1 00:00:00,498 --> 00:00:04,298 "America's Heartland is made possible by..." 2 00:00:04,298 --> 00:00:07,464 Farm Credit - financing agriculture and rural 3 00:00:07,464 --> 00:00:09,731 America since 1916. 4 00:00:09,731 --> 00:00:11,831 Farm Credit is cooperatively owned by America's 5 00:00:11,831 --> 00:00:13,364 farmers and ranchers. 6 00:00:13,364 --> 00:00:16,498 Learn more at farmcredit.com 7 00:00:16,498 --> 00:00:19,231 The United Soybean Board whose "Common Ground" 8 00:00:19,231 --> 00:00:21,398 program creates conversations to help 9 00:00:21,398 --> 00:00:23,931 consumers get the facts about farming and food. 10 00:00:23,931 --> 00:00:28,364 There's more at: findourcommonground.com 11 00:00:28,364 --> 00:00:31,598 The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. 12 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:33,631 Dedicated to building greater awareness and 13 00:00:33,631 --> 00:00:35,864 understanding of agriculture through education 14 00:00:35,864 --> 00:00:37,331 and engagement. 15 00:00:37,331 --> 00:00:40,564 More information at: agfoundation.org 16 00:00:40,564 --> 00:00:43,764 The Fund for Agriculture Education - A fund created 17 00:00:43,764 --> 00:00:47,364 by KVIE to support America's Heartland programming. 18 00:00:47,364 --> 00:00:49,398 Contributors include the following: 19 00:00:51,698 --> 00:00:52,864 I'm Sarah Gardner. 20 00:00:52,864 --> 00:00:55,964 Bees are crucial in helping farmers grow dozens of 21 00:00:55,964 --> 00:00:56,998 different products. 22 00:00:56,998 --> 00:00:58,431 But, their native populations are 23 00:00:58,431 --> 00:01:00,264 mysteriously declining. 24 00:01:00,264 --> 00:01:02,531 We'll take you to California where farmers, 25 00:01:02,531 --> 00:01:05,131 scientific experts, and beekeepers are launching a 26 00:01:05,131 --> 00:01:09,498 major new program to help bring bees back. 27 00:01:09,498 --> 00:01:10,698 Hi, I'm Jason Shoultz. 28 00:01:10,698 --> 00:01:12,531 Come with me to New England where the history of many 29 00:01:12,531 --> 00:01:15,498 farms stretches back hundreds of years. 30 00:01:15,498 --> 00:01:17,431 I'll introduce you to a farm family that's seen 31 00:01:17,431 --> 00:01:19,898 some great times and struggled through some 32 00:01:19,898 --> 00:01:21,131 tough times 33 00:01:21,131 --> 00:01:24,831 all with the goal of keeping the farm alive. 34 00:01:24,831 --> 00:01:26,264 Hi I'm Kristen Simoes. 35 00:01:26,264 --> 00:01:29,164 We're taking you to school in big sky country and this 36 00:01:29,164 --> 00:01:31,964 lesson is all about good horsemanship for the 37 00:01:31,964 --> 00:01:33,731 animal and the rider. 38 00:01:33,731 --> 00:01:36,264 Saddle up for a one of a kind ranching adventure 39 00:01:36,264 --> 00:01:38,298 in Montana. 40 00:01:38,298 --> 00:01:39,464 I'm Rob Stewart. 41 00:01:39,464 --> 00:01:42,331 We've got a unique ranching story for you this time. 42 00:01:42,331 --> 00:01:44,098 It's not about cattle. 43 00:01:44,098 --> 00:01:48,198 We're taking you to Arkansas to a ranch that is bustling 44 00:01:48,198 --> 00:01:49,998 with buffalo! 45 00:01:49,998 --> 00:01:51,798 That's all coming up next, right here on 46 00:01:51,798 --> 00:01:53,631 America's Heartland. 47 00:01:54,864 --> 00:02:00,998 ♪You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man ♪ 48 00:02:00,998 --> 00:02:07,031 ♪in America's Heartland living close to the land. ♪ 49 00:02:07,031 --> 00:02:10,064 ♪There's a love for the country ♪ 50 00:02:10,064 --> 00:02:13,064 ♪and a pride in the brand ♪ 51 00:02:13,064 --> 00:02:19,598 ♪in America's Heartland living close, ♪ 52 00:02:19,598 --> 00:02:24,031 ♪close to the land ♪ 53 00:02:30,564 --> 00:02:31,564 When you think of bees, 54 00:02:31,564 --> 00:02:33,231 you think of that hard working insect who 55 00:02:33,231 --> 00:02:34,231 brings us honey. 56 00:02:34,231 --> 00:02:36,064 But, they actually do much more than that. 57 00:02:36,064 --> 00:02:37,864 They're essential in agriculture. 58 00:02:37,864 --> 00:02:41,298 Many successful crops depend on bee pollination. 59 00:02:41,298 --> 00:02:42,764 But, bees are in trouble. 60 00:02:42,764 --> 00:02:45,764 Their numbers are declining, and experts aren't sure why. 61 00:02:45,764 --> 00:02:48,598 Here in Orange County, California a major effort is 62 00:02:48,598 --> 00:02:51,098 underway to bring bees - back. 63 00:02:51,098 --> 00:02:53,964 ♪ 64 00:02:53,964 --> 00:02:55,598 The first settlers to America brought European 65 00:02:55,598 --> 00:02:59,298 honeybees with them in the early 1600's. 66 00:02:59,298 --> 00:03:01,698 The honey bee is our workhorse pollinator. 67 00:03:01,698 --> 00:03:04,131 And bringing bees back especially native 68 00:03:04,131 --> 00:03:07,264 varieties is what's drawn habitat conservationists 69 00:03:07,264 --> 00:03:10,764 like Mace Vaughn to this carefully-tended field in 70 00:03:10,764 --> 00:03:13,431 the hills outside Irvine, California. 71 00:03:13,431 --> 00:03:16,131 Vaughn wants these farmers and ranchers to know just 72 00:03:16,131 --> 00:03:20,331 how important all native pollinators are to producers. 