Nine out of ten Americans used to farm for a living. Today, fewer than two in a hundred do.

In this episode, Nick and Bridget travel through seven made-up (but historically grounded) American families to find out how that happened, from a Connecticut homestead in 1750 all the way to a GPS-guided Iowa combine today. Along the way: girdled trees, a locust swarm bigger than California, two very different Virginia farms in 1850, and the invention that made Wisconsin the Dairy State.

While chatting, we enjoyed a switchel while we chatted, a non-alcoholic cocktail that was called a "haymakers punch" for its superb flavor and hydration characteristics. It still tastes great today and you can make your own by following this recipe:

• 4 cups cold water
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup or molasses)
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ginger

This is "The Discussion" where Nick and Bridget talk about all of the fun facts Nick wrote out for this week's dispatch in a more casual and fun way.

If you want the whole story, either listen to "The Read" in this feed where Nick narrates the entire story, or read the Dispatch on our blog.

Read the full Dispatch here.

Watch on YouTube here.

You can find our hub with the written dispatches, book suggestions, and more at: amoreperfectplate.com

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Thanks for listening - cheers!

Nick & Bridget