1 00:00:01,200 --> 00:00:04,366 Narr: America's Heartland is made possible by... 2 00:00:04,466 --> 00:00:07,100 CropLife America. And it's member companies 3 00:00:07,200 --> 00:00:09,966 and associations in the crop protection industry 4 00:00:10,066 --> 00:00:14,733 including: 5 00:00:14,833 --> 00:00:17,633 Farm Credit - financing agriculture 6 00:00:17,733 --> 00:00:21,066 and rural America since 1916. 7 00:00:21,166 --> 00:00:22,333 Farm Credit is cooperatively owned 8 00:00:22,433 --> 00:00:24,000 by America's farmers and ranchers. 9 00:00:24,100 --> 00:00:26,633 Learn more at farmcredit.com. 10 00:00:27,466 --> 00:00:29,333 Hi, I'm Sarah Gardner. 11 00:00:29,433 --> 00:00:31,200 If you're an animal lover, I think you're going to like 12 00:00:31,300 --> 00:00:33,433 this episode of America's Heartland. 13 00:00:33,533 --> 00:00:36,933 We're gonna share some fun with our feathered and furry friends. 14 00:00:37,033 --> 00:00:40,066 Some animals with particular talents. 15 00:00:40,166 --> 00:00:42,400 We'll take you to California where some high flying owls 16 00:00:42,500 --> 00:00:45,733 are helping farmers keep down the pest population. 17 00:00:45,833 --> 00:00:49,266 You'll meet some very skillful dogs in Nebraska. 18 00:00:49,366 --> 00:00:51,766 Working dogs to handle sheep and cattle. 19 00:00:51,866 --> 00:00:54,633 We depend on inspections to keep our food supplies safe 20 00:00:54,733 --> 00:00:57,033 when it comes to products from overseas. 21 00:00:57,133 --> 00:00:59,033 You'll see how U.S. customs is using 22 00:00:59,133 --> 00:01:01,666 highly trained dogs to do the job. 23 00:01:01,766 --> 00:01:04,966 And these Texas felines are taking on a new role in life. 24 00:01:05,066 --> 00:01:08,000 Heading for the country to become "Barn Cats"! 25 00:01:08,100 --> 00:01:10,700 It's all coming up on America's Heartland. 26 00:01:13,033 --> 00:01:19,433 ♪You can see it in the eyes Of every woman and man♪ 27 00:01:19,533 --> 00:01:25,400 ♪In America's Heartland living close to the land♪ 28 00:01:25,500 --> 00:01:31,366 ♪There's a love for the country And a pride in the brand♪ 29 00:01:31,466 --> 00:01:34,400 ♪In America's Heartland♪ 30 00:01:34,500 --> 00:01:39,733 ♪Living close Close to the land♪ 31 00:01:39,833 --> 00:01:48,833 ♪♪♪ 32 00:01:48,933 --> 00:01:51,166 It will come as no surprise that we love our animals. 33 00:01:51,266 --> 00:01:54,700 My dog Mustache here is an important part of our family. 34 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:57,366 And think about these numbers: It's estimated that there are 35 00:01:57,466 --> 00:02:02,033 some 83 million dogs in the U.S. and some 95 million cats. 36 00:02:02,133 --> 00:02:05,100 Both animals play a role in helping out farmers and ranchers 37 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:07,633 but those are far from the only animals you'll find 38 00:02:07,733 --> 00:02:09,866 in rural America. 39 00:02:09,966 --> 00:02:12,333 You may remember, we introduced you to a Utah rancher 40 00:02:12,433 --> 00:02:15,566 who sold zebras to those wanting something "unusual" 41 00:02:15,666 --> 00:02:17,366 around the homestead. 42 00:02:17,466 --> 00:02:21,033 Many FFA and 4-H members have pet sheep as projects. 43 00:02:21,133 --> 00:02:24,433 And even some suburban and urban homeowners are joining 44 00:02:24,533 --> 00:02:26,666 farmers in raising chickens these days. 45 00:02:26,766 --> 00:02:29,133 For some, it's a focus on organic, for others, 46 00:02:29,233 --> 00:02:33,133 it's simply some fresh eggs very close to home! 47 00:02:33,233 --> 00:02:35,966 Speaking of poultry, we found a man in Iowa whose geese 48 00:02:36,066 --> 00:02:39,033 were a popular part of his town's annual parade. 49 00:02:39,133 --> 00:02:42,100 And let's not forget our porcine friends. 50 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:44,533 How about Irene the potbellied pig who loves to 51 00:02:44,633 --> 00:02:49,533 pick up fallen apples on the family farm in Oregon. 52 00:02:49,633 --> 00:02:51,866 On many farms and ranches, the family dog 53 00:02:51,966 --> 00:02:53,800 is much more than just a pet. 54 00:02:53,900 --> 00:02:56,133 In some instances, our canine companions are 55 00:02:56,233 --> 00:02:58,366 critical to the work that needs to be done. 56 00:02:58,466 --> 00:03:00,800 Rob Stewart takes you to Nebraska and a school 57 00:03:00,900 --> 00:03:04,900 turning out "working dogs" for sheep and cattle ranches. 58 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:09,800 ♪♪♪ 59 00:03:09,900 --> 00:03:11,866 Rob: They're hopping... 60 00:03:11,966 --> 00:03:15,766 Huffing... 61 00:03:15,866 --> 00:03:17,066 And herding! 62 00:03:17,166 --> 00:03:20,866 John: Lie down, lie down! 63 00:03:20,966 --> 00:03:24,333 I'm John Holman, and I'm a Nebraska Stock Dog Trainer. 64 00:03:24,433 --> 00:03:27,166 Rob: Welcome to Clay Center, Nebraska where John Holman 65 00:03:27,266 --> 00:03:30,866 runs Dog 4 Ewe border collie training. 66 00:03:30,966 --> 00:03:34,333 Here - he's training dogs to herd sheep and cattle. 67 00:03:34,433 --> 00:03:36,600 Today's classroom is the pasture... 68 00:03:36,700 --> 00:03:40,166 and it's drooling with dogs! 69 00:03:40,266 --> 00:03:43,200 Meet Mick, Lee... 70 00:03:43,300 --> 00:03:46,333 Sweet Savy... 71 00:03:46,433 --> 00:03:49,700 ...and Pete, today's new pup of the pack. 72 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:51,633 But the top dog today... is Mick, 73 00:03:51,733 --> 00:03:54,333 just panting for John's canine commands. 