Rural Affairs
What’s the Deal with Grass-Fed Food?
Grass-fed evokes livestock on an open pasture and a farmer who is improving the sustainability of their land. But is that what’s behind most of the labeling?
U.S. Hopes to Build Pipelines for Carbon Capture. Landowners Don’t Want Them
Thousands of miles of oil and gas pipelines crisscross the country. Now, more are being proposed to carry things like carbon dioxide to combat climate change.
Agriculture Built High Plains Towns. Now, it Might Run Them Dry.
The Ogallala Aquifer, which spans eight states from South Dakota to the Texas Panhandle, is the primary water source for parts of the region. It’s running dry.
Harvesting Change | Making a Local Meat Market
Cattle rancher Mike Callicrate is rethinking the food chain. He embraces a sustainable approach to raising, processing and selling meat directly to consumers.
New Funding Bolsters Food Chain for Local Producers
Kansas and Missouri are distributing more than $13 million to strengthen local food systems through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.
Who Is the Rural Voter? Book Builds on Old Themes to Create New Understanding
With the help of the largest ever survey of rural voters, two political scientists explore the sources of division between rural and urban America.
Boom or Bubble? High Farmland Prices Encourage Investors, Concern Farmers
Outside investment in farmland continues to increase, but some economists and many farmers worry deep pockets are pushing prices above what the land is worth.
Rural Rebirth: ‘There’s Always Something Going On’ in Baldwin City
Baldwin City went from “sleepy” 20 years ago to a vibrant community thanks to some dedicated locals. Its Maple Leaf Festival will draw thousands this weekend.
Grain Belt Express Wins Final Approval in Missouri
Regulators have given final approval to the owners of the Grain Belt Express transmission line to drop off thousands of megawatts of clean energy in Missouri.
Poor Regulatory Safeguards Leave Farmworkers Suffocating in the Face of Increasing Heat Waves
A fifth of reported heat-related deaths are agricultural workers. Advocates are calling attention to the impact of climate change on this group from heat waves.