In Iowa, many rivers and lakes improve briefly, then fall back into impairment
Following years of inaction on the Clean Water for Iowa Act, one lawmaker is looking to advance several smaller bills that would improve monitoring and strengthen permit requirements for large industrial farms.
What does a small town do when the water in undrinkable?
Residents of Early, Iowa (population 587) say they often find out their water is unsafe to drink by reading about it on Facebook.
SEC fines ADM $40 million over accounting issues; DOJ drops criminal probe
While ADM admitted no wrongdoing, three former executives, including the chief financial officer, have been named in connection to fraudulently inflating the value of one of its businesses.
Ag producers in worst 3-month cost-price gap since 2015, new USDA data shows
The analysis of federal price indexes also shows agricultural producers have consistently paid more to operate than they have received in return, with costs outpacing prices in every month since at least 2015.
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You can’t gaslight food affordability
Prices are higher in 5 out of 6 tracked food-at-home categories, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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In 2025, growers grew more anxious about Brazil’s edge in global soybean markets
Brazil’s dominance in China’s soybean market has only deepened since the Trump administration’s tariff fight.
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Join us Feb. 19 to explore how tariffs and China’s global investment are reshaping U.S. farming
Investigate Midwest, the Arkansas Times, and the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk will host a live virtual panel examining the impacts on U.S. farmers.
Midwest and Southwest states see major increase in temporary H-2A workers, despite slow growth in program
These visas offer a pathway for increased farm labor, but have a documented history of wage theft and poor working conditions.
US ag exports drop in Asia, but increase in the Western Hemisphere
Since 2022, agriculture exports to China have decreased by more than 55%, but there have been increases to Canada, Mexico and some South American countries.
Increased pesticide use in Illinois is killing native oaks
While the amount of acres of soybeans and corn has remained stable for the past 25 years, the use of pesticides in Illinois has doubled. The state’s oldest trees are getting sick from the drift.
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Opinion
Expect more turmoil and change for the 2026 ag sector
Armed with only the best of prognostication tools, here are the 2026 agricultural stories that people will be talking about.…
Iowans share life lessons at Investigate Midwest event
You’re invited to an evening of live storytelling featuring powerful, personal stories from five Iowa men with backgrounds in journalism, education, comedy, and the arts.
Iowa immigrants fear the Trump administration’s move toward mass deportation
The spread of misinformation has fueled anxiety and alarm within Iowa’s Latino immigrant community. It is estimated that the state is home to more than 52,000 undocumented immigrants.
Midwest farmers advocate for steady policies amid trade challenges
Recent trade policies have imposed tariffs to boost U.S. production, but Midwest agriculture has suffered, losing ground to competitors like Brazil in soybeans and pork. Farmers urge the new administration to prioritize free trade and stable agreements.