74 00:03:54,433 --> 00:04:02,000 John: Steady, Mick. Walk up, walk up. Good boy. 75 00:04:02,100 --> 00:04:04,866 Away to me. 76 00:04:04,966 --> 00:04:06,600 Bringing my sheep in. 77 00:04:06,700 --> 00:04:08,233 Rob: What were those commands and what do they mean? 78 00:04:08,333 --> 00:04:09,366 John: Alright. 79 00:04:09,466 --> 00:04:11,433 I send him out to the right first or what we say 80 00:04:11,533 --> 00:04:14,166 counterclockwise around the sheep, that's an "away to me" 81 00:04:14,266 --> 00:04:15,233 Rob: Away to me. 82 00:04:16,300 --> 00:04:17,000 John: Clockwise around the livestock is a "go by." 83 00:04:17,100 --> 00:04:18,266 Rob: Go by. 84 00:04:18,366 --> 00:04:22,233 John: "Take time" means to slow down, "walk up" means stop. 85 00:04:22,333 --> 00:04:25,400 Usually it means he's been running around the stock to 86 00:04:25,500 --> 00:04:27,233 get into the right position, and then I say "there" 87 00:04:27,333 --> 00:04:29,466 "walk up" mean come straight to your livestock so that they 88 00:04:29,566 --> 00:04:32,100 can move the stock off in the right direction. 89 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:34,166 Rob: All across the heartland, working dogs are used to 90 00:04:34,266 --> 00:04:39,300 move sheep, cattle and goats in that "right direction." 91 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:43,733 Those skills come from training and a dog's natural instinct. 92 00:04:43,833 --> 00:04:46,066 John: Ok Mick, walk up. 93 00:04:46,166 --> 00:04:48,100 Rob: These collies are natural herders and they're 94 00:04:48,200 --> 00:04:50,400 eager to please their owners. 95 00:04:50,500 --> 00:04:51,666 John: "alright, lie down". 96 00:04:51,766 --> 00:04:53,800 Rob: But, they must be taught to move the sheep, 97 00:04:53,900 --> 00:04:55,700 instead of keeping them penned up. 98 00:04:55,800 --> 00:04:58,766 And so we see Mick here with the sheep in front of him, and 99 00:04:58,866 --> 00:05:03,033 Mick is just moving them from pasture to pasture, like that. 100 00:05:03,133 --> 00:05:04,233 John: Sure, sure. 101 00:05:04,333 --> 00:05:06,200 He has total control of this livestock. 102 00:05:06,300 --> 00:05:09,800 You know, I- I tell him where I want them, he puts them there. 103 00:05:09,900 --> 00:05:11,833 If I really want to get specific, you know, 104 00:05:11,933 --> 00:05:14,466 I can tell him how to do it but most times I don't have to. 105 00:05:14,566 --> 00:05:17,133 Rob: And they obey him unbelievably. 106 00:05:17,233 --> 00:05:21,066 John: You know, I got caught without a dog this morning. 107 00:05:21,166 --> 00:05:23,066 I was just on my way to work and I stopped by here and tried 108 00:05:23,166 --> 00:05:26,400 to do something without the dog- it is so frustrating. 109 00:05:26,500 --> 00:05:30,500 It's so- they really do put you in control of your livestock. 110 00:05:30,600 --> 00:05:34,800 Rob: That's why farmers and ranchers depend on stock dogs nationwide. 111 00:05:34,900 --> 00:05:38,500 John: Low stress livestock, work, and handling. 112 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:40,600 The dogs take the sheep out to graze or 113 00:05:40,700 --> 00:05:43,366 the cattle from one pasture to another. 114 00:05:43,466 --> 00:05:46,500 There, you know it all works in to the stewardship of the land. 115 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:48,566 Alright Lee, come here. 116 00:05:48,666 --> 00:05:50,966 Here, get in here, away to me. 117 00:05:51,066 --> 00:05:53,833 Rob: John Holman tells farmers that dogs moving sheep and 118 00:05:53,933 --> 00:05:56,400 cattle can save time and money on the range. 119 00:05:56,500 --> 00:05:57,666 John: Absolutely. 120 00:05:57,766 --> 00:06:00,900 In fact, if you're talking about mounted cowboys and stuff, 121 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:02,466 they'll take the place of two guys on horseback.. 122 00:06:02,566 --> 00:06:03,233 Rob: Really... 123 00:06:04,066 --> 00:06:04,500 John: That know what they're doing. 124 00:06:05,533 --> 00:06:06,833 They can go places that the horses can't get, 125 00:06:06,933 --> 00:06:08,933 under brush and into stuff where maybe the cattle just 126 00:06:09,033 --> 00:06:11,233 plow in to be obnoxious, you know, they can get in there 127 00:06:11,333 --> 00:06:13,500 and get a hold of the cow by the heel or by the nose and 128 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,866 bring him out where he can get control of him again. 129 00:06:15,966 --> 00:06:17,733 Rob: Talk about a power tool. 130 00:06:17,833 --> 00:06:20,000 John: It's the power tool, it's kind of a power trip 131 00:06:20,100 --> 00:06:21,833 when you get good at it. 132 00:06:21,933 --> 00:06:24,233 Rob: The power trip is exactly why Amy Novak 133 00:06:24,333 --> 00:06:26,333 is here with her dog, Honey. 134 00:06:26,433 --> 00:06:28,200 Amy: Lie down, lie down. 135 00:06:28,300 --> 00:06:29,700 John: Good Job! 136 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:32,066 That's a good move Amy, step in front like that. 137 00:06:32,166 --> 00:06:34,600 Rob: John usually works with farmers and ranchers to 138 00:06:34,700 --> 00:06:37,866 train their border collies... but Amy's here to 139 00:06:37,966 --> 00:06:40,900 get away from her busy professional life. 140 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:41,833 Amy: It's a thrill! 