Decades of industrialized farming, pressure from chemical manufacturers and federal farm policy have left many producers relying heavily on pesticides.
About Investigate Midwest
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.
Cattle Raised for Beef Are Heavier Than Ever, Raising New Concerns in the Industry About Animal Health and Welfare
With the national cattle herd in long term decline, producers have increasingly relied on larger animals to keep up with demand.
With the national cattle herd in long term decline, producers have increasingly relied on larger animals to keep up with demand.
A Wisconsin Bill Wants to Give Money to Small Dairy Farms. Industry Groups Say Otherwise.
Records requests reveal how industry groups and legislators approach plans to alleviate rising costs to operate dairy farms.
Records requests reveal how industry groups and legislators approach plans to alleviate rising costs to operate dairy farms.
‘Could Have Been a Hell of a Lot Worse’: At Nebraska Plant, Adm Allowed Dangerous Dust to Build Up Beyond Safe Levels, Recordings Show
In late 2022, Archer Daniels Midland’s Fremont, Nebraska, facility experienced a dust explosion. Days later, federal safety inspectors found some areas inside with about an inch of combustible dust — about eight times the acceptable limit.
In late 2022, Archer Daniels Midland’s Fremont, Nebraska, facility experienced a dust explosion. Days later, federal safety inspectors found some areas inside with about an inch of combustible dust — about eight times the acceptable limit.
Increased Pesticide Use in Illinois Is Killing Native Oaks
While the amount of acres of soybeans and corn has remained stable for the past 25 years, the use of pesticides in Illinois has doubled. The state’s oldest trees are getting sick from the drift.
While the amount of acres of soybeans and corn has remained stable for the past 25 years, the use of pesticides in Illinois has doubled. The state’s oldest trees are getting sick from the drift.
A Cancer Fight in Rural Missouri: ‘Being From a Small Town Right Now Is Saving My Life.’
A cluster of counties in southeast Missouri have some of the highest colorectal cancer rates in the state.
A cluster of counties in southeast Missouri have some of the highest colorectal cancer rates in the state.
Trump Promised to Lower Food Prices, but They’re Still Going Up
As he campaigned against Kamala Harris, Trump said he would “defeat inflation.” Egg prices have decreased, but beef is doing the opposite.
As he campaigned against Kamala Harris, Trump said he would “defeat inflation.” Egg prices have decreased, but beef is doing the opposite.
Meat Consumption Grows in US and Asia, While Europe Is on the Decline
Since 2010, meat consumption habits in the US and Europe have diverged, while many of the countries with the greatest increases are in Asia.
Since 2010, meat consumption habits in the US and Europe have diverged, while many of the countries with the greatest increases are in Asia.