73 00:03:20,331 --> 00:03:24,231 Pollination is critical because many of our crops if 74 00:03:24,231 --> 00:03:27,998 we look at apples and pears and plums and cherries, 75 00:03:27,998 --> 00:03:30,798 blueberries, strawberries, squash, melon, 76 00:03:30,798 --> 00:03:33,798 some of our tomato varieties they need to have pollen 77 00:03:33,798 --> 00:03:37,531 moved from one flower to another in order to be able 78 00:03:37,531 --> 00:03:42,231 to set fruit or to set seeds that we then eat. 79 00:03:42,231 --> 00:03:44,164 In the past few years, beekeepers, 80 00:03:44,164 --> 00:03:46,598 farmers and orchard owners have been facing a 81 00:03:46,598 --> 00:03:49,831 phenomenon called "Colony Collapse Disorder". 82 00:03:49,831 --> 00:03:51,898 While its causes are still unclear, 83 00:03:51,898 --> 00:03:55,064 the disorder can devastate entire hives - killing off 84 00:03:55,064 --> 00:03:56,864 millions of bees. 85 00:03:56,864 --> 00:03:59,764 That impact ultimately affects prices we pay 86 00:03:59,764 --> 00:04:01,464 at the supermarket. 87 00:04:01,464 --> 00:04:02,964 With colony collapse disorder, 88 00:04:02,964 --> 00:04:04,831 there's been a major increase, 89 00:04:04,831 --> 00:04:06,664 because of a shortage of bees, 90 00:04:06,664 --> 00:04:09,298 in the price of renting hives. 91 00:04:09,298 --> 00:04:12,364 Back 10 years ago, you're probably talking 30 to 35 92 00:04:12,364 --> 00:04:14,664 dollars on average per hive. 93 00:04:14,664 --> 00:04:17,064 Today, we're talking about well over a hundred dollars 94 00:04:17,064 --> 00:04:19,364 a hive in many areas of the country. 95 00:04:19,364 --> 00:04:22,331 California's Almond crop alone depends on tens of 96 00:04:22,331 --> 00:04:24,631 thousands of beehives brought into the state each 97 00:04:24,631 --> 00:04:27,731 spring to pollinate eight hundred thousand acres of 98 00:04:27,731 --> 00:04:29,164 almond trees. 99 00:04:31,631 --> 00:04:34,498 Farmers, scientists and others in U.S. agriculture 100 00:04:34,498 --> 00:04:36,698 are mounting an effort to develop a unique 101 00:04:36,698 --> 00:04:38,664 "pollinator partnership." 102 00:04:38,664 --> 00:04:40,931 promoting the growth of native plants on farms, 103 00:04:40,931 --> 00:04:44,631 orchards and ranches all across America. 104 00:04:44,631 --> 00:04:47,964 So what we've been doing is looking at how we can help 105 00:04:47,964 --> 00:04:50,898 rebuild populations of native pollinators. 106 00:04:50,898 --> 00:04:54,798 wild bees, moths, butterflies, insects, 107 00:04:54,798 --> 00:04:57,231 even some animals - that provide value added 108 00:04:57,231 --> 00:04:59,264 pollination services. 109 00:04:59,264 --> 00:05:02,098 In the east we find that native bees can potentially 110 00:05:02,098 --> 00:05:06,164 provide all the pollination that's necessary on the vast 111 00:05:06,164 --> 00:05:08,064 majority of those farms. 112 00:05:08,064 --> 00:05:09,431 "Let's go down this way". 113 00:05:09,431 --> 00:05:12,031 One candidate in this southern California field 114 00:05:12,031 --> 00:05:15,331 is this surprising variety of native bee. 115 00:05:15,331 --> 00:05:17,564 A lot of our native bees are really small - quite small 116 00:05:17,564 --> 00:05:19,798 compared to a honey bee. 117 00:05:19,798 --> 00:05:23,264 So this looks like one of our very small sweat bees. 118 00:05:23,264 --> 00:05:25,498 Facilitating increased numbers of native 119 00:05:25,498 --> 00:05:28,298 pollinators, however, often demands that farmers and 120 00:05:28,298 --> 00:05:30,698 growers adjust the plants that populate their 121 00:05:30,698 --> 00:05:32,764 available landscape. 122 00:05:32,764 --> 00:05:35,964 You create a habitat where beneficial insects can take 123 00:05:35,964 --> 00:05:38,298 up residence, come into the fields, 124 00:05:38,298 --> 00:05:41,998 provide pollination services that won't replace those 125 00:05:41,998 --> 00:05:45,531 that come from managed bees, but will supplement them. 126 00:05:45,531 --> 00:05:48,631 In addition to bees, conservationist David Raetz 127 00:05:48,631 --> 00:05:50,998 says certain plants including black sage 128 00:05:50,998 --> 00:05:54,531 can attract other types of native pollinators. 129 00:05:54,531 --> 00:05:56,598 Southern California has a high percentage of butterfly 130 00:05:56,598 --> 00:06:00,431 species that occur here and are really concentrated here. 131 00:06:00,431 --> 00:06:02,931 And so the black sage, as well as many others, 132 00:06:02,931 --> 00:06:04,898 will attract those particular species. 133 00:06:04,898 --> 00:06:07,498 Restoring native habitat to attract a variety of 134 00:06:07,498 --> 00:06:11,031 pollinators can also prove beneficial to reducing soil 135 00:06:11,031 --> 00:06:14,198 erosion and improving water quality. 