Dana - Illinois Newsroom

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Dana Cronin

Agriculture and Environment Reporter

Dana Cronin covers agriculture and the environment for Illinois Newsroom and Harvest Public Media, a Midwest reporting collaborative focused on food and agriculture. Her work is regularly featured on national broadcasts, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, PBS Newshour and Science Friday.

Dana started reporting in southern Colorado at member station 91.5 KRCC, where she spent three years writing about everything from agriculture to Colorado’s highest mountain peaks.

She then went to work at her hometown station, KQED, in San Francisco. While there, she covered the 2017 North Bay fires. She also spent two years at NPR’s headquarters in Washington D.C., producing for shows including Weekend Edition and All Things Considered.

She is the recipient of numerous journalism awards, including an Edward R. Murrow award and an award from the Public Media Journalists Association.

White House’s upcoming hunger conference could have huge policy implications for food security

WASHINGTON D.C. — For the first time since the Nixon administration, the White House will hold a conference on hunger, nutrition and health, bringing together

Black and brown farmers say Inflation Reduction Act breaks promise of relief for ‘past wrongs’

The massive Inflation Reduction Act has equally massive consequences for farmers of color who were promised debt relief more than a year ago. The legislation

When it comes to chemical fertilizer – less is more, new study says

Farmers can use far less chemical fertilizer — which can be expensive and harmful to the environment — and maintain high crop yields, according to

Carbon is agriculture’s latest money-maker. But is it enough to combat climate change?

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — If you take an aerial view of Jason Lay’s farm in mid-April, it would look like a green dot amid a sea

From ‘Asian carp’ to ‘copi,’ an ugly fish gets an appetizing marketing makeover

The invasive fish species known as Asian carp now goes by “copi,” in an effort to get more of them out of Midwestern waterways and

One year later, farmers of color are still waiting on billions of federal relief dollars

The American Rescue Plan promised $4 billion in debt relief to “socially disadvantaged farmers.” But a swarm of lawsuits from banks and white farmers alleging

Black farmers have lost $326 billion worth of farmland, study says

For the first time, researchers have assigned a value to the Black-owned farmland lost over the past century. Throughout the 20th century, Black farmers in

Antique tractor sells for $1.47 million in Illinois, shattering the world record

The 1913 CASE 30-60 is one of just five that still exist, making the model highly sought after by antique tractor enthusiasts. A century-year-old tractor

Most farmers are climate skeptics. But it turns out improving their soil also fights climate change

This story was produced in partnership with the Food & Environment Reporting Network Climate change is not a big concern for Lin Warfel. Sure, he’s

People of color don’t feel welcome at many farmers markets. A new initiative aims to change that

For some Midwesterners, farmers markets are a quintessential summertime tradition touting local, healthy food and laid-back community gathering spaces. But people of color say many

Local farmers started selling online during the pandemic. That trend is here to stay

PLEASANTVILLE, IA — When the pandemic first hit, Maureen Schletzbaum had to figure out how to sell her produce while avoiding human contact. Normally, she’d

This Midwest family lost their dog to toxic algae. So why aren’t states doing more testing?

CENTRALIA, Ill. — It was supposed to be a fun weekend getaway to celebrate Mandi Miller’s 30th birthday. She and her husband, Austin Elkins, chose

The war in Ukraine could cause a global food crisis, U of I professor warns

URBANA – Ripple effects from the war in Ukraine will likely be felt in all corners of the globe — especially when it comes to

Corn ethanol is fueling our cars and climate change, study says

Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005, mandating a certain amount of renewable fuel – namely corn ethanol – be mixed in with traditional

The air in rural areas may be just as toxic as the pollution in cities

URBANA — A new study suggests the notion of clean, country air might be misleading. Traditionally, air quality has been measured by the size of

Illinois just experienced one of its warmest Decembers on record

URBANA – If you felt like December’s weather was mild – you’re right. According to provisional data, December 2021 was the fifth warmest December on

