at regional wine competitions. 489 00:22:47,931 --> 00:22:49,698 Some varieties are aged in barrels 490 00:22:49,698 --> 00:22:51,164 made of Missouri Oak. 491 00:22:51,164 --> 00:22:53,031 But Colleen's California influence 492 00:22:53,031 --> 00:22:55,464 is a subtle but constant presence. 493 00:22:55,464 --> 00:22:57,031 Colleen: Most white wines are filtered. 494 00:22:57,031 --> 00:22:58,964 But you'll see in your glass that there's going to be 495 00:22:58,964 --> 00:23:00,698 a little sediment. 496 00:23:00,698 --> 00:23:03,431 And there's some sediment still in the bottle. 497 00:23:03,431 --> 00:23:05,164 And that keeps it doing a kind 498 00:23:05,164 --> 00:23:07,498 of a gentle fermentation in the bottle 499 00:23:07,498 --> 00:23:11,031 which gives it almost a champagne taste. 500 00:23:11,031 --> 00:23:14,864 John: Today their hobby is a growing business. 501 00:23:14,864 --> 00:23:16,531 These wine vats help fill the demands 502 00:23:16,531 --> 00:23:19,431 of more than two dozen stores. 503 00:23:19,431 --> 00:23:20,831 And marketing is also focused 504 00:23:20,831 --> 00:23:23,064 on local and regional restaurants. 505 00:23:23,064 --> 00:23:24,598 A national push to buy local 506 00:23:24,598 --> 00:23:27,264 has also helped by giving these young winemakers 507 00:23:27,264 --> 00:23:29,531 a higher profile in a state better known 508 00:23:29,531 --> 00:23:32,031 for its St. Louis beer history. 509 00:23:32,031 --> 00:23:33,564 Colleen: I think that plays to our advantage 510 00:23:33,564 --> 00:23:35,231 that we are small. 511 00:23:35,231 --> 00:23:38,764 Jason and I go into the local stores 512 00:23:38,764 --> 00:23:40,998 and do the tasting's there. 513 00:23:40,998 --> 00:23:44,031 And people can actually talk to us. 514 00:23:44,031 --> 00:23:46,331 John: Missouri once had a thriving wine industry 515 00:23:46,331 --> 00:23:48,298 dating back more than a hundred years. 516 00:23:48,298 --> 00:23:51,231 But national laws on prohibition brought wine making 517 00:23:51,231 --> 00:23:53,531 to a halt in the 1920's. 518 00:23:53,531 --> 00:23:55,264 With prohibition's repeal in the 1930's, 519 00:23:55,264 --> 00:23:58,198 the industry began a slow growth back. 520 00:23:58,198 --> 00:24:01,198 Jason: Yeah, there's a little sugar in there. 521 00:24:01,198 --> 00:24:03,198 John: Jason and Colleen have added livestock 522 00:24:03,198 --> 00:24:04,798 to their ag adventure. 523 00:24:04,798 --> 00:24:06,798 These baby doll sheep assist in efforts 524 00:24:06,798 --> 00:24:08,931 to be sustainable while keeping grass 525 00:24:08,931 --> 00:24:10,998 and weeds in check. 526 00:24:10,998 --> 00:24:12,931 Jason: We don't have to mow or buy diesel. 527 00:24:12,931 --> 00:24:14,698 That's a pain nowadays. 528 00:24:14,698 --> 00:24:16,698 We don't spray to control the weeds. 529 00:24:16,698 --> 00:24:18,031 We definitely embrace the idea 530 00:24:18,031 --> 00:24:21,598 of being efficient, reducing your carbon footprint, 531 00:24:21,598 --> 00:24:24,864 leaving it better than we started. 532 00:24:24,864 --> 00:24:26,231 John: Missouri has close to a hundred 533 00:24:26,231 --> 00:24:27,398 wineries today. 