136 00:06:14,198 --> 00:06:16,531 Part of what the project is all about is how do we 137 00:06:16,531 --> 00:06:20,164 structure and create an appreciation for and more 138 00:06:20,164 --> 00:06:22,998 importantly a commitment to create habitat and build up 139 00:06:22,998 --> 00:06:25,464 the populations of the native pollinators so that 140 00:06:25,464 --> 00:06:28,331 if there is a problem we can still have an abundant 141 00:06:28,331 --> 00:06:31,564 supply of pollinating entities that can help make 142 00:06:31,564 --> 00:06:34,398 sure we still have food to eat. 143 00:06:34,398 --> 00:06:36,331 While a solution is being sought for 144 00:06:36,331 --> 00:06:38,031 Colony Collapse Disorder, 145 00:06:38,031 --> 00:06:40,064 developing a national program of native 146 00:06:40,064 --> 00:06:43,298 pollinators can provide options for protecting our 147 00:06:43,298 --> 00:06:46,664 food supply now and in the future. 148 00:06:46,664 --> 00:06:49,764 Native pollinators are a great example of a specific 149 00:06:49,764 --> 00:06:52,764 solution that farmer and ranchers can deliver from 150 00:06:52,764 --> 00:06:54,098 the land. 151 00:06:54,098 --> 00:06:56,898 Farmers, ranchers, forest landowners aren't the source 152 00:06:56,898 --> 00:07:00,964 of problems; they're the source of solutions. 153 00:07:00,964 --> 00:07:04,698 ♪ 154 00:07:04,698 --> 00:07:06,398 If you're wondering why honeybees make that 155 00:07:06,398 --> 00:07:09,098 "buzzing" sound, it's because their wings are 156 00:07:09,098 --> 00:07:12,298 fluttering at more than 11 thousand times a minute. 157 00:07:12,298 --> 00:07:15,131 Their perception of visual movement is fast as 158 00:07:15,131 --> 00:07:18,631 well about six times that of human beings. 159 00:07:18,631 --> 00:07:20,698 Were bees to watch a movie, they would be able to 160 00:07:20,698 --> 00:07:24,331 differentiate individual frames being projected. 161 00:07:24,331 --> 00:07:25,698 ♪ 162 00:07:25,698 --> 00:07:27,331 When you think about rodeos, 163 00:07:27,331 --> 00:07:30,031 competitive or recreational riding even those 164 00:07:30,031 --> 00:07:31,864 equestrian events in the Olympics, 165 00:07:31,864 --> 00:07:33,598 you can see why proper training for a 166 00:07:33,598 --> 00:07:35,231 horse is important. 167 00:07:35,231 --> 00:07:37,264 Well, here at this Montana ranch, 168 00:07:37,264 --> 00:07:41,598 good horsemanship is all about the animal and the rider. 169 00:07:41,598 --> 00:07:48,531 ♪ 170 00:07:48,531 --> 00:07:50,664 "Get down on your rein and ask for her eye and use your 171 00:07:50,664 --> 00:07:54,431 foot at the same time" 172 00:07:54,431 --> 00:07:56,798 It doesn't matter how great a horse we raise, 173 00:07:56,798 --> 00:08:00,098 if we don't bring people up, young people up through the, 174 00:08:00,098 --> 00:08:02,831 with knowledge and horsemanship, you know, 175 00:08:02,831 --> 00:08:04,831 our industry won't last. 176 00:08:04,831 --> 00:08:07,631 Lisa Anderson loves several things about managing 177 00:08:07,631 --> 00:08:09,598 Copper Spring Ranch. 178 00:08:09,598 --> 00:08:13,064 Including working alongside her husband, 179 00:08:13,064 --> 00:08:17,864 Brian and Training and selling world class horses 180 00:08:17,864 --> 00:08:19,564 "Bring her back into a small circle, 181 00:08:19,564 --> 00:08:20,898 looking between her ears." 182 00:08:20,898 --> 00:08:23,131 It's a place where champion quarter horses are bred and 183 00:08:23,131 --> 00:08:25,131 trained and where instructors like 184 00:08:25,131 --> 00:08:28,498 Lisa share their talents with the next generation of 185 00:08:28,498 --> 00:08:31,098 equestrian enthusiasts. 186 00:08:31,098 --> 00:08:33,464 Working here, I get to be outdoors all the time. 187 00:08:33,464 --> 00:08:36,198 I get to be around horses and being around people like 188 00:08:36,198 --> 00:08:41,898 Brian and Lisa, who know horses. 189 00:08:41,898 --> 00:08:44,964 Tana Pena rides for her high school's rodeo team and 190 00:08:44,964 --> 00:08:47,231 looks forward to someday having a career 191 00:08:47,231 --> 00:08:49,098 involving horses. 192 00:08:49,098 --> 00:08:51,864 The high school senior works as a barn assistant at the 193 00:08:51,864 --> 00:08:54,364 ranch earning some extra cash and picking up 194 00:08:54,364 --> 00:08:58,964 equine experience. 195 00:08:58,964 --> 00:09:01,764 I get to learn just by watching them every day. 196 00:09:01,764 --> 00:09:03,898 Just watching them out in the arena roping or working 197 00:09:03,898 --> 00:09:05,298 with the horses I'm learning all the time 198 00:09:05,298 --> 00:09:06,964 which is incredible. 199 00:09:09,731 --> 00:09:13,431 Like Tana, Kevin Peterson is on his school's rodeo team. 200 00:09:13,431 --> 00:09:16,431 Looking beyond college, Kevin sees a future in 201 00:09:16,431 --> 00:09:20,664 America's multi-billion dollar horse industry. 202 00:09:20,664 --> 00:09:22,864 "You know we market all over the United States we try 203 00:09:22,864 --> 00:09:25,564 to stay regionally focused with Montana, 204 00:09:25,564 --> 00:09:28,431 Idaho, Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota 205 00:09:28,431 --> 00:09:29,898 and Wyoming" 206 00:09:29,898 --> 00:09:33,231 Kevin is a marketing major at Montana State University. 