Rural/Farming / Public News Service

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Lake Erie is exposed to the greatest stress from urbanization, industrialization and agriculture, and leads in the amount of liquid waste from sewage treatment and plants. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

OH group wants federal accountability for Lake Erie phosphorus reduction

Legal action continues in efforts at cleaning up a portion of Ohio's waterways. The Ohio EPA has been added as a defendant, along with the U.S. EPA…

The Lower Umatilla Groundwater Management Area was designated in 1990, after nitrate contamination was identified in northern Umatilla and Morrow counties. (Miljan �ivković/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Report: Nitrate levels continue to rise in eastern OR groundwater

A new study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found nitrate levels have continued to rise across the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater …

Smart agriculture began to emerge in the United States in the early 2000s, with the introduction of GPS technology, sensors and automated systems. (Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

MI professor spotlights 'smart agriculture'

Some experts predict arable land per person will shrink by two-thirds by 2050. To combat it, Michigan students are being trained in "smart" …

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

Proponents of factory farms argued moving millions of livestock off pastures and into high-density operations, where in many cases animals cannot even move around, conserves valuable farmland. (Adobe Stock).

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Factory farm advocates’ blind spot on food system reforms

Recent editorials in The New York Times and Washington Post defending factory farms make one critical mistake, according to environmental advocates: …

The 2023 Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act, sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, was a revised version of the 2021 bill, which also failed to advance. (Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

A renewed push for EATS Act amid FL agricultural battles

A bill known as the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act failed to advance in Congress last year but food policy advocates warned it is still a…

A University of Connecticut study found a growing concentration of certain neonicotinoid pesticides along the state's coast, suggesting potential accumulation and transport of the insecticides. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Report: Harmful pesticides found in CT rivers, groundwater

A new report showed a growing problem of harmful pesticides in Connecticut waterways. The University of Connecticut study analyzed 20 years of data…

Nearly half of U.S. adults said it was at least somewhat hard for them to regularly obtain and eat nutritious foods, and 54% agreed the nation is not making enough progress in making nutritious food accessible and affordable, according to a 2024 survey from Research!America and the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

Food advocates are calling on lawmakers to help jump-start the state's SNAP Stretch program, which was paused last year due to budget constraints…

Iowa is home to more than 25 million pigs, making it the largest pork producer in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Watchdog group asks lawmakers for more Iowa CAFO oversight

Environmental advocates in Iowa want state lawmakers to tighten regulations on large livestock feeding facilities, which they say will help protect …

We Don't Waste serves more than 100 hunger relief organizations across Denver, and has so far saved 220 million servings of food. (Galatas)

Denver nonprofit tackles food waste, hunger

By Taylor Haelterman for Triple Pundit.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-P…

The 2023 Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act (H.R. 4999/S. 2619), sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, was a revised version of the 2021 bill, which also failed to pass. (Pixabay)

EATS Act's future uncertain; advocates warn of continued threat to MS ag

The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act would have prevented states from enforcing their own agricultural regulations, but has failed to …

Worldwide economic losses from extreme weather events in 2022 totaled $313 billion, according to the University of Nebraska, where climate researchers work to predict dangerous weather patterns. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska climatologists collaborate for better weather prediction

The University of Nebraska's High Plains Regional Climate Center in Lincoln is working with weather experts in nearby states to collect and use climat…

Experts say potential health impacts from exposure to nitrates from farm runoff include thyroid problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes and certain types of cancer. (Adobe Stock)

New lawsuit says MN needs tougher action on nitrate pollution

The State of Minnesota faces a new lawsuit over the connection between harmful nitrates from farm fields and the threat they pose to natural resources…

Researchers in industries from food production to textiles to technology are using microbes to make products like bioplastics, biofuel, metals and animal feed. (Adobe Stock)

WI researchers use microbes to transform wastewater

By Carolyn Beans for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reportin…

Small streams account for a very small percentage of total surface area, yet a study found they contribute 20% to 30% of total nitrous oxide emissions, making them

IL research shows high greenhouse gas levels in farm streams

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service C…

The average Colorado feedlot now holds 13,000 cattle. (Adobe Stock)

Map spotlights drinking water risks of CO factory farms

Some one million cattle confined in Colorado factory feedlots produce 24 billion pounds of manure each year. That's four times the amount of feces …

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said farmers' investments in necessary equipment are substantial. Base model John Deere tractors range from $10,000 to $30,000. (Adobe Stock)

IL farmers: John Deere right to repair suit 'common sense'

Some Illinois farmers say a lawsuit against equipment manufacturing titan John Deere is long overdue, and they hope the outcome is not more laws but …

Nebraska raised about 10.5 million chickens in 2023, a 13% increase from 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting Nebraska workers from avian flu

A bill has been introduced in Lincoln to protect workers in the agriculture sector from dangerous workplace practices and get ahead of a potential avi…

Factory farms are responsible for between 11% and 20% of global greenhouse emissions, according to the group World Animal Protection. (By Larry Rana-USDA, Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

