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There was an overall decline in surplus topsoil moisture, with a big jump in the numbers for moisture shortages. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has details on where in the nation there are notable topsoil moisture surpluses.

USDA's latest Crop Progress report continues to show a national split in pasture conditions. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, points to where in the nation pastures are in particularly poor condition.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says there are some places in the country where pastures are in notably good shape.

The agriculture labor force has decreased in recent years, while reliance has grown in the farm sector on migrant farm workers to handle everything from planting to harvest. Now with a shortage of available workers, stakeholders are looking at how to modernize the nation's farm guestworker program...

The Agriculture Secretary emphasizes the importance of broad rural infrastructure improvements in efforts to build up rural communities and their commodities.

A USDA grant program recently funded its most recent group of projects designed to bring schools and students closer to their local farmers and ranchers. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacey Dean.

Upgrading our country’s agricultural transportation network and infrastructure will assure a continued competitive advantage in the global export market, according to the Agriculture Secretary. (Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack)

Recent grants will support continued studies and product development related to wood-based nanocellulosic materials - products from cement additives to a component in tires. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Robert Moon of the U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Lab