Abbie Fentress Swanson

Scientists check Corn Belt waters for effects of ag runoff

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:13:44 +0000

Eleven miles northeast of Centralia, Mo., five U.S. Geological Survey scientists don waders and bright reflective life jackets to wade into Goodwater Creek. Plenty of fish live in the stream’s murky slow-moving waters, along with snakes, crayfish, mussels and snapping turtles. On this overcast morning, the team collects water samples and checks submerged cages of fathead minnows for eggs.

My Farm Roots: In hip Brooklyn, Missouri native connects with farm past

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:20:27 +0000

This story is part of the 2013 edition of My Farm Roots, a series from KBIA Radio's partner Harvest Public Media that chronicles Americans’ connection to the land. Click here to explore more My Farm Roots stories and to share your own.

Field Notes: How are decisions made about projects that benefit rural America?

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:23:33 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture first began designating funds for rural development in 1933 as part of the New Deal. More federal funds were allocated in the Agricultural Act of 1970. During this fiscal year, the rural development program is administering approximately $38 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants. It’s being used to construct or improve 48 rural libraries, assist 243 projects in the delivery of healthcare and help more than 270,000 low income families get affordable housing, according to the USDA.

Smithsonian plows into farming history

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:47:27 +0000

Visitors to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. only get small glimpses of farming, such as a mural display of immigrant farmworkers planting crops in a 19th century California town. The museum once had an Agriculture Hall, but it was removed in 2006.

Field Notes: Looking inside plants for answers to a changing climate

Abbie Fentress Swanson and Grant Gerlock — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

This is the latest installment of Harvest Public Media’s Field Notes, in which reporters talk to newsmakers and experts about important issues related to food production.

USDA releases labeling rule for meat

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:52:31 +0000

Consumers may soon know more about where their meat comes from because of a long-debated change made by the US Department of Agriculture on Thursday.

How would you vote on Missouri’s ‘Right-to-Farm’ amendment?

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:46:58 +0000

Next year, Missouri voters will get a chance to consider a controversial constitutional amendment that would affirm the rights of farmers to engage in "modern" farming and ranching practices.

Field Notes: Marking the fifth anniversary of the Postville, Iowa raid

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:20:29 +0000

This is the latest installment of Harvest Public Media’s Field Notes, in which reporters talk to newsmakers and experts about important issues related to food production.

Field Notes: 'The Midwest Farmer's Daughter'

Abbie Fentress Swanson and Bill Wheelhouse — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:52:32 +0000

This is the latest installment of Harvest Public Media’s Field Notes, in which reporters talk to newsmakers and experts about important issues related to food production.

For Corn, Fickle Weather Makes For Uncertain Yields

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:25:00 +0000

Last year's drought wreaked havoc on farmers' fields in much of the Midwest, cutting crop yields and forcing livestock producers to cull their herds. This spring, the rain that farmers needed so badly in 2012 has finally returned. But maybe too much, and at the wrong time.

It's almost the end of April, which is prime time to plant corn.