Podcast appearances and mentions of grant gerlock

Early voting begins Wednesday in Iowa. All four of Iowa's Republican members of the US House voted for Ohio Representative Jim Jordan in the failed vote for speaker of the House. Plus, we check in on Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy with IPR's Grant Gerlock as we kick off a series of stories on the state's water quality issues.

Experts say that COVID-19 isn't going anywhere. And the newest booster shot should be available in late September and early October. Dr. Ashish Jha, who served as the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, joins us. And, in Florida, Kentucky and Iowa, students starting the new school year will be met with new guidelines and policies. Grant Gerlock of Iowa Public Radio, Kerry Sheridan of WUSF and Jess Clark of Louisville Public Media join us. Then, Herbie Hancock assembles a roster of jazz stars for a tribute concert dedicated to fellow jazz legend Wayne Shorter, who died earlier this year. Hancock joins us to talk about Shorter's life, music and legacy.

Health experts are encouraging Iowans to make sure their children are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before summer vacation starts. The Johnson County Auditor's office is putting the call out for poll workers for the June 7th primary. Plus, IPR's Grant Gerlock introduces us to the three Republicans who want to face Iowa's only Democratic member of Congress.

Host Ben Kieffer and Grant Gerlock talk with guests about bills being crafted by Iowa lawmakers to change education in the state.

A federal appeals court has allowed the state to enforce a law that prevents local schools from imposing mask mandates in districts where no disabled students need masks to protect them. A House subcommittee has advanced a bill along party lines that would allow FDA approved drugs for off-label use on patients who are terminally ill or on life support. Plus, IPR's Grant Gerlock explains how utilities across the Des Moines metro area could soon begin negotiations to change how decisions are made about the region's water supply.

A winter storm is moving through Iowa on Friday and it will make travel conditions hazardous. Governor Kim Reynolds reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court blocking the COVID-19 vaccine-or-test mandate for large companies from taking effect. Plus, IPR's Grant Gerlock tells us about a bill moving through the Iowa legislature that would require low-income Iowans applying for food assistance or Medicaid to take extra steps to prove their identity.

IPR's Grant Gerlock starts off today's show discussing how the federal infrastructure bill will impact Iowa, specifically its water systems. Vanessa Miller of the Gazette talks about a University of Iowa lawsuit involving faith-based student organizations. Randy Meier of the Clinton County Sheriff's office shares the warning signs you may be getting scammed and Iowa Falls farmer John Gilbert talks sustainability practices.

County election officials are urging Iowa voters to return their absentee ballots quickly because it's too late to put them in the mail in some parts of the state. While voting is underway across Iowa to elect candidates to non-partisan offices like city council and school board, IPR's Grant Gerlock explains some of the most partisan issues dividing the country are playing into campaigns. Plus, Iowans now have a new option for reproductive health.

Ben Kieffer starts off the show with IPR's Grant Gerlock to give the latest news from a federal judge who decided to put the state's mask mandate ban on hold. Later, Dr. Eric Dyken discusses the latest news and research on sleep disorders.

Enrollment at Iowa's three state universities are down this year. IPR's Grant Gerlock reports on the Iowa Supreme Court returning to oral arguments this week by revisiting a case where a jury found the Iowa Department of Corrections discriminated against a transgender employee. Plus, The Iowa Department of Corrections has paused a new policy requiring legal mail sent to inmates to first be photocopied.

Demonstrators gathered at the Iowa Capitol on Wednesday to urge Gov. Kim Reynolds to rescind the state's ban on mask mandates. Advocates took to the streets of Iowa City urging officials in Johnson County to give pandemic relief funds to undocumented immigrants and low-wage workers. Plus, IPR's Grant Gerlock talks about the return of the state fair and concerns surrounding COVID-19.

The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution Monday night praising the city manager and police chief's work to reduce racial bias in policing and city services. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains the vote of confidence came as social justice demonstrators at the meeting criticized the city's work on racial inequality. Iowa State University will be a part of a test site of research and development to boost rural broadband connectivity in central Iowa. IPR's Katie Peikes tells us that the university hopes to bridge the rural-urban divide on internet access. Plus, Republicans eyeing a presidential run in 2024 are already descending on Iowa.

