‘Throw me a bone here’: Small meat processors say USDA measures don’t address consolidated industry’s root problems
Burdened with relatively higher operating costs than the largest meat processors, small meatpacking plants are struggling to survive — even with $1 billion in federal grants available to them.
Climate report indicates dire future for Mississippi River basin, which is already feeling impacts
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released earlier this month, warns of wide-ranging climate impacts throughout the United States. The implications for people and the environment in the Mississippi River basin are extreme, but experts stress that it is not too late to slow the worsening effects.
GRAPHIC: Foreign-owned land growing across the United States
More than 40 million acres of U.S. land is owned or leased by foreign-backed companies or individuals.
Who’s Buying Nebraska? After shopping spree, Mormon church is top land purchaser
In the past five years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought twice as much Nebraska land as the second biggest buyer. If they keep it up, they’ll soon own more than anyone.
ongoing investigations
Farmworker Housing
To better understand farmworkers’ housing conditions, Investigate Midwest is obtaining inspections from dozens of states. View our map of housing inspections — including violations inspectors noted — and read our coverage.
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GRAPHIC: USDA has initiated 250 antitrust enforcement actions since 2016
This month, the Biden administration finalized new rules related to the Packers and Stockyards Act, which regulates competition in the meat and poultry industries.
Experts: Beyond corn and soybeans, farming’s future has plenty of options
Some Iowa growers opt for growing crops outside of the big corn and soybean markets. Farmers and experts hope that, amid the challenges, are potential wins for better health, stronger local economies and an improved environment.
Crops and solar intersect as Iowa’s first agrivoltaics project prepares to power up
The collaboration between Iowa State University and Alliant Energy is the first utility-scale agrivoltaics project in the Midwest. Researchers will raise bees and plant vegetables, fruits and pollinator habitat within the 10-acre solar farm.
GRAPHIC: Five states dominate nearly 70% of pork exports, with Iowa leading the way
U.S. pork exports have seen a 70% increase over the past 12 years.
Iowans to share ‘Discovery in Disguise’ tales in Iowa City; meet the speakers
The Nov. 9 live event brings together Investigate Midwest, University of Iowa students, Iowa Public Radio’s Charity Nebbe and dynamic local storytellers.
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GRAPHIC: On top of billions in USDA pandemic aid, farmers got $5.8 billion in PPP loans
Paycheck Protection Program loans accounted for about 13% of total federal payments to farmers as they dealt with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Drought on Mississippi River expected to persist through winter
Lack of rain brought drought to much of the Mississippi River basin early this summer, and it’s likely going to linger into winter, Army Corps of Engineers leadership said during a press conference on Nov. 8 in Memphis, while a dredge was working nonstop to keep the river channel open a few miles south.
A fear of the 1980s for farmers and black swan risks for cattle producers
A few Oklahoma farmers and ranchers got the chance on Nov. 6 to raise some points about the Farm Bill and rural concerns with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson. They stressed the financial risks currently facing producers.
Joyce Foundation offers $10K match to Investigate Midwest during NewsMatch
Gifts to the end-of-year giving campaign can be tripled to support investigative reporting of industrial agriculture.
GRAPHIC: After a calm summer, avian flu outbreaks spiked in October
The contagious pathogen continues to plague the country’s poultry stock, despite fewer cases this year.
Dos trabajadores H-2A murieron en un incendio en Carolina del Norte: Lo que hay que saber sobre este caso
El incidente ejemplifica los riesgos que enfrentan los trabajadores cuando vienen a trabajar a Estados Unidos a través del programa de visados laborales H-2A del gobierno federal.
Opinion
FDA must test food color additives to improve public trust
30-plus years later, study on Red No. 3 still not done, Dave writes.