UN Green Climate Fund invests in KY factory farming, report finds

By Sophie Kevany for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

Iowa produces around 2.5 billion bushels of corn annually, making it the nation's top corn-producing state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa farmers on board with corn-based jet fuel

A company working to create sustainable energy sources is investing in corn to make jet fuel, which it said burns far cleaner than the traditional…

Under the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, the maximum grant amount for irrigation/canal companies is $1,000,000, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (Adobe Stock)

Utah program incentivizes farmers to optimize water use

A Utah grant program is aiming to incentivize farmers to optimize their water use. Historically, Utah agriculture has accounted for up to 80% of the …

The Climate-Smart Program includes participating farmers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

New program shows environmental impact of green farming

Some Wisconsin farmers are now able to see the environmental effects from their sustainable farming practices through a new conservation program that …

Since 2022, nearly 135 million domestic birds in all 50 states have been affected by avian flu. <br />(hedgehog94/Adobe Stock)<br />

As more bird flu cases reach MI, infectious disease expert shares insights

Seven cases of H5N1 avian flu have been reported in Michigan since Dec. 16. The first case was discovered at a poultry facility in Ottawa County…

Larger livestock operations have become a flashpoint in Midwestern states, with backers saying they are modernized to feed the world at lower costs. But some local communities and environmentalists remain skeptical, with air and water quality concerns. (Adobe Stock)

SD pushes to keep certain CAFO details nearly out of reach

Larger livestock operations can be a thorny issue in rural areas and South Dakota lawmakers are proposing restricting feedlot details with more commun…

The Federal Trade Commission and farmers' advocates said when producers have to wait in line for a repair at a John Deere dealership, they are losing money by not being in the field. It underscored a new lawsuit seeking to establish more repair options. (Adobe Stock)

'Right to repair' case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Farmers in North Dakota and the rest of the country are monitoring an evolving legal case against a giant equipment manufacturer and they said repair …

The Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the Westslope cutthroat trout are both threatened species. Projects along Wyoming's Hoback River could help. (Neal Herbert/NPS)

Federal funding to help restore WY's Hoback River native fish habitat

Wyoming agencies will receive about $1.25 million in federal funding to help reconnect native fish migration routes on the Hoback River. The money …

Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Adobe Stock)

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Montana is a U.S. leader in the growing industry of sustainable aviation fuel. Experts in the field, and in the agricultural sector, hope to see new …

President-elect Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is a fan of raw milk, which can contain dangerous pathogens and spread zoonotic diseases, like avian flu. (Adobe Stock)

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration…

Federal funds will help restore Flint Creek and Jefferson River in Western Montana, benefiting wildlife, including trout, bears and migratory birds. (Melnik/Adobe Stock)

River restoration funding a 'win-win' for MT wildlife, farmers

During President Joe Biden's final weeks in office, the Interior Department has announced $41 million in support of water resources and ecosystem …

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is the nation's second-longest serving U.S. Agriculture Secretary. The first was James

'Revolving door' politics could threaten Iowa's small farmers

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration The…

Climate change threatens many New Mexico crops, including chiles, onions, garlic and pecans. (TatianaEvdokimova/Adobe Stock)

Stakes high for New Mexico ag growers awaiting new farm bill

Experts agree climate-smart agriculture will be critical in the fight against climate change. But with a divided Congress and no update to the Farm …

Feral hogs breed year-round and can have up to 12 piglets per litter, making population control difficult. (byrdyak/Adobe Stock)

Wild hog eradication cut from Farm Bill but funding needed, MO expert says

The last Farm Bill allocated $75 million to reduce feral hog populations around the country but this year, funding has expired, which could be a …

Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest producer of soybeans and corn, making agricultural policies like the Farm Bill critical for its economy. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

In recent years, the meat industry took out full-page ads in newspapers, and placed a $5 million Super Bowl commercial, claiming that meat is

How 'big meat' worked to rebrand in 2024 using disinformation

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service C…

The top cancers diagnosed in Iowa in 2023 were breast, lung, colon and rectal, and skin melanoma, according to research by the University of Iowa's Cancer Registry Report. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates call on Iowa lawmakers to defeat 'Cancer Gag Act'

Advocates for small communities in Iowa are calling on state lawmakers not to pass the so-called "Cancer Gag Act," which they said would give pesticid…

When corporate-sized farms gain a presence in rural communities, skeptics said the added economic activity can have side effects, such as larger trucks leading to deteriorated roads. (Adobe Stock)

ND to debate how close large livestock sites can sit near communities

In North Dakota, 2025 could be another year when the state puts out the welcome mat for the livestock industry. Following task force recommendations…

Nebraska produced more than 7.6 billion pounds of beef in 2023, remaining among the nation's leaders in beef production. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Some farm advocates in rural America, including Nebraska, are calling on the Trump administration to continue investing in small communities…

Struggling to meet the pressures imposed by a dwindling population, Iowa is looking at ways to allow minors to work more hours and fill companies' employment needs. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