141 00:06:41,933 --> 00:06:43,066 It's a rush! 142 00:06:43,166 --> 00:06:44,233 An adrenaline rush. 143 00:06:44,333 --> 00:06:47,533 And until you ever do it, you don't understand it. 144 00:06:47,633 --> 00:06:48,400 John: Step into her a little bit. 145 00:06:48,500 --> 00:06:49,366 Keep her calm. 146 00:06:49,466 --> 00:06:50,366 Amy: It's a treat. 147 00:06:50,466 --> 00:06:54,200 It's, it's something it's my- my time away, 148 00:06:54,300 --> 00:06:57,733 my therapy, to get away and come with the stock and with 149 00:06:57,833 --> 00:07:01,733 the dogs, do something that I enjoy and, uh, just to get 150 00:07:01,833 --> 00:07:04,100 away from my normal, everyday life. 151 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:05,866 John: Pete, you ready to go? C'mon Pete. 152 00:07:05,966 --> 00:07:10,366 Rob: Pete is a farm dog... and just arrived to learn John's skills, 153 00:07:10,466 --> 00:07:13,700 before returning to the ranch to help his owners herd. 154 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:15,033 John: He's got some pretty good breeding. 155 00:07:15,133 --> 00:07:16,500 I saw his registration papers... 156 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:19,333 and so I'm kind of excited to see what he'll do. 157 00:07:19,433 --> 00:07:22,300 Rob: John teaches Pete using his tone of voice and body 158 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:25,866 language to direct where he wants Pete to send the sheep. 159 00:07:25,966 --> 00:07:29,200 John can tell if the dog is ready. 160 00:07:29,300 --> 00:07:30,833 John: When I first take a dog out to stock. 161 00:07:30,933 --> 00:07:32,733 First I want to see if he's interested, which he's already 162 00:07:32,833 --> 00:07:35,933 showing me I, you know, a little bit of interest. 163 00:07:36,033 --> 00:07:37,500 I want him to know that I'm going to be 164 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:38,966 in control of what we're doing. 165 00:07:39,066 --> 00:07:41,300 I kind of control the pace of this whole thing. 166 00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:43,966 And that I'm gonna... see he's eyeballing 'em already, 167 00:07:44,066 --> 00:07:45,333 dancing around a little. 168 00:07:45,433 --> 00:07:46,300 Trying to balance on 'em. 169 00:07:46,400 --> 00:07:47,433 That's all good signs. 170 00:07:47,533 --> 00:07:49,900 He's got concentration and we like that. 171 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:52,166 Rob: John says Pete's a natural. 172 00:07:52,266 --> 00:07:54,733 National and local awards for his prize dogs 173 00:07:54,833 --> 00:07:57,466 line John's home office. 174 00:07:57,566 --> 00:08:01,300 And the dogs aren't the only ones enjoying the competition. 175 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:02,400 John: I do really love it. 176 00:08:02,500 --> 00:08:03,966 I can't hardly even describe the feeling. 177 00:08:04,066 --> 00:08:06,800 When things work well and you get the job done so well. 178 00:08:06,900 --> 00:08:09,300 Whether it's a job at home or a trial at competition I 179 00:08:09,400 --> 00:08:12,733 go to and we ace a course and we get around there just great. 180 00:08:12,833 --> 00:08:16,600 It is like the top of the world kind of a feeling to 181 00:08:16,700 --> 00:08:19,066 know that you have a partner out there who's ready to go 182 00:08:19,166 --> 00:08:22,633 rain or shine or blizzards or heat or whatever. 183 00:08:22,733 --> 00:08:25,733 He's right there or she's right there the instant 184 00:08:25,833 --> 00:08:28,333 you call 'em in the morning and they're busy all day long 185 00:08:28,433 --> 00:08:29,400 if you want them to be. 186 00:08:29,500 --> 00:08:33,233 Good boy. 187 00:08:33,333 --> 00:08:35,133 Narr: Great senses of sight, smell and hearing 188 00:08:35,233 --> 00:08:37,533 help our canine companions do their jobs... 189 00:08:37,633 --> 00:08:39,500 on the farm and off. 190 00:08:39,600 --> 00:08:41,600 It's estimated that dogs can hear 191 00:08:41,700 --> 00:08:43,400 four times better than humans; 192 00:08:43,500 --> 00:08:46,933 their night vision is five times better and their sense of smell 193 00:08:47,033 --> 00:08:51,800 is more than 40 times sharper than our noses. 194 00:08:51,900 --> 00:08:54,033 Sarah: You know, it's great when a program to benefit animals 195 00:08:54,133 --> 00:08:57,300 can also help to meet a need that exists in the heartland. 196 00:08:57,400 --> 00:08:58,966 We're all aware that feral cats pose 197 00:08:59,066 --> 00:09:01,233 a real problem in many communities. 198 00:09:01,333 --> 00:09:03,966 One solution is an idea that's taken off in several 199 00:09:04,066 --> 00:09:07,233 places including a community in the Lone Star State. 200 00:09:07,333 --> 00:09:10,033 It's a plan that finds new homes for our feline friends- 201 00:09:10,133 --> 00:09:11,866 down on the farm. 202 00:09:11,900 --> 00:09:15,433 ♪♪♪ 203 00:09:15,466 --> 00:09:18,133 Pam: The word feral means wild and undomesticated. 204 00:09:18,233 --> 00:09:21,200 Uh, they're very untrusting of humans which is what 205 00:09:21,300 --> 00:09:25,766 helps them to survive a lot of times in the wild. 206 00:09:25,866 --> 00:09:30,033 Sarah: Pam Asturias is a hometown hero to many in the Dallas area. 207 00:09:30,133 --> 00:09:34,566 She devotes much of her time to a program called "Feral Friends" 208 00:09:34,666 --> 00:09:37,100 These cats, um, I always feel like they 209 00:09:37,200 --> 00:09:39,100 don't have anybody to speak for them. 210 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:40,900 I love all animals. 