Robert Holly

Lack of funding results in ‘dearth of data’ on water

Water experts predict that much of the United States will experience freshwater shortages within the next decade. To better plan for a potential crisis, researchers and scientists strive to collect data on streams, aquifers and water consumption. However, they do so under constrained financial condi

By Robert Holly

/ 23 Jun 2014

Lack of funding results in ‘dearth of data’ on water

Montana’s freshwater future uncertain

Montana water managers responded in a survey that it is likely the state will experience statewide freshwater shortages within the next decade. While Montana's water issues are unique in some ways, researchers from the state said its overall problems mirror much of the country's.

By Robert Holly

/ 23 Jun 2014

Experts foresee shortages as the nation's freshwater supply dwindles

A government report from last month revealed that 40 out of 50 state water managers expect freshwater shortages within the next decade. As a result, farms and other agriculture producers who depend on irrigation may be challenged moving forward. According to federal studies, irrigation withdrawals a

By Robert Holly

/ 23 Jun 2014

Experts foresee shortages as the nation's freshwater supply dwindles

Climate change threatens U.S. food security; crop insurance poised to remain hot topic

Earlier this month, the White House released the 2014 National Climate Assessment. Among its findings, the assessment reported that climate change will threaten U.S. food security and negatively effect the $330 billion a year agriculture industry. If the assessment's predictions hold true, crop insu

By Robert Holly

/ 28 May 2014

Climate change threatens U.S. food security; crop insurance poised to remain hot topic

White House assessment warns that climate change means more than drought

The agriculture industry will soon face more frequent extreme weather and more tenacious pests, according to a White House assessment released earlier this month. If farmers cannot overcome these challenges, then U.S. crop and farm profits will decline, the assessment warned.

By Robert Holly

/ 28 May 2014

White House assessment warns that climate change means more than drought

Farmers take to Twitter to show spring planting problems

Wet and soggy conditions in some parts of the United States are delaying spring planting for farmers. The conditions have grown so unfavorable in some areas that farmers are taking to social media to publicize their problems. On Twitter, the tag “#plant14” has frequently been populated by images of

By Robert Holly

/ 19 May 2014

Farmers take to Twitter to show spring planting problems

Contaminations prompt May recall announcements

Earlier in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that more than 60 people across 23 states were affected by the most recent outbreak of Salmonella. Testing traced the illnesses to individuals who had contact with chicks, ducklings and other baby poultry from Mt. Healthy Hatch

By Robert Holly

/ 16 May 2014

Contaminations prompt May recall announcements

Reporter’s guide: basic agribusiness research tools

Covering agribusiness can be difficult for reporters. Dozens of agencies and offices have their hands in agricultural affairs, and covering the industry often means also reporting on complex topics associated with climatology, economics and geology. Here are some resources to help reporters research

By Robert Holly

/ 7 May 2014

Reporter’s guide: basic agribusiness research tools

GAO Report: changes needed if key EPA program is to help fulfill the nation's water quality goals

In December of 2013, the Government Accountability Office released a report that highlighted a flawed Environmental Protection Agency water-conservation program. It also summarized the overall state of U.S. water bodies. The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting used the report to jump start an

By Robert Holly

/ 1 May 2014

GAO Report: changes needed if key EPA program is to help fulfill the nation's water quality goals

Plastic-tainted chicken nuggets highlight April food recalls

Tyson Foods Inc. recalled more than 75,000 pounds of chicken nuggets in April because pieces of plastic embedded in the chicken were giving consumers oral injuries. Federal work-safety inspectors have also cited Tyson Foods for dangerous working conditions at least three times within the last year.

By Robert Holly

/ 25 Apr 2014

Plastic-tainted chicken nuggets highlight April food recalls

Earth Day 2014 on Storify

For Earth Day 2014, the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting gathered a list of its past reports on environmental issues. Also included is work from Harvest Public Media, The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism.

By Robert Holly

/ 22 Apr 2014

As food demands rise, farmers struggle with water conservation

As the global demand for food rises, farmers have to accordingly increase production. However, in some cases, that increased production can be harmful for the environment. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office provided a glimpse of the state of U.S. water bodies. Among its findings

By Robert Holly

/ 21 Apr 2014

Lack of funding results in ‘dearth of data’ on water

Montana’s freshwater future uncertain

Experts foresee shortages as the nation's freshwater supply dwindles

Climate change threatens U.S. food security; crop insurance poised to remain hot topic

White House assessment warns that climate change means more than drought

Contaminations prompt May recall announcements

Reporter’s guide: basic agribusiness research tools

GAO Report: changes needed if key EPA program is to help fulfill the nation's water quality goals

Plastic-tainted chicken nuggets highlight April food recalls

Earth Day 2014 on Storify

As food demands rise, farmers struggle with water conservation

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