Ben Lilliston
@benlilliston.bsky.social
Tracking the intersection of trade, climate and farm policy. @iatp.bsky.social
Cargill certainly holds close a lot of data/info about food markets.
The closure was meant to “better align” the company's portfolio with “current customer demand” and future investments - www.startribune.com/cargill-grou...
The closure was meant to “better align” the company's portfolio with “current customer demand” and future investments - www.startribune.com/cargill-grou...
Cargill to close Wisconsin beef plant, lay off 221 workers
The Minnetonka-based agriculture giant is shuttering a ground meat-processing facility in Milwaukee to ‘better align’ its portfolio.
www.startribune.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Cargill certainly holds close a lot of data/info about food markets.
The closure was meant to “better align” the company's portfolio with “current customer demand” and future investments - www.startribune.com/cargill-grou...
The closure was meant to “better align” the company's portfolio with “current customer demand” and future investments - www.startribune.com/cargill-grou...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
IATP was proud to join NSAC’s lobby day in Washington, DC yesterday, calling on Congress to take real action to address the farm crisis, fund conservation & local food programs, and support sustainable, long-term solutions to keep farmers on the land. sustainableagriculture.net/blog/release...
February 12, 2026 at 5:56 PM
IATP was proud to join NSAC’s lobby day in Washington, DC yesterday, calling on Congress to take real action to address the farm crisis, fund conservation & local food programs, and support sustainable, long-term solutions to keep farmers on the land. sustainableagriculture.net/blog/release...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
And now Gail Slater, the chief antitrust enforcer at DOJ, has just resigned, a prelude to this settlement happening. Slater was cut out of the negotiations with MAGA lobbyists on the Live Nation case.
DOJ is just a corrupt shell at this point.
DOJ is just a corrupt shell at this point.
Tired: Getting mad at Pam Bondi for high school theater-level theatrics at a hearing
Wired: Getting mad at Pam Bondi for letting the Ticketmaster monopoly continue and settling the case that would break it up.
From me:
prospect.org/2026/02/12/t...
Wired: Getting mad at Pam Bondi for letting the Ticketmaster monopoly continue and settling the case that would break it up.
From me:
prospect.org/2026/02/12/t...
Trump Justice Department Poised to Preserve Ticketmaster Monopoly - The American Prospect
Settlement talks on a monopolization case against Live Nation are under way, with Kellyanne Conway and other MAGA lobbyists seeking a sweetheart deal.
prospect.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
And now Gail Slater, the chief antitrust enforcer at DOJ, has just resigned, a prelude to this settlement happening. Slater was cut out of the negotiations with MAGA lobbyists on the Live Nation case.
DOJ is just a corrupt shell at this point.
DOJ is just a corrupt shell at this point.
Farms & food processing feeling ICE attacks.
"the federal immigration effort has swept up many agricultural workers with no criminal record, often deploying tactics that advocates, lawyers and judges say push the limits of probable cause and due process" investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/11/t...
"the federal immigration effort has swept up many agricultural workers with no criminal record, often deploying tactics that advocates, lawyers and judges say push the limits of probable cause and due process" investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/11/t...
Trump’s DHS is pushing the boundaries of probable cause and due process to fuel a farm labor crisis - Investigate Midwest
By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest Before sunrise in northeastern Oregon in early August, seven farmworkers filed into an aging Ford Econoline van. As they headed toward one of the state’s economic en...
investigatemidwest.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Farms & food processing feeling ICE attacks.
"the federal immigration effort has swept up many agricultural workers with no criminal record, often deploying tactics that advocates, lawyers and judges say push the limits of probable cause and due process" investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/11/t...
"the federal immigration effort has swept up many agricultural workers with no criminal record, often deploying tactics that advocates, lawyers and judges say push the limits of probable cause and due process" investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/11/t...
From a water quality and climate perspective, the overapplication of nitrogen fertilizer is a top challenge.
"Every year, US farmers apply between 30 and 50 percent more synthetic nitrogen fertilizer than their crops can actually absorb" www.ucs.org/resources/le... Less Fertilizer, Better Outcomes
"Every year, US farmers apply between 30 and 50 percent more synthetic nitrogen fertilizer than their crops can actually absorb" www.ucs.org/resources/le... Less Fertilizer, Better Outcomes
Less Fertilizer, Better Outcomes
US farmers apply far more synthetic nitrogen fertilizer than their crops can actually absorb, harming people, ecosystems, and the climate.
www.ucs.org
February 12, 2026 at 1:43 PM
From a water quality and climate perspective, the overapplication of nitrogen fertilizer is a top challenge.