The Iowa Board of Regents held its first meeting on Thursday regarding proposed tuition hikes for all three state universities. IPR's Kate Payne has the details about the meeting. Former ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley addressed fellow Republicans in Des Moines Thursday night. IPR's Grant Gerlock reports on the message she brought Iowa Republicans. Plus, IPR Agriculture reporter Katie Peikes reports on how the ethanol industry is working to be a bigger player in helping slow climate change.

The Board of Regents will consider a proposal for tuition increases at the three state universities in a meeting later this week. State lawmakers denied the board's request for an increase in funding in 2021. The number of travelers at Iowa airports is rebounding from the impact of the pandemic, but IPR's Grant Gerlock tells us it is not yet back to normal. Plus, demand for the COVID-19 vaccine in Iowa has dropped sharply and the state hasn't yet reached the level of herd immunity. IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs has an update on the state's vaccination campaign.

Host Ben Kieffer talks to Iowa Public Radio reporters Kassidy Arena and Grant Gerlock.

JBS says it has made “significant progress” bringing meat processing back online after a cyber attack interrupted work at plants across the U.S. this week, including pork processors in Ottumwa and Marshalltown. We get the latest from IPR's Grant Gerlock. Iowa House Minority Leader Todd Prichard of Charles City has announced he's stepping down from the post. Plus, IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric reports on how the state legislature has responded to calls for racial justice over the last year since the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

A cyberattack on the world's largest meat producer has interrupted work at several processing plants in the U.S. IPR's Grant Gerlock details how it impacts the JBS Foods facilities in Iowa. Some advocates in the state say they will be celebrating for two reasons during this year's Pride Month. Plus, after George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis, Sioux City formed a diverse committee to advise the city council on equity and inclusion. But IPR's Katie Peikes explains that some people still feel left out.

Governor Kim Reynolds has set a goal of getting 75% of Iowans vaccinated against Covid by the end of June. Iowa did not reach her goal of getting 65% of Iowans vaccinated by the end of May. The state's coronavirus website shows just under half of eligible Iowans have gotten at least one shot. Starting Tuesday, city buildings in Des Moines are back open to the public for the first time since being closed because of the coronavirus. Plus, in the wake of George Floyd's death, Des Moines passed an ordinance against biased policing. But IPR's Grant Gerlock explains racial justice activists say that a year later the job of carrying it out is incomplete.

There was a lot of action at the Iowa statehouse on Tuesday evening. IPR's Katarina Sostaric tells us that Iowa House Republicans voted to approve amending the Iowa Constitution that says it doesn't protect abortion rights. IPR's Grant Gerlock lays out what's in a billion-dollar education funding bill. Plus, IPR's Clay Masters looks into what public health experts are saying about the return of RAGBRAI in two months and how organizers of this staple of Iowa summers hope to pull off the bicycle ride across the state safely.

The Iowa legislature was busy on Monday. Lawmakers sent a $2 billion health and human services budget to the governor's desk. Leaders also have agreed to a wide-ranging tax bill that'll shift mental health funding from counties to the state. Many school districts plan to keep mask requirements in place at least until classes dismiss for the summer. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains this is after the Iowa Department of Public Health recommended late last week that schools make face coverings optional. Plus, jury selection began in the trial of Cristhian Bahena Rivera. He faces a first degree murder charge in the death of Mollie Tibbetts, who disappeared while on a run in 2018.

Graduation ceremonies at many Iowa colleges and universities are closer to normal this year, with many holding events in-person. But there are still precautions related to COVID-19. The Des Moines City Council will vote Monday evening on whether to extend the time for public comment during council meetings. But IPR's Grant Gerlock explains that the proposal would also limit the number of people who can speak. Plus, we hear from Harvest Public Media's Seth Bodine how higher commodity prices and record levels of government aid have boosted farmland values.

