Data Harvest (formerly Graphic of the Week) is Investigate Midwest’s way of making complex agricultural data easy to understand. Through engaging graphics, charts, and maps, we break down key trends to help readers quickly grasp the forces shaping farming, food systems, and rural communities. Want us to explore other data trends? Let us know here.
Want us to explore other data trends? Let us know here.
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.
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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.
These 17 charts tell the story of the US food system in 2025
A highlight of our most important data visualizations and what they say about the state of agriculture.
Trump promised to lower food prices, but they’re still going up
As he campaigned against Kamala Harris, Trump said he would “defeat inflation.” Egg prices have decreased, but beef is doing the opposite.
Meat consumption grows in US and Asia, while Europe is on the decline
Since 2010, meat consumption habits in the US and Europe have diverged, while many of the countries with the greatest increases are in Asia.
Recent droughts hit the top cattle counties hardest
The nation’s largest beef-producing counties have suffered from intense drought, helping to dwindle herds and drive up consumer prices.
Which states are most exposed as soybean exports falter?
The Midwest and South continue to produce huge soybean volumes, yet their ability to sell them increasingly hinges on global politics and federal action rather than farm decisions.
Trump tried to limit SNAP during the shutdown. Many in his base were eligible.
In farm-dependent counties, rates of food insecurity are increasing. The president has tried to curtail the nation’s premier anti-hunger initiative.
Farmers were exposed to roughly twice as many pesticides as general population in EU study
Even people outside of agriculture carried residue from dozens of chemicals after just one week, the study authors said. Many of these same chemicals, including several banned in Europe, are still in use across US farms.
An explosion of pesticide complaints led to reforms in Illinois. And now, a reporting collapse.
Environmental advocates warn that fewer formal complaints don’t signal progress — just frustration with a system that fails to hold violators accountable.
US farmers face $44 billion in losses as costs rise and markets shrink
This squeeze is made worse by the loss of key export markets — particularly China.
Trump could bail out farmers hurt in his trade war, again. Here’s what happened the first time.
In 2018 and 2019, the first Trump administration paid more than $20 billion to farmers who lost market access after tariffs were implemented. The money was unequally distributed.
Where do your pumpkins come from? Illinois keeps the crown
Illinois remains the country’s top pumpkin producer, even after a 30% drop in its 2024 production.
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