Radio Features Archive

Cooperatives in many forms have served customers, both urban, yet specifically rural, for several decades. And it is that historical service and economic opportunities that these forms of businesses are most proud of as they celebrate National Cooperative Month. Rod Bain looks at rural cooperatives and USDA’s role in supporting such entities in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

That Thanksgiving turkey will probably cost less than it did last year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam. Alfred Hitchcock, film director.

Rurall business cooperatives are the focus of one USDA entity - one that celebrates the importance of this business model during National Cooperative Month. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Business Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal

There's new evidence that food price inflation may finally be cooling off. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Megan Sweitzer, USDA economist.

The Agriculture Secretary recently announced a series of grants and awards designed to increase healthy foods served throughout our nation’s schools. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

Most of us fight the war against weeds in our yards in the Spring, but that may not be the best time. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Kansas State University Extension lawn expert, Dennis Patton. ( No, not General Patton)

What are some of the pieces of information used by USDA to create their October production forecasts for fall-harvest crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Lance Honig of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

Theres a bit of encouraging news on the agricultural import/export front. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Bart Kenner

What is the outlook regarding production and price for major U.S. tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts? Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA economic researcher Seth Wechsler

A new USDA led pilot program has grant funding now available for ag employees needing resources to address various farm labor and workforce challenges. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Gloria Montaño Greene

There's a special program that helps organic growers and would-be organic growers with their crop insurance premiums. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Marcia Bunger, Administrator of USDA's Risk Management Agency.