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.

GRAPHIC: Feds are investigating more cases with child labor violations, data shows

Since 2015, the number of cases has increased by more than 50%.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 3 May 2023

GRAPHIC: Feds are investigating more cases with child labor violations, data shows

GRAPHIC: Dairy cows produce millions of pounds of milk in a day

The five top milk producing states in 2021 were California, Wisconsin, Idaho, Texas, and New York, according to USDA data.

By Suzanne Behnke, Investigate Midwest

/ 27 Apr 2023

GRAPHIC: Dairy cows produce millions of pounds of milk in a day

GRAPHIC: Iowa’s hog production leads the state in greenhouse gas emissions from manure management

The dairy and beef cattle industries contribute 23% of the same emissions, according to EPA data.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 20 Apr 2023

GRAPHIC: Iowa’s hog production leads the state in greenhouse gas emissions from manure management

GRAPHIC: Precision agriculture technologies most common on big farms in Midwest

Using techniques like digital maps and smart tractors correlates with improved yields, USDA says.

By Madison McVan, Investigate Midwest

/ 13 Apr 2023

GRAPHIC: Precision agriculture technologies most common on big farms in Midwest

GRAPHIC: Newly released data shows timeline of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin’s food production facilities

Many states in the Midwest did not track COVID-19 cases by industry and date, but the Wisconsin data provides a clearer picture of how long food production employees dealt with the virus.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 5 Apr 2023

GRAPHIC: Newly released data shows timeline of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin’s food production facilities

GRAPHIC: Meat and poultry production workers make up largest share of US food and beverage workforce

Of the 1.7 million workers in the industry, 30.6% labor in meatpacking, according to 2021 data.

By Suzanne Behnke, Investigate Midwest

/ 29 Mar 2023

GRAPHIC: Meat and poultry production workers make up largest share of US food and beverage workforce

GRAPHIC: While relatively rare, some get H-2A visas while already in the US

Last year, more than 20,000 people applied to either extend their H-2A visa or switch to the temporary agriculture visa from a different type of visa.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 23 Mar 2023

GRAPHIC: While relatively rare, some get H-2A visas while already in the US

GRAPHIC: U.S. share of world wheat production hit record low in 2022

World wheat exports dropped due to war in Ukraine and drought in the U.S.

By Madison McVan, Investigate Midwest

/ 15 Mar 2023

GRAPHIC: U.S. share of world wheat production hit record low in 2022

GRAPHIC: USDA forecasts meat production to increase to record levels by 2032

Despite claims of ‘fake meat’ taking over, pork and chicken production are expected to reach record highs in about a decade, according to a federal analysis.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 9 Mar 2023

GRAPHIC: USDA forecasts meat production to increase to record levels by 2032

GRAPHIC: Half the states have no greenhouse gas reduction goals

Iowa, the second-largest emitter in the agricultural sector, is in this group.

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest

/ 22 Feb 2023

GRAPHIC: Half the states have no greenhouse gas reduction goals

GRAPHIC: Agribusiness spent a record-breaking $165 million on federal lobbying last year

The lobbying spending represents a 20-year high.

By Madison McVan, Investigate Midwest

/ 16 Feb 2023

GRAPHIC: Agribusiness spent a record-breaking $165 million on federal lobbying last year

GRAPHIC: U.S. ag industry has increased its foreign investments in past decade, government data shows

In particular, American companies involved in crop production have increased their foreign holdings.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 8 Feb 2023

GRAPHIC: U.S. ag industry has increased its foreign investments in past decade, government data shows