‘The hospitals are full’: Champaign’s healthcare system is overwhelmed by the latest COVID-19 surge

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County is experiencing one of its most intense COVID waves yet. Local hospitals are filling up and at least eight county residents

C-U at Home staffing challenges prevent emergency winter shelters from opening on time

CHAMPAIGN – Staffing shortages persist at C-U at Home – which provides services to those living in Champaign-Urbana without a home. Two emergency shelters that

Food banks scramble to overcome snags in the supply chain and inflation

Clogged supply chains and budget-busting food prices have food banks scrambling to stock pantry shelves. That crunch comes as food banks see increased demand from

More agricultural guest workers came to the Midwest this year than ever before

The Midwest saw a record rise in the number of agricultural guest workers this year helping out on farms, in meatpacking plants and with landscaping

A giant investment firm paid a university to study one of its biggest assets — farmland

TIAA-CREF invests heavily in farmland, so it paid a university to research it. Read Part I and Part III of this series. CHAMPAIGN — In

Do you know what’s in your tap water? This database will tell you

CHAMPAIGN — Do you know what’s in your drinking water? Depending on where you live, you could be ingesting contaminants linked to cancer, brain damage

No pumpkin shortage this year, but climate change could squash Halloween harvests to come

MORTON — The great pumpkin shortage of 2021 is turning out to be as real as Linus’ Great Pumpkin. Neither ever showed. Instead, despite some

Midwest farmers are on track for a record-high harvest, despite a year of extreme weather

GIBSON CITY – In August, nine inches of rain dumped on one of Randy Aberle’s fields of corn and soybeans near Gibson City, Illinois. “We

The Midwest lost two species to extinction, and humans are largely to blame

A century ago, people throughout the Midwest could hear the high-pitched staccato call of the ivory-billed woodpecker echoing in old-growth forests throughout the Mississippi River

Fertilizer Runoff In Illinois Is Still On The Rise, Despite Program Designed To Slow It Down

When it rains on a farm here in central Illinois, the water that runs off into local streams and rivers carries with it excess nutrients

As Climate Change Ramps Up Heat, Farmers Struggle To Keep Animals Cool

RAYMOND — A pig’s ideal temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So on a 90-degree day in the middle of July, Phil Borgic keeps a close

Health Or A Paycheck: New Report Shows How Extreme Heat May Hurt Farmworkers

People who work outside increasingly risk their income, illness and even death as climate change ramps up extreme heat. That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study

New Farmer-Led Initiative Could Lead To More Fresh, Local Food In Schools, Grocery Stores, Hospitals

MOUNT PULASKI – Think about your favorite produce stand at the local farmers market, how fresh and delicious those fruits and vegetables taste. Now imagine

Lack Of Testing Means Millions Of Rural Midwesterners Risk Water Contamination

Millions of rural residents across the Midwest are at risk of nitrate contamination in their drinking water, but they might not know it. Many rural

Champaign Chief Of Police Anthony Cobb To Step Down In August

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Chief of Police Anthony Cobb announced Thursday that he’ll step down from his position. He’s leaving the job to join the Illinois

Cover Crops Can Help Slow Climate Change, But Few Farmers Are Planting Them

Amid a push from the Biden administration for U.S. agriculture to help slow climate change, a new study shows farmers in the Corn Belt are

States Ending Their Pandemic Emergency Declarations Surrender Extra Food Stamp Money

As states like Kansas and Oklahoma let their emergency declarations run out, they effectively take a pass on extra federal help with food stamps. Nearly

New U Of I Class Aims To Dispel Myths About Cannabis

URBANA — When people think cannabis, they often think marijuana. But the cannabis plant takes many different forms, from medicinal cannabidiol (CBD) to industrial hemp.