State health officials have confirmed two cases of the commonly called India COVID-19 variant in Iowa. The cases were identified in two adults in Jefferson County. This month, the City of Des Moines is expected to take final ownership of a downtown Superfund site from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. IPR's Grant Gerlock has details on the transition. A new analysis from the Environmental Working Group says Iowa needs to monitor more bodies of water for a toxin that's produced by a microscopic organism called blue-green algae. Plus, Central College in Pella will no longer require students to submit ACT or SAT scores in order to apply.

There was a lot of legislative action at the statehouse in Des Moines on Wednesday. Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the state after the House and Senate voted unanimously to approve the proposal. Governor Reynolds is expected to sign a bill expanding the state's public-funded charter school program. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains it was given final passage on a party-line vote in the Iowa Senate on Wednesday. Plus, a new policy banning family, friends and third parties from sending books into Iowa prisons is raising civil rights concerns among loved ones and advocates.

The Iowa House and Senate are still at odds over the state's health budget. Speakers from different faith and advocacy organizations reminded Iowans to continue the fight for racial equity at a vigil Thursday night in Des Moines. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains that the ACLU of Iowa is suing the state for denying Medicaid coverage for transgender Iowans to receive gender-affirming surgery. The fourth and final candidate vying to be the next University of Iowa president held a public forum on Thursday. Plus, as more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, daily life is beginning to look more like pre-pandemic times and that worries some people. Side Effects Public Media's Darian Benson reports on the anxiety of coming out of the pandemic.

A top workplace safety regulator has warned the Republican leaders of the Iowa Legislature that conditions inside the state Capitol are hazardous and may be exposing workers to the coronavirus. Community activists in Des Moines are continuing to call for a police officer accused in the past of excessive force to be removed as a de-escalation trainer for the department. IPR's Grant Gerlock has a brief recap of Monday's Des Moines city council meeting. Plus, IPR's Katarina Sostaric explains that the city of Cedar Rapids' insurance carrier has agreed to pay an $8 million settlement related to a 2016 police shooting of a Black man.

A top state health expert is urging Iowans to be patient and not make judgments about the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until data has been analyzed by experts. The Iowa City Community School District is shortening the quarantine time for some students exposed to the coronavirus. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains that the district had required a 14-day quarantine but the school board adopted guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health allowing students to go back after 10 days if they show no symptoms or 7 days with a negative coronavirus test. Plus, a small southwest Iowa town has been given the green light to build a levee higher to better defend it from flooding. IPR's Katie Peikes reports on why this doesn't occur much and what's unique about it happening for Hamburg.

Iowa State University officials say a boat with five members of ISU's Crew Club capsized Sunday morning on Little Wall Lake. Three members were rescued and a dive team recovered one body while a fifth member is still missing. The hospitality industry continues to be hard hit by the pandemic but some businesses are beginning to see a route to recovery. IPR's Grant Gerlock discusses recent numbers from Iowa Workforce Development. Plus, a conversation with IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric about proposals moving through the legislature as another deadline approaches for state lawmakers.

Nearly a million Iowans have received the COVID-19 vaccine and some counties are holding large-scale clinics to get them in arms quickly. An Iowa Senate subcommittee is advancing a bill that would lift open enrollment limits in a handful of districts. IPR's Grant Gerlock tells us that those districts have voluntary desegregation plans that supporters say preserve racial and economic diversity. Plus, for hatcheries, getting newborn chicks to their owner by mail is a race against time and weather disruptions make things trickier. We hear a report from Harvest Public Media about how hatcheries handle the extreme weather.

A jury has found Des Moines Register reporter Andrea Sahouri not guilty in a case where she was accused of disobeying police while report on a racial justice protest last summer. IPR's Grant Gerlock has been covering the trial all week and lays out the final day in court. Governor Kim Reynolds says the state is on track to vaccinate the millionth Iowan this week. Plus, a year into the coronavirus pandemic, IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs checked in with some of the state's hospitals and health care workers to see how they're doing.

A Latino civil rights group backed by Democratic attorneys has launched a legal challenge of Iowa's new voting laws. The announcement comes a day after Governor Kim Reynolds signed sweeping election changes into law. The trial of a Des Moines Register reporter who was arrested during a Black Lives Matter protest last summer continued Tuesday in Des Moines. IPR's Grant Gerlock details the testimony that was given by reporter Andrea Sahouri and others who took the stand. Plus, Republican lawmakers in the statehouse spent nearly two hours questioning and berating Ames school officials about their “Black Lives Matter at School” curriculum.

