Nitrogen and Phosphorus runoff from agricultural chemicals is killing the gulf of Mexico, and local waterways as well. Iowa is a case in point. Chris Jones, a hydraulic engineer is the lead author on a new study just out from the University of Iowa talking about how that fertilizer runoff is an expanding problem, despite efforts to curb it. Agricultural runoff is not just a problem in Iowa, but in many states with major corn soy cropping. What to do about it, and how to fix this is the subject of this episode.

In this second installment of news from North Carolina, Donna Lisenby the Global Advocacy Manager for Riverkeeper Alliance talks about the ongoing problems with managing coal ash waste after major flooding. North Carolina has struggled with Duke Energy to enforce common sense regulations with limited success. In the second part of the show, Joe Reardon, Consumer Protection Assistant Commissioner from the Department of Environmental Quality will describe the impact of a major hurricane on the farming sector of this largely agricultural state and the role his agency plays in the aftermath.

New Yorker Journalist Chalres Bethea and Water Keeper Alliance senior advisor Rick Dove talk about the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the impact on local communities from the CAFO flooding and how citizens cope with living in the nations capital for hogs, chickens, coal ash and chemicals. Part 1 of 2 discussions on the impact of Hurricane Florence.

"Eminent agricultural expert Fred Kirschenman describes the end of this era of agricultural activity and what must be adopted going forward. In his view we have reached the end of the line in our extractive exploitative and environmentally disastrous style of growing food and must move forward now into a more intergrated and holistic system. Recorded at the Niman Ranch Hog Farmers Appreciation Dinner in Des Moinies, Iowa.

Coastal Florida has seen a disastrous season of harmful algae blooms, unprecedented in scale, duration, and severity. Mayor John Holic of Venice Florida, and Dr. Larry Brand from the University of Miami explain the impacts on the community and why this is happening.

Ferd Hoefner launched NSAC over 30 years ago, and has seen a few Farm Bills. In this discussion we talk about the most important funding demands to foster a robust agricultural sector and revitalizing rural communities.

Kristin Lawless has written a highly provocative book that assigns the blame for many of society's ills on a food industry run amok. Whether its how we feed our young, the impact of chemicals on our bodies, the incidence of chronic disease, and the economic, gender, and racial disparities, a surprising number of connections can be made between big food and social injustice. Its a fascinating and scary read, as well as a thoughtful analysis of what will be required to take back food, and return people and the environment to good health.

In a wide ranging discussion with one of America's foremost thinkers, activists, and academics on food systems, we discuss Patel's forthcoming book on the chicken industry, the food system, and politics.

In order to support their local farming community, an entire town drinks bottled water. Their groundwater is polluted by agricultural runoff, but the townspeople don't want to penalize their farmers by forcing a costly fix, so they suck it up...from a bottle.

Iowa, like many states has major water quality issues thanks to Big Ag. Francis Thicke is an organic dairy farmer, soil scientist and leader in the organic food movement. He is also an expert in water quality issues and how the Iowa corn belt is wreaking havoc on the states water supply. Is there a solution?