211 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,800 The feral cats, I mean you can't pick 'em up and cuddle them, 212 00:09:43,900 --> 00:09:46,533 uh, they deserve a chance just like anybody else. 213 00:09:46,633 --> 00:09:49,533 I mean they can't help their situation, um, they were born 214 00:09:49,633 --> 00:09:53,300 here or dumped outside and they do the best they can. 215 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:58,166 Sarah: Rather than euthanize, Feral Friends traps, spays and neuters 216 00:09:58,266 --> 00:10:02,800 the animals then returns the cats to their feral territory. 217 00:10:02,900 --> 00:10:05,933 Pam: If the cats cannot go back to a situation if a building's 218 00:10:06,033 --> 00:10:08,866 being torn down, if somebody is shooting the cats, 219 00:10:08,966 --> 00:10:12,166 poisoning them, then our group turns to a group 220 00:10:12,266 --> 00:10:16,366 called Barn Cats Incorporated. 221 00:10:16,466 --> 00:10:22,833 Peggy: Farmers need these cats, uh, they're working cats. 222 00:10:22,933 --> 00:10:26,200 Sarah: Peggy Atkerson directs Barn Cats, Incorporated. 223 00:10:26,300 --> 00:10:28,800 Working with Pam and her group, they strive to find 224 00:10:28,900 --> 00:10:33,633 better life options for these wild felines. 225 00:10:33,733 --> 00:10:35,366 >>Come here, Sammy. 226 00:10:35,466 --> 00:10:39,233 Sarah: Begun in 2003, Barn Cats relocates feral animals 227 00:10:39,333 --> 00:10:41,300 across North Texas. 228 00:10:41,400 --> 00:10:43,666 Placing them on farms and ranches. 229 00:10:43,766 --> 00:10:45,466 They can catch the rats and the mice, 230 00:10:45,566 --> 00:10:49,000 y'know, control that in their particular barn or shed 231 00:10:49,100 --> 00:10:51,133 or warehouse, whatever it happens to be. 232 00:10:51,233 --> 00:10:56,466 And... take care of, uh, of a- of a whole set of problems. 233 00:10:56,566 --> 00:10:59,566 Um, snakes are looking for rats and mice, 234 00:10:59,666 --> 00:11:02,266 so no rats and mice, no snakes. 235 00:11:02,366 --> 00:11:06,366 Sarah: "Barn Cats" will shelter some 40 animals at any given time. 236 00:11:06,466 --> 00:11:09,300 After being received from groups like "Feral Friends", 237 00:11:09,400 --> 00:11:11,766 they're moved to farm and ranch locations 238 00:11:11,866 --> 00:11:15,966 and sheltered there, in cages, for at least two weeks. 239 00:11:16,066 --> 00:11:18,066 Peggy: At the end of two weeks, they leave those doors open 240 00:11:18,166 --> 00:11:20,566 to the cage and the cat then is on their own and we say 241 00:11:20,666 --> 00:11:22,900 that's up to God at that point. 242 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:27,466 So if the cats stay that's really, really a good thing. 243 00:11:27,566 --> 00:11:30,633 Sarah: That "adjustment" period gives them time to get used 244 00:11:30,733 --> 00:11:34,800 to the sights, sounds and smells of their new territory. 245 00:11:34,900 --> 00:11:37,333 Peggt: We won't ever take a kitten because a kitten can be 246 00:11:37,433 --> 00:11:39,300 carried off by a hawk or an owl. 247 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,566 The color of the cat is also a factor in some cases. 248 00:11:42,666 --> 00:11:46,566 Cats are nocturnal so they're ging to be out hunting at night. 249 00:11:46,666 --> 00:11:50,366 A solid white cat is going to reflect moonlight 250 00:11:50,466 --> 00:11:55,433 and then it's going to be like a coyote magnet. 251 00:11:55,533 --> 00:11:58,400 Sarah: Almost every weekend, Barn Cats will place about a 252 00:11:58,500 --> 00:12:02,466 half dozen cats in new locations in northeast Texas. 253 00:12:02,566 --> 00:12:07,333 Today two feral cats began new jobs on Melissa Wilson's ranch. 254 00:12:07,433 --> 00:12:11,000 Melissa: I have a bad rat problem out here so when that keeps the rats 255 00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:14,066 from coming in the barn and eating the horse food 256 00:12:14,166 --> 00:12:16,066 and actually, um, I've actually seen 257 00:12:16,166 --> 00:12:17,933 some of those rats, they're scary. 258 00:12:18,033 --> 00:12:21,733 Peggy: Most of them really, really appreciate the cats and 259 00:12:21,833 --> 00:12:23,366 they want them to be there. 260 00:12:23,466 --> 00:12:25,033 They don't want to put out poisons. 261 00:12:25,133 --> 00:12:28,366 They don't want their dogs or their children or whomever 262 00:12:28,466 --> 00:12:32,200 to get in poison and that is a very serious thing. 263 00:12:32,300 --> 00:12:35,000 Sarah: The cat programs here, and across the country, 264 00:12:35,100 --> 00:12:38,666 strive to give feral animals a new chance at life. 265 00:12:38,766 --> 00:12:40,033 And for these cats... 266 00:12:40,133 --> 00:12:44,633 on farms and ranches, a home in the heartland. 267 00:12:44,733 --> 00:12:46,166 Pam: And it just makes me feel so good when these cats are 268 00:12:46,266 --> 00:12:48,900 spayed and neutered put back out and you just see the 269 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:53,200 males calm down and stop fighting and they just get 270 00:12:53,300 --> 00:12:55,566 relaxed and you know they have people that care for 271 00:12:55,666 --> 00:12:57,666 them and its just a wonderful feeling to know 272 00:12:57,766 --> 00:13:01,066 that you've saved their lives. 