Illinois Joins Midwestern States In Funding Farm Runoff Reduction Program

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is the latest Midwestern state to earmark funding for a program to reduce nutrient runoff from farmland into waterways. It’s the first

For Farmland Conservation, It Comes Down To Who Owns It

TOLONO — Lin Warfel puts farmland owners in central Illinois into two categories: Those with a deep connection and desire to preserve their land, and

Rural Areas Lag In Vaccination Rates, CDC Report Shows

COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower in rural counties than in urban counties, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hunger Is On The Decline After Pandemic-High, But Impacts Could Be Seen For Years

CHICAGO — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives, including our ability to afford food. Rates of food insecurity skyrocketed during

Air Pollution Impacts People Of Color More Than White People, And The Problem Is Systemic

URBANA — A new study upholds what many already thought to be true: communities of color breathe dirtier air than white communities, and the issue

‘We Need To Be Concerned About This:’ New Report Details How Climate Change Will Transform Illinois

URBANA — 80 years from now, Illinois’ climate may be unrecognizable. Summers could get a lot hotter, with temperatures reaching up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit

It’s Been Six Years Since Illinois Set Out To Improve Water Quality. So Far, Farm Runoff Is Worse

BROADLANDS — When it rains on Joe Rothermel’s central Illinois farm, most of the water drains into the nearby East Branch Embarras River. There, it

Nuclear Power Proponents Speak Out To Save Two Illinois Plants

CHAMPAIGN — Proponents of nuclear power in Illinois are rallying together in hopes of preventing the decommissioning of two nuclear power plants — the Byron

With Illini Fans In Celebration Mode, Champaign County Health Officials Urge Caution

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County health officials are urging caution ahead of the upcoming NCAA tournament, where the University of Illinois men’s basketball team will compete

‘We’re Very Grateful’: For Some Farmworkers, U.S. Work Visas Provide Opportunity For Vaccination

On a recent Saturday, white vans shuttled small groups of migrant farmworkers from the southern Illinois orchard where they work to St. Joseph’s…

One-Dose Vaccine Is Easier And Quicker For Farmworkers, But Some States Fear Backlash

Some states are saying they won’t use Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine to immunize vulnerable, harder-to-reach populations, including…

Midwest Can Tackle Farm Nitrogen Pollution Without Sacrificing Crops, Study Shows

Many researchers have looked at nitrogen pollution hotspots around the country. But a new first-of-its-kind, multi-year study from the University of…

Home Gardeners Are Driving Up Demand For Seeds, And Seed Companies Can’t Keep Up

Steve Larimore was hoping to triple the size of his garden this year. Once the seed catalog arrived at his home near Bend, Ore., Larimore excitedly got…

More Farmers Are Planting Cover Crops Thanks To State Incentive Programs

Last month, the Illinois Department of Agriculture opened applications for its second annual Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program — which provides a…

‘It Was An Incredible Experience’: U of I Professor Tapped By Biden Administration To Transition USDA

URBANA – A University of Illinois professor helped the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) transition from the Trump to the new Biden-Harris administration. Jonathan Coppess

US Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

Sen. Tammy Duckworth Asks Biden Administration To ‘Restore’ Renewable Fuel Standard

A group of senators is pushing the incoming Biden-Harris administration to “restore” the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) — a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas

A Third Of Champaign County Health Care Workers Declined The Vaccine, Health Officials Say

URBANA – Despite more Champaign County residents becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, one-third of health care personnel in the county still aren’t vaccinated

Farmworkers Who Help Put Food On American Tables Struggle To Afford It Themselves

It’s been a tough year for essential workers — nurses, first responders, grocery store workers. But among the hardest hit are agricultural workers, who have

Midwest Hemp Is Still Getting Its Footing, But Growers Aren’t Giving Up Yet

Hemp is a hard crop to grow — just ask Jay Kata. “We were filthy and we were dirty and we were sweaty and it sucked and it was hot and it was miserable…

Lawsuit Alleges Farmworkers Sickened After Pesticide Exposure

In late July 2019, a group of migrant farmworkers from south Texas was working in a cornfield in DeWitt County, Ill., when suddenly a crop duster flew…

Biden’s Win Leaves Farmers Less Optimistic About The Future

In October, Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer recorded its highest-ever index, meaning farmers were at an all-time high level of optimism….

