USD 244 mn of fraudulent revenue from 265k nonexistent cattle

? EARS TO THE GROUND-

The scandal that rocked the agricultural community: Ghost Herd, hosted by reporter Anna King, unravels the story of Cody Easterday and the fraud that led to the collapse of his family's once-thriving ranching empire.

King’s background in agriculture reporting brings a perspective to the 265k nonexistent cattle that generated USD 244 mn in fraudulent revenue. Through interviews with local farmers and community members, King paints a vivid picture of the close-knit agricultural community, where reputations are hard-earned and easily tarnished. Many members of the community were hesitant to speak on the record because of their deeply ingrained values of loyalty and silence.

King’s expertise makes the listener better understand the complexities of modern farming and why this case made waves in the industry. She doesn’t just focus on the fraud itself, but also sheds light on the bigger picture of trust and economic pressures that drive individuals to desperation. This exploration raises important questions about accountability and the nature of success in today’s competitive landscape.

The structure is different from most true crime stories. The answers to "who" and "what" are known early on, so the episodes focus on the "how" and "why."

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.