273 00:13:01,166 --> 00:13:04,566 ♪♪♪ 274 00:13:04,666 --> 00:13:06,766 Narr: Texas may make you think of cowboy hats, 275 00:13:06,866 --> 00:13:09,166 but Texas agriculture is responsible for many other 276 00:13:09,266 --> 00:13:11,700 things that make up your wardrobe. 277 00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:14,833 Texas cattle provide leather hides for shoes. 278 00:13:14,933 --> 00:13:18,666 Texas cotton goes into shirts and blue jeans and wool 279 00:13:18,766 --> 00:13:23,033 from Texas Sheep is used in coats, suits, dresses and more. 280 00:13:23,133 --> 00:13:25,533 Texas is a major supplier of all three 281 00:13:25,633 --> 00:13:27,866 to markets in the U.S. and overseas. 282 00:13:27,966 --> 00:13:32,233 ♪♪♪ 283 00:13:32,333 --> 00:13:34,800 Sarah: Let's take another look at dogs that make their living 284 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:36,566 in the world of agriculture. 285 00:13:36,666 --> 00:13:39,933 But this time we're not heading for a farm or ranch. 286 00:13:40,033 --> 00:13:42,400 Jason Shoultz takes us to California where some very 287 00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:45,200 official canines play a significant role in 288 00:13:45,300 --> 00:13:48,633 protecting american agriculture and the food we eat. 289 00:13:48,666 --> 00:13:51,966 ♪♪♪ 290 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:54,300 Jason: Every day, foreign invaders are trying 291 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:57,633 to make entry into the United States. 292 00:13:57,733 --> 00:13:59,966 By air... 293 00:14:00,066 --> 00:14:04,166 and even by sea! 294 00:14:04,266 --> 00:14:05,233 Marguerita: What you got Ross? 295 00:14:06,366 --> 00:14:08,766 Jason: And working hard to stop them is officer Ross. 296 00:14:08,866 --> 00:14:10,600 And his handler from U.S. Customs 297 00:14:10,700 --> 00:14:13,366 and Border Protection, Marguerita Stetson. 298 00:14:13,466 --> 00:14:15,266 Marguerita: Good boy, Ross! 299 00:14:15,366 --> 00:14:17,133 Good boy, right there! 300 00:14:17,233 --> 00:14:20,666 Jason: Ross is on the hunt for bad bugs. 301 00:14:20,766 --> 00:14:23,166 Nasty bugs and other invasive pests that hitch a ride 302 00:14:23,266 --> 00:14:25,766 to America on everything from shipments 303 00:14:25,866 --> 00:14:28,666 of bean curd to clothes hangers. 304 00:14:28,766 --> 00:14:30,966 You're looking for what in here? 305 00:14:31,066 --> 00:14:34,433 Marguerita: We're looking for any agricultural item of interest. 306 00:14:34,533 --> 00:14:38,133 Uh, basically we're looking for fruits, 307 00:14:38,233 --> 00:14:40,066 meats and plant material. 308 00:14:40,166 --> 00:14:43,333 Jason: Each year, the U.S. imports upwards of two trillion dollars' 309 00:14:43,433 --> 00:14:46,600 worth of cargo from countries all around the world, 310 00:14:46,700 --> 00:14:50,233 a testament to our truly global economy. 311 00:14:50,333 --> 00:14:53,133 While inspecting everything for pests isn't practical- 312 00:14:53,233 --> 00:14:56,166 random samples of cargo and items that are deemed 313 00:14:56,266 --> 00:14:59,566 suspect end up getting close attention. 314 00:14:59,666 --> 00:15:02,533 Ed: Agriculture is one of the things that drives America. 315 00:15:02,633 --> 00:15:05,900 Drives our economic engine and we can't afford to let a 316 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:10,666 single pest come through that could affect that. 317 00:15:10,766 --> 00:15:13,533 Jason: Walking through the warehouse is like visiting a global bazaar. 318 00:15:13,633 --> 00:15:15,600 You've got Pakistani rice. 319 00:15:15,700 --> 00:15:20,500 Mushrooms from China and even Tulip bulbs from New Zealand. 320 00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:22,800 And one thing Customs and Border Protection knows, 321 00:15:22,900 --> 00:15:26,800 is pests can hitch a ride on any of them. 322 00:15:26,900 --> 00:15:29,066 Ed: In addition to our enforcement role, 323 00:15:29,166 --> 00:15:31,800 we also have to make sure that legitimate trade and travel 324 00:15:31,900 --> 00:15:36,466 moves through our borders and ports of entry quickly. 325 00:15:36,566 --> 00:15:39,733 So we look at a lot of different factors in 326 00:15:39,833 --> 00:15:43,666 deciding which shipments to actually physically inspect. 327 00:15:43,766 --> 00:15:45,533 Jason: Among the most feared pests is something 328 00:15:45,633 --> 00:15:48,033 called the Khapra beetle. 329 00:15:48,133 --> 00:15:50,400 This nasty little bug is considered one of the 330 00:15:50,500 --> 00:15:53,000 biggest dangers to agriculture. 331 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:55,600 It's highly destructive to stored grain. 332 00:15:55,700 --> 00:16:00,333 When it first arrived on U.S. soil in California in 1953, 333 00:16:00,433 --> 00:16:05,400 it took 15 million dollars and 13 years to eradicate it. 334 00:16:05,500 --> 00:16:07,833 Recently the beetle has been found, again, 335 00:16:07,933 --> 00:16:09,866 at other entry points. 336 00:16:09,966 --> 00:16:12,166 And that has officials concerned. 337 00:16:12,266 --> 00:16:14,166 Inspectors here at the Port of Oakland know that 338 00:16:14,266 --> 00:16:16,500 the beetle likes to hide in cracks... 339 00:16:16,600 --> 00:16:19,433 so they search these cargo containers top to bottom. 340 00:16:19,533 --> 00:16:22,033 You find one or two Khapra beetles in these palettes, 341 00:16:22,133 --> 00:16:23,266 what happens? 