What was a major environmental issue that farmers in the Midwest had to face?

A major environmental issue that farmers in the Midwest faced was soil erosion, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Poor agricultural practices, such as excessive tilling and monoculture, stripped the land of its nutrients and topsoil, leading to significant degradation. This not only reduced crop yields but also contributed to severe dust storms that impacted air quality and health. Efforts to combat this issue included the implementation of crop rotation, conservation tillage, and reforestation initiatives.