"Every year, US farmers apply between 30 and 50 percent more synthetic nitrogen fertilizer than their crops can actually absorb" www.ucs.org/resources/le... Less Fertilizer, Better Outcomes
"Every year, US farmers apply between 30 and 50 percent more synthetic nitrogen fertilizer than their crops can actually absorb" www.ucs.org/resources/le... Less Fertilizer, Better Outcomes
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
More than 400 people, including hundreds of citizens, were “sorted” at gun point into racial and ethnic groups by 200 ICE agents who fired flash-bang grenades into cars with people inside, pointed guns at children & demanded their zip tied parents not comfort them. apple.news/Ausdx6kWtT0e...
Idaho families sue over immigration raid that swept up hundreds, including U.S. citizens — NBC News
About 400 people, including children and U.S. citizens, were detained for four hours while they were denied food and water in the raid, according to the lawsuit.
apple.news
February 12, 2026 at 1:35 AM
More than 400 people, including hundreds of citizens, were “sorted” at gun point into racial and ethnic groups by 200 ICE agents who fired flash-bang grenades into cars with people inside, pointed guns at children & demanded their zip tied parents not comfort them. apple.news/Ausdx6kWtT0e...
"Never in my 43-year career have I seen the whispering, the cautious wording and the intellectual emasculation of leaders in this industry because no one dares betray even the slightest hint that they've had a negative or critical thought about this administration."
You done effed up when you get the editor of an Ag Trade this riled up.
"Then they came for the corporations, and the people didn't have to say anything because the CEOs brought gifts and crypto coin and extremely flexible knees."
"Then they came for the corporations, and the people didn't have to say anything because the CEOs brought gifts and crypto coin and extremely flexible knees."
FFA Probe Triggers a Popeye Moment
The intimidation tactics becoming all-too familiar in politics today have now reached a trusted institution in agriculture: The FFA. Enough's enough.
www.dtnpf.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:36 PM
"Never in my 43-year career have I seen the whispering, the cautious wording and the intellectual emasculation of leaders in this industry because no one dares betray even the slightest hint that they've had a negative or critical thought about this administration."
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
The Department of Labor's Inspector General warns that #OSHA enforcement staff is at an all-time low, threatening the health and lives of American workers. jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
OSHA Enforcement Staff at Record Low: Inspector General - Confined Space
The DOL Inspector General has issued a report outlining serious challenges for OSHA and MSHA. Neither agency has enough inspectors.
jordanbarab.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:04 PM
The Department of Labor's Inspector General warns that #OSHA enforcement staff is at an all-time low, threatening the health and lives of American workers. jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Not a surprise inspection.
“All detainees I observed were shackled at the ankles, even while sleeping and in the holding cells...I did not see any detainee who had a blanket, pillow, sleeping pad, or cot. I saw men sleeping on the floor with no bedding.” www.startribune.com/immigration-...
“All detainees I observed were shackled at the ankles, even while sleeping and in the holding cells...I did not see any detainee who had a blanket, pillow, sleeping pad, or cot. I saw men sleeping on the floor with no bedding.” www.startribune.com/immigration-...
Immigration attorneys call out dirty conditions, ‘disarray and chaos’ at Whipple detention facility
Attorneys for the Advocates for Human Rights visited the Whipple Federal Building on Monday following a judge’s ruling.
www.startribune.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Not a surprise inspection.
“All detainees I observed were shackled at the ankles, even while sleeping and in the holding cells...I did not see any detainee who had a blanket, pillow, sleeping pad, or cot. I saw men sleeping on the floor with no bedding.” www.startribune.com/immigration-...
“All detainees I observed were shackled at the ankles, even while sleeping and in the holding cells...I did not see any detainee who had a blanket, pillow, sleeping pad, or cot. I saw men sleeping on the floor with no bedding.” www.startribune.com/immigration-...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Farmers and rural residents made their voices heard at our first two People’s Town Hall meetings of 2026 today in Austin and Owatonna. Folks are concerned about a number of issues, including harmful trade policies, the ICE surge in MN, and lack of access to affordable healthcare.
February 10, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Farmers and rural residents made their voices heard at our first two People’s Town Hall meetings of 2026 today in Austin and Owatonna. Folks are concerned about a number of issues, including harmful trade policies, the ICE surge in MN, and lack of access to affordable healthcare.
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
As an organizer, he helped win back $6M+ in stolen wages for low-wage workers--it's clear who the real criminals are, & it's not who's getting detained.
Great coverage from @sarahlazare.bsky.social- & good to see the petition mentioned is now at 5k signatures
workdaymagazine.org/worker-organ...
Great coverage from @sarahlazare.bsky.social- & good to see the petition mentioned is now at 5k signatures
workdaymagazine.org/worker-organ...