207 00:09:33,231 --> 00:09:36,764 His intern work updating the ranch's website earns him 208 00:09:36,764 --> 00:09:40,064 college credit and allows him to interact with the horses 209 00:09:40,064 --> 00:09:41,498 he's promoting. 210 00:09:41,498 --> 00:09:44,531 Having the, the kids around, the younger generation, um, 211 00:09:44,531 --> 00:09:47,031 it just builds a positive attitude. 212 00:09:47,031 --> 00:09:49,298 They're excited about life, they're excited about 213 00:09:49,298 --> 00:09:52,098 their future, and it's just a happy place. 214 00:09:52,098 --> 00:09:54,564 It's an attitude Lisa shares with owners 215 00:09:54,564 --> 00:09:56,831 Klein and Karen Gilhousen. 216 00:09:56,831 --> 00:09:59,431 The husband and wife team see the ranch as a way to 217 00:09:59,431 --> 00:10:02,898 take young riders and horses to championship 218 00:10:02,898 --> 00:10:06,464 levels in a variety of equestrian events. 219 00:10:06,464 --> 00:10:13,464 To me it's really important to help our young people to 220 00:10:13,464 --> 00:10:18,531 be successful and to be good role models for them and 221 00:10:18,531 --> 00:10:20,764 give them opportunities that they might not 222 00:10:20,764 --> 00:10:22,664 have otherwise. 223 00:10:22,664 --> 00:10:25,664 Karen's daughter, Aspen, is also one those learning more 224 00:10:25,664 --> 00:10:28,364 about the skills involved in riding. 225 00:10:28,364 --> 00:10:31,298 For other young people, a variety of internships give 226 00:10:31,298 --> 00:10:34,498 college students a chance to expand their knowledge in 227 00:10:34,498 --> 00:10:38,198 everything from veterinary medicine to marketing. 228 00:10:40,864 --> 00:10:44,464 Lisa and her husband, Brian, see their jobs as providing 229 00:10:44,464 --> 00:10:47,498 the tools needed to excel in a number of 230 00:10:47,498 --> 00:10:49,198 forms of horsemanship. 231 00:10:49,198 --> 00:10:52,064 Equally important - is recognizing that excellence 232 00:10:52,064 --> 00:10:57,098 comes from a cooperative effort between animal and rider. 233 00:10:57,098 --> 00:11:00,398 It's not just about how many wins you get or getting your 234 00:11:00,398 --> 00:11:01,564 name in the headlines. 235 00:11:01,564 --> 00:11:03,498 It's about loving these animals, 236 00:11:03,498 --> 00:11:05,298 getting them placed in the right hands, 237 00:11:05,298 --> 00:11:08,698 with the right people, so that they have great lives. 238 00:11:11,198 --> 00:11:13,331 ♪ 239 00:11:13,331 --> 00:11:15,164 North America was home to members of the equine 240 00:11:15,164 --> 00:11:17,298 family way back in history. 241 00:11:17,298 --> 00:11:19,831 But those pre-historic horses ultimately 242 00:11:19,831 --> 00:11:21,264 became extinct. 243 00:11:21,264 --> 00:11:24,064 Spanish explorers brought horses back to the America's 244 00:11:24,064 --> 00:11:25,598 in the 1500's. 245 00:11:25,598 --> 00:11:28,264 Many of the wild horses roaming the west today are 246 00:11:28,264 --> 00:11:30,764 descendants of those original breeds. 247 00:11:32,164 --> 00:11:33,398 I'm Jason Shoultz. 248 00:11:33,398 --> 00:11:35,531 Still ahead - I'll take you to Massachusetts where one 249 00:11:35,531 --> 00:11:39,064 multi-generational farm family is very picky about 250 00:11:39,064 --> 00:11:40,898 their produce. 251 00:11:40,898 --> 00:11:42,431 I'm Rob Stewart and still ahead on 252 00:11:42,431 --> 00:11:43,464 America's Heartland, 253 00:11:43,464 --> 00:11:46,698 we're heading for Arkansas and a ranch raising 254 00:11:46,698 --> 00:11:50,564 some of the biggest land animals in the entire country. 255 00:11:52,364 --> 00:11:59,198 ♪ 256 00:11:59,198 --> 00:12:01,098 Hi, my name is Mike Freeling and I have a 257 00:12:01,098 --> 00:12:02,998 question about agriculture. 258 00:12:02,998 --> 00:12:04,998 I grow a lot of vegetables in my garden so I know a 259 00:12:04,998 --> 00:12:07,264 small amount of land can be pretty productive. 260 00:12:07,264 --> 00:12:10,064 But I was wondering just how much food can be grown on 261 00:12:10,064 --> 00:12:11,831 the average farm? 262 00:12:11,831 --> 00:12:14,331 Hey, we all love to get a great harvest when it comes 263 00:12:14,331 --> 00:12:16,964 to our home gardens --even if you're wondering what 264 00:12:16,964 --> 00:12:19,431 you're going to do with all of that zucchini? 265 00:12:19,431 --> 00:12:21,698 You may already know that American farmers are some of 266 00:12:21,698 --> 00:12:24,164 the most productive in the world and that's one of the 267 00:12:24,164 --> 00:12:25,964 reasons that Americans, on average, 268 00:12:25,964 --> 00:12:29,164 spend a lot less for food than people in many parts of 269 00:12:29,164 --> 00:12:31,564 Europe, the Middle East and Asia. 270 00:12:31,564 --> 00:12:34,131 But, let's answer your question about production on 271 00:12:34,131 --> 00:12:35,164 the farm. 272 00:12:35,164 --> 00:12:36,598 Let's start with corn. 273 00:12:36,598 --> 00:12:39,098 Now, of course, it depends on your soil conditions, 274 00:12:39,098 --> 00:12:41,898 growing season and weather, but on average, 275 00:12:41,898 --> 00:12:44,998 you can expect to get more than a hundred fifty bushels 276 00:12:44,998 --> 00:12:46,798 per acre when it comes to corn. 277 00:12:46,798 --> 00:12:48,564 Wheat? 