Working with a data analyst, my students detected dozens of errors in draft permits to spread meatpacking sludge on farmers' fields. Neighbors have been concerned about runoff from the waste, which can contain raw animal parts. columbiamissourian.com/news/state_new…

With environmental journalism needed now more than ever, we are growing! Meet the first of our 11 new reporters, who will start in Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk Report for America partner newsrooms in July!

Tonight, Maria Parazo Rose will share her work on Grist's "Misplaced Trust" project with the Mizzou Journalism. Get there at 5:30 for the free pizza, stay for the mind bomb. journalism.missouri.edu/2024/04/scienc…

This week, I got to do something that journalists are not always given the opportunity to do after they publish stories: return to the community they spent months reporting at to distribute the story in person. 🧵

This farmer's work was ruined by PFAS-contaminated fertilizer that few Midwest states test for stlpr.org/news/2024-03-1…

Floods, droughts, and news deserts: How local news nourishes communities linkedin.com/pulse/floods-d… via LinkedIn

In 1923, a fisherman learned of a plan to drain the pristine backwaters of the upper Mississippi for farming. Within a year, he got a law passed to protect it in perpetuity. This is the story of the Upper Mississippi River Nat'l Wildlife & Fish Refuge. jsonline.com/story/news/202…

Industrial food waste and sewage sludge are spread on millions of acres of farmland nationwide. Some call it free fertilizer, rich in nutrients. Others say the practice should be halted due to emerging contaminants. Our investigation for @comissourian columbiamissourian.com/news/state_new…

So true. Cover crops get a lot of attention, but still not a lot of uptake.

Wow! Our capstone project from last spring won the student journalism award from Online News Association! Thankful for Cynthia Barnett and all the students from Mizzou Journalism and UF College of Journalism and Communications who spent a semester digging into fertilizer! Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk

Calling all Mississippi River enthusiasts! 🌊 Join us with The New Territory and @kbia at @skylarkbookshop on Sept 24th to dive into @boyceupholt’s book The Great River: The Making & Unmaking of the Mississippi. RSVP now! skylarkbookshop.com/new-events/202…

Excited that "The Price of Plenty" has received more national recognition, this time from the SPJ 2023 Mark of Excellence. columbiamissourian.com/priceofplenty/

Ready for the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk conference at Mizzou 💛

Riverboats carried more than cargo—they spread jazz and blues along the Mississippi! From Louis Armstrong to delta blues musicians, the river’s role in American music is undeniable. Read more here from Maddy Heim, Journal Sentinel mississippitoday.org/2024/10/08/rol…

We are blessed and excited to be part of Press Forward's inaugural cohort of grantees. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with us and get fresh agriculture and environmental news from across the Mississippi River Basin. agwaterdesk.bluelena.io/f/3

While you're fretting over the election, take action and do something that makes you feel good! Support the Ag & Water Desk in our very first NewsMatch campaign. Donate here: mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item…

Ever heard of parametric insurance? It's a hot new thing. The Ag & Water Desk explains!

A salty river is a public health crisis, contaminating drinking water for thousands in southeast Louisiana. Learn more from Eva ሄዋን with New Orleans Public Radio and Lily Carey with Sierra Magazine: wwno.org/coastal-desk/2…