Food Insecurity Disproportionately Affects Certain Regions, U Of I Study Shows

URBANA – Before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of food insecurity were lower than they had been in more than two decades, according to hunger relief

Food Banks Brace For Cold Weather, Holiday Season

URBANA – Since March, Eastern Illinois Foodbank has distributed almost nine million pounds of food. At this point last year, that number was just over

Farm Tools Were Designed For Men. That’s A Problem For The Increasing Number Of Female Farmers.

Dusty Spurgeon is proud to be a female farmer. She and her mother-in-law, Eloise, run Spurgeon Veggies, a small vegetable farm located in Rio, Illinois….

U Of I Preparing To Expand COVID-19 Testing To Champaign-Urbana Community

URBANA – The University of Illinois’ saliva-based COVID-19 testing program will soon be available to the larger Champaign-Urbana community, according to university officials. Currently, the

‘Incredibly Unlikely’ China Will Meet Its Trade Targets, Expert Says

It’s been almost ten months since the signing of the first phase of a trade agreement between the United States and China. In the lofty deal, China…

“Lo arriesgo todo o nada”. La necesidad de trabajar supera las COVID preocupaciones para migrantes

En las afueras de Rantoul, en el centro-este de Illinois, unos 100 trabajadores agrícolas migrantes están viviendo en un viejo hotel localizado en una…

Champaign-Urbana Hosts Only Downstate Women’s March

CHAMPAIGN – On a day when Women’s Marches took place all across the country, hundreds of people gathered at West Side Park in Champaign on

‘Either I Risk It All Or Nothing At All’: Migrant Workers’ Need To Work Outweighs COVID-19 Concerns

On the outskirts of Rantoul, in east-central Illinois, about 100 migrant farmworkers are living at an old hotel in a sleepy part of town. Every day at…

Gardening Is A ‘Silver Lining’ For Many Weary Of The Coronavirus Pandemic

In the midst of what has otherwise been a heavy, unrelenting year, many Midwesterners have found solace in the dirt. So-called “COVID gardens” have…

Farmers Are Getting Another Round Of Coronavirus Aid, But USDA Hasn’t Fully Spent The First One

At a campaign rally in Wisconsin last week, President Trump announced U.S. farmers will receive an additional $14 billion in coronavirus relief aid….

For One Food Insecure Family, The Pandemic Leaves Them With ‘No Wiggle Room’

Ja Nelle Pleasure never used to think twice about putting food on the table for her family. In fact, the Pleasure family revolved around food. One of…

New Mobile Market Aims To Alleviate Hunger In Champaign-Urbana

CHAMPAIGN – Nearly 16% of Champaign County residents struggle to afford food, according to a 2020 Feeding America study. A new bus on the streets

More Demand, Fewer Volunteers Leave Food Pantries Scrambling During Pandemic

Before the pandemic, the food pantry at St. Patrick Church in Urbana, Ill. served meals to more than 100 families per week. They operated with the help…

New Community Food Map Aims To Help Food Insecure Families

URBANA – A University of Illinois Extension team has designed a map for people to locate food resources in their zip codes. It’s tailored to

Farmers Reeling After Storm Rips Through Millions Of Acres Of Crops

Midwestern farmers are beginning to assess crop damage after a high-wind storm, known as a derecho, ripped through the region Monday. Iowa and Illinois were

Help From Uncle Sam Isn’t Reaching All Farmers

When you walk into Cyndy Ash’s barn, one of the first things you notice is a huge burlap sack, bursting at the seams with wool. “We’re sitting on about…

Ask The Newsroom: SNAP Benefits For July And Beyond

Each month throughout the pandemic, Illinois Newsroom has received questions from listeners about whether maximum SNAP benefits will be issued. To find out more about

