Brian Baldwin may not appear to live larger than life, but his grass sure does.
Walking through his patches of coveted "Freedom" grass, or more specifically, giant miscanthus grass, the Mississippi State researcher and professor of plant and soil sciences disappears inside a field of what he believes will help power tomorrow's U.S. energy policy.
Baldwin's research related to the grass has led to a partnership with a Georgia entrepreneur who has licensed it under the brand name Freedom. Their collaboration has received kudos from Gov. Haley Barbour and a string of supporters of energy independence and renewable alternatives to petroleum. His research contributes to MSU's Sustainable Energy Center's efforts to provide answers to assist with future energy needs.
Baldwin's grass has gone from growing exclusively at MSU's research fields to now sprouting in 500 acres of commercial production in the Peach State.
Asked why he cares about the research, Baldwin said, "I don't do this for you and me. It's for your grandkids."