Ben Felder
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Editor in chief at Investigate Midwest, which covers agribusiness and the meat industry / @IMidwest 📧: ben.felder@investigatemidwest.org
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Global food costs continue to rise
Food price inflation has been significant in the U.S. in recent years, beginning with supply chain disruptions that saw prices increase by nearly 10% several years ago and by 3.1% over the past year, according to May data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But while food price inflation has slowed somewhat in the West, prices have continued to spike in many regions worldwide, including parts of the Middle East and South America.
While Western grocery inflation cools, food costs reach critical highs in some emerging economies
Food price inflation has been significant in the U.S. in recent years, beginning with supply chain disruptions that saw prices increase by nearly 10% several years ago and by 3.1% over the past year, according to May data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But while food price inflation has slowed somewhat in the West, prices have continued to spike in many regions worldwide, including parts of the Middle East and South America.
Pesticides, Cancer and the Supreme Court: 5 Things You Need to Know
You must be a CHD Insider to save this article Sign Up Already an Insider? Log in June 12, 2026 › Big Chemical › Health Conditions › News Toxic Exposures After years of lawsuits against agrichemical companies and battles over environmental regulations, the nation’s highest court is expected to rule this summer on a case that could significantly alter the pesticide industry. Here’s what you need to know.
5 things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling Original
This analysis was originally published by Investigate Midwest. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on whether lawsuits can be brought against pesticide and herbicide makers over claims their products have caused cancer. The court heard arguments in the case in April, and the justices appeared split. With a ruling weeks away, here are five things to know about the topic of pesticide use and cancer. 1.
5 things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling
New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free Email Copy Link Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on whether lawsuits can be brought against pesticide and herbicide makers over claims their products have caused cancer. kAm%96 4@FCE 962C5 2C8F>6?ED :? E96 42D6 :?
Five things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on whether lawsuits can be brought against pesticide and herbicide makers over claims their products have caused cancer. The court heard arguments in the case in April, and the justices appeared split. With a ruling weeks away, here are five things to know about the topic of pesticide use and cancer. Numerous studies and an analysis of federal data have shown a potential correlation between pesticide use and cancer.
Five things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on whether lawsuits can be brought against pesticide and herbicide makers over claims their products have caused cancer. The court heard arguments in the case in April, and the justices appeared split. With a ruling weeks away, here are five things to know about the topic of pesticide use and cancer. Numerous studies and an analysis of federal data have shown a potential correlation between pesticide use and cancer.
In Illinois, cancer and pesticide rates typically rise together
Three-fourths of Illinois counties have cancer rates higher than the national average. Those counties also have an average pesticide use rate nearly 25% higher than the state’s other counties. This finding, based on an analysis of data from both the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Cancer Institute, is in line with national figures.
Pesticides detected hundreds of feet away from parks and playgrounds in these 10 Illinois counties
Eighteen different pesticide compounds were detected in public parks and playgrounds at 10 sites across Illinois last summer, including some agrichemicals that drifted at least 3,700 feet from the nearest spray site. The new research, conducted by the Champaign-based nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network, comes days after the defeat of a state bill that would have required pesticide applicators to notify nearby schools and parks before spraying.
Monsanto argues for lawsuit immunity in case before Supreme Court
Key takeaways The case: Monsanto Company v. Durnell concerns a lawsuit brought by a Missouri man who claimed the herbicide Roundup caused his cancer. After a Missouri jury awarded him $1.25 million in damages, Monsanto (Bayer) asked the Supreme Court to rule EPA-approval of agrichemicals should trump state-level claims. What’s at stake?: A win by Monsanto would essentially ban many lawsuits over cancer claims nationwide, despite the company already losing thousands of cases.
Cancer is a statewide problem in Ohio, including in the pesticide-heavy northwest corner
Ohio is at the far eastern end of the U.S. corn and soybean belts, with more than 8 million acres of the crops planted in the state, mostly in the northwest. Northwest Ohio also has the state’s highest use of pesticides, which includes agrichemicals used to control pests, weeds and fungicides. Ohio also has the nation’s 12th-highest cancer rate, but the correlation with pesticide use is not as apparent as in other states.