342 00:16:23,366 --> 00:16:24,566 Doug: This is all going back. 343 00:16:24,666 --> 00:16:25,633 jason: It would all go back. 344 00:16:25,733 --> 00:16:26,600 Doug: All going back! 345 00:16:26,700 --> 00:16:28,266 It's immediately resealed in the container 346 00:16:28,366 --> 00:16:30,966 and the importer or broker is notified 347 00:16:31,066 --> 00:16:36,633 and they schedule it out to back to the origin. 348 00:16:36,733 --> 00:16:39,433 Jason: Even pieces of furniture get a closer look. 349 00:16:39,533 --> 00:16:41,533 When this inspector discovers the inside of this 350 00:16:41,633 --> 00:16:45,766 pillow is stuffed with rice straw - it gets flagged. 351 00:16:45,866 --> 00:16:52,300 After all - that Kahpra Beetle could be inside that straw! 352 00:16:52,400 --> 00:16:54,333 Preventing pests from entering our country 353 00:16:54,433 --> 00:16:56,366 also happens at airports! 354 00:16:56,466 --> 00:16:59,033 You'll find the beagle brigade nosing around luggage 355 00:16:59,133 --> 00:17:02,666 at Miami's International Airport looking for food items 356 00:17:02,766 --> 00:17:06,066 that can't be brought into the United States. 357 00:17:06,166 --> 00:17:08,800 Marguerita: Good boy! That was really good! 358 00:17:08,900 --> 00:17:10,666 Jason: Back at that warehouse in California, 359 00:17:10,766 --> 00:17:12,800 Ross has found something. 360 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:15,100 And while he'll never know just how important he is 361 00:17:15,200 --> 00:17:18,166 to agriculture, the pooch with a nose for nuisances 362 00:17:18,266 --> 00:17:20,833 is earning his treats today. 363 00:17:20,933 --> 00:17:22,100 Marguerita: Good boy! 364 00:17:24,233 --> 00:17:27,166 ♪♪♪ 365 00:17:27,266 --> 00:17:28,833 Narr: The nose knows when it comes to 366 00:17:28,933 --> 00:17:33,733 Customs and Border detection dogs and it's a tough test. 367 00:17:33,833 --> 00:17:36,633 Only one out of 70 dogs is found to have the right 368 00:17:36,733 --> 00:17:40,466 skills to finish training for these important positions. 369 00:17:40,566 --> 00:17:42,800 And while U.S. customs has a breeding program 370 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:45,700 for specific dogs, many are chosen from 371 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:47,633 animal shelters and rescue groups. 372 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:50,133 ♪♪♪ 373 00:17:50,233 --> 00:17:54,266 Sarah: So stories about dogs, cats, pigs and zebras. 374 00:17:54,366 --> 00:17:56,666 Well, let's take flight for our next one. 375 00:17:56,766 --> 00:17:59,366 It's all about some high flying owls who are helping 376 00:17:59,466 --> 00:18:02,233 farmers keep down the pest population. 377 00:18:02,333 --> 00:18:05,666 ♪♪♪ 378 00:18:05,766 --> 00:18:08,033 Sarah: Some might call it an "Old World" solution 379 00:18:08,133 --> 00:18:10,300 to a problem that impacts farms, orchards 380 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,966 and vineyards all across the heartland. 381 00:18:13,066 --> 00:18:16,300 Using natural predators, like the North American Barn Owl, 382 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:19,700 to facilitate "Integrated Pest Management". 383 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:22,566 Chris: A true Integrated Pest Management program - IPM - 384 00:18:22,666 --> 00:18:26,300 uses as many methods as possible to control a pest. 385 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:28,600 And so for years we've been using baits 386 00:18:28,700 --> 00:18:32,833 and poisons to kill pocket gophers. 387 00:18:32,933 --> 00:18:36,133 And I decided that it was time to get off the- the 388 00:18:36,233 --> 00:18:41,766 pesticide treadmill and try and use something different. 389 00:18:41,866 --> 00:18:45,033 Sarah: This study is being conducted in Northern California vineyards 390 00:18:45,133 --> 00:18:47,566 where rodents, such as gophers and voles, 391 00:18:47,666 --> 00:18:50,666 are making tasty treats out of vine roots. 392 00:18:50,766 --> 00:18:53,333 Sandy: In this particular property we have limited topsoil, 393 00:18:53,433 --> 00:18:56,933 ah we we're growing smaller vines, higher end crops, 394 00:18:57,033 --> 00:18:59,900 so we need as much root as we can in the ground. 395 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,200 So if a gopher comes by and starts feeding on these roots, 396 00:19:02,300 --> 00:19:05,566 that's you know it's limiting what that vine can pull up. 397 00:19:05,666 --> 00:19:09,200 Mark: Hey kids, what's going on in there? 398 00:19:09,300 --> 00:19:12,133 Sarah: Animal handler and researcher and Mark Browning is part of 399 00:19:12,233 --> 00:19:15,800 the barn owl program... seeing how many nocturnal raptors 400 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:21,966 are necessary to eradicate the pests in a particular field. 401 00:19:22,066 --> 00:19:25,700 Mark: The barn owl can be utilized in almost any crop. 402 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:27,666 They're being utilized in almond orchards, 403 00:19:27,766 --> 00:19:31,200 cherry orchards, pistachio, avocado. 404 00:19:31,300 --> 00:19:32,766 And that's California crops including, 405 00:19:32,866 --> 00:19:34,333 of course, all the grapes. 