Water Pollution Plagues Heartland States: Iowa and Missouri's Fertile Land Under Siege
Iowa, often referred to as the 'beloved stage' of author Sheila Harris's childhood, has become a prime example of what can go wrong when fertile land is over-farmed. The state now holds the second-highest cancer rate in the nation and is on track to claim the top spot.
The problem lies in Iowa's water supply, where excessive nitrates plague almost every municipal water source and private well, contributing to a high risk of cancer. This issue stems from the widespread use of fertilizers and manure produced by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on the state's nearly 84% farmland.
Iowa farmers spent around $7.3 billion in 2022 on fertilizer, agricultural chemicals, and seed, making it a massive market for agribusiness giants such as Koch, Syngenta, Pioneer, and Bayer. The author notes that most of Iowa's corn and soybeans fuel the ethanol and livestock-feed industries, rather than feeding people directly.
The author also draws parallels between Iowa and Missouri, highlighting the karst hydrogeology in both regions, which makes them vulnerable to water contamination. In Missouri, large amounts of tax credits are given to farmers, subsidizing their activities and further contributing to the problem.