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that gives Iowans less time to vote. It also makes Iowa's mail-in voting window one of the shortest in the country. A bill that would have created a pathway to parole for Iowans sentenced to life in prison is now considered dead. Plus, a journalist for the Des Moines Register who was arrested while covering a protest for racial justice outside a mall in Des Moines last summer is on trial this week. IPR's Grant Gerlock has more from the first day.

On Midwest Week, the Iowa legislature focuses on education, including state aid, school choice, and returning to full-time in-person classes. Herb Trix's guest is Grant Gerlock, reporter for Iowa Public Radio. You can also hear Midwest Week Fridays on WVIK at 6:20 pm during All Things Considered.

Host Ben Kieffer speaks with IPR's Grant Gerlock and Todd Pettys of the University of Iowa College of Law about legislation to pull incentives for tech companies over free speech.

A conversation with professor of meteorology Alan Czarnetzki about why this polar vortex has delivered the most extreme winter weather in years. Also, Iowa Public Radio’s Grant Gerlock has an update on education, Kate Payne on a new bill that would offer the possibility of parole for some Iowans serving a life sentence and wildlife biologist Jim Pease explains how birds and mammals are coping with extremely cold temperatures.

Power cooperatives in western Iowa are warning residents there may be rolling blackouts in that part of the state Tuesday because of increased power demand during extreme frigid temperatures. State officials say they have made no changes to their decision to pause COVID-19 vaccine deliveries for five counties that didn't meet the state's new 80 percent administration threshold. IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs tells us that's causing confusion. Plus, Governor Kim Reynolds is backing a bill that would create scholarships that families could spend on private school. IPR's Grant Gerlock introduces us to perspectives on the school choice debate in Iowa.

Starting Monday, K-12 schools in Iowa must offer 100 percent in-person instruction for families that want it, although frigid temperatures have put off the first day for some districts. That includes Des Moines Public Schools which is taking a virtual day for the weather, but IPR's Grant Gerlock tells us around 20,000 students will return fully in-person this week. Iowa's U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are among the 43 Republicans who voted this weekend to acquit former President Donald Trump of inciting the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Plus, IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric discusses the week ahead in the Iowa legislature.

The fight over whether or not Iowa Speaker of the House Pat Grassley can enforce a mask mandate intensified on Tuesday. A bill advanced by Republicans on an Iowa Senate panel would allow landlords to deny potential tenants based on their use of housing choice vouchers. Plus, IPR's Grant Gerlock explains why Des Moines Public Schools is considering a plan to end its contract with the city police to provide School Resource Officers at its middle and high schools.

River to River host Ben Kieffer is joined by IPR's central Iowa reporter Grant Gerlock to speak with lawmakers and stakeholders about school choice legislation making its way through the statehouse.

Unofficial results indicate Republican Adrian Dickey has beaten Democrat Mary Stewart to be the next state Senator from District 41 in southeast Iowa. Plus, bills advanced in the Iowa legislature that would require k-12 schools to provide in-person instruction full-time during the pandemic. IPR's Grant Gerlock also explains a bill that advanced in an Iowa House Subcommittee that would end tenure systems at the state's regents universities.

Republican state lawmakers are moving quickly to approve two of the education priorities of Governor Kim Reynolds. IPR's Grant Gerlock explains one would require fully in-person instruction during the pandemic and the other would create a program for independent charter schools and accounts to help families pay for private school. Plus, IPR's Kassidy Arena explains how the Payment Protection Plan really affects Iowa Latino-owned businesses.

