farming

The herbicide dicamba can travel for miles, potentially triggering changes in weeds that are essential for pollinator health. Research shows that one weed in particular has an unusual response to being exposed to small doses of the chemical.

There are over 20,000 medium and large-sized concentrated animal feeding operations in the U.S. One family farm in Iowa recently transitioned their industrial hog operation to grow something else: specialty mushrooms.

Across the Midwest, thousands of children and adults with disabilities are waiting for Medicaid waivers to help pay for their care at home. Also, U.S. farmers are looking for more drought-resistant crops. Sorghum could be the answer.

Giant miscanthus is a perennial grass that can be used for energy, building materials and animal bedding. Researchers say it can be planted alongside corn and soybeans and harvested in the winter, offering farmers a way to diversify their income.

A corn infection that farmers dread is also a culinary delicacy in Mexico. Now, farmers, chefs and a secretive vegetable broker are bringing it to one Midwest city.

Food and farm programs historically persist through the farm bill. Packaging multiple cross-party issues into one bill ensures rural and urban legislators come together to pass it. But that coalition has been fracturing over past farm bill cycles, creating uncertainty on the farm and in grocery stores.

A study found a Wisconsin program that pays producers for measured reductions in phosphorus runoff was more cost-effective than a popular federal conservation program.

As farmers face financial uncertainty, the Trump administration has moved to end protections on gray wolves that sometimes prey on livestock. But experts question if it’s the right move for the species.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican in a solidly GOP state, is locked in a close reelection bid in part because of his support for President Donald Trump's trade wars, tariffs and war with Iran. The race is a toss-up and could go to Democrat Adam Hamilton.

The part of the state that produces beef, milk and grain for our region is running out of water. But plans to save the aquifer are under attack for doing either too much or too little.

Farmers are cutting less hay this year due to persistent drought, the soaring price of fuel and a new pest. That’s driving up the cost for livestock producers, who often rely on hay to feed their animals during the winter.

Higher fuel costs touch every branch of the economy, but food distributors are especially vulnerable to price increases. A farmer and food bank leader discuss how more expensive gas is affecting their operations.