Kathleen Masterson

Kathleen Masterson was Harvest Public Media’s reporter based at Iowa Public Radio in Ames, Iowa. At Bowdoin College in Maine, Kathleen studied English and Environmental Studies and was torn as to which one she’d have to “choose” when finding a job. She taught high school English for a few years, and then swung back to science when she traveled to rural Argentina to work on a bird research project. She returned home to study science journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduate school she went on to work as digital producer for NPR’s science desk before joining Harvest.

The Salt

6:24 pm

Thu August 30, 2012

Two Sides Prepare For California Genetically Modified Labeling Vote

Credit Kathleen Masterson for NPR

California farmer Erik Freese pulls down a healthy ear of corn that has been genetically engineered to produce its own pesticide. He says genetic engineering has helped him to farm more sustainably.

By Kathleen Masterson

Originally published on Mon October 15, 2012 10:30 am

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This November, voters in California will decide whether the state should require labels on foods with genetically engineered ingredients. If the initiative, known as Proposition 37, passes, manufacturers would have to say somewhere on the front or the back of the food's packaging if the product contains or may contain genetically engineered ingredients.

2:14 pm

Thu June 21, 2012

California Dairy Farmers Split Over Milk Payments In Farm Bill

Credit Kathleen Masterson / NPR

A dairy cow peeks out of its stall at Case van Steyn's dairy in Galt, Calif.

By Kathleen Masterson

Originally published on Tue June 26, 2012 5:27 pm

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California is known as the land of fruits and nuts, but it also happens to be the country's largest milk-producing state. So it's no surprise that its dairy farmers are front and center in the debate over reforming the milk marketing system, which hasn't really changed much in 30 years.

12:45 pm

Sat March 10, 2012

Ag-Gag Law Blows Animal Activists' Cover

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Credit Kathleen Masterson / Iowa Public Radio

Struthers raises about 4,500 pigs for meat every year.

Credit YouTube

A screen grab taken from Mercy for Animals' video, "Farm to Fridge."

Credit Kathleen Masterson / Iowa Public Radio

Dave Struthers, a hog farmer in Collins, Iowa, says activists use extreme examples to make standard farming practices look bad.

By Kathleen Masterson

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After a series of videos revealing apparent cruel treatment of farm animals went viral, Iowa has made it a crime for people to misrepresent themselves to gain access to a farm. The so-called "Ag-Gag" law targets undercover animal rights activists who secretly take videos. Farmers say they need the legal protection to block those trying to take down agriculture, but critics ask what the industry may be hiding.

4:00 am

Mon February 6, 2012

Corn Storage Helps Farmers In Commodities Market

By Kathleen Masterson

Across the corn belt, more farmers are putting up their own grain bins. In the past year alone, farmers nationwide have added some 300 million bushels of on-farm storage. By storing their own grain, farmers can choose when and at what price they want to sell, and that can translate into thousands of dollars in profit. And this has grain buyers — like grain elevators and ethanol plants --working to keep their edge in the market. Kathleen Masterson of Harvest Public Media reports.

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