Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Illinois billionaire Shahid Khan investing in thousands of acres of the state's farmland

In recent years, Urbana billionaire Shahid Khan has added to investments by quietly purchasing farmland through a company he owns called Baloo Enterprises LLC. A spokesperson for Khan confirmed earlier this month that Khan has purchased roughly 24,000 acres of farmland in central Illinois.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting and Dylan Tiger, CU-Citizen Access

/ 1 Apr 2021

Illinois billionaire Shahid Khan investing in thousands of acres of the state's farmland

Farmers already felt isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic made it worse.

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated farmers’ feelings of isolation, according to a recent survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The percentage who said social isolation affects farmers’ mental health jumped more than 20% in 2020 compared to 2019.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 10 Feb 2021

Farmers already felt isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic made it worse.

Long distances and stigma: Telehealth seen as way for farmers to access needed mental health assistance

Mental health providers said online therapy offers more confidentiality to farmers and spares them from driving long distances to access care.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 8 Dec 2020

Long distances and stigma: Telehealth seen as way for farmers to access needed mental health assistance

Minnesota has figured out a way to help stressed farmers. Can it be replicated?

When Pam Uhlenkamp separated from her husband earlier this year, she knew the person to call. As a farm business management instructor, Uhlenkamp mentors farmers one-on-one. When she notices they’re stressed, she refers them to the man who’s been the go-to counselor for Minnesota farmers for decades

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 7 Oct 2020

Minnesota has figured out a way to help stressed farmers. Can it be replicated?

SURVEY: We asked farmers how they’re dealing with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what they said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened some farmers' stress. A few shared how they're managing it.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 10 Sep 2020

SURVEY: We asked farmers how they’re dealing with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what they said.

While Covid-19 upends supply chains, farms that sell locally thrive

Not all farms are struggling equally during the pandemic. Retail market farms, who sell directly to the consumer, are actually doing pretty well.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 6 Aug 2020

While Covid-19 upends supply chains, farms that sell locally thrive

“Fall-off-a-cliff moment”: Covid-19 adds new dimension to farmers’ stress

Farmers faced high levels of stress before the pandemic. But the virus’s impact on agriculture has only deepened some farmers’ stress, experts said.

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 23 Jun 2020

“Fall-off-a-cliff moment”: Covid-19 adds new dimension to farmers’ stress

Smithfield sued for falsely advertising themselves as ‘safest’ U.S. pork products

A consumer group is suing one the largest pork producers over allegations that the company falsely advertises its products as the “safest” in the U.S. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) filed a civil suit May 20 against Smithfield Foods, Inc., claiming they use practices that contribute to the

By Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 11 Jun 2020

Marissa Plescia, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Illinois billionaire Shahid Khan investing in thousands of acres of the state's farmland

Farmers already felt isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic made it worse.

Long distances and stigma: Telehealth seen as way for farmers to access needed mental health assistance

Minnesota has figured out a way to help stressed farmers. Can it be replicated?

SURVEY: We asked farmers how they’re dealing with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what they said.

While Covid-19 upends supply chains, farms that sell locally thrive

“Fall-off-a-cliff moment”: Covid-19 adds new dimension to farmers’ stress

Smithfield sued for falsely advertising themselves as ‘safest’ U.S. pork products

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