Here are some highlights from USDA's Prospective Plantings Report. (Gary Crawford)

Applications are now being accepted for the latest round of Rural Energy for America Program project funding - with some new elements included. (Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack)

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explains the two categories of funding under USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) as well as possible uses for funding.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provides two examples of projects awarded USDA Rural Energy for America Program funding to demonstrate project variety and scope.

A White House official believes clean energy as an economic driver goes beyond energy production and offers rural America with another economic development vehicle. (Rod Bain and White House National Climate Advisory Ali Zaidi)

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi provides examples of manufacturing facilities that are providing clean energy products, and domestic job opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

What was the net effect of offsetting trends in the crop and livestock index in USDA’s latest Agricultural Prices report? (Rod Bain)

A USDA report indicates that total planted acres to the 22 principal crops this spring will be significantly higher than last season. (Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer)

Cotton acreage could see a major cut this spring. (Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer)

USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer with some comments on Friday's USDA quarterly stocks report for corn and soybeans.