Data Harvest Argentina rarely sold beef to the US. Now, the country surpasses major trade partners. While the domestic cattle inventory declines, reliance on South American beef products increases. By John McCracken, Investigate Midwest / 11 Mar 2026
Government Fact-checking Trump’s call for an investigation into meatpacking companies The President blames beef monopolies for rising meat costs, ordering the Department of Justice to look into the ‘Big Four’ meatpackers. By John McCracken, Investigate Midwest / 18 Nov 2025
Environment Court dismisses lawsuit alleging EPA failed to protect farmers from PFAS in fertilizer About 60% of sewage sludge produced each year by US wastewater treatment plants is spread on farm fields. By Shannon Kelleher, The New Lede / 2 Oct 2025
Data Harvest Farmers squeezed as DOJ, USDA examine rising expenses Federal prosecutors are moving to scrutinize high input costs as farmers face slimmer margins. USDA forecast data shows expenses climbing to $467.4 billion while crop receipts weaken for staples such as corn and soybeans. By Lauren Cross, Investigate Midwest / 1 Oct 2025
Data Harvest Farm profits forecast to rise, but federal aid remains a big safety net USDA projects higher farm income this year, but gains are largely driven by aid programs rather than stronger markets for crops or livestock. By Lauren Cross, Investigate Midwest / 24 Sep 2025
Environment Study maps factory farm hotspots as federal court tosses emissions lawsuit 'The meat you eat comes from somewhere. It takes up a lot of space and produces a lot of pollution.' By Brian Bienkowski, The New Lede / 18 Aug 2025
Government & Politics The USDA’s farm animal welfare research lab — with just one scientist remaining — dismantled by Trump Sentient has learned that the primary federal laboratory for farm animal welfare research has lost its probationary scientists to the mass firings. By Grey Moran, The Sentient / 25 Feb 2025
