Haven’t shared your thoughts yet? Now’s the time!
Hey, it’s Lauren, assistant editor and audience engagement manager at Investigate Midwest! We’re in the home stretch now with our audience survey. So far, we’ve received some powerful responses, and a few key themes keep coming up:
- Small farm struggles & rural challenges – One farmer told us they’ve watched local schools and churches close as corporate agriculture expands. Others worry that small farms are being squeezed out entirely.
- Pesticide use & environmental harm – Some respondents say they’ve personally seen the effects of herbicide drift on their gardens and farms. Others are frustrated by a lack of oversight on chemical use.
- Corporate consolidation in agriculture – Many are concerned about big corporations buying up land and controlling the food system. One respondent called North Dakota “the next Iowa” as corporate factory farms move in.
- Climate change & agriculture – From droughts to extreme weather, farmers and advocates alike are feeling the strain. “We need more reporting on how climate shifts are making farming unpredictable,” one reader shared.
- Food insecurity & access – Some are raising concerns about food deserts and affordability. One response asked: Why is it so hard for everyday people to buy bulk grains directly from Midwest farmers?
Does this resonate with you? There’s still time to weigh in.
Lauren Cross
Assistant Editor/Audience Engagement Manager
