What we're reporting and who we'd like to hear from
Several of our reporters are digging into new projects this summer. Here's a preview of three stories currently taking shape and the people we'd like to hear from.
The push into textiles
A new reporting project from summer writing intern Caspar Dowdy will examine the growing interest in natural fibers and what it could mean for American agriculture.
Caspar is exploring an unexpected debate emerging from the Make America Healthy Again movement. As some advocates and policymakers push for greater use of natural fibers and renewed investment in American cotton production, he's examining what that could mean for farmers, competing fiber crops and the environment.
Connect with Caspar at caspar.dowdy@investigatemidwest.org.
The cost of staying insured
Senior reporter Sky Chadde recently received a reporting fellowship from the University of Southern California's Center for Health Journalism and is reporting on the issue of health insurance among farmers.
He's looking to talk with farmers about how they obtain health insurance and how those costs fit into their farm and household budgets.
Connect with Sky at sky.chadde@investigatemidwest.org
Signal: im_sky.31
Protonmail: im_sky31@proton.me
Hush Line: https://tips.hushline.app/to/im_sky31
The cattle industry’s next big shift
Reporter Juan Vassallo was recently awarded support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism for a new investigation into major changes underway in the U.S. cattle industry.
His reporting will examine how those shifts are affecting independent ranchers and communities that rely on meatpacking plants. He's particularly interested in speaking with ranchers dealing with drought.
Connect with Juan at juan.vassallo@investigatemidwest.org
As these projects take shape, we'll be looking for sources willing to share their experience. If you have insight into any of these issues, we'd love to hear from you.
— Lauren Cross, assistant editor & audience manager
DATA HARVEST: Energy prices drove most of May’s inflation increase
By Lauren Cross, Investigate Midwest
Energy prices were the primary driver of inflation in May, with gasoline prices up 40.5% compared to a year ago.
For farmers, higher fuel costs can affect everything from running equipment to transporting crops and livestock, adding another layer of pressure as concerns about fertilizer and other input costs continue to grow.
ICYMI: How dangerous is a pesticide? Depends on who you ask.
Missouri is one of many states to use pesticides for crop farming, but regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency are often more lax compared to other countries. These regulations allow for pesticides like paraquat and glyphosate to be used even with allegations that they increase cancer risk.
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