278 00:12:48,564 --> 00:12:51,431 Anywhere from 35 to 40 bushels an acre. 279 00:12:51,431 --> 00:12:54,764 Each bushel produces about 42 pounds of flour and that 280 00:12:54,764 --> 00:12:56,831 makes a lot of bread and pasta. 281 00:12:56,831 --> 00:13:00,531 You'll get lots of potatoes from an acre of farmland 282 00:13:00,531 --> 00:13:04,598 from 25 to 35 thousand pounds. 283 00:13:04,598 --> 00:13:06,564 And what about something like cotton? 284 00:13:06,564 --> 00:13:08,764 Again it depends on where you're planting, 285 00:13:08,764 --> 00:13:12,398 but an acre can produce more than 700 pounds of cotton. 286 00:13:12,398 --> 00:13:16,064 A bale of cotton weighs about 480 pounds. 287 00:13:16,064 --> 00:13:19,131 That's enough to make 200 pairs of blue jeans. 288 00:13:19,131 --> 00:13:20,798 And one more fact on production. 289 00:13:20,798 --> 00:13:26,231 In 1940 one farmer raised enough food to feed 19 people. 290 00:13:26,231 --> 00:13:27,298 Today? 291 00:13:27,298 --> 00:13:30,298 One farmer can produce enough food and fiber 292 00:13:30,298 --> 00:13:32,964 for 143 people. 293 00:13:32,964 --> 00:13:34,898 That's quite a jump. 294 00:13:34,898 --> 00:13:38,764 ♪ 295 00:13:40,631 --> 00:13:43,298 How close are you to your family? 296 00:13:43,298 --> 00:13:44,864 Well, imagine working with your parents, 297 00:13:44,864 --> 00:13:46,498 your brothers and sisters, aunts, 298 00:13:46,498 --> 00:13:49,098 uncles even your children every day. 299 00:13:49,098 --> 00:13:50,831 The Hanson family just outside of 300 00:13:50,831 --> 00:13:52,298 Boston, Massachusetts 301 00:13:52,298 --> 00:13:54,498 has been working together for 302 00:13:54,498 --> 00:13:57,931 generations and the ups and downs of their lives are 303 00:13:57,931 --> 00:14:04,764 tightly intertwined with the farm that they work on. 304 00:14:04,764 --> 00:14:06,298 It has to be very fresh. 305 00:14:06,298 --> 00:14:11,098 Fresh isn't just a marketing buzzword for Tom Hanson. 306 00:14:11,098 --> 00:14:13,564 As he and his crew head out to harvest sweet corn on 307 00:14:13,564 --> 00:14:15,498 this fall morning just outside of 308 00:14:15,498 --> 00:14:16,998 Boston, Massachusetts 309 00:14:16,998 --> 00:14:19,398 he's up against the clock. 310 00:14:19,398 --> 00:14:21,298 There's a constant rotation in trying to feed the 311 00:14:21,298 --> 00:14:23,731 farmer's market and the farm stand. 312 00:14:23,731 --> 00:14:26,931 Hanson's Farm has been in Tom Hanson's family since 1908 313 00:14:26,931 --> 00:14:30,698 and the land has been farmed since 1715! 314 00:14:30,698 --> 00:14:34,664 Today Tom, his wife Martha, his son Matt, 315 00:14:34,664 --> 00:14:38,164 daughter Elizabeth and even Martha's mother all help out 316 00:14:38,164 --> 00:14:41,564 on the farm in various roles. 317 00:14:41,564 --> 00:14:44,031 It's hard work and sometimes you just wondering 318 00:14:44,031 --> 00:14:46,698 why you're doing all of this. 319 00:14:46,698 --> 00:14:51,031 But, I'm really glad they want to do it. 320 00:14:51,031 --> 00:14:53,331 And the decisions made on this farm have a direct 321 00:14:53,331 --> 00:14:56,064 impact on the lives of the family. 322 00:14:56,064 --> 00:14:59,464 And sometimes an impact on who becomes part of the family! 323 00:14:59,464 --> 00:15:03,364 Like when about 30 years ago Tom was looking to help 324 00:15:03,364 --> 00:15:07,698 the bottom line by trying something new with his produce. 325 00:15:07,698 --> 00:15:08,698 I did You Pick. 326 00:15:08,698 --> 00:15:10,331 Where you could come and pick your 327 00:15:10,331 --> 00:15:12,231 own vegetables here at the farm or small 328 00:15:12,231 --> 00:15:14,498 fruit, you know, like strawberries or raspberries. 329 00:15:14,498 --> 00:15:18,998 That decision brought someone special to the farm. 330 00:15:18,998 --> 00:15:22,298 I get out of work early and I drove up here. 331 00:15:22,298 --> 00:15:25,231 I'd always wanted to pick strawberries and that's 332 00:15:25,231 --> 00:15:26,931 how I met Tom. 333 00:15:26,931 --> 00:15:30,531 And he showed me around his farm and eventually we went 334 00:15:30,531 --> 00:15:35,131 on a date, and six months later we were engaged. 335 00:15:35,131 --> 00:15:37,698 But with good times, also come bad. 336 00:15:37,698 --> 00:15:41,764 In 2009 Tom's son Matt and father Charles we're 337 00:15:41,764 --> 00:15:45,464 involved in a serious farm accident. 338 00:15:45,464 --> 00:15:48,398 So what happened was, he was cutting corners and he did 339 00:15:48,398 --> 00:15:49,998 something he always taught us never to do, 340 00:15:49,998 --> 00:15:52,031 which was to start a tractor on the ground 341 00:15:52,031 --> 00:15:55,164 they both of them got run over. 342 00:15:55,164 --> 00:15:57,264 I almost lost my son that day too. 343 00:15:57,264 --> 00:15:58,531 But he was ok. 344 00:15:58,531 --> 00:16:01,764 He was banged up, but my father got his ribs stove in 345 00:16:01,764 --> 00:16:04,531 and he died a couple weeks later. 