Some independent ranchers say decades of mergers and free trade agreements have weakened competition and contributed to the cattle shortage now driving up beef prices.
About Investigate Midwest
As Family Farms Decline, More Michigan Farmers Try to Preserve Their Land
As Michigan family farms face growing pressures, farmers are exploring land preservation strategies to protect agricultural heritage for future generations.
As Michigan family farms face growing pressures, farmers are exploring land preservation strategies to protect agricultural heritage for future generations.
Trump’s Deportations Are Causing Farm Labor Issues. He Hasn’t Presented a Viable, Long-Term Solution.
Trump has cast the H-2A program as a quick help for farmers. At the same time, the program has been suspended during the government shutdown, which could cause production problems.
Trump has cast the H-2A program as a quick help for farmers. At the same time, the program has been suspended during the government shutdown, which could cause production problems.
Illinois Farm Bureau Sees ‘Moral Obligation’ to Protect Livestock From Extreme Weather. It Opposes Temperature Standards for Workers.
The Illinois legislature is debating whether to become one of a handful of states to legally require worker protections from extreme temperatures. The legislation would apply to labor on the frontlines of the climate crisis, such as farm work.
The Illinois legislature is debating whether to become one of a handful of states to legally require worker protections from extreme temperatures. The legislation would apply to labor on the frontlines of the climate crisis, such as farm work.
Five Things to Know as Data Centers Spread Across Rural America
More than 1,500 data centers are planned nationwide, many in rural communities. Here’s what to know about their water use, environmental impact and the growing opposition.
More than 1,500 data centers are planned nationwide, many in rural communities. Here’s what to know about their water use, environmental impact and the growing opposition.
Five Things to Know as Data Centers Spread Across Rural America
More than 1,500 data centers are planned nationwide, many in rural communities. Here’s what to know about their water use, environmental impact and the growing opposition.
More than 1,500 data centers are planned nationwide, many in rural communities. Here’s what to know about their water use, environmental impact and the growing opposition.
Five Things to Know About Pesticides, Cancer and a Pending Supreme Court Ruling
After years of lawsuits against agrichemical companies and battles over environmental regulations, the nation’s highest court is expected to rule this summer on a case that could significantly alter the pesticide industry.
After years of lawsuits against agrichemical companies and battles over environmental regulations, the nation’s highest court is expected to rule this summer on a case that could significantly alter the pesticide industry.
‘In Every Room, Every Hand Would Go Up’: Panelists Discuss Cancer, Pesticides and Environmental Risks
Decades of industrialized farming, pressure from chemical manufacturers and federal farm policy have left many producers relying heavily on pesticides.
Decades of industrialized farming, pressure from chemical manufacturers and federal farm policy have left many producers relying heavily on pesticides.
Burned Before by ‘Pesticide Drift,’ Vineyard Owners Enter Growing Season Bracing for the Worst
The Trump administration wants to continue the use of the herbicide dicamba. That’s despite fears it’s killing sensitive plants.
The Trump administration wants to continue the use of the herbicide dicamba. That’s despite fears it’s killing sensitive plants.
High Pesticide-Use Counties Often Have Higher-Than-Average Late-Stage Cancer Rates
Glyphosate data analysis shows connection to most aggressive forms of cancer across the nation’s agricultural heartland.
Glyphosate data analysis shows connection to most aggressive forms of cancer across the nation’s agricultural heartland.
Trump’s Immigration Surges in Midwest Cities Correlate with Less Employment, Researchers Find
The number of private sector workers declined in states such as Illinois and Minnesota after mass ICE presence, according to an analysis of employment data by UC Merced researchers.
The number of private sector workers declined in states such as Illinois and Minnesota after mass ICE presence, according to an analysis of employment data by UC Merced researchers.
You Can’t Gaslight Food Affordability
Prices are higher in 5 out of 6 tracked food-at-home categories, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Prices are higher in 5 out of 6 tracked food-at-home categories, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Farm Bankruptcies Jumped 46% in 2025 as Debt Loads and Costs Rise
Chapter 12 filings climbed to 315 in the US. That’s a third straight increase annually as higher production costs and expanding borrowing put new pressure on farmers in 2026.
Chapter 12 filings climbed to 315 in the US. That’s a third straight increase annually as higher production costs and expanding borrowing put new pressure on farmers in 2026.
‘This Is My ’80s’: As Trump’s Tariffs Upend Trade, Farmers Endure Instability
The sale of US soybeans to China may rebound this year, but a fundamental shift in US policy is needed to break farmers out of their current cycle of hardship, agricultural economy experts said during an Investigate Midwest panel Thursday.
The sale of US soybeans to China may rebound this year, but a fundamental shift in US policy is needed to break farmers out of their current cycle of hardship, agricultural economy experts said during an Investigate Midwest panel Thursday.
Trump’s DHS Is Pushing the Boundaries of Probable Cause and Due Process to Fuel a Farm Labor Crisis
Trump said he was going after the “worst of the worst,” but many of the people his administration is detaining and deporting have no criminal record. Agricultural employers are scrambling to find reliable replacements.
Trump said he was going after the “worst of the worst,” but many of the people his administration is detaining and deporting have no criminal record. Agricultural employers are scrambling to find reliable replacements.
Pesticide Use and Cancer Risk Rise Together Across America’s Heartland
America’s farmers and farmworkers, their families and neighbors, are being diagnosed with cancer at rates higher than the national average. A growing body of research indicates that pesticides are partly to blame.
America’s farmers and farmworkers, their families and neighbors, are being diagnosed with cancer at rates higher than the national average. A growing body of research indicates that pesticides are partly to blame.