July 17, 2025 The Midwest Center For Investigative Reporting
Power play at USDA: Brooke Rollins, DOGE and the future of agriculture
When Brooke Rollins took the helm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in February, she proclaimed a "golden age" for farmers and rural America. Six months in, Investigate Midwest has found a starkly different reality, one marked by fear among USDA staff, a devastating loss of expertise, and policies that have reduced funding and resources for many farmers.
This week’s feature story is a deep dive into Rollins' early tenure by senior reporter Sky Chadde.
Sky spoke with multiple agricultural experts and more than 30 current and former USDA employees to better understand Rollins' leadership style, her impact on the department and the profound consequences her administration will have for farmers, rural families and consumers.
"We might see more farming in the dark, essentially," said Michal Happ, a climate change and rural community expert at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, who was critical of the major changes made by Rollins.
Sky’s must-read story also explores how Rollins has tried to navigate decisions beyond her control, including DOGE-directed cuts and President Trump’s targeting of immigrant workers.
— Ben Felder, editor in chief
DATA HARVEST: Who profits when you buy ice cream or butter at the store?
By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest
Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. But while you’re savoring that frozen treat, it’s worth asking: how much of what you paid actually reaches the farmer who produced the milk?
The answer might surprise you: Dairy farmers earn a far smaller share from ice cream than from butter.
That’s because milk undergoes a transformation between the farm and the grocery store, becoming products like ice cream, butter and cheese. Food processors, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and food service providers each play a role through marketing, packaging and processing. These added costs account for a significant portion of what consumers pay at checkout. The “farm share” reflects the farmer’s cut of that final price.
Read more and view the chart here.
ICYMI: USDA forced out critical staff, then tried to bring them back
By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest
Earlier this year, hundreds of USDA scientists and inspectors accepted buyouts, leaving key biosecurity roles unfilled. Facing backlash, the agency urged them to reconsider, warning that invasive pest control and outbreak response would suffer. It’s just one example of the disruption and uncertainty covered in this week’s main story on Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ sweeping and controversial leadership changes.
Read more here.
News from our trusted media partners
A warming climate is changing growing conditions, shifting planting zones northward, The Cedar Rapids Gazette
Investigate Midwest is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Our mission is to serve the public as a watchdog over influential agricultural corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