Worker Organizer Abducted By Federal Agents in Minnesota - Workday Magazine
This article is a joint publication of Workday Magazine and In These Times. Federal immigration agents have abducted Eustaquio Orozco Verdusco, a workers’ rights organizer well known in Minnesota for ...
workdaymagazine.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:54 PM
As an organizer, he helped win back $6M+ in stolen wages for low-wage workers--it's clear who the real criminals are, & it's not who's getting detained.
Great coverage from @sarahlazare.bsky.social- & good to see the petition mentioned is now at 5k signatures
workdaymagazine.org/worker-organ...
Great coverage from @sarahlazare.bsky.social- & good to see the petition mentioned is now at 5k signatures
workdaymagazine.org/worker-organ...
Important story directly tied to the Trump Admin's decision to cut staff at #USDA - and declining trust farmers have in USDA as survey participation drops. Agbiz companies with their own private data/info at a bigger advantage now - www.reuters.com/business/usd...
USDA's reputation suffers after massive revisions in US corn acres
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, long the world's gold standard for crop estimates, faces mounting doubts about the reliability of its data from farmers, grain traders and economists following deep...
www.reuters.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Important story directly tied to the Trump Admin's decision to cut staff at #USDA - and declining trust farmers have in USDA as survey participation drops. Agbiz companies with their own private data/info at a bigger advantage now - www.reuters.com/business/usd...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Depending on the emissions scenario analysed, PIK's new study in @pnas.org shows 36-50% of land with suitable climatic conditions for grazing today will experience a loss of viability by 2100, affecting more than 100mill pastoralists and up to 1.6bill animals🐄🐐🐑 www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...
Climate change could halve areas suitable for cattle, sheep and goat farming by 2100
09.02.2026 - A new study conducted at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) shows that grassland-based grazing systems – currently covering a third of the Earth’s surface and represe...
www.pik-potsdam.de
February 10, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Depending on the emissions scenario analysed, PIK's new study in @pnas.org shows 36-50% of land with suitable climatic conditions for grazing today will experience a loss of viability by 2100, affecting more than 100mill pastoralists and up to 1.6bill animals🐄🐐🐑 www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
The EPA says the approval of dicamba includes new restrictions that will reduce harm to nearby plants and crops, but watchdog organizations warn the protections are even weaker than before.
EPA Reapproves Weedkiller Dicamba Despite Concerns About Drift and Crop Damage
The agency says the approval of dicamba includes new restrictions, but watchdog organizations warn the protections are weaker than before.
civileats.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:03 PM
The EPA says the approval of dicamba includes new restrictions that will reduce harm to nearby plants and crops, but watchdog organizations warn the protections are even weaker than before.
“When you look at cases and it doesn’t seem like the charges are valid or that many are quickly dismissed, it’s definitely a red flag that they are misusing criminal charges” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
When Trump Officials’ Claims About Shootings Unravel in Court
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:32 PM
“When you look at cases and it doesn’t seem like the charges are valid or that many are quickly dismissed, it’s definitely a red flag that they are misusing criminal charges” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Hey, Americans of good conscience!
CALL YOUR HOUSE REP AND BOTH SENATORS EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
TELL THEM TO STOP FUNDING DHS AND ICE
CALL YOUR HOUSE REP AND BOTH SENATORS EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
TELL THEM TO STOP FUNDING DHS AND ICE
February 9, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Hey, Americans of good conscience!
CALL YOUR HOUSE REP AND BOTH SENATORS EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
TELL THEM TO STOP FUNDING DHS AND ICE
CALL YOUR HOUSE REP AND BOTH SENATORS EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
TELL THEM TO STOP FUNDING DHS AND ICE
New DHS data unmasks ICE claims -https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/
Less than 14% of those arrested by ICE in Trump's 1st year back in office had violent criminal records, document shows
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
www.cbsnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:07 PM
New DHS data unmasks ICE claims -https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Despite being major sources of the potent greenhouse gas methane, factory farms aren’t required to report their emissions. In recent years, researchers have begun using satellite imaging to detect methane plumes from factory farms — but the picture is still incomplete. www.iatp.org/factory-farm...
Flying Under the Radar: Gaps in satellite detection of factory farm methane emissions
Summary
www.iatp.org
February 9, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Despite being major sources of the potent greenhouse gas methane, factory farms aren’t required to report their emissions. In recent years, researchers have begun using satellite imaging to detect methane plumes from factory farms — but the picture is still incomplete. www.iatp.org/factory-farm...
Trump Admin does BASF, Bayer and Syngenta a favor.
“This product is going to drift off field dramatically. It’s going to harm other farmer’s crops. It’s going to harm trees. It’s going to harm endangered species, contaminate ecosystems and waterways.” www.thenewlede.org/2026/02/us-e...
