*-USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 is available Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (English or Spanish) for food safety questions-* Shoujld your residence be impacted by power outage or flood from a weather event or disaster, what are some things to keep in mind from a food...

Increasing signs of extreme dryness are found in parts of the Southern Plains as of late March, from dust storms to poor root establishment for winter wheat. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

Research continues into improved methods to trap feral swine populations, and control this invasive pest, including the use of smart traps. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and U.S. Forest Service researcher John Kilgo

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey answers the question about if potential, and much needed, precipitation is expected to fall in parched parts of the Southern Plains this week.

What are some ways landowners and gardeners in desert climates can balance both water management and plant productivity? Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Marisa Thompson of New Mexico State University Extension

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey talks about the benefits of a late Spring snow storm occurring late last week from the Central Plains and Upper Midwest.

The Agriculture Secretary recently provided the first progress report associated with USDA’s five-prong strategy to combat both High Path Avian Flu outbreaks in poultry flocks and higher egg prices. Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Brooke Rollins

Parts of the Eastern U.S., including Florida and the Carolinas, are dealing with wildfire activity due in part to unusually dry conditions. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

What are some of the essentials eligible producers should know as they sign-up for USDA's recently announced Emergency Commodity Assistance Program? Rod Bain reports. PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Brooke Appleton

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says near to above normal temperatures and near to above precipitation is forecasted for much of the country during the period of April 1 – 7.