Canary In A Cornfield

The Harkin Institute
  • 4.0 (4)
  • NON-PROFIT

Canary In A Cornfield is a podcast from The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, that explores how the policies that shape our food and farming systems impact our health, our communities, and our future.

  1. 12/19/2025

    Peering Through Nature's Lens with Professor Neil Hamilton

    In the latest episode of Canary in a Cornfield, Adam interviews Professor and author Neil Hamilton from Drake University. They discuss Professor Hamilton's impactful career, which includes founding the Drake Agricultural Law Center and the Iowa Nature Summit, as well as chairing the Governor’s Food Policy Council from 2000 to 2007, and delve into Hamilton's trilogy of environmental books: The Land Remains, The River Knows, and Through Nature's Lens. Discussions include the evolution of agricultural law, the importance of community and advocacy in environmental policy, and the need ethical approaches to nature and food production. Hamilton also reflects on current issues in water quality, public health, and the significance of nurturing future generations of environmental advocates. The conversation reinforces the pivotal role law and community play in shaping sustainable agricultural and environmental policies.

    58 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Episode 14: Dr. Walter Willett on the Landmark EAT Lancet Study on Healthy and Sustainable Diets

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, host Adam speaks with Dr. Walter Willett, a leading expert in epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They discuss the first and second EAT Lancet reports, which examine the possibility of feeding the growing world population while staying within planetary boundaries. Among the topics discussed: The current administration’s clash with higher ed institutions The first and second Eat Lancet Reports and their recommendations for a healthy and sustainable food system The need for reforming the food system if we want to address climate change. The industry funded PR campaign to undermine the report Simple rules for a healthy and environmentally friendly diet Some relevant links from the episode: The first EAT Lancet Report The second EAT Lancet Report The EAT Forum Dr. Willett’s Faculty Page Guardian Article: PR campaign may have fueled food study backlash, leaked document shows

    53 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Episode 13: Comparing National, State, and Local Water Regulations in Iowa and Minnesota

    In one of my favorite episodes so far, we speak with Michael Schmidt, the General Counsel of the Iowa Environmental Council, the largest environmental coalition in the state. Michael reflects on his time working in Minnesota and Iowa to give context to how the laws that regulate water quality impact our quality of life. He discusses the Clean Water Act, as well as competing constitutional amendments in the two states that have so far had very different outcomes. He also covers tile drainage, the Farm Bill, concentrated animal feeding operations, and rules that currently incentivize planting marginal land. A few links related to the episode: Local 5 News (with an interview of Michael) KCCI: Drake University Hosts Town Hall on Water Quality Solutions Des Moines Register: Takeaways from a town hall on Iowa water quality at Drake University

    47 min

  4. 11/17/2025

    Episode 12: Bob Martin on the Pew Commission Report about Industrial Farm Animal Production

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, hosted by the Harkin Institute, Adam speaks with Bob Martin, a longtime advocate for agricultural reform. Martin, who served nearly two decades at Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, discusses his role as the executive director of the Pew Commission’s landmark report ‘Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America.’ The conversation delves into the report’s origin, key recommendations on public health, the environment, and animal welfare, and the challenges of advocating for systemic change in the face of industry resistance. Martin reflects on his extensive career in politics and policy, shares insights on the current state of agriculture, and emphasizes the importance of continuing advocacy for sustainable farming practices. Links: The Pew Report: Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

    38 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Episode 11 (ft. Patty Lovera)

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, host Adam Shriver discusses the promises and pitfalls of biogas digesters with Patty Lovera from the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. The conversation explores the alleged environmental benefits of biogas digesters, their economic dependencies on public subsidies, and the long-term impacts on communities living near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). While digesters are marketed as a green solution to manure management and methane reduction, they often fail to address the root environmental and public health problems, leading to increased consolidation in the agriculture industry. The episode also highlights the need for more durable, community-centered solutions over speculative industrial fixes.

    35 min

  6. 11/03/2025

    Episode 10 (ft. Annika Johnson and Kurt Meine)

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, we focus on a new book titled "We Can Do Better: Collected Writings on Land, Conservation, and Public Policy," featuring the work of conservationist and public servant Paul Johnson. Host Adam Shriver interviews Annika Johnson, Paul’s daughter, and Kurt Meine, the book's editor and a senior fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation. The discussion covers Paul Johnson's life, career, and influence on conservation and agricultural policy, while highlighting his vision of community-focused farming and ethical land use. The guests also discuss ongoing efforts by the Paul Johnson Center for Land Stewardship Policy to continue his legacy through fellowships, events, and policy initiatives.

    55 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Episode 9 (ft. Anna Pesek and Kara Shannon)

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, guests Anna Pesek of Over the Moon Farm and Kara Shannon of the ASPCA discuss recent legislative efforts to overturn state laws protecting animal welfare. The conversation focuses on California's Proposition 12, which mandates better living conditions for farm animals, and the industry's attempts to counter it through the Save Our Bacon Act. Anna shares insights into sustainable farming practices and why many small farmers like her would be put at a disadvantage by overturning the law, while Kara highlights the broader implications for animal welfare, public health, and the environment.

    46 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    Episode 8 (ft. Megan Hunter and Tanner Faaborg)

    In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, host Adam Shriver sits down with Megan Hunter and Tanner Faaborg to discuss the Transformation Project, an initiative that helps farmers transition from factory farming to more sustainable practices. Megan discusses the project's origins and goals, highlighting the importance of policy support and farmer solidarity. Tanner shares his personal journey, detailing how his family farm moved from hog CAFOs to growing specialty mushrooms. The conversation underscores the environmental impacts of traditional farming, the challenges of gaining autonomy, and the importance of consumer support for local farmers.

    38 min
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Canary In A Cornfield is a podcast from The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, that explores how the policies that shape our food and farming systems impact our health, our communities, and our future.

Information

  • Creator
    The Harkin Institute
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Harkin Institute
  • Show Website
    Canary In A Cornfield