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Iowan writes about corruption in America's food industry

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

Cedar Rapids native Austin Frerick, published his debut book Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. The book explores the domination that a handful of companies have over America’s food economy.

An expert on agricultural and antitrust policy, Frerick's book tells the story of the titans of seven food industries - pork, grain, dairy, berry, coffee, grocery, and slaughter - and how they impact the nation’s food systems.

River to River host Ben Kieffer discusses with Frerick how these titans' practices impact food producers and consumers, and how a fair, healthy and prosperous food industry may be possible.

Guest:

  • Austin Frerick, author and fellow, Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.