406 00:19:34,433 --> 00:19:38,300 But something else is that barn owls are being used in 407 00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:41,933 sugar cane down in Florida because the barn owl will 408 00:19:42,033 --> 00:19:45,700 center on the rodent that is most populous in its area. 409 00:19:45,800 --> 00:19:50,466 ♪♪♪ 410 00:19:50,566 --> 00:19:52,500 Sarah: To increase the owl population, 411 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:55,333 Browning is installing nesting boxes he says are 412 00:19:55,433 --> 00:19:57,866 designed to attract the predator bird. 413 00:19:57,966 --> 00:19:59,733 Mark: It has a hole that is just the right size 414 00:19:59,833 --> 00:20:01,866 for a barn owl to get interested in. 415 00:20:01,966 --> 00:20:04,966 They like to go into a hole that is just small enough for 416 00:20:05,066 --> 00:20:07,300 them to squeeze into, but not large enough for something 417 00:20:07,400 --> 00:20:10,966 larger and more ferocious to come in and get them. 418 00:20:11,066 --> 00:20:13,566 Sarah: Browning is being assisted by several wildlife students 419 00:20:13,666 --> 00:20:16,400 from the University of California at Davis 420 00:20:16,500 --> 00:20:20,866 including Kymberly Sugano. 421 00:20:20,966 --> 00:20:24,500 One of Sugano's daily duties is to keep track of the dirt mounds 422 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:28,533 that may reappear following a night of owl activity. 423 00:20:28,633 --> 00:20:32,366 Kymberly: What we do is, we see mounds and we tap them down 424 00:20:32,466 --> 00:20:34,533 and then come back two days later in order to see 425 00:20:34,633 --> 00:20:36,366 whether or not there has been any change. 426 00:20:36,466 --> 00:20:39,200 And we set up nest boxes in order to see whether or not 427 00:20:39,300 --> 00:20:46,233 we can get more barn owls into the study site. 428 00:20:46,333 --> 00:20:49,300 Mark: Remember to hold so that you don't get messed on, okay? 429 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:52,566 Sarah: Another job is to assist in the monthly census count of owl 430 00:20:52,666 --> 00:20:57,066 chicks to ensure the population is healthy and increasing. 431 00:20:57,166 --> 00:21:01,433 Mark: These guys are just starting to get their facial discs in. 432 00:21:01,533 --> 00:21:05,633 Barn owls have these, uh, concave facial discs 433 00:21:05,733 --> 00:21:07,733 created by feathers. 434 00:21:07,833 --> 00:21:10,433 And uh that's one of the reasons why barn owls have 435 00:21:10,533 --> 00:21:13,900 some of the best hearing in the bird world, 436 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,666 which is already extremely good amongst owls. 437 00:21:16,766 --> 00:21:20,033 Barn owls have some of the best hearing among the owl families. 438 00:21:20,133 --> 00:21:23,966 And, uh, these guys, well, their starting to get some 439 00:21:24,066 --> 00:21:27,333 flight feathers in, like Jillian's got one right here. 440 00:21:27,433 --> 00:21:30,633 These guys are coming in, these are flight feathers. 441 00:21:30,733 --> 00:21:35,233 And I would say they're about two or three weeks away 442 00:21:35,333 --> 00:21:37,166 from being able just to fly right out 443 00:21:37,266 --> 00:21:41,233 and become adult barn owls themselves. 444 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:43,700 Sarah: Vintners say the use of barn owls in the region for 445 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,266 pest control is nothing new. 446 00:21:46,366 --> 00:21:50,133 Craig: We've had barn owl boxes up for probably 10 to 15 years now. 447 00:21:50,233 --> 00:21:54,566 Um, but, in this, with this many and isolated in 448 00:21:54,666 --> 00:21:57,466 specific spots like this, we've never had this many. 449 00:21:57,566 --> 00:22:00,166 And we've typically had one for probably 450 00:22:00,266 --> 00:22:01,766 for 40 acres or 30 acres. 451 00:22:01,866 --> 00:22:05,066 Now we're looking at 25 in a hundred-acre block. 452 00:22:05,166 --> 00:22:07,133 Sarah: Browning's research is validating the need to 453 00:22:07,233 --> 00:22:10,366 increase the population of the raptor. 454 00:22:10,466 --> 00:22:11,900 Sandy: So, if you've got a researcher in place that can 455 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:15,700 take the time to measure that impact and determine, 456 00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:18,933 how many boxes do we need in a given acreage, 457 00:22:19,033 --> 00:22:21,466 where do we need to locate them for the best effect, 458 00:22:21,566 --> 00:22:24,033 how often do we need to clean them, 459 00:22:24,133 --> 00:22:26,933 all those types of things, that's wonderful. 460 00:22:27,033 --> 00:22:29,400 Craig: If we can come across where you know we need to put, 461 00:22:29,500 --> 00:22:32,233 um, you know, five per twenty acres, 462 00:22:32,333 --> 00:22:33,666 we'll put five per twenty acres. 463 00:22:33,766 --> 00:22:36,900 Yes, there's an expense to that, but you collect that money back 464 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:40,566 by not having to send a tractor through the field leaving 465 00:22:40,666 --> 00:22:43,366 little bait behind in burrows for these gophers 466 00:22:43,466 --> 00:22:48,866 to take back to their own burrow and die. 467 00:22:48,966 --> 00:22:51,366 Sarah: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also keeping 468 00:22:51,466 --> 00:22:54,633 "an eye" on the research since the agency advocates the 469 00:22:54,733 --> 00:22:57,433 use of natural pesticide methods. 