Iowa lawmakers are considering reducing fines companies pay for breaking child labor laws. The state has said it's trying to find safe and creative …

As apex carnivores, wolves sit at the top of the food chain, affecting everything in surrounding ecosystems, from elk to soil. (Adobe Stock)

Livestock industry still howling about wolves' return

It's been 30 years since wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park, a move that remains controversial today - as Colorado's livestock …

Petitioners for the Delevan Lake Watershed Agricultural Enterprise Area hope to promote water quality to protect local surface water and build relationships between agricultural producers and watershed stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin adds more protected ag lands to its count

Wisconsin has just added more than 30,000 acres across two counties to its protected agricultural lands, advancing its commitment to preserve the …

According to the USDA, hired farmworkers represent less than 1% of all U.S. wage and salary workers, yet they are vital to the nation's agricultural industry. (Adobe Stock)

Farm workers rally as deportations threaten NC families, economy

Organizations supporting farm workers are ramping up efforts to protect immigrant laborers in light of looming mass-deportation threats. About 40% …

A crew helped Jim Hoffman build beaver dam analogs on his cranberry farm in central Wisconsin. (Jim Hoffman)

WI farmer uses 'mock beaver dams' to restore wetlands

By Bennet Goldstein for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public New…

Along South Dakota's Rosebud Reservation, Sicangu Co. members Mayce Low Dog and Karen Moore harvest local plants. (Photo courtesy of Grace Hussain)

For SD tribe, food sovereignty means eating climate-friendly

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

If confirmed, Brooke Rollins will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees, running on an annual budget of $437 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Pres…

Congress recently passed a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, allocating $20 billion for federal farm programs and an additional $10 billion in direct economic relief aimed at helping farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Small farmers in Mississippi seek greater support amid rising costs

Small farmers across Mississippi are calling for more government support to help navigate rising costs and industry challenges. Robbie Pollard…

After realizing their limited capacity to implement statutory state conservation programs, Wisconsin replaced the district model in 1982 with a county-based model, which joined overlapping issues like parks and planning with conservation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WI’s conservation model an 'untapped' resource

Wisconsin is the first state in the country to run its conservation programs by county rather than by district. One conservation advocate said …

Congress recently extended the Farm Bill for one year, providing $20 billion for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic aid to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Small FL farmers face rising costs, call for infrastructure support

Small farmers are calling for more government support as they navigate rising costs and industry challenges. Pedro Velez and Maria Ramirez co-own …

An undercover investigator looking into abuse at animal auctions says mistreatment becomes normalized, as workers are pressured by management to move animals in and out, quickly. (Photo courtesy of Ron Chiang/We Animals)

Livestock undercover: How good people do bad things to animals

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

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Rural/Farming

OH group wants federal accountability for Lake Erie phosphorus reduction

Report: Nitrate levels continue to rise in eastern OR groundwater

MI professor spotlights 'smart agriculture'

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

Factory farm advocates’ blind spot on food system reforms

A renewed push for EATS Act amid FL agricultural battles

Report: Harmful pesticides found in CT rivers, groundwater

Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

Watchdog group asks lawmakers for more Iowa CAFO oversight

Denver nonprofit tackles food waste, hunger

EATS Act's future uncertain; advocates warn of continued threat to MS ag

Nebraska climatologists collaborate for better weather prediction

New lawsuit says MN needs tougher action on nitrate pollution

WI researchers use microbes to transform wastewater

IL research shows high greenhouse gas levels in farm streams

Map spotlights drinking water risks of CO factory farms

IL farmers: John Deere right to repair suit 'common sense'

Protecting Nebraska workers from avian flu

UN Green Climate Fund invests in KY factory farming, report finds

Iowa farmers on board with corn-based jet fuel

Utah program incentivizes farmers to optimize water use

New program shows environmental impact of green farming

As more bird flu cases reach MI, infectious disease expert shares insights

SD pushes to keep certain CAFO details nearly out of reach

'Right to repair' case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Federal funding to help restore WY's Hoback River native fish habitat

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

River restoration funding a 'win-win' for MT wildlife, farmers

'Revolving door' politics could threaten Iowa's small farmers

Stakes high for New Mexico ag growers awaiting new farm bill

Wild hog eradication cut from Farm Bill but funding needed, MO expert says

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

How 'big meat' worked to rebrand in 2024 using disinformation

Advocates call on Iowa lawmakers to defeat 'Cancer Gag Act'

ND to debate how close large livestock sites can sit near communities

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

Livestock industry still howling about wolves' return

Wisconsin adds more protected ag lands to its count

Farm workers rally as deportations threaten NC families, economy

WI farmer uses 'mock beaver dams' to restore wetlands

For SD tribe, food sovereignty means eating climate-friendly

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

Small farmers in Mississippi seek greater support amid rising costs

WI’s conservation model an 'untapped' resource

Small FL farmers face rising costs, call for infrastructure support

Livestock undercover: How good people do bad things to animals