Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/author/cvoelkl/)
At times, the H-2A visa program that brings non-citizen farmworkers to the U.S. has been used to facilitate human trafficking, experts and activisits said. But the number of people trafficked through the program appears to have increased.
Pork prices have increased by nearly 8% since July 2020, more than any other food item.
The male-dominated industry of American agriculture has challenged women both on the field and in the industry. They have had their knowledge doubted, been passed over for promotions and have been told starting a family would complicate their success.
Iowa and Illinois, the top two states by crop production, have seen high levels of production this year.
The number of positions certified for the fruit and tree nut industry increased about 400%, according to USDA data.
Farms across the Midwest are struggling to hire domestic employees. In Illinois, the number of foreign agricultural workers has increased more than 250% in the past five years.
About 90% of the West is now considered to be in a drought.
In summer 2020, a federal court ruled the EPA showed too much deference to Bayer when it approved the company’s dicamba herbicide. This invalidated the approval. But, weeks later, Bayer began working the EPA again, according to newly obtained emails.
Farmers have invested thousands in new technologies designed to protect animals from heat stress.
Researchers are trying to find more cost-effective solutions.