Modern Marvels: How Corn Fuels America (S13, E39) | Full Episode | History

The script introduces corn as a human-engineered phenomenon, not occurring naturally and transformed into a variety of products, from food to fuel. It is the largest agricultural crop in the U.S., with vast fields covering more land than New Mexico. The versatility of corn is highlighted, including its cultivation in different environments and its role in the 'gold rush' of modern times. The narrative also touches on the impact of ethanol as a major consumer of corn in the U.S. and the process of sweet corn production at Lakeside Foods in Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of quick processing to retain sweetness.

This paragraph delves into the dominance of dent corn, also known as field corn, which contrasts with sweet corn in both usage and composition. Field corn is highlighted as a staple in a plethora of food products and its significant contribution to non-food items, such as adhesives and plastics. The U.S.'s role as a major producer of corn is underscored, with statistics showing the country's output and the global distribution of its corn. Additionally, the paragraph discusses the importance of corn in livestock feed and introduces popcorn as an ancient and fun variety of corn.

The script narrates the adaptability of corn, which can be grown in various regions, particularly thriving in the Midwest's Corn Belt. It discusses the environmental factors that make this region ideal for corn cultivation. The paragraph also explores the myriad of uses for corn beyond food, including its role in the production of plastics, with NatureWorks leading the way in creating performance plastics from annually renewable resources. The benefits of these bioplastics over oil-based plastics are highlighted, in terms of reduced fossil fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

This section of the script explores the transformation of corn from its wild grass origins in Mexico to the genetically modified crop it is today. It discusses the domestication process and the critical role of Pioneer Hi-Bred in advancing corn through plant breeding and hybridization. The benefits of heterosis in hybrid corn are explained, along with the economic incentive for seed companies to continue research and development. The script also touches on the historical and ongoing genetic studies of corn's evolution from teosinte and the advent of genetically modified corn in 1996.

The script focuses on Pioneer Hi-Bred's extensive work in corn breeding, offering over 300 corn hybrids for North American farmers. It describes the company's fast corn greenhouse, which accelerates the evaluation of genetically engineered corn, and the precautions taken to prevent cross-pollination with commercial corn fields. The unique approach of Controlled Farming Ventures is introduced, which involves growing corn in a controlled environment within a former limestone mine, allowing for year-round cultivation and research under consistent conditions.

This paragraph describes the massive scale of corn harvesting and processing in the U.S. It details the storage challenges faced by farmers due to the sheer volume of corn produced and the precautions taken to prevent spoilage and dangerous conditions like fires in silos. The script also explains the process of corn milling at Didion Milling, from drying and cleaning to grinding, and the various products derived from corn, such as flour and meal, which find their way into numerous food items and other applications.

The script explores the burgeoning ethanol industry and its impact on corn consumption. It describes the process of converting corn into ethanol at VeraSun Energy's plant, from the initial weighing and sampling of corn deliveries to the fermentation and distillation stages. The environmental implications of ethanol production are discussed, including the debate over its efficiency and sustainability. The potential of cellulosic technology to utilize more of the corn plant for fuel is also mentioned, along with the government's investment in this research area.

This paragraph delves into the production and prevalence of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a controversial sweetener found in a vast array of food and beverage products. The script outlines the wet milling process used to create HFCS from field corn and the resulting health debates surrounding its consumption. It discusses the potential effects of HFCS on appetite regulation and obesity, as well as the broader factors contributing to America's weight problems. The paragraph concludes by acknowledging the challenges of finding a cost-effective alternative to HFCS.

The final paragraph encapsulates corn's diverse applications, from its role in the food and beverage industry to its use in biofuels and other industrial products. It highlights the ongoing debates and the potential future of corn as a key component in various sectors. The script suggests that the decisions made regarding corn's utilization could significantly shape future developments, hinting at the crop's importance in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future.