North Dakota’s Red River Valley a pesticide and cancer hotspot
Eastern North Dakota is a top corn and soybean-growing region, with many of its counties among the nation’s largest users of pesticides and herbicides. It’s also home to higher-than-average cancer rates. Of the top 500 U.S. counties for pesticide use, seven are in North Dakota, all within the Red River Valley.
High herbicide-use counties often have higher-than-average late-stage cancer rates
by Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest, Minnesota Reformer March 20, 2026 window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}); Seventy-one percent of counties that spray the most glyphosate have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates above the...
Counties with heaviest pesticide use see higher late-stage lymphoma rates
Seventy-one percent of counties that spray the most glyphosate have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates above the national average, according to a new data analysis from the advocacy group Food and Water Watch. Last month, Investigate Midwest, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship, published an investigation that found 60% of the top 500 counties for pesticide use had overall cancer rates above the national average.
Counties with heaviest pesticide use see higher late-stage lymphoma rates
Seventy-one percent of counties that spray the most glyphosate have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates above the national average, according to a new data analysis from the advocacy group Food and Water Watch. Last month, Investigate Midwest, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship, published an investigation that found 60% of the top 500 counties for pesticide use had overall cancer rates above the national average.
Counties with heaviest pesticide use see higher late-stage lymphoma rates Original
Seventy-one percent of counties that spray the most glyphosate have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates above the national average, according to a new data analysis from the advocacy group Food and Water Watch. Last month, Investigate Midwest, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship, published an investigation that found 60% of the top 500 counties for pesticide use had overall cancer rates above the national average.
High pesticide-use counties often have higher-than-average late-stage cancer rates
Seventy-one percent of counties that spray the most glyphosate have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence rates above the national average, according to a new data analysis from the advocacy group Food and Water Watch. Last month, Investigate Midwest, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship, published an investigation that found 60% of the top 500 counties for pesticide use had overall cancer rates above the national average.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland Original
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America's heartland
Red Oak, Iowa on January 21, 2026. Photo by Geoff Johnson for Investigate Midwest. Geoff Johnson Lisa Lawler wasn't surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. "With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it," said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
Reading Time: 12 minutes This story was originally published on Investigate Midwest. Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
This story was originally published on Investigate Midwest. Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
This story was originally published on Investigate Midwest. Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
This story was originally published on Investigate Midwest. Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa. “But no one really talks about what’s causing it.” After 10 rounds of radiation and a surgery to remove the tumor, Lawler’s cancer was in remission.
3 charts to better understand the potential link between pesticides and cancer
A majority of the top pesticide-using counties in the U.S. have cancer rates above the national average. For years, pesticide users have claimed agrichemicals have caused cancer, along with other health complications. Courts have agreed, ruling against pesticide manufacturers multiple times. Several scientific studies have also found links between cancer and pesticides, which can drift through the air or run off into nearby rivers and streams.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa. “But no one really talks about what’s causing it.” After 10 rounds of radiation and a surgery to remove the tumor, Lawler’s cancer was in remission.
Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
Lisa Lawler wasn’t surprised when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Her mother had breast cancer and died in 2016. It seemed like cancer had become a common diagnosis for many of her neighbors and friends. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” said Lawler, who lives in rural Hardin County, Iowa. “But no one really talks about what’s causing it.” After 10 rounds of radiation and a surgery to remove the tumor, Lawler’s cancer was in remission.
