Madison McVan, an investigative reporter at the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, graduated from the University of Missouri in 2020 with degrees in Journalism and Latin American Studies. Before joining the Midwest Center, she worked for the Columbia Missourian and Missouri Info Corps, covering topics including state and local government, meatpacking plants and the coronavirus pandemic. She is fluent in Spanish and has published work in both Spanish and English. Originally from Pflugerville, Texas, she is now based in the Twin Cities.
Rural America
These Poop Lagoons Can Poison Waterways, but Regulation Is Patchy
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce dangerous amounts of animal waste, but only one third of them have a federal permit.
Madison McVan
Rural America
Surging Wheat Prices and Fertilizer Shortages: How the War in Ukraine Could Impact U.S. Agriculture
Both Ukraine and Russia are major exporters of agricultural products. In a market that’s “incredibly global,” U.S. farmers will feel the effects of war and sanctions.
Johnathan Hettinger, Madison McVan and Amanda Pérez Pintado
Rural America
As Meatpackers Stoked Fears of a Shortage, U.S. Meat Exports Increased
Citing imminent shortages, the meat industry lobbied to keep packing plants open as Covid-19 tore through workers’ ranks. At the same time, U.S. meat exports increased.
Madison McVan