New Study Reveals Racial Disparities Among Food Insecure Families

The number of families experiencing food insecurity has hit a record due to the pandemic, and Black and Hispanic families are disproportionately…

Local Libraries Reopen After Pandemic-Driven Closures

URBANA – With libraries allowed to reopen under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, both the Champaign Public Library and the Urbana Free Library

C-U Commemorates Juneteenth With Peace Walk, Celebration

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign-Urbana residents celebrated Juneteenth on Friday afternoon with a peaceful march and a small festival in Beardsley Park. Juneteenth is celebrated every year

USDA ‘Lacks Transparency’ In How It’s Distributing Coronavirus Aid

In the past two weeks, the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) has issued about $1.4 billion to agricultural producers to provide a boost…

Peaceful Protest In Champaign Draws Huge Crowd

CHAMPAIGN – Thousands gathered in the streets of downtown Champaign on Saturday afternoon for a peaceful march in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Struggling Rural Grocery Stores Get A Pandemic-Driven Boost

John Paul Coonrod usually recognizes most of his customers. Lately, though, he says there have been a lot of unfamiliar faces at Great Scott! Community…

County Health Officials Worry Meatpacking Plants Are Reopening Too Soon

Meatpacking plants are starting to reopen after President Trump signed an executive order intended to prevent shortages. Now, some county health…

Locally ‘Essential,’ Federally Illegal: How Cannabis Dispensaries Are Handling The Pandemic

Like many small business owners, Amy Manganelli has taken a financial hit since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. So, a few weeks ago, she decided…

C-U Outdoor Farmers Markets Will Open, But With Changes

This weekend marks the opening of Market at the Square, Urbana’s outdoor farmers market held in the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot. Although it will

Farmers Find Help Close To Home As COVID-19 Keeps Some Guest Workers Away

It’s planting season across much of the United States, and for some farmers who rely on foreign guest workers for help in the fields, the pandemic is…

Food Banks Working To Meet Heightened Demand With Less Supply

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more Illinoisans are turning to their local food pantries for help. Meanwhile, with grocery store shelves emptied out and the

Despite COVID-19, Local Farmers Markets Still Plan To Open In May

Despite Governor J.B. Pritzker’s classification of farmers markets as “essential” under his shelter-in-place mandate, the indoor farmers market in downtown Urbana has been closed for

Farmers Who Sell Directly To Consumers ‘Plan For The Worst’ Amid COVID-19

It’s become a common sight at grocery stores across the country: empty shelves , devoid of essential food and household items. Illinois, which is facing…

Corn Growers Struggle Amid Decreased Ethanol Demand

As the price of gasoline plummeted amid COVID-19 restrictions, so has the price of ethanol. And Midwestern corn farmers are beginning to feel the…

Who Can Get Tested For COVID-19 In Champaign County?

With testing kits in short supply, Champaign County health officials are limiting who meets the criteria to get tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by

Farmers Lose Out As Thieves Mistake Hemp for Marijuana

For many farmers, 2019 was the first year of growing hemp, since it became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. In addition to the normal challenges of…

For Many Hemp Farmers, The First Year Was As ‘Bad As It Can Get’

Many farmers are wrapping up a frustrating first year of growing hemp, which was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill . “It’s kind of a good way to start,…

Farmers Are Optimistic About The Economy’s Future

Farmers rounded out the year 2019 generally optimistic about the state of the economy and the future. That’s according to the Ag Economy Barometer, a

Christmas tree sales

More People Returning Christmas Trees To Nature

It’s after Christmas and maybe you’re wondering what to do with the wilting, live tree in your living room. You might think about re-purposing the tree

Dept. of Natural Resources Encourages More Plants At Solar Farms

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging owners of solar energy fields to be more pollinator-friendly. Across the planet, bees and other pollinating insect

Hundreds Discuss Growing Hemp In Illinois

Hundreds of farmers, processors, and researchers gathered at the Illinois state fairgrounds on Tuesday to talk about hemp. It’s been over a year since