Data Harvest

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.

Low cattle numbers raise fears of another beef packing plant shutdown

The closure of Tyson Foods’ Nebraska beef plant exposed vulnerabilities in an industry dominated by four companies. Analysts say more closures could follow if supplies remain tight.

By Juan Vassallo, Investigate Midwest

/ 10 Jun 2026

Low cattle numbers raise fears of another beef packing plant shutdown

Foreign suppliers play a key role in US fertilizer markets

US farmers depend on a global fertilizer supply chain, with Canada supplying 87% of potash imports.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 3 Jun 2026

Foreign suppliers play a key role in US fertilizer markets

In Illinois, cancer and pesticide rates typically rise together

Most counties with the highest cancer rates also had the highest use of pesticides and herbicides.

By Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest

/ 26 May 2026

In Illinois, cancer and pesticide rates typically rise together

Food prices just had their highest month-to-month jump in years

Since President Trump started a war with Iran, oil prices have spiked, affecting all aspects of the economy.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 19 May 2026

Food prices just had their highest month-to-month jump in years

After USDA cuts, complaints over food safety spike

The number of complaints filed about the safety of meat, poultry and egg products jumped nearly 40% last year, from 1,443 to 2,016, according to a new federal

By Juan Vassallo, Investigate Midwest

/ 13 May 2026

After USDA cuts, complaints over food safety spike

Fertilizer costs are squeezing farmers nationwide

A majority of farmers report they can’t afford all the fertilizer they need as global supply disruptions push up prices.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 6 May 2026

Fertilizer costs are squeezing farmers nationwide

Bayer lobbying rebounds as Roundup legal fight reaches Supreme Court

A new federal lobbying report shows the company spent more in early 2026 as the courts consider whether federal pesticide warning labels can protect companies from state lawsuit claims.

By Lauren Cross, Investigate Midwest

/ 27 Apr 2026

Bayer lobbying rebounds as Roundup legal fight reaches Supreme Court

Cancer is a statewide problem in Ohio, including in the pesticide-heavy northwest corner

Ohio has one of the highest cancer rates in the nation, often linked to a variety of factors, including industrial pollution and pesticide use.

By Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest

/ 20 Apr 2026

Cancer is a statewide problem in Ohio, including in the pesticide-heavy northwest corner

With Iran War, food prices will grow faster than originally expected this year, USDA predicts

In late February, the US Department of Agriculture had already predicted food prices in 2026 would increase faster than inflation. A month into the war, some prices will likely skyrocket.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 14 Apr 2026

With Iran War, food prices will grow faster than originally expected this year, USDA predicts

North Dakota’s Red River Valley a pesticide and cancer hotspot

The state’s easternmost counties have the highest rates of agrichemical use and cancer rates.

By Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest

/ 7 Apr 2026

North Dakota’s Red River Valley a pesticide and cancer hotspot

As feedlots become larger, the ‘Big Four’ expand their market share

Feedlots, where cattle are finished on grain after grazing, are becoming larger. Smaller operations are declining, while the largest feedlots continue to expand their market share, reflecting ongoing consolidation across

By Juan Vassallo, Investigate Midwest

/ 1 Apr 2026

As feedlots become larger, the ‘Big Four’ expand their market share

Farmers plan to use federal bridge payments mainly to reduce debt

A new survey shows nearly half of producers intend to use the payments to pay down debt rather than expand operations or invest in equipment.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 24 Mar 2026

Farmers plan to use federal bridge payments mainly to reduce debt