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Americans struggle to feed their families
Frank Newport Aug 23, 2012
New data from Gallup shows that 25 percent of Mississippi residents have struggled to feed their families at some point over the last 12 months. On average, 18 percent of respondents in the U.S. say they've lacked money for food at least once recently.
Subsidies keep Texas cotton farmers growing
Scott Tong Aug 17, 2012
The aid, which dates from the Great Depression, could end when Congress acts on the next farm bill. The World Trade Organization has ruled it's an illegal subsidy, and legislators are looking for budget items to slash.
With summer heat turned up, businesses adapt
Adriene Hill Aug 13, 2012
Both drought and heat are taking their toll on small businesses, but businesses find ways to get by and even prosper.
Missouri cattle rancher still hopes for rain
Kai Ryssdal Aug 13, 2012
Cattle rancher Ken Lenox says farmers in Missouri are struggling with the Midwest drought. Some have resorted to tapping wells they haven't used in decades to provide water for their herds.
U.N.: Ease ethanol production to aid global food problem
Eve Troeh Aug 10, 2012
The U.S. drought is fueling a corn shortage that's driving up prices around the globe. And yet, federal support for corn ethanol -- a fuel additive -- means some 40 percent of U.S. corn will be turned into ethanol this year.
Drought brings questions over supremacy of corn
Scott Tong Aug 10, 2012
The Midwestern drought is taking its toll on the corn crop, but over the years, more and more acres have been devoted to corn.
U.S. ag secretary on the drought's effect on food prices
Kai Ryssdal Aug 9, 2012
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discusses what the drought will mean for farmers and food prices, and the administration's plans to try and help.
Midwest drought parches the ranching industry
Frank Morris Aug 6, 2012
Out on the plains, drought is parching everything from corn to cattle. And when the prairie grass burns up, so does a business model that depends on it: ranching.
Crop failed? There's insurance for that
Adriene Hill Aug 3, 2012
Even in severe drought, farmers who grow commodity crops such as corn and soybeans are significantly protected by insurance they buy from private insurers. The ultimate insurer in a disastrous year? Taxpayers.
Drought hits bread basket's food banks
David Martin Davies Aug 1, 2012
Food banks across the plains are being hit with a triple whammy -- fewer donations from farmers, a decline in donations from the federal government and an uptick in demand.
