The Agriculture Department is continuing its efforts to understand the nature of competition in food and farm production and to promote greater competition to benefit both the food industry and consumers. Rod Bain looks at some of these efforts in this edition of “Agriculture USA”. PARTICIPANTS: Rod...

Triple digit temperatures in parts of the Corn Belt this week could create additional heat stress to that area's corn and soybean crops. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

Among the aspects of agribusiness recently studied in USDA research looking at concentration and what it means for market competition – the food retail sector. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and economic researcher James MacDonald

The capital of Arizona has become the reflection of a multi-week, extreme heat event in the Southwest, with a record setting number of consecutive days above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

President Biden has announced some new initiatives to boost competition and discourage consolidation in the food and agriculture sector. Cary Crawford has more. PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President Joe Biden. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Classic comedian, W.C. Fields.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses some of the areas in the Corn Belt that face triple digit heat this week.

USDA’s latest round of urban agriculture and innovative production grants focuses on planning and implementation of such production projects. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Office of Urban Ag and Innovative Production Director Brian Guse

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says there will be few rainfall events this week over the central U.S. because of a high pressure ridge remaining in place over the region.

Heat stress and stroke can sneak up on you without you being fully aware of it. Gary Crawford has more. PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Agricultural Health and Safety professor.

New USDA grants will help millions of rural residents gain more access to critical health care services. (Gary Crawford and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack)