America's Heartland - Episode 103

Episode 103
	A look at the growing soybean biofuel industry in Pennsylvania, and how farmers there are using their harvest to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Then, to Babcock Ranch in Florida, where an ancient breed of livestock known as ‘cracker cattle’ are raised along with alligators. Some of the world’s finest bourbon comes from Kentucky corn, and we go inside the Maker’s Mark distillery to see why. Peanuts are one of Georgia’s most important crops, and Heartland travels to the farm that grew a President…Jimmy Carter. Finally, a profile of an organic farm Massachusetts for proof that stress-free, well-fed hens produce superior eggs.

Fuel for the Future
Soybeans. They make up America’s 3rd largest and certainly one of its most versatile crops. And soybeans aren’t just for the dinner table anymore. Soy has long been used as an ingredient in ink and paint and now researchers have found a new way to get more out of soybeans.

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Where Gators and Cattle Roam
It’s a southwestern Florida property that may be the most unusual ranch you’ll ever see. So-called swamp buggies carry visitors on a 90-minute tour through unspoiled pine forest, sprawling cattle lands and freshwater marshes, home to forbidding alligators.

The Plains President
The tiny farming town of Plains, Georgia has a big name attached to it: the 39th President of the United States and farmer, Jimmy Carter.

Run of the Roost
Instead of being cooped up in a cage like many chickens are, some lucky birds have the run of the roost at Country Hen Farms in Hubbardston, Massachusetts. According to Country Hen’s general manager , Bob Beauregard “they can move around in their own litter and they build immunity that way, so they’re much healthier. Their feathers all stay in. They look good. They’re beautiful birds.”

Bourbon in Bluegrass Country
Kentucky is the land of bluegrass, noble thoroughbreds and bourbon. About 90 minutes from Lexington in central Kentucky there’s a sort of shrine to sippin’ whiskey. This is the Maker’s Mark Distillery—a place where lovers of this smooth libation can witness its creation from start to finish.

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The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, Farm Credit, and the United Soybean Board make presentation of America's Heartland possible.

Additional production and promotion assistance is provided by
The American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, U.S. Grains Council,
National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National FFA Organization.