will.illinois.edu/prairiefire/episode/pf2008-02-21 WILL, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Series Episode Host Alison Davis Wood visits the Moore family farm in Watseka to find out how the family works with consumers who want to buy locally grown, pesticide-free food. Then she learns about farming the old-fashioned way at the I and I Antique Tractor Show in Penfield. Then producer Denise La Grassa talks to Col. Elmer Jones, one of six original aviation cadets trained at Chanute Field in Rantoul. Abstract Segment Illinois Culture/History, Military, World War II, Rantoul, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings Producer Denise La Grassa talks with Tuskegee Airman Col. Elmer Jones, one of six original aviation cadets for the Tuskegee Airmen trained at Chanute Field in Rantoul. Jones, who became ground crew commander, was proud to serve his country in aircraft engineering during World War II, even though he served in an all-black unit. He maintains that being in a segregated unit provided an unexpected opportunity for the Tuskegee Airmen. They were able to prove their abilities at a time when people questioned whether African Americans should be allowed to fly and maintain planes. “They proved they were as good as white fighter pilots,” said LaGrassa. “World War II was really the beginning of the civil rights movement.” Abstract Denise La Grassa Producer Eleanore Stasheff Editor Segment Agriculture/Agribusiness, Antiques/Collectibles, Penfield, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings By host and producer Alison Davis Wood Since I didn’t grow up on farm, I could never quite understand why so many people are interested in antique tractors. But then I married a farmer and it started to make sense. When I asked my husband Rob why farmers spent so much time and money restoring old tractors, he said, “You remember all the memories of working with that tractor. It got you through some tough days and some hard times. You look back and realize how many hours you spent riding that tractor.” When I went to Historic Farm Days, I heard these sentiments echoed by everyone.  For some, that old John Deere, Case or International was a part of the family. The I and I Tractor Club puts on an incredible event every year in Penfield. The highlight each day is the Big Parade where many of the tractors take a lap around the grounds. It gives you a chance to see exactly how these old machines operate and how much work went into making them run like new again.  But one of the best parts of Historic Farm Days is the field demonstrations, where you get to actually smell the freshly cut hay and hear the engines chug. It also allows you to truly appreciate how today’s tractors are much safer and easier to operate. When I heard Don Walser’s “John Deere Tractor Song,” I knew it was a perfect fit for this story. I have always been a fan of Don Walser and there is something special to hear him sing “I love the smell of fresh plowed ground.”  My husband put it on his i-pod and plans to sing along from his own green tractor. Abstract Alison Davis Wood Producer Tim Hartin and Virginia Steffen Chief Camera - Segment Segment Agriculture/Agribusiness, Watseka, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings By host and producer Alison Davis Wood I first heard about Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture from my co-worker Kimberlie Kranich. She was in the WILL lunchroom talking about how she had signed up for a share and was now enjoying amazing, locally grown produce. I was convinced to sign up. Now four years later I’m still enjoying the quality and the variety of the food grown on the Moore farm. I’ve gotten to know them a bit over the years by talking to them at the Urbana Farmer’s Market and buying their eggs and meat, so it was an easy decision to feature them on Prairie Fire. The Moores welcomed us to their farm on a warm summer day. Wes started up the tractor and we all piled on a flatbed trailer and toured the farm.  Jim and Diann talked to me about how and why they made the switch from conventional farming. They remembered how hard it was during the early years when their sons were young. And they remember the people who laughed and said they would never make it.  We got to meet all the animals including chickens, turkeys, sheep and pigs. Their system of crop rotation and incorporating the animals made complete sense. It left me pondering over how much the agriculture industry has changed. It also left me with a great appreciation for the Moores business and how they’ve made it work despite current trends in agribusiness. I really hope this story encourages folks to eat locally or at least to think about where their food comes from. If you are ever at the Urbana Farmer’s Market be sure to stop and say hello to Jim and Diann. You’ll probably hear the news about how the turkeys are shaping up for Thanksgiving or when they are expecting the first tomatoes. If you purchase something, take a minute to thank them for their work. Then as you enjoy that delectable melon or farm fresh egg, you’ll definitely be glad you did. Abstract Alison Davis Wood Producer Julius Bolton and Tim Hartin Chief Camera - Segment WILL-TV, University of Illinois Copyright Holder Publisher ¬© 2009 University of Illinois 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 video/mp4 http://willmedia.atlas.uiuc.edu/mpeg4/pf2008-02-21.mp4 Moving Image MPEG video MPEG-4 111228196 00:28 eng pf2008-02-21.mp4 WILL Public Media, University of Illinois 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 video/x-flv http://willmedia.atlas.uiuc.edu/flash/pf2008-02-21.flv Moving Image Flash Video Flash Media 8 118267307 00:28 eng pf2008-02-21.flv WILL Public Media, University of Illinois 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 2008-02-21T19:30:00-06:00 video/vnd.rn-realvideo http://willmedia.will.uiuc.edu/ramgen/pf2008-02-21.rv Moving Image 00:28:00