USDA - Investigate Midwest (Page 22)

Comment Window On Controversial 'Waters Of The U.S.' Closes

The public comment window for the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule is set to close on Friday, Nov. 14 – more than half a year after the regulation was introduced.

By Robert Holly/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting and Lyle Muller/ Iowa Watch

/ 13 Nov 2014

Comment Window On Controversial 'Waters Of The U.S.' Closes

U.S. Senators push for better poultry standards

As Americans gear up to eat more than 40 million pounds of turkey this month, a handful of U.S. senators are calling for stronger Department of Agriculture oversight to reduce pathogens in poultry. Their push follows a recent government report that found poultry products – such as chicken and turkey

By Robert Holly

/ 4 Nov 2014

U.S. Senators push for better poultry standards

Serious Animal Welfare Act Violations Do Not Mean Quick Removal Of Dogs From Breeding Facilities

Dog breeders in Iowa who repeatedly do not comply with the Animal Welfare Act [http://awic.nal.usda.gov/government-and-professional-resources/federal-laws/animal-welfare-act]are allowed to continue raising and breeding dogs – sometimes in horrible conditions – while federal inspectors give the cited

By Jacob Luplow

/ 12 Oct 2014

Serious Animal Welfare Act Violations Do Not Mean Quick Removal Of Dogs From Breeding Facilities

Government looks to counter SNAP recipient fraud

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as "SNAP," takes up about 80 percent of the 2014 Farm Bill, a chunk worth between $70 and $80 billion a year. While the program helps provide groceries to tens of millions of Americans, a recent report found that the program may be s

By Robert Holly

/ 3 Sep 2014

Government looks to counter SNAP recipient fraud

Reporter’s guide: investigating crop insurance

In recent years, crop insurance has become an increasingly controversial subject. While many support the program, others claim it sucks up too many taxpayer dollars. Reporters can use this guide to start their crop insurance research.

By Investigate Midwest staff

/ 28 Aug 2014

Reporter’s guide: investigating crop insurance

Amidst several choices, two insurance policies stand out for farmers

During the 2013 planting season, U.S. farmers had nearly two dozen different crop insurance policies to sort through when deciding how to best protect themselves from losses caused by bad weather, price drops and other perils. A Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting analysis revealed that two o

By Robert Holly

/ 16 Jul 2014

Amidst several choices, two insurance policies stand out for farmers

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

OIG Report: USDA paid billions in improper payments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an estimated $6.2 billion in improper payments in 2013, according to an Office of Inspector General’s April report. Read the report here.

By Investigate Midwest staff

/ 28 May 2014

OIG Report: USDA paid billions in improper payments

FDA’s proposed changes for food labels aimed at healthier eating

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing changes on nutrition labels on food and beverage packaging to bring the information up to date with the latest research and to help people understand what they are eating and drinking. It will take public comment until June 2.

By Kelsey Block/The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism

/ 16 May 2014

FDA’s proposed changes for food labels aimed at healthier eating

USDA paid billions in improper payments, report finds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an estimated $6.2 billion in improper payments in 2013, according to an Office of Inspector General’s April report. The report's findings come after a previous Office of Inspector General report concluded that the USDA overpaid farmers by hundreds of milli

By Claire Everett/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 16 May 2014

USDA paid billions in improper payments, report finds

China’s rising meat consumption draws U.S. companies

As China has rapidly shifted from a rural society to a more urban society, U.S. meat-production companies have looked to capitalize on new business opportunities. Tyson Foods Inc and Cargill, two of the largest poultry producers in the world, have already established production plants in China. Howe

By Claire Everett/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

/ 15 May 2014

China’s rising meat consumption draws U.S. companies