Conventional wisdom had most people thinking that any gains that Democrats made in the Senate would be nominal. But, unexpected events over the last six months have turned a long-shot into the very real possibility that Democrats take control of the Senate in November. Seats that were formerly considered safe for the GOP are now in play as a result of the Trump administration’s failure to handle the coronavirus crisis and provide a national plan for recovery while simultaneously stoking racial tensions at a moment of national reckoning. In Iowa, a state that President Trump easily won in 2016, Democrat Theresa Greenfield is challenging Republican Senator Joni Ernst, where the latest polling has her up by a few points. Greenfield shared her motivation for getting in the race and what she thinks Iowans want to see in Washington.  You can listen to Amy's conversation with Senator Joni Ernst here. Also, this week President Trump announced new guidelines for school reopenings. He said that public schools in coronavirus hotspots could delay reopening for a few weeks but ultimately that decision will fall to governors. As many schools across the country are expected to begin the academic year in the next month or so, school districts have been grappling with how to manage the reality of COVID-19 with the expectations for curriculum.   In Iowa, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced limitations on remote learning and mandated that at least 50% of the time students spend on learning core subjects must take place in person. Grant Gerlock, a reporter for Iowa Public Radio, shares how schools are dealing with balancing the governor's latest requirements against the well-being of their students and staff. Guests: Theresa Greenfield, Democratic Candidate for Senate in Iowa Grant Gerlock, Reporter for Iowa Public Radio

Conventional wisdom had most people thinking that any gains that Democrats made in the Senate would be nominal. But, unexpected events over the last six months have turned a long-shot into the very real possibility that Democrats take control of the Senate in November. Seats that were formerly considered safe for the GOP are now in play as a result of the Trump administration’s failure to handle the coronavirus crisis and provide a national plan for recovery while simultaneously stoking racial tensions at a moment of national reckoning. In Iowa, a state that President Trump easily won in 2016, Democrat Theresa Greenfield is challenging Republican Senator Joni Ernst, where the latest polling has her up by a few points. Greenfield shared her motivation for getting in the race and what she thinks Iowans want to see in Washington.  Senator Joni Ernst will join Politics with Amy Walter next week. Also, this week President Trump announced new guidelines for school reopenings. He said that public schools in coronavirus hotspots could delay reopening for a few weeks but ultimately that decision will fall to governors. As many schools across the country are expected to begin the academic year in the next month or so, school districts have been grappling with how to manage the reality of COVID-19 with the expectations for curriculum.   In Iowa, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced limitations on remote learning and mandated that at least 50% of the time students spend on learning core subjects must take place in-person. Grant Gerlock, a reporter for Iowa Public Radio, shares how schools are dealing with balancing the governor's latest requirements against the well-being of their students and staff. Guests: Theresa Greenfield, Democratic Candidate for Senate in Iowa Grant Gerlock, Reporter for Iowa Public Radio

Conventional wisdom had most people thinking that any gains that Democrats made in the Senate would be nominal. But, unexpected events over the last six months have turned a long-shot into the very real possibility that Democrats take control of the Senate in November. Seats that were formerly considered safe for the GOP are now in play as a result of the Trump administration’s failure to handle the coronavirus crisis and provide a national plan for recovery while simultaneously stoking racial tensions at a moment of national reckoning. In Iowa, a state that President Trump easily won in 2016, Democrat Theresa Greenfield is challenging Republican Senator Joni Ernst, where the latest polling has her up by a few points. Greenfield shared her motivation for getting in the race and what she thinks Iowans want to see in Washington.  Senator Joni Ernst will join Politics with Amy Walter next week. Also, this week President Trump announced new guidelines for school reopenings. He said that public schools in coronavirus hotspots could delay reopening for a few weeks but ultimately that decision will fall to governors. As many schools across the country are expected to begin the academic year in the next month or so, school districts have been grappling with how to manage the reality of COVID-19 with the expectations for curriculum.   In Iowa, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced limitations on remote learning and mandated that at least 50% of the time students spend on learning core subjects must take place in-person. Grant Gerlock, a reporter for Iowa Public Radio, shares how schools are dealing with balancing the governor's latest requirements against the well-being of their students and staff. Guests: Theresa Greenfield, Democratic Candidate for Senate in Iowa Grant Gerlock, Reporter for Iowa Public Radio

