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King Corn Full Documentary

Organic Slant・43 minutes read

Ian Cheney and Curtis Ellis, concerned about their generation's health due to corn-heavy diets, embark on a farming venture in Iowa to understand the corn industry, discovering its significant role in the economy and modern agriculture practices, including government subsidies and genetic modifications. Their exploration reveals the far-reaching impact of corn from its cultivation to the pervasive use of high fructose corn syrup in processed foods, linking dietary choices to serious health risks and environmental concerns.

Insights

  • Ian Cheney and Curtis Ellis's journey reveals that the widespread use of corn in American diets, particularly through high fructose corn syrup, poses significant health risks, contributing to diseases like type 2 diabetes and reflecting a troubling shift toward cheaper, processed foods over nutritional quality.
  • Their experience in Iowa highlights the complexities of modern corn farming, where government subsidies and technological advancements have led to increased yields and larger agricultural operations, resulting in fewer small farms and a food system that prioritizes quantity over the health of consumers and livestock.

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Recent questions

  • What is high fructose corn syrup?

    High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener derived from corn starch, commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It became popular in the late 1970s due to its lower production costs compared to traditional sugar. HFCS is made by converting corn starch into glucose and then further processing it to increase the fructose content, resulting in a syrup that is sweeter than regular corn syrup. This sweetener has dominated the market, accounting for a significant portion of sweetened products in the U.S. by the late 1980s. Its widespread use is linked to the rise in sugar consumption, particularly in soft drinks, which has raised health concerns, including an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

  • How is corn grown in Iowa?

    Corn is grown in Iowa due to its fertile soil and favorable climate, which includes humid summers that are ideal for corn cultivation. Farmers in the region primarily grow yellow dent corn, a variety that thrives in these conditions. The process of planting corn involves modern farming techniques and equipment, with farmers marking out specific acreages for cultivation. The average yield in Iowa can reach between 160 and 180 bushels per acre, and farmers often utilize government programs that provide financial support for corn production. This combination of natural resources and agricultural practices has made Iowa a leading state in corn production, contributing significantly to the overall corn supply in the United States.

  • What are the health risks of corn-fed beef?

    Corn-fed beef poses several health risks primarily due to the high starch content in the cattle's diet, which can lead to health issues such as acidosis. Cattle raised in feedlots consume a diet predominantly made up of corn, which has replaced traditional grass feeding. This shift not only affects the health of the livestock but also alters the nutritional profile of the meat produced. Corn-fed beef tends to be higher in saturated fat compared to grass-fed alternatives, with ground beef containing a significant percentage of calories from fat. Additionally, the use of antibiotics in livestock, which is prevalent due to health complications arising from confinement and corn-based diets, raises concerns about antibiotic resistance and overall food safety.

  • Why is corn important to the economy?

    Corn plays a crucial role in the economy, particularly in agricultural regions like Iowa, where it serves as a staple crop. The corn industry supports local economies through job creation in farming, processing, and distribution. Additionally, government farm programs provide financial assistance to farmers, ensuring the viability of corn production despite fluctuating market prices. Corn is not only a primary ingredient in animal feed but also a key component in the production of ethanol and various food products, including sweeteners. The demand for cheap food in America drives the production of corn, making it a significant factor in the overall food system and economy, reflecting consumer preferences for affordability and accessibility.

  • What are the benefits of genetically modified corn?

    Genetically modified (GM) corn offers several benefits that enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. One of the primary advantages is the development of corn varieties that are resistant to specific herbicides, such as Liberty herbicide, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crop. This resistance leads to higher yields and reduced competition from unwanted plants. Additionally, GM corn can be engineered for improved nutritional content and resilience against pests and diseases, further increasing its viability as a staple crop. The use of genetically modified seeds has contributed to the significant rise in corn yields over the past decades, enabling farmers to produce more food on the same amount of land, which is essential for meeting the growing global food demand.