346 00:16:04,531 --> 00:16:06,398 Ah, and I miss him to this day. 347 00:16:06,398 --> 00:16:09,831 It was very hard for Matt who was there that day. 348 00:16:09,831 --> 00:16:15,931 And, ah, he, he really, um, tried to save my dad, um, 349 00:16:15,931 --> 00:16:17,964 as best as he could. 350 00:16:17,964 --> 00:16:19,731 But it was difficult for him. 351 00:16:19,731 --> 00:16:21,364 Um, and we were really lucky. 352 00:16:21,364 --> 00:16:22,598 He just got banged up. 353 00:16:22,598 --> 00:16:24,231 He was OK. 354 00:16:24,231 --> 00:16:27,631 Um, but I think for all of us it kinda of steeled us, 355 00:16:27,631 --> 00:16:29,831 you know, to pull together. 356 00:16:29,831 --> 00:16:33,198 Today this farm family is focused on staying a step 357 00:16:33,198 --> 00:16:36,898 ahead of trends in food and shopping tastes. 358 00:16:36,898 --> 00:16:39,698 From catering to ethnic communities to marketing the 359 00:16:39,698 --> 00:16:43,531 locally-grown and wholesome aspect of their produce. 360 00:16:43,531 --> 00:16:47,764 About 15 years ago something happened that there was all 361 00:16:47,764 --> 00:16:52,664 of a sudden a whole locally grown movement in the country. 362 00:16:52,664 --> 00:16:55,031 And it's kinda coming nation-wide. 363 00:16:55,031 --> 00:16:57,731 And diversifying the farm means trying new things, 364 00:16:57,731 --> 00:16:59,498 like horse boarding. 365 00:16:59,498 --> 00:17:01,698 And as new family members get involved, 366 00:17:01,698 --> 00:17:03,998 they bring ideas. 367 00:17:03,998 --> 00:17:07,664 Last year, my daughter wanted to get back into some 368 00:17:07,664 --> 00:17:10,131 of the farming aspect of it. 369 00:17:10,131 --> 00:17:13,231 And we came up with an idea of 370 00:17:13,231 --> 00:17:15,098 freshly squeezed lemonade. 371 00:17:15,098 --> 00:17:18,464 So she started a great business with doing freshly 372 00:17:18,464 --> 00:17:21,398 squeezed lemonade made to order at certain 373 00:17:21,398 --> 00:17:23,264 farmer's markets. 374 00:17:26,964 --> 00:17:29,098 Things like CSA and farmer's markets have been great 375 00:17:29,098 --> 00:17:30,798 for us right now. 376 00:17:30,798 --> 00:17:33,564 But it may be something else 10 years from now. 377 00:17:33,564 --> 00:17:35,764 So you have to be keep your mind open to that 378 00:17:35,764 --> 00:17:38,064 and keep evolving and that sort of thing. 379 00:17:38,064 --> 00:17:39,998 "We didn't spray it so much so there's gonna 380 00:17:39,998 --> 00:17:42,798 be some worms but just nip it nip it off, 381 00:17:42,798 --> 00:17:46,164 don't worry they don't eat much." 382 00:17:46,164 --> 00:17:48,631 So I really like getting out there and picking and I also 383 00:17:48,631 --> 00:17:51,464 really like, when we're at the farmer's market today, 384 00:17:51,464 --> 00:17:53,231 just talking with my customers. 385 00:17:53,231 --> 00:17:55,364 A lot of times I'll see folks I haven't seen 386 00:17:55,364 --> 00:17:56,798 in a long time. 387 00:17:56,798 --> 00:17:58,864 "They're the hottest peppers in the world 388 00:17:58,864 --> 00:17:59,531 right there" 389 00:17:59,531 --> 00:18:00,598 "Are they really?" 390 00:18:00,598 --> 00:18:01,598 "Yeah they are". 391 00:18:01,598 --> 00:18:03,231 You get a feel for what people are doing. 392 00:18:03,231 --> 00:18:04,864 And I don't spend enough time doing that and I really 393 00:18:04,864 --> 00:18:06,831 enjoy that part of it. 394 00:18:06,831 --> 00:18:09,698 I can't imagine it any other way. 395 00:18:09,698 --> 00:18:10,764 I really can't. 396 00:18:10,764 --> 00:18:14,398 I can't imagine them not being right here. 397 00:18:14,398 --> 00:18:15,364 It's great. 398 00:18:15,364 --> 00:18:17,198 It's great to be able to get together, 399 00:18:17,198 --> 00:18:19,264 see each other all the time. 400 00:18:19,264 --> 00:18:21,198 We all get along really well. 401 00:18:21,198 --> 00:18:24,031 And I think a big part of that is because Tom's mom 402 00:18:24,031 --> 00:18:29,298 and dad set a really fine example for us, 403 00:18:29,298 --> 00:18:33,698 when we first started farming. 404 00:18:33,698 --> 00:18:35,931 We always were able to talk things out. 405 00:18:35,931 --> 00:18:38,098 Work things out. 406 00:18:38,098 --> 00:18:41,164 So, I think we'll all make it. 407 00:18:41,164 --> 00:18:44,764 I'm sure we will. 408 00:18:44,764 --> 00:18:46,998 I don't want to be anybody else, anywhere else, 409 00:18:46,998 --> 00:18:48,531 doing anything else. 410 00:18:48,531 --> 00:18:51,731 I really this is what I always wanted to do. 411 00:18:51,731 --> 00:18:53,498 My heroes were farmers growing up and 412 00:18:53,498 --> 00:18:56,598 I love this place. 413 00:18:56,598 --> 00:18:59,031 So keeping it going for the next generation, 414 00:18:59,031 --> 00:19:01,931 that's what we're working on. 415 00:19:01,931 --> 00:19:05,864 ♪ 416 00:19:05,864 --> 00:19:07,198 Are you a cookie fan? 417 00:19:07,198 --> 00:19:09,431 The fig newton gets its name from the town of 418 00:19:09,431 --> 00:19:11,231 Newton, Massachusetts. 419 00:19:11,231 --> 00:19:13,698 The original maker a Boston cookie company, 420 00:19:13,698 --> 00:19:16,598 liked to name products after nearby communities. 