Bitter Harvest

Bitter Harvest

Year: 1981

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Roger Young

DramaTV Movie

After a mysterious illness wipes out his herd, a farmer watches his family and neighbors fall sick as well. Determined to expose the cause, he challenges the state’s agricultural authorities and launches a politically charged investigation into the contamination that threatens his farm, his loved ones, and the community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Bitter Harvest (1981)

Trace every key event in Bitter Harvest (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Outbreak on De Vries' dairy farm

Cattle on Ned De Vries' Michigan farm begin showing mysterious illnesses despite feeding with recommended protein-enriched feeds from the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB). He calls the local veterinary authorities who collect samples to diagnose the problem.

early in the outbreak Ned De Vries' farm, Michigan
2

Calf autopsy and initial blame

MFB veterinarians collect samples and euthanize a sick calf for autopsy to determine the cause. Their preliminary findings blame the farmer rather than the feed, fueling De Vries' frustration.

shortly after initial samples Farm and MFB veterinary lab
3

Feeds suspected and rats found

De Vries discovers a nest of dead rats in feed storage and notes the animals share symptoms with his cattle. The nest contains feed materials, suggesting contamination.

during investigation Farm feed storage area
4

MFB dismisses feed contamination theory

De Vries presents his findings about odd feed contamination to MFB veterinarians, but they dismiss fears of poisoned feed. He remains unfazed but frustrated by bureaucratic inertia.

ongoing after initial discovery MFB offices/lab
5

Family symptoms emerge

As exposure continues, De Vries' family begins to show skin issues, headaches, and general illness. He starts to suspect the problem extends beyond cattle.

shortly after early signs in cattle De Vries household, Michigan
6

A technician reveals the GC anomaly

A lab technician who prepared the cattle tests finally reveals a long GC run had an unidentified blip on the chart. He directs De Vries to Dr. Morton Freeman for answers.

after the chart blip is found MFB lab
7

Dr. Morton Freeman investigates

Dr. Freeman identifies the blip as polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a flame retardant used in Firemaster extinguishers. He agrees to study the matter and aids De Vries in understanding exposure.

shortly after the chart blip is found Freeman's lab/office
8

PBB exposure and human transmission

Freeman determines PBB can be passed to humans via beef and milk, with symptoms including memory loss and potential cancer. The substance accumulates in body fat and has no known remediation.

after initial identification of PBB State-wide food chain; general
9

Bureaucratic struggle and public awareness

Despite support from Freeman, De Vries faces bureaucratic inertia while gathering data across the state. He travels, collecting stories from other affected farmers and families.

over the following months Michigan; on the road
10

Another farmer's tragedy

De Vries meets another farmer who has lost cattle and whose family is sick, sharing similar guilt and despair. Together they understand the pervasiveness of contamination.

during outreach travels Michigan farm
11

Source revealed: the Battle Creek mill

The film reveals the source: an MFB mill near Battle Creek storing protein additives and PBB in identical colored sacks. Pallets sit side by side, making it easy to swap sacks and cause contamination.

leading up to the film's climax MFB mill near Battle Creek, Michigan
12

Death of the herd and aftermath

One year after the initial outbreak, De Vries' entire herd is killed, driven into a deep open pit and buried. The farm's operation ends as the contaminated meat and milk are disposed of and the family confronts the permanent consequences of the outbreak.

one year later De Vries' farm, Michigan

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:51

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bitter Harvest

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