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Summary

00:00

Corn's Impact on Health and Farming Futures

  • Ian Cheney and Curtis Ellis, recent college graduates, learn their generation may have a shorter lifespan than their parents due to dietary choices, particularly the prevalence of corn in food.
  • They track their diet and discover that the carbon in their bodies primarily originates from corn, especially high fructose corn syrup found in many processed foods.
  • The duo decides to plant an acre of corn in Iowa, inspired by their shared ancestry from the same small county, despite having no farming experience.
  • They arrive in Iowa, where they plan to grow corn, and learn about the local farming community and the significance of corn in the region's economy.
  • They discover that Iowa's fertile soil and humid summers create ideal conditions for corn, particularly the yellow dent variety, which dominates the Midwest.
  • The Corn Palace, built in 1892, symbolizes the importance of corn and family farms, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the area.
  • They learn about government farm programs, which provide financial support for corn production, including a direct payment of 28 cents per bushel from the U.S. government.
  • The farmers explain that modern farming requires significant investment in fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonia, to maximize corn yields, which can reach 200 bushels per acre.
  • Ian and Curtis mark out their acre, which is 43,560 square feet, and begin the process of planting corn, utilizing modern farming equipment and techniques.
  • They observe the trend of larger farms consolidating, with fewer small farms remaining, as technology and government policies favor larger agricultural operations.

25:44

Corn Production and Its Impact on Livestock

  • On May 4th, a planter was used to plant Liberty Link corn at a density of approximately 31,000 kernels per acre, completing the task in 18 minutes.
  • The corn industry has evolved over the past 50 years, focusing on maximizing yield by allowing plants to grow closely together, achieving nearly 200 bushels per acre.
  • During spraying season in June, a 90-foot sprayer operates at 50 pounds of pressure to apply herbicide Liberty, which targets weeds without harming Liberty Link corn.
  • The corn seeds are genetically modified to resist Liberty herbicide, ensuring that only weeds are eliminated while the corn continues to thrive.
  • After harvest, corn is transported to an elevator, where it is weighed and dumped, with an acre producing about 10,000 pounds of corn, primarily for animal feed and ethanol.
  • Of the corn produced, 32% is exported or used for ethanol, 490 pounds become sweeteners, and 5,500 pounds are fed to livestock for meat production.
  • Cattle in feedlots consume a diet primarily consisting of corn, which has replaced traditional grass feeding, leading to health issues like acidosis due to high starch intake.
  • Livestock now consumes 70% of the antibiotics in the U.S. to combat health issues arising from confinement and corn-based diets, with large feedlots producing waste equivalent to a city of 1.7 million.
  • The shift to corn-fed beef has resulted in meat that is higher in saturated fat compared to grass-fed alternatives, with ground beef containing 65% of its calories from fat.
  • The demand for cheap food in America drives the production of corn-fed beef, despite the availability of more expensive grass-fed options, reflecting consumer preferences for affordability.

54:23

Homemade High Fructose Corn Syrup Process

  • To produce high fructose corn syrup at home, soak yellow dent number two corn in water heated to 140°F with 200 parts per million sulfuric acid for 16 hours.
  • After soaking, physically damage the corn to break down starch, utilizing enzymes to hydrolyze alpha 1,4 glucosidic bonds, which reduces viscosity and transforms the corn's structure.
  • High fructose corn syrup became popular post-1970 due to lower production costs, dominating the sweetener market by the late 1980s, accounting for half of sweetened products in the U.S.
  • The consumption of sweeteners, particularly high fructose corn syrup, increased by over 30% in the last 30 years, while table sugar consumption has declined significantly.
  • In Brooklyn, New York, approximately 139 million gallons of soda, sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, are consumed annually, sourced from 20,000 acres of corn.
  • Drinking one soda daily nearly doubles the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to occasional consumption, highlighting the health risks associated with high sugar intake.
  • The average yield of corn in Iowa is estimated between 160 and 180 bushels per acre, with a current market price of $1.65 per bushel.
  • Total costs for growing corn include $142 for land rental, $133.24 for seeds and chemicals, and $74.68 for equipment, totaling $349.92, potentially leading to a loss.
  • Government subsidies, including direct payments and counter-cyclical payments, significantly support farmers, offsetting losses from low crop prices and encouraging overproduction of cheap corn.
  • The agricultural policies since the 1970s have prioritized high productivity and low food costs, resulting in a food system that favors cheap, processed foods over nutritional quality.

01:17:46

Agricultural Transformation Boosts Corn Yields

  • The transformation of agriculture has led to a significant increase in corn yields, from 40 bushels a century ago to nearly 180 bushels today, enabling cheaper food production.
  • Industrialized agriculture is expanding, with larger operations focusing on maximizing bushels per acre, reflecting a shift from family-run farms to commercial enterprises.
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