* - ATTN: Bat Week is October 24 - 31 - * The annual awareness campaign about bats, their role in agriculture, and threats to their existence, is now international in scope. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Kim Winter of the US Forest Service

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explains why USDA international trade promotion programs are important.

An expert says don't let food poisoning bacteria haunt your Halloween party. Gary Crawford has this report. PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline. ***Broadcasters, USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) Listeners can...

USDA's Equity Commission is holding public meetings in Arizona this week. (Gary Crawford. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small)

If you are carving Jack-O-Lanterns or involved in treat or treat, you are following some long-time traditions. Gary Crawford has more. PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA historical researcher, Anne Effland

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small telling the USDA's Equiy Commission meeting in Tucson that a diverse agriculture is a more resilient agriculture.

Parents can do things to make sure their little trick or treaters have a safe, happy and non-threatening time. Gary Crawford has more. PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and University of Kentucky Extension Child Development Specialist David Weisenhorn.

What are the chances of lawmakers extending the 2018 Farm Bill? (Gary Crawford and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack)

Online permits are now available via “Recreation.gov” for cutting Christmas trees in national forests, but a U.S. Forest Service expert says there are some things to keep in mind regarding permits and tree cutting. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Janelle Smith

Significant rains and snows in areas of the nation are among the expected outcomes as a storm system crosses the country this week. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)