In the Toxic Terrain series, former New York Times reporter Keith Schneider examines the rampant overuse of farm fertilizers in US agriculture, and the dire consequences for human and environmental health.
The project is supported by the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the Fund For Investigative Journalism. Several articles have been co-published by other outlets, including the Guardian, Circle of Blue, and Investigate Midwest.
Receive the latest news and environmental insights by subscribing to our newsletter.
Your donation powers fearless reporting and helps us hold the powerful accountable — give today.
Read the articles below.
Toxic Terrain
In the Toxic Terrain series, former New York Times reporter Keith Schneider examines the rampant overuse of farm fertilizers in US agriculture, and the dire consequences for human and environmental health. The project is supported…
“A national scandal” – new US climate funding could make water pollution worse
By Keith Schneider The $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act was applauded by a chorus of US organizations and activists enthusiastic about the generous funding earmarked for projects designed to mitigate harmful climate change and improve…
As US pushes “climate-smart” agriculture, hopes and fears collide
By Keith Schneider For decades, leading US farm leaders have likened efforts to rein in harmful climate change as attacks on agriculture itself, aligning with oil and gas industry groups to block policies aimed at…
In Iowa, a tale of politics, power, and contaminated water
By Keith Schneider IOWA CITY, IOWA – Here in the heart of US farm country, the wretched quality of Iowa waterways is a well-known lament. Farm fields laden with synthetic fertilizers and manure produce bounties…
Reporting project examines the scandal of US farm pollution
By Keith Schneider There’s no way to describe farm-related nutrient pollution other than what it is – a national scandal. A tiny minority of Americans, half of one percent, is grossly fouling the waters for…
Native American tribe takes a stand to protect its natural resources
By Keith Schneider MAHNOMEN, Minn. – It’s been centuries since the White Earth tribe migrated west across North America, following an ancestral prophecy to go where “food grows on water.” One of seven Ojibwe bands…
Advising farmers on fertilizer, universities add to water pollution woes
By Keith Schneider WINONA, Minn. – Corn drapes every curve and rise here in Winona County, Minnesota – seemingly endless fields of grain that contribute to the food, fuel and finances of a robust US…
Could farm fertilizers be driving Corn Belt cancers?
By Keith Schneider BERNE, Minn. – It was a hot afternoon in mid-July and 60-year-old Brian Bennerotte was making a pilgrimage of sorts, navigating a shotgun-straight, gravel road south of Minneapolis on a journey through…
“What we’re up against” – North Dakota towns fight Farm Bureau to try to keep water clean
By Keith Schneider DEVILS LAKE, ND – When Clark Steinhaus first heard about a plan to build a feeding operation for 2,499 hogs near the shoreline of North Dakota’s largest natural lake, he was alarmed.…
Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest from Iowa and beyond.