Landlocked farmers are growing saltwater shrimp in a niche market.

Shrimping the Midwest

When Beth Hoffman and her husband moved from the Bay Area to farm sustainably in rural Iowa, they tried some things their neighbors had never seen. Did it ruffle any feathers?

What the Neighbors Think

States are trying — and in some cases, succeeding — to allow teens to work longer hours and in dangerous environments.

It’s Suddenly Legal for Kids to Work in Meatpacking Plants

Funding for the water quality sensor system that monitors ag-related pollution has been axed, making it harder to hold the industry accountable, and nearly impossible for citizens to check the quality of their drinking water.

Iowa’s Water Crisis Isn’t Drying Up Anytime Soon

The proposed pipeline would enable ethanol plants to sequester carbon dioxide out of state. It is profoundly unpopular.

 Proposed CO₂ Pipeline Through Iowa Angers Farmers and Environmentalists Alike

Aiming to address a state labor shortage, a proposed bill would also let employers off the hook if child workers get injured.

Iowa Pushes to Let 14-Year-Olds Work in Meatpacking Plants

This non-native species, with a reputation for herbicide resistance and attacking row crops, is quietly invading Iowa farms. 

All “Iowa” Posts