US Ag Exports Drop In Asia, But Increase In The Western Hemisphere
By Ben Felder U.S. agricultural exports faced significant challenges in 2025, largely due to a global trade war, as President Trump raised tariffs on several countries, who responded with their own hikes or shifts in agricultural purchases. The largest shift came in exports to China, which drastically reduced its purchase of soybeans. Compared to 2022, U.S. agricultural exports to China dropped by 55% last year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
US ag exports drop in Asia, but increase in the Western Hemisphere - Investigate Midwest
U.S. agricultural exports faced significant challenges in 2025, largely due to a global trade war, as President Trump raised tariffs on several countries, who responded with their own hikes or shifts in agricultural purchases. The largest shift came in exports to China, which drastically reduced its purchase of soybeans. Compared to 2022, U.S. agricultural exports to China dropped by 55% last year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
These 17 charts tell the story of the US food system in 2025
Investigate Midwest is a data-centric newsroom. Our weekly Data Harvests aim to visualize key agricultural statistics, and our investigative stories are often rooted in original data analysis. Of the dozens of charts and maps we published in 2025, here are 17 that give a closer look at the state of the nation’s agriculture industry and food system. The U.S.’s cattle herd has shrunk in recent years, largely due to climate-change-fueled droughts, along with with other market disruptions.
Our biggest stories in 2025
From a new presidential administration and sweeping changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the world’s largest retailer entering the beef industry and unchecked water use by a giant poultry producer, 2025 was a year of investigating power across the agricultural industry. Here are some of our biggest stories from the past 12 months. President Trump’s impact on the agriculture sector was significant, but state lawmakers also played an important role in shaping the nation’s food system.
Meat Consumption Grows in US and Asia, While Europe is on the Decline Original
Chart: Ben Felder – Investigate MidwestSource: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook, Our World, in Data and USDA. Residents of the United States and Europe have increasingly eaten more meat since 1960, but the two regions’ meat consumption has diverged over the past 15 years.
Meat consumption grows in US and Asia, while Europe is on the decline
Residents of the United States and Europe have increasingly eaten more meat since 1960, but the two regions’ meat consumption has diverged over the past 15 years. Since 2010, U.S. meat consumption per capita has risen by 10%, while Europe has seen a nearly 19% decline, according to data from the United Nations and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This year, the U.S.’s annual per capita consumption of poultry, pork, beef and other red meat products is estimated to reach 227 pounds per person.
What you should know: Trump's deportations and the impact on the food system
This series is supported by funding from the Chicago Region Food Systems Fund. Over the last several months, Investigate Midwest has been reporting on how the Trump administration is reshaping the agriculture industry through the rollback of immigration programs and a mass deportation campaign. Read This series Beardstown, Illinois, is an example of how immigration crackdowns are impacting Midwestern communities and the nation’s food supply.
These Rural Counties Grow Crops for the World. They’re Also Going Hungry.
While the national food insecurity rate has dropped slightly over the last decade, farming-dependent counties have seen an 11.7% increase. Farming counties saw the second-highest increase among the six federal economic categories—farming, mining, recreation, manufacturing, government and nonspecific—according to an analysis by Investigate Midwest of U.S. Census Bureau and Feeding America data.
Sowing Resilience: Nine stories about food insecurity in rural America
Rural communities across the country are grappling with food insecurity. Schoolchildren, seniors, grocers and even farmers face a food crisis compounded by government cuts and soaring costs. These 9 stories reveal how communities are navigating — and reimagining — the systems that have left them hungry. This series, called Sowing Resilience, is a collaboration between the Institute for Nonprofit News’ Rural News Network and The Associated Press.
These rural communities feed the world. They’re also going hungry.
Over the last four decades, America’s agricultural output has nearly doubled, as the production of livestock and crops has not only fed the nation but also fueled growing food demand in Asia and South America. But in the rural communities that have made the U.S. a global food power, residents are increasingly finding it difficult to access enough food for themselves.
These rural communities feed the world. They’re also going hungry.
Over the last four decades, America’s agricultural output has nearly doubled, as the production of livestock and crops has not only fed the nation but also fueled growing food demand in Asia and South America. But in the rural communities that have made the U.S. a global food power, residents are increasingly finding it difficult to access enough food for themselves.
