Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/category/climate-change/)
A collection of original and curated stories, reports and resources on climate change and agribusiness
As rainfall events become more intense and frequent, fertilizers applied to Midwestern farmland wash away, contaminating waterways near and far.
At least 65 farmworkers have died from heat-related causes since 2002, according to an Investigate Midwest analysis of OSHA data. The Biden administration has promised to address the dangers of extreme heat in workplaces.
Farmers have invested thousands in new technologies designed to protect animals from heat stress.
This story was originally published by the Missouri Information Corps. A staple of industry and identity in the state — agriculture has a stake in Missouri's economy and people's livelihoods.
But Missouri’s agriculture industry will face the harsh realities of the climate emergency if action isn’t taken. The Fourth National Climate Assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program states that in the Midwest, climate change will reduce agricultural productivity in the next 30 years due to increased precipitation and extreme temperatures. That is, unless there are major technological advances.
Not only will more rain cause less flexibility for spring planting and worsen soil erosion, but higher overall temperatures will also reduce yields for staple crops in Missouri like corn and soybeans.
Although some states have taken initiative to combat climate change, Missouri is one of 30 that has not created a statewide plan to prepare for potential climatic changes. And though Missouri has an $88 billion agricultural industry, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) does not have a climate adaptation plan for farmers.
In a written statement, MDA Communications Director Sami Jo Freeman recognized the department's lack of a climate change adaptation program.
Recently, a coalition of Big Ag companies and groups formed the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, which has the stated aim to help address a warming planet.
San Diego County’s nearly $1.8 billion agriculture industry is facing significant risks as fire insurance becomes harder for farmers to get. Insurers are reluctant to offer policies in rural areas where climate change has increased the risk of destructive brush fires.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced a state of emergency in 20 counties on Tuesday, and the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called the damage “significant” and “severe.”
Climate change will have a major impact on agriculture, and warming temperatures are likely to disrupt global trade, exacerbate water issues, harm rural communities and decrease livestock and crop productivity, according to a new federal climate change.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended use of pest control substance, dicamba, until December 20, 2020. What are the new regulations for extended use of the herbicide?
Increased drought, unsustainable irrigation and changing crop patterns are among the impacts that the agriculture sector will confront as the climate changes, according to a draft federal climate report obtained by The New York Times on Monday.