Grant Gerlock

Nebraska Carries Out First Execution In More Than 20 Years

Grant Gerlock

For the first time in more than 20 the state of Nebraska, executed an inmate on death row. This came after years of debate over switching to lethal injection, after repealing capital punishment and voting it back into place.

Steve Nelson (right), president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, looks on as Scott Pruitt talks to farmers in Lincoln, Neb.

Embattled EPA Chief Scott Pruitt Faces Anger In Farm Country Over Policy

Grant Gerlock

The EPA administrator met with farmers in midwestern states this week to address frustrations over the renewable fuel standard.

If SNAP Changes, More Work Would Be Required For Food Assistance

Grant Gerlock

Lawmakers disagree over money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — what used to be called food stamps. House Republicans want to expand work requirements for those receiving assistance.

Rural Development Advocates Concerned About Mixed Messages From Trump Administration

Grant Gerlock

The Trump administration has been laying out its priorities for improving life in rural areas. But while the White House wants to boost spending on infrastructure, it is also seeking to eliminate programs focused on growing small businesses. Many who work closely on rural development issues are wondering just how invested the administration in in their concerns.

The USDA says it will give states more flexibility in how they deliver federal benefits known as SNAP or food stamps.

USDA Opens Door For States To Impose New Rules On Food Stamps

Grant Gerlock

The USDA says it will give states more flexibility in how they deliver federal food benefits. That could potentially include requiring drug testing or imposing time limits for adults with children.

The Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Is One Step Closer To Construction

Grant Gerlock

The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted to approve a route for the pipeline, giving TransCanada the permission it needs to build. But there are still big obstacles ahead, both economic and challenges from environmentalists and landowners.

Mueller plans to build his chicken barns in this cornfield just south of his home. His barns would house "breeders," the hens that lay the eggs that will hatch to be raised for meat.

Farmers Take Out Millions In Loans To Raise Chickens For Big-Box Retailers

Grant Gerlock

To slaughter 2 million birds per week, Costco is contracting poultry farmers. But this requires a major financial investment from small producers, and the payoff may not be guaranteed.

Arctic Apples are genetically engineered to produce less of the enzyme that turns sliced apples brown.

Why The Arctic Apple Means You May Be Seeing More GMOs At The Store

Grant Gerlock

The fruit is one of the first GMOs to be marketed directly to consumers, not at farmers. It's headed to test markets this month. And it's a sign of how the science of genetic engineering is evolving.

Lawyer Shortage In Some Rural Areas Reaches Epic Proportions

Grant Gerlock

In Nebraska alone, there are 11 counties without a lawyer — leaving those seeking legal help in the lurch. Efforts are underway to recruit law students to come back home.

Some of the indigenous corn varieties growing in Taylor Keen's backyard. Cherokee White is a kind of sweet corn with white, purple, and yellower kernels that is ground for flour. Green Oaxacan is processed to make hominy and corn meal.

Tribes Revive Indigenous Crops, And The Food Traditions That Go With Them

Grant Gerlock

Members of some Native American tribes are hoping to revive their food and farming traditions by planting the kinds of indigenous crops their ancestors once grew.