In late 2022, Archer Daniels Midland’s Fremont, Nebraska, facility experienced a dust explosion. Days later, federal safety inspectors found some areas inside with about an inch of combustible dust — about eight times the acceptable limit.
Chinese state-backed money is remaking the hemisphere’s ports —from Santos to Chancay — reshaping grain routes to Asia and squeezing U.S. farmers as tariffs deepen the split with Washington.
To keep pace with global demand, seed companies moved their hybrid research to Puerto Rico’s south coast. The result: more yield in the Midwest, a growing rift over land and labor, and questions about who benefits when agricultural research leaves the island.
Current and former employees describe a punishing pace of work and questionable safety standards at a Heavener plant where recent immigrants fill a constant need for laborers.
Justin Ransom helped launch Tyson’s controversial label for 'climate friendly' beef. Now he leads the federal agency charged with meat label oversight.
At some swine and poultry plants, line speeds are increasing and federal inspectors are stepping back. Industry groups support the changes, but critics warn about risks to food safety, worker health and animal welfare.
