This year’s drought is worse than in 2001, when political and environmental tensions exploded into the national spotlight.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Posted inArticles
On the Klamath River, agricultural interests are pitted against the needs of tribes and endangered species
Due to severe drought, irrigation allotments were decreased to lowest amounts in history.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Despite discrimination and drought, Punjabi Americans farm on
As America’s food basket dries out, Punjabi American growers fear the loss of their hard-earned farmlands.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Why Utah’s wild mink COVID-19 case matters
‘Vet-virologist’ Anna Fagre discusses the first positive case detected in the wild — and how ‘spillover’ could impact the West.
Posted inFebruary 1, 2021: End of the Line
Meet the gun-toting ‘Tenacious Unicorns’ in rural Colorado
How a transgender-owned alpaca ranch in Colorado foretells the future of the rural queer West.
Posted inArticles
How one student brings soil science down to earth
Bo Collins’ goofy, profanity-laden social media presence makes scientific research seem humorous and relatable.
Posted inJanuary 1, 2021: No Place Like Home
Will California finally fulfill its promise to fix the Salton Sea?
Decades have passed and millions of dollars spent, yet little has been done to restore the lake. California officials say it’s all been leading up to this moment.
Posted inArticles
Tribal leaders respond to the idea of an Indigenous Interior secretary
Representation is important, and so are policy decisions impacting tribes on the ground.
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Colorado ranchers adapt for a changing climate
Regenerative agriculture can help address drought and topsoil degradation.
Posted inDecember 1, 2020: A Community Divided
Trump administration chops logging restrictions in the Tongass National Forest
But President-elect Biden could reinstate them once in office.
Posted inArticles
Endangered martens are living on the edge in Oregon
A surprisingly dense and isolated population of Humboldt martens challenges assumptions about the species.
Posted inNovember 1, 2020: When the Smoke Clears
Northwest co-op builds for a local food future beyond big ag
‘I’ve always felt like this was something to do in case the world doesn’t end.’
Posted inDecember 1, 2020: A Community Divided
Trump gutted NEPA regulations, but a Biden presidency could restore them
An environmental lawyer discusses the future of the country’s bedrock environmental law.
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Local food movement gains momentum under COVID-19
Some consumers have turned to community agriculture, as the pandemic strains the nation’s food system.
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Tribal leaders oppose online consultations with the U.S. during the pandemic
‘It is not possible to meaningfully convene and internally develop comments at this time when we are at capacity, focused on critical and life-threatening measures.’
Posted inJuly 1, 2020: 'I am here fighting for my life and future children'
Will COVID-19 help save small slaughterhouses?
As laborers for the Big Four meatpackers fall ill, small slaughterhouses see unprecedented demand.
Posted inMarch 16, 2020: Wiring the Wild
What’s threatening the elusive wolverine?
As snowmobilers fight to preserve their pastime, scientists worry about the future of the species.
Posted inArticles
‘Men like you weren’t meant to own land’
Rural Colorado has a history of discriminatory lending.
Posted inArticles
Can better broadband and big data save rural America?
Independent farms need better internet to survive, let alone to compete with the large agriculture industry.