470 00:22:57,533 --> 00:23:02,833 Sonce: The more we can encourage people to restore as much 471 00:23:02,933 --> 00:23:06,266 as possible a natural environment where Mother Nature 472 00:23:06,366 --> 00:23:10,800 keeps things in check, rather than using chemicals to keep 473 00:23:10,900 --> 00:23:14,333 pests in check, that's simply good for all of us. 474 00:23:14,433 --> 00:23:16,866 And basically that's what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 475 00:23:16,966 --> 00:23:20,833 is concerned with is encouraging a more natural 476 00:23:20,933 --> 00:23:30,100 world there a lot of species can survive and thrive. 477 00:23:30,200 --> 00:23:32,966 As night begins to fall, the nocturnal owls begin 478 00:23:33,066 --> 00:23:35,466 to take flight in search of their prey. 479 00:23:35,566 --> 00:23:39,966 Mark: Barn owls happen to be extremely well adapted to this job. 480 00:23:40,066 --> 00:23:42,666 They are attracted to nest boxes. 481 00:23:42,766 --> 00:23:45,400 That means you can attract them to a farm. 482 00:23:45,500 --> 00:23:47,500 They don't mind each other's company. 483 00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:50,566 So that also means that you can have a lot of them 484 00:23:50,666 --> 00:23:52,033 and they're not gonna fight. 485 00:23:52,133 --> 00:23:55,466 They tolerate human presence, and they eat a large number 486 00:23:55,566 --> 00:23:57,333 of rodents, and have lots of babies. 487 00:23:57,433 --> 00:24:00,566 So, you actually have a predator that's extremely 488 00:24:00,666 --> 00:24:03,300 well suited for an IPM program. 489 00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:08,166 And I think that in the end the result will be a greater 490 00:24:08,266 --> 00:24:11,100 interest in utilizing barn owls for rodent control. 491 00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:14,800 And various farmers around the country are starting to 492 00:24:14,900 --> 00:24:18,400 realize that you can use this animal to reduce the 493 00:24:18,500 --> 00:24:21,133 use of poisons and other invasive methods. 494 00:24:21,233 --> 00:24:24,166 Sarah: As for the growers, they feel the use of barn owls 495 00:24:24,266 --> 00:24:26,500 will allow them to provide a more environmentally 496 00:24:26,600 --> 00:24:30,633 friendly and cost efficient product for the consumer. 497 00:24:30,733 --> 00:24:33,600 Chris: They can see that the product they're purchasing, um, 498 00:24:33,700 --> 00:24:38,100 is safer for the environment, is better for the grower 499 00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:40,033 because the grower is making a little bit more money, 500 00:24:40,133 --> 00:24:42,066 and potentially the price of the product 501 00:24:42,166 --> 00:24:43,600 that they're buying is lower. 502 00:24:43,700 --> 00:24:47,466 Sandy: When you see an owl flying around at dusk starting 503 00:24:47,566 --> 00:24:52,366 to hunt for the night, it's one of the neatest sights I think 504 00:24:52,466 --> 00:24:56,733 that I've ever had the opportunity to experience. 505 00:24:56,833 --> 00:24:58,800 Working in these properties I get to see a lot of 506 00:24:58,900 --> 00:25:01,933 wildlife interact with our farming operation. 507 00:25:02,033 --> 00:25:05,066 And knowing that the owl is out there taking care of one 508 00:25:05,166 --> 00:25:10,366 last thing that I have to worry about is a great thing. 509 00:25:10,466 --> 00:25:13,000 Sarah: Lots of feathers and fur on the show this week. 510 00:25:13,100 --> 00:25:14,066 Hope you enjoyed it. 511 00:25:14,166 --> 00:25:15,733 Remember that if you want more information on 512 00:25:15,833 --> 00:25:17,566 America's Heartland or just want to see some 513 00:25:17,666 --> 00:25:20,766 of our programs again, just log on to our website at 514 00:25:20,866 --> 00:25:22,800 AmericasHeartland.Org 515 00:25:22,900 --> 00:25:24,600 And join us on some of your popular 516 00:25:24,700 --> 00:25:26,233 social media sites as well. 517 00:25:26,333 --> 00:25:27,300 Thanks for being with us. 518 00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:29,366 We'll see you next time, on America's Heartland. 519 00:25:31,133 --> 00:25:34,500 Narr:You can purchase a DVD or Blu Ray copy of this program. 520 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:36,166 Here's the cost: 521 00:25:37,333 --> 00:25:39,566 To order, just visit us online or call: 522 00:25:43,266 --> 00:25:44,833 ♪♪♪ 523 00:25:44,933 --> 00:25:51,266 ♪You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man♪ 524 00:25:51,366 --> 00:25:57,233 ♪In America's Heartland living close to the land♪ 525 00:25:57,333 --> 00:26:03,266 ♪There's a love for the country And a pride in the brand♪ 526 00:26:03,366 --> 00:26:06,033 ♪In America's Heartland♪ 527 00:26:06,133 --> 00:26:11,600 ♪Living close Close to the land♪ 528 00:26:11,700 --> 00:26:12,933 ♪♪♪ 529 00:26:13,033 --> 00:26:16,466 Narr: America's Heartland is made possible by... 530 00:26:16,566 --> 00:26:19,200 CropLife America. And it's member companies 531 00:26:19,300 --> 00:26:22,066 and associations in the crop protection industry 532 00:26:22,166 --> 00:26:26,833 including: 533 00:26:26,933 --> 00:26:29,733 Farm Credit - financing agriculture 534 00:26:29,833 --> 00:26:33,166 and rural America since 1916. 535 00:26:33,266 --> 00:26:34,433 Farm Credit is cooperatively owned 536 00:26:34,533 --> 00:26:36,100 by America's farmers and ranchers. 537 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:38,733 Learn more at farmcredit.com. 538 00:26:40,033 --> 00:26:45,033 ♪♪♪