Sept. 19, 2024 The Midwest Center For Investigative Reporting
What the election means for climate change and agriculture
For many farmers, climate change is a matter of survival.
“Whether you grow cows or grow corn or both, we live and die by the weather forecast,” said Hans Breitenmoser, a 55-year-old dairy farmer from Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
In this week’s story, Investigate Midwest explored the vast differences between the two presidential candidates’ views on climate change and the impact the election could have on the agriculture sector.
Vice President Kamala Harris hasn’t been detailed in her plans for agriculture and climate change, but the Biden-Harris administration has a track record of investing billions in “climate-smart” agriculture.
Former President Donald Trump has a history of downplaying climate change and his plans for deregulation could increase greenhouse gas emissions. But his supporters say the nation’s farmers are already some of the best conservationists and don’t need the government telling them how to farm.
— John McCracken, reporter
Harris’ and Trump’s contrasting plans for agriculture and climate change action
By John McCracken, Investigate Midwest
Hans Breitenmoser believes that regardless of a farmer’s political affiliation, everything comes down to the weather.
“Whether you grow cows or grow corn or both, we live and die by the weather forecast,” said Breitenmoser, a 55-year-old dairy farmer from Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
That’s why the impact of climate change policies from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on the agriculture sector is top of mind for the lifelong farmer.
Investigate Midwest researched the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations to better understand what could be at stake this election at the intersection of environment and agriculture.
“You’ve got one administration that’s taken this thing seriously and understands that we can have a robust economy while becoming greener,” Breitenmoser said, "and then you’ve got the other side who doesn’t even think there’s a problem."
Read more.
GRAPHIC: Dairy farmer profits sink as industry continues to consolidate
By Jennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest
The average American dairy turned a profit only three times in the past 20 years. In one of those instances, dairy farmers made just one penny of profit after expenses per 100 pounds of milk produced, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In the past two decades, the U.S. has lost more than half of its dairy farms – 61% – even while milk production has grown. The industry has experienced a dramatic shift in production practices as farms got larger, with more concentrated in fewer counties throughout the U.S.
Search the graphic.
Last chance for tickets to Sunset on the Farm
If you enjoy wood-fired pizza, tasty local wine and live music, you won't want to miss our annual Sunset on the Farm event this Sunday at the Walker Homestead. Oh, there are make-your-own s'mores kits. And a silent auction with lots of goodies to bid on.
It's a good time. We'd love to see you there. Here are the details:
What: Sunset on the Farm: An evening of fun, food, live music and good company in support of Investigate Midwest's IowaWatch newsroom.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Walker Homestead Farm and Winery, 3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52246
Tickets: $25 for kids over 5, $50 for adults; includes unlimited wood-fired pizza, salad and a make-your-own s’mores kit
ICYMI: SEC fines John Deere about $10M for bribery scheme in Thailand
By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest
John Deere, the major farm equipment manufacturer based in Moline, Illinois, was fined about $10 million for a bribery scheme led by its subsidiary in Thailand, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The fine, announced last Tuesday, comes after the company’s subsidiary, named Wirtgen Thailand, bribed Thai officials to win business in the country, the SEC said. The scheme violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and John Deere did not admit or deny the agency’s findings.
Read more.
OPINION: Will ag producers with contaminated farmland be left out in the cold?
By Dave Dickey, Columnist
Texas state courts have become ground zero in a complaint to determine whether farmers can be held liable for PFAS contamination discovered on their crop land. The Environmental Working Group reports the number of known “forever chemical” sites across the United States are increasing at an alarming rate.
PFAS have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer as well as damage to the liver and immune system. Needless to say, state governments have sat up and taken notice, and many are requiring public water facilities to conduct new tests to measure PFAS in the drinking supply. Including Texas.
Read more.
News from our partners
Another Midwest drought is causing transportation headaches on the Mississippi River
By Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News
Investigate Midwest is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Our mission is to serve the public as a watchdog over influential corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
