Radio Features Archive

Almost seventy recommendations are found in the final report recently presented by USDA’s Equity Commission as ways to improve equity and inclusion in the Department and among its stakeholders and programs. Rod Bain looks at the crafting of this document and some of its recommendations in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Equity Commission Designated Federal Officer Cecilia Hernandez. Secretary Tom Vilsack. USDA Senior Advisor for Racial Equity and Equity Commission member Dewayne Goldmon.

White House and USDA officials recently announced a series of rural economic development investments as part of a Rural Prosperity Town Hall Meeting. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden.

USDA is investing more money into reducing wildfire risks. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

Food shoppers will likely see only low to moderate food price hikes this year. Gary Crawford has the latest forecast.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Megan Sweitzer, USDA economist.

It's time to recognize the work of a special type of engineer. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Kevin Farmer, Director of the Conservation Engineers Division of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Andy Deichert, USDA State Conservation Engineer for West Virginia

To advance both genetic traits and commercial uses for industrial hemp, collaborative research is needed to develop new varieties and find favorable factors. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA research geneticist Zach Stansell

The Agriculture Secretary provides examples of USDA Equity Commission final report recommendations and how they are designed to improve equity and inclusion within all aspects of the Department. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The nation's cattle industry has started the year with a sharp reduction in feedlot placements, compared to a year ago. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam.

Conservation Engineers are helping thousands of farmers and ranchers to do vital environmental work. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Kevin Farmer, Director of the Conservation Engineers Division of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Andy Deichert, USDA State Conservation Engineer for West Virginia

USDA did a record amount of conservation work last year, but could break that record this year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

What are the forecasts for planting, production, supplies, demand, and price of three major crop commodities in the upcoming year, per USDA? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA economist Jake Vuillemin