Deportations threaten South Omaha neighborhood built by meatpacking and immigrants - Investigate Midwest
Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) On June 10, dozens of masked federal agents filed into the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant in South Omaha, presenting a warrant to company officials to conduct an immigration raid. As agents entered the production floor, stunned workers in hard hats and hair nets were told in Spanish to raise their hands. kAmQ|2?@D 2CC:32PQk^Am kAm%96 ?6IE 52J[ AC@5F4E:@? 2E E96 49:4<6?
Denver voters reject meatpacking plant ban, keeping open one of nation's largest lamb slaughterhouses - Investigate Midwest
Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) Denver voters rejected a proposed ban on meatpacking plants within city limits, keeping open the nation's largest lamb processing facility. Denver Initiated Ordinance 309 was rejected by 64% of voters on Tuesday. The ballot initiative, if approved, would have prohibited the construction or operation of slaughterhouses and meatpacking facilities beginning in 2026.
Deportations threaten South Omaha neighborhood built by meatpacking and immigrants - Investigate Midwest
Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) On June 10, dozens of masked federal agents filed into the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant in South Omaha, presenting a warrant to company officials to conduct an immigration raid. As agents entered the production floor, stunned workers in hard hats and hair nets were told in Spanish to raise their hands. "Manos arriba!" The next day, production at the chicken and steak plant dropped 80%, according to company officials.
Trump-backed pesticide report led by RFK Jr. draws fire from agrichemical industry - Investigate Midwest
Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) Membership gives you sneaks peeks into major investigations and behind-the-scenes insights -- plus, you help sustain investigative journalism. A new report linking pesticide overuse to children's health issues has ignited a battle within President Donald Trump's circle of support, pitting powerful agrichemical giants against some organic food advocates.
Deportations threaten South Omaha neighborhood built by meatpacking and immigrants
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. – On June 10, dozens of masked federal agents filed into the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant in South Omaha, presenting a warrant to company officials to conduct an immigration raid. As agents entered the production floor, stunned workers in hard hats and hair nets were told in Spanish to raise their hands. “Manos arriba!” The next day, production at the chicken and steak plant dropped 80%, according to company officials.
Trump-backed pesticide report led by RFK Jr. draws fire from agrichemical industry
Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) — A new report linking pesticide overuse to children’s health issues has ignited a battle within President Donald Trump’s circle of support, pitting powerful agrichemical giants against some organic food advocates. Last month, the Make America Healthy Again commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a report on declining childhood health metrics.
Help us report on cancer in farming communities
Cancer rates are growing in many farming communities. Multiple studies indicate a potential link to widespread pesticide use. Investigate Midwest is undertaking a major investigative series exploring that potential link. This project involves an in-depth analysis of health and pesticide data, investigating the influence of pesticide companies and exploring how state and federal laws are falling short.
Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest, Author at Investigate Midwest
Cancer rates are growing in many farming communities. Multiple studies indicate a potential link to widespread pesticide use. Investigate Midwest is undertaking a major investigative series exploring that potential link. This project involves an in-depth analysis of health and pesticide data, investigating the influence of pesticide companies and exploring how state and federal laws are […] Like this: Like Loading...
Brooke Rollins’ agenda, immigration crackdowns and pesticide worries: our next focus
It’s Fourth of July week, which means we’ve officially entered the second half of the year. At Investigate Midwest, we began 2025 with a renewed focus on covering the incoming Trump administration, including his appointments that have the greatest impact on the nation’s food system. One story investigated efforts by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, to reduce pesticide use.
Pesticide report led by RFK Jr. draws fire from agrichemical industry
A new report linking pesticide overuse to children's health issues has ignited a battle within President Donald Trump's circle of support, pitting powerful agrichemical giants against some organic food advocates. Last month, the Make America Healthy Again commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a report on declining childhood health metrics.
Deportations threaten South Omaha neighborhood built by meatpacking and immigrants
By Investigate Midwest, Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest) On June 10, dozens of masked federal agents filed into the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant in South Omaha, presenting a warrant to company officials to conduct an immigration raid. As agents entered the production floor, stunned workers in hard hats and hair nets were told in Spanish to raise their hands. This is a dummy copyright statement
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