421 00:19:16,598 --> 00:19:18,931 Of course the Boston Crème Pie was invented in 422 00:19:18,931 --> 00:19:22,064 Massachusetts and Clarence Birdseye is credited with 423 00:19:22,064 --> 00:19:23,898 developing frozen food in 424 00:19:23,898 --> 00:19:26,898 Gloucester, Massachusetts in the 1920's. 425 00:19:28,464 --> 00:19:30,198 When we talk about ranching, 426 00:19:30,198 --> 00:19:32,598 cattle or sheep may come to mind, 427 00:19:32,598 --> 00:19:34,864 but did you know that a growing number of ranchers 428 00:19:34,864 --> 00:19:38,764 are raising buffalo all across this country? 429 00:19:38,764 --> 00:19:42,731 That includes a rancher in Arkansas taking us along on 430 00:19:42,731 --> 00:19:46,698 a one of a kind ranching experience. 431 00:19:46,698 --> 00:19:49,298 ♪ 432 00:19:49,298 --> 00:19:51,531 These hills in Marshall, Arkansas are home to 433 00:19:51,531 --> 00:19:56,364 Ratchford Farms, a sprawling 500 acre oasis of 434 00:19:56,364 --> 00:19:59,698 rolling grassland. 435 00:19:59,698 --> 00:20:01,664 And if you take a short drive though these green 436 00:20:01,664 --> 00:20:07,864 pastures you'll find them blanketed with buffalo! 437 00:20:07,864 --> 00:20:10,131 Now, we'll be the first to say that an up-close 438 00:20:10,131 --> 00:20:13,631 encounter with the largest land animal in North America 439 00:20:13,631 --> 00:20:16,464 is not something to try in the wild. 440 00:20:16,464 --> 00:20:18,431 But ranch owner L.C. Ratchford 441 00:20:18,431 --> 00:20:20,898 felt confident that these animals his 442 00:20:20,898 --> 00:20:24,364 "breeding" herd could be approached safely. 443 00:20:24,364 --> 00:20:26,064 I can't believe we're gonna do this. 444 00:20:26,064 --> 00:20:29,231 Well, it's a lot of fun and we do it on a daily basis. 445 00:20:29,231 --> 00:20:34,398 ♪ 446 00:20:34,398 --> 00:20:39,264 Right through the gate, the buffalo come running. 447 00:20:39,264 --> 00:20:41,498 "Look at that, how fast can they run?" 448 00:20:41,498 --> 00:20:42,764 "They can outrun a horse. 449 00:20:42,764 --> 00:20:45,298 They can 35 to 40 miles an hour" 450 00:20:45,298 --> 00:20:59,298 ♪ 451 00:20:59,298 --> 00:21:01,598 "Oh my gosh! 452 00:21:01,598 --> 00:21:03,464 This is a 3000 pound male. 453 00:21:03,464 --> 00:21:07,931 This guy can go from a tamed docile animal like you see 454 00:21:07,931 --> 00:21:11,698 here, to a wild animal with all the wild instincts of 455 00:21:11,698 --> 00:21:16,198 self-preservation within a heartbeat. 456 00:21:16,198 --> 00:21:21,398 OK, well let's keep it happy with food. 457 00:21:21,398 --> 00:21:26,364 There is a massive presence coming from these animals. 458 00:21:26,364 --> 00:21:27,731 You can just feel their weight. 459 00:21:27,731 --> 00:21:28,964 Oh you can. 460 00:21:28,964 --> 00:21:30,964 They're very majestic. 461 00:21:30,964 --> 00:21:33,164 We as European's as American's, 462 00:21:33,164 --> 00:21:36,064 almost made them become extinct. 463 00:21:36,064 --> 00:21:39,298 And to me, that would have been such a waste. 464 00:21:39,298 --> 00:21:40,331 Hi there. 465 00:21:40,331 --> 00:21:42,931 Look at those horns, my goodness. 466 00:21:42,931 --> 00:21:44,831 Well they have good breath. 467 00:21:44,831 --> 00:21:45,831 Oh yes. 468 00:21:45,831 --> 00:21:49,864 I'm not kidding. 469 00:21:49,864 --> 00:21:52,064 The American buffalo or bison was 470 00:21:52,064 --> 00:21:55,931 nearly hunted to extinction in the 1800's. 471 00:21:55,931 --> 00:21:59,198 With some herds ultimately protected in national parks, 472 00:21:59,198 --> 00:22:01,331 their numbers grew. 473 00:22:01,331 --> 00:22:04,264 In the past 20 years, ranchers have initiated new 474 00:22:04,264 --> 00:22:07,131 herds or expanded their existing stock 475 00:22:07,131 --> 00:22:10,598 benefitting from a growing consumer demand for low fat, 476 00:22:10,598 --> 00:22:15,731 grass fed and sustainable meat. 477 00:22:15,731 --> 00:22:18,131 When I was just a youngster I watched a show 478 00:22:18,131 --> 00:22:21,298 on PBS, it showed the buffalo. 479 00:22:21,298 --> 00:22:23,598 I knew that there was a connection, 480 00:22:23,598 --> 00:22:28,431 I knew I had to raise them some day. 481 00:22:28,431 --> 00:22:31,464 Buffalo can live from 20 to 25 years. 482 00:22:31,464 --> 00:22:35,131 Each year, about half of these animals will reproduce. 483 00:22:35,131 --> 00:22:38,598 Once fully grown, they will be processed for their meat. 484 00:22:38,598 --> 00:22:42,431 And L.C.'s is some of the most popular in this area. 485 00:22:42,431 --> 00:22:46,531 So it went from one store almost 12 years ago, 486 00:22:46,531 --> 00:22:49,598 to we've got well over 700 stores that sell our 487 00:22:49,598 --> 00:22:52,931 snack sticks, our jerky, summer sausage, 488 00:22:52,931 --> 00:22:55,531 as well as some burgers, some steaks. 489 00:22:55,531 --> 00:22:58,098 Just got a call earlier today, uh, 490 00:22:58,098 --> 00:23:01,198 a big place in Texas, and another one in Tennessee 491 00:23:01,198 --> 00:23:04,531 that wanna start carrying our stuff. 