Radio Features Archive

Some herpetologists would have us believe that snakes are not the vile, villainous vipers portrayed in our movies and other popular fiction. Maybe they are right. Gary Crawford is coiled up and ready to strike on this edition of Agriculture USA.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Maureen Frank, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A and M University. Also classic comedian, W.C. Fields.

Work is now underway to begin the crafting of the latest edition of the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Former Agriculture Secretary Bob Bergland. Janet de Jesus of the Department of Health and Human Services. Eve Stoody of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.

Studies show that trees can help improve our physical and mental health. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Michelle Kondo with the U.S. Forest Service

An expert says many phone and online scammers are targeting older Americans. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Barbara Stockebrand, Extension educator at Kansas State University.

Many of us are afraid of snakes, but one expert says snakes can be good to have around, in most cases. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Maureen Frank, Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A and M.

Snakes do perform vital services for the ecology, but can be a problem if they hang out right next to our homes. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Maureen Frank, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist with Texas A and M University.

When it comes to our agricultural exports so far this year, sales values are climbing, but volumes are falling. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Bart Kenner.

A new report says the U.S. is losing farmland to development and other uses at an alarming rate. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS : Gary Crawford. John Piotti, President of American Farmland Trust. Kip Tom, Indiana farmer and agricultural consultant. Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Land grant university scientists recently offered House lawmakers testimony on innovations in climate smart research that could lead to greater resiliency in agriculture. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Sylvie Brouder of Purdue University. Benjamin Houlton of Cornell Univeristy. Ali Fares of Prairie View A and M University.

Increase wetness in one area of the country and flash drought in others have resulted in a mixed bag of news regarding drought coverage for some of the nation's major farm commodities. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Industrial hemp is a relatively new crop in our country after its unavailability for several decades - also new is information about pest threats and control methods. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Colorado State University Emeritus Professor Whitney Crawshaw