After months of negotiation and after withstanding a last minute political maneuver, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law spends $867 billion over 10 years on everything from food assistance, to crop insurance, to forestry and much more. In this episode of On The Table, NET’s Grant Gerlock discusses what made it in the final bill, and what was left out, with Ellyn Ferguson of CQ Roll Call and Catherine Boudreau of Politico.Ellyn Ferguson’s article on the farm bill headed to President Trump,https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/trump-sign-farm-bill-minus-food-stamp-changesCatherine Boudreau’s story about the farm bill passed by Congress,https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/12/house-passes-farm-bill-1060916

Industrial hemp is not a new crop, but some farmers are hoping it could bring new life to their businesses. The 2018 Farm Bill could make it legal to grow again across the U.S. In this episode of NET’s On The Table, Grant Gerlock talks to Harvest Public Media’s Esther Honig about confusion between federal and state laws over hemp production and a California farmer explains why he sees hemp as a lucrative alternative to the lettuce and cauliflower he grows now.Esther Honig’s coverage on hemp farming, http://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/hemp-farmers-show-excitement-and-concern-over-possible-federal-legalizationhttp://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/cannabis-derived-drug-gains-full-federal-approval-some-cbd-reclassifiedCongressional Research Service report on hemp as a potential cash crophttps://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL32725.pdf

In this episode of NET’s “On the Table,” NPR’s Dan Charles introduces us to a group of farmers with their noses in the dirt and explains why food companies could soon start labelling their products as soil friendly. And host Grant Gerlock digs into a program that pays farmers to be conservation-minded. It’s popular, but could be cut in the 2018 farm bill. Show NotesTo watch the The Plow that Broke the Plains:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQCwhjWNcH8For an even more in-depth history of soil conservation in the U.S. check out:https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/about/history/?cid=nrcs143_021392Music by Blue Dot Sessions:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/

On the Line: Keystone in Nebraska is a podcast by NET News, Nebraska's NPR and PBS station, discussing the issues around TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline. In Episode 6, NET News reporters Ariana Brocious and Grant Gerlock discuss Nebraska’s approval of an alternative route for Keystone XL and potential legal challenges. Follow NET News coverage of KXL at netNebraska.org/keystone.

On the Line: Keystone in Nebraska is a podcast by NET News, Nebraska's NPR and PBS station, discussing the issues around TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline. In Episode 4, NET News reporters Grant Gerlock and Fred Knapp discuss questions at the Nebraska Public Service Commission hearing about the pipeline’s potential impact on land values, whooping cranes, and Native American cultural sites. Follow NET News coverage of KXL at netNebraska.org/keystone.

President Donald Trump gave new momentum to the controversial Keystone X-L Pipeline when he took office. But the final say on whether the pipeline is built may lie on the Great Plains. For Inside Energy, Grant Gerlock reports on landowners in a rural part of Nebraska who promise to put a kink in the president’s plans.

By some estimates, producing our food consumes about a fifth of the nation’s energy supply. But some farmers are trying to cut back on the coal and gas used to grow our food. Harvest Public Media and Inside Energy are teaming up for Feasting on Fuel, a series looking at how energy is used in food production. Today, Harvest reporter Grant Gerlock looks at a couple ways farms are getting greener.

This is the latest installment of Harvest Public Media’s Field Notes , in which we talk about important issues related to food production. Farmers received some gloomy news from the US Department of Agriculture earlier this month. As Harvest Public Media’s Luke Runyon reports in this week's Field Notes, the USDA is predicting that lower corn prices are here to stay. The Department of Agriculture is also beginning to release figures from its 2012 Census of Agriculture. The latest census shows there is a slight uptick in the number of young farmers, but not enough to halt the average age of the American farmer from climbing. Harvest Public Media’s Grant Gerlock reports that this has got residents in many rural communities worried.

This is the latest installment of Harvest Public Media’s Field Notes , in which we talk about important issues related to food production. Maybe you didn’t notice the last time you bought a popcorn and coke at the movie theater or warmed up a bag of popcorn in the microwave, but the retailers that brought it to you took a big hit from the 2012 drought. The drought caused one of the worst popcorn harvests in recent memory. In this week's episode of Field Notes, Harvest Public Media’s Peter Gray reports that c rops not irrigated were decimated and low supplies have forced local candy shops and movie theaters alike to pay high prices. Also in this week's episode, reporter Grant Gerlock covers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's recent trip to China.