“This product is going to drift off field dramatically. It’s going to harm other farmer’s crops. It’s going to harm trees. It’s going to harm endangered species, contaminate ecosystems and waterways.” www.thenewlede.org/2026/02/us-e...
US EPA reapproves the controversial herbicide dicamba
In a widely expected move, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday reapproved the pesticide dicamba, an herbicide used on genetically modified crops including corn, cotton and soybeans ...
www.thenewlede.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Trump Admin does BASF, Bayer and Syngenta a favor.
“This product is going to drift off field dramatically. It’s going to harm other farmer’s crops. It’s going to harm trees. It’s going to harm endangered species, contaminate ecosystems and waterways.” www.thenewlede.org/2026/02/us-e...
“This product is going to drift off field dramatically. It’s going to harm other farmer’s crops. It’s going to harm trees. It’s going to harm endangered species, contaminate ecosystems and waterways.” www.thenewlede.org/2026/02/us-e...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Join us TOMORROW (2/10) in Austin and Owatonna to make your voice heard!
Learn more and register: bit.ly/PeoplesTownHall
Learn more and register: bit.ly/PeoplesTownHall
February 9, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Join us TOMORROW (2/10) in Austin and Owatonna to make your voice heard!
Learn more and register: bit.ly/PeoplesTownHall
Learn more and register: bit.ly/PeoplesTownHall
"Economists have said increased U.S. imports of Argentine beef will likely be too small to significantly lower costs for grocery store shoppers, but the shipments could help improve margins for food companies" www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Trump signs proclamation increasing Argentine beef imports
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation to hike the country's low-tariff imports of Argentine beef, though economists have said the attempt to lower costs for American consumers wi...
www.reuters.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:08 PM
"Economists have said increased U.S. imports of Argentine beef will likely be too small to significantly lower costs for grocery store shoppers, but the shipments could help improve margins for food companies" www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Required reading for Congress as it considers funding/reforms for DHS/ICE this week
"over the 20 years from 2005 to 2024—the last year numbers are available—at least 4,913 CBP officers and Border Patrol agents have been arrested themselves, some multiple times"
"over the 20 years from 2005 to 2024—the last year numbers are available—at least 4,913 CBP officers and Border Patrol agents have been arrested themselves, some multiple times"
I’m an expert, and the misconduct and corruption run far deeper than even the deadly surges have shown.
What Democrats need to know to truly reform ICE
I'm an expert, and the misconduct and corruption run far deeper than even the deadly surges have shown.
www.motherjones.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Required reading for Congress as it considers funding/reforms for DHS/ICE this week
"over the 20 years from 2005 to 2024—the last year numbers are available—at least 4,913 CBP officers and Border Patrol agents have been arrested themselves, some multiple times"
"over the 20 years from 2005 to 2024—the last year numbers are available—at least 4,913 CBP officers and Border Patrol agents have been arrested themselves, some multiple times"
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Absolutely 100 percent unconstitutional.
ICE mobile app scans protester's face, revokes her TSA PreCheck status
www.sfgate.com/travel/artic...
www.sfgate.com/travel/artic...
ICE mobile app scans protester's face, revokes her TSA PreCheck status
If you're protesting ICE, it might be a good idea to wear a mask.
www.sfgate.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Absolutely 100 percent unconstitutional.
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
“Families are limiting movement, avoiding public places and living in constant uncertainty, regardless of their legal status, including citizens.”
The Willmar City Council explains how the ICE surge is impacting towns across Minnesota.
www.wctrib.com/news/local/w...
The Willmar City Council explains how the ICE surge is impacting towns across Minnesota.
www.wctrib.com/news/local/w...
Willmar Council OKs letter to elected officials about immigration enforcement activities
The Willmar City Council on Monday approved a letter to state and federal elected officials regarding the immigration enforcement activities taking place in Willmar over the last few weeks.
www.wctrib.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:16 PM
“Families are limiting movement, avoiding public places and living in constant uncertainty, regardless of their legal status, including citizens.”
The Willmar City Council explains how the ICE surge is impacting towns across Minnesota.
www.wctrib.com/news/local/w...
The Willmar City Council explains how the ICE surge is impacting towns across Minnesota.
www.wctrib.com/news/local/w...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
NY Times with blow-by-blow on the Minnesota US Attorney’s Office being hollowed out www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u... and the larger DOJ staffing issue Bondi’s idiots have wrought: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u... (both should be gift links)
February 7, 2026 at 11:31 AM
NY Times with blow-by-blow on the Minnesota US Attorney’s Office being hollowed out www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u... and the larger DOJ staffing issue Bondi’s idiots have wrought: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u... (both should be gift links)