534 00:24:27,398 --> 00:24:29,131 And the industry has grown dramatically 535 00:24:29,131 --> 00:24:30,864 in the past ten years. 536 00:24:30,864 --> 00:24:33,298 And while Jowler Creek Winery is not yet as well known 537 00:24:33,298 --> 00:24:35,598 as its California counterparts.... 538 00:24:35,598 --> 00:24:37,298 Colleen: ....that's a Chambourcin, 539 00:24:37,298 --> 00:24:39,031 that's our French hybrid.... 540 00:24:39,031 --> 00:24:40,964 John:....the winery does have a tasting room! 541 00:24:40,964 --> 00:24:42,431 And it's considered a must stop 542 00:24:42,431 --> 00:24:46,131 on a tour of regional boutique wineries. 543 00:24:46,131 --> 00:24:47,398 It also benefits from friends 544 00:24:47,398 --> 00:24:49,564 and farmers nearby. 545 00:24:49,564 --> 00:24:51,098 Colleen: Back here, everybody wants to help 546 00:24:51,098 --> 00:24:52,298 your neighbor. 547 00:24:52,298 --> 00:24:54,064 So when there's work to be done, you're neighbors come over 548 00:24:54,064 --> 00:24:58,364 and pitch in. 549 00:24:58,364 --> 00:24:59,764 John: And that's going to do it this time. 550 00:24:59,764 --> 00:25:01,498 Thanks for traveling the country with us 551 00:25:01,498 --> 00:25:05,698 on this edition of America's Heartland . 552 00:25:05,698 --> 00:25:06,664 Akiba: And remember, there's much more 553 00:25:06,664 --> 00:25:09,564 on America's Heartland at our website 554 00:25:09,564 --> 00:25:11,098 including video on the stories from today's show. 555 00:25:11,098 --> 00:25:14,231 Just log onto americasheartland-dot-org. 556 00:25:14,231 --> 00:25:17,164 We'll see you next time. 557 00:25:17,164 --> 00:25:18,964 To order a copy of this broadcast, 558 00:25:18,964 --> 00:25:25,031 visit us online or call 1-888-814-3923. 559 00:25:25,031 --> 00:25:31,164 The cost is $14.95 plus shipping. 560 00:25:31,164 --> 00:25:37,398 ♪ You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man ♪ 561 00:25:37,398 --> 00:25:43,464 ♪ in America's Heartland living close to the land. ♪ 562 00:25:43,464 --> 00:25:46,431 ♪ There's a love for the country ♪ 563 00:25:46,431 --> 00:25:49,398 ♪ and a pride in the brand ♪ 564 00:25:49,398 --> 00:25:56,131 ♪ in America's Heartland living close, ♪ 565 00:25:56,131 --> 00:25:59,364 ♪ close to the land. ♪ 566 00:25:59,364 --> 00:26:04,564 America's Heartland is made possible by.... 567 00:26:04,564 --> 00:26:07,564 They make up a small part of our population, 568 00:26:07,564 --> 00:26:10,564 but have a huge impact on all of our lives. 569 00:26:10,564 --> 00:26:14,231 They take business risks that few others would tolerate 570 00:26:14,231 --> 00:26:16,231 all on our behalf. 571 00:26:16,231 --> 00:26:18,164 They're American farmers 572 00:26:18,164 --> 00:26:21,498 who feed, fuel and clothe the world. 573 00:26:21,498 --> 00:26:23,498 Monsanto would like to recognize them 574 00:26:23,498 --> 00:26:26,731 for all they do for the rest of us, 575 00:26:26,731 --> 00:26:30,231 because ultimately our success and everyone else's 576 00:26:30,231 --> 00:26:32,898 depends on theirs. 577 00:26:32,898 --> 00:26:34,431 ....and by the American Farm Bureau 578 00:26:34,431 --> 00:26:39,531 Federation - the voice of agriculture. 579 00:26:39,531 --> 00:26:43,531 ♪♪