Ben Felder

America’s state agriculture commissioners hold significant influence over local farming policies, food safety and environmental regulations.

America's 50 state agriculture commissioners receive far less attention and news coverage than most other statewide officials, such as governors and attorneys general.

However, around 20% of U.S. agriculture is exported to other countries, and nearly half of those exports move through ports closed due to the work stoppage.

Ben Felder, Investigate Midwest Audio file (Oklahoma News Service) Cole McKinney leapt onto the edge of a metal fence and began

Driving down a two-lane country road in east Oklahoma, Anne Fite immediately recognized the large object about a mile away on the horizon. It was another bright red diesel-powered truck rumbling her way, hauling crates filled with hundreds of white-feathered chickens.

Denver voters rejected a proposed ban on meatpacking plants within city limits, keeping open the nation's largest lamb processing facility.

As Trump returns to the White House, we will be centered on uncovering power dynamics, industry influence and regulatory changes that impact the

Champaign, IL (Investigate Midwest)

America's most farming-dependent counties overwhelmingly backed President-elect Donald Trump in this year's election by an average of 77.7%.

Days after being sued by a group of parents objecting to his effort to put a Bible in every Oklahoma classroom, State Superintendent Ryan Walters compared himself to one of America’s greatest historical figures.