Harvest Public Media https://www.wcmu.org/tags/harvest-public-media Harvest Public Media en-US Copyright Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT After ICE raids, immigrants are living in fear. How their neighbors are trying to help https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-11/immigrants-ice-raids-help-efforts The news of ICE raids has quieted in recent months, but many immigrants are still living with uncertainty. Here is a look at the people and organizations who are working to assist immigrants in their communities throughout the Midwest and Great Plains. Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-11/immigrants-ice-raids-help-efforts Sheila Brummer Farmers look at new ways to cut costs as turning a profit gets harder https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-11/farmers-profit-difficult-fertilizer-fuel The cost of doing business in agriculture was already high before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which spiked fertilizer and fuel prices. Now, making any money this season may require farmers to cut back on certain resources. Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-11/farmers-profit-difficult-fertilizer-fuel Michael Marks This program helped underserved farmers access land. Then USDA cut the funding https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Farm organizations were in different stages of a grant process when the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut dozens of projects to help underserved farmers access land and capital. Agriculture leaders say the termination deals a blow to future farmers. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:26:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Anna Pope CSA boxes get people buying fresh from farms, but will customer convenience hurt the mission? https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/csa-boxes-community-supported-agriculture Community-supported agriculture has been a popular way for people to buy produce from local farms for decades. There's new pressure on farmers to offer more customization and convenience – but some CSA supporters worry that may dilute the original purpose. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:24:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/csa-boxes-community-supported-agriculture Hope Kirwan Box turtles are back for the summer. Here’s how to help them survive another year https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/box-turtles-help-survive Ornate box turtles and their kin face steep challenges in today’s world, but people can help out by raising the deck height on their mowers, allowing turtles to cross the road and not taking them home as pets. Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/box-turtles-help-survive Celia Llopis-Jepsen Fed up with sky-high beef prices? Some people are stocking their freezers with a whole cow https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow Once considered a premium option, buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise. But it requires paying more upfront — and enough freezer space. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:18:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow Michael Marks Steep fertilizer and fuel prices could squeeze U.S. farmers for months to come, economists warn https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-30/fertilizer-fuel-prices-farmers The Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade passageway, remains virtually closed due to the war in Iran. That’s driven up the prices of key agricultural necessities, which could remain high into next year. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:10:56 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-30/fertilizer-fuel-prices-farmers Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval Wildfires burned a million Great Plains acres this year. Experts say future preparation is key https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-28/wildfires-great-plains-preparedness-prevention Across Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, large wildfires ripped through pastures, cropland, farm structures and homes. To prevent future loss of life and property, wildfire experts say collaboration, prevention and sacrifice will be necessary. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-28/wildfires-great-plains-preparedness-prevention Macy Byars Bird populations are shrinking faster in agriculture hotspots — including the Midwest, study finds https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-21/bird-population-decline-study-agriculture-link New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:54:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-21/bird-population-decline-study-agriculture-link Abigail Bottar Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/nitrate-pollution-rural-drinking-water-researchers Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/nitrate-pollution-rural-drinking-water-researchers Celia Llopis-Jepsen