492 00:23:04,531 --> 00:23:06,564 Look at that view over there. 493 00:23:06,564 --> 00:23:08,698 Oh it is spectacular! 494 00:23:08,698 --> 00:23:11,398 Ranching has deep roots here at Ratchford Farms. 495 00:23:11,398 --> 00:23:15,464 L.C.'s great-grandfather raised cattle and descendants 496 00:23:15,464 --> 00:23:20,031 of those original cows still graze this land. 497 00:23:20,031 --> 00:23:22,731 I see your cows are following us. 498 00:23:22,731 --> 00:23:26,464 Oh Yes, we use very passive means dealing with our 499 00:23:26,464 --> 00:23:30,031 cattle no different than dealing with the buffalo. 500 00:23:30,031 --> 00:23:33,731 L.C still raises about 100 cows but adding buffalo 501 00:23:33,731 --> 00:23:37,264 to his farm changed his life forever. 502 00:23:37,264 --> 00:23:39,698 I think that they embody the United States. 503 00:23:39,698 --> 00:23:42,864 I think that they embody what we stand for as a country. 504 00:23:42,864 --> 00:23:45,098 They're very majestic, they're hearty, 505 00:23:45,098 --> 00:23:47,298 they're survivors. 506 00:23:49,131 --> 00:23:52,464 L.C has one more place he wants you to see 507 00:23:52,464 --> 00:23:54,964 he says it is his favorite view on earth. 508 00:23:54,964 --> 00:23:58,031 The bottom of the valley where his parents once plowed 509 00:23:58,031 --> 00:24:00,564 this land with mules. 510 00:24:00,564 --> 00:24:05,064 What does it mean to you to have this? 511 00:24:05,064 --> 00:24:08,298 It means everything. I consider myself so lucky. 512 00:24:08,298 --> 00:24:11,831 The ability to come out here and enjoy these things. 513 00:24:11,831 --> 00:24:14,798 I consider myself very rich. 514 00:24:14,798 --> 00:24:19,464 Not necessarily monetarily but just the way of life. 515 00:24:19,464 --> 00:24:23,731 Some people I think have a certain illusion that wealth 516 00:24:23,731 --> 00:24:26,264 is money, power. 517 00:24:26,264 --> 00:24:31,064 To me it's my 500 acres, my heard of buffalo, my family, 518 00:24:31,064 --> 00:24:33,031 to be living here in Arkansas and 519 00:24:33,031 --> 00:24:36,031 I wouldn't trade it for anything. 520 00:24:36,031 --> 00:24:40,598 ♪ 521 00:24:40,598 --> 00:24:42,098 And that's going to do it for us this time. 522 00:24:42,098 --> 00:24:44,431 We thank you for traveling the country with us on this 523 00:24:44,431 --> 00:24:47,231 edition of America's Heartland as we find 524 00:24:47,231 --> 00:24:50,931 interesting people and places to share with you. 525 00:24:50,931 --> 00:24:53,564 And don't forget you can stay in touch with us 24/7. 526 00:24:53,564 --> 00:24:55,064 We make it easy for you. 527 00:24:55,064 --> 00:24:57,264 You can find us on your favorite sites you can also 528 00:24:57,264 --> 00:25:00,764 find all of our stories and video on our website: 529 00:25:00,764 --> 00:25:02,531 americasheartland.org 530 00:25:02,531 --> 00:25:03,998 We'll see you next time 531 00:25:03,998 --> 00:25:06,898 right here on America's Heartland. 532 00:25:06,898 --> 00:25:10,064 You can purchase a DVD or Blu Ray copy of this program. 533 00:25:10,064 --> 00:25:11,531 Here's the cost: 534 00:25:13,031 --> 00:25:14,964 To order, just visit us online 535 00:25:14,964 --> 00:25:21,231 or call 888-814-3923. 536 00:25:21,231 --> 00:25:27,364 ♪You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man ♪ 537 00:25:27,364 --> 00:25:33,398 ♪in America's Heartland living close to the land. ♪ 538 00:25:33,398 --> 00:25:36,098 ♪There's a love for the country ♪ 539 00:25:36,098 --> 00:25:39,364 ♪and a pride in the brand ♪ 540 00:25:39,364 --> 00:25:46,031 ♪in America's Heartland living close, ♪ 541 00:25:46,031 --> 00:25:48,598 ♪close to the land ♪ 542 00:25:48,598 --> 00:25:49,664 ♪ 543 00:25:49,664 --> 00:25:52,098 "America's Heartland is made possible by..." 544 00:25:52,098 --> 00:25:55,398 Farm Credit - financing agriculture and rural 545 00:25:55,398 --> 00:25:57,464 America since 1916. 546 00:25:57,464 --> 00:26:00,331 Farm Credit is cooperatively owned by America's farmers 547 00:26:00,331 --> 00:26:01,298 and ranchers. 548 00:26:01,298 --> 00:26:04,298 Learn more at: farmcredit.com 549 00:26:04,298 --> 00:26:07,198 The United Soybean Board whose "Common Ground" 550 00:26:07,198 --> 00:26:09,098 program creates conversations to help 551 00:26:09,098 --> 00:26:11,698 consumers get the facts about farming and food. 552 00:26:11,698 --> 00:26:16,164 There's more at: findourcommonground.com 553 00:26:16,164 --> 00:26:19,631 The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. 554 00:26:19,631 --> 00:26:21,564 Dedicated to building greater awareness and 555 00:26:21,564 --> 00:26:23,831 understanding of agriculture through education 556 00:26:23,831 --> 00:26:25,198 and engagement. 557 00:26:25,198 --> 00:26:28,564 More information at: agfoundation.org 558 00:26:28,564 --> 00:26:31,731 The Fund for Agriculture Education - A fund created 559 00:26:31,731 --> 00:26:35,098 by KVIE to support America's Heartland programming. 560 00:26:35,098 --> 00:26:37,498 Contributors include the following: 561 00:26:38,898 --> 00:26:42,898 ♪