Radio Features

Rural and agricultural energy saving efforts are getting a major boost in funding. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

The idea of precision, and personal, nutrition, could be a key to combatting diet related chronic diseases like cancer. That is why USDA has recently announced a new virtual center designed to expedite research on precision nutrition and its role in improved health incomes. Rod Bain looks at this approach, and the new ASCEND for Better Health virtual center, in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The latest White House Tribal Nations Summit included announcements that build upon co-stewardship agreements of public lands between federal agencies and indigenous governments. (Rod Bain. President Joe Biden. Secretary Tom Vilsack.)

A new USDA virtual center is designed to expedite research on nutrition and its role in fighting diet-related chronic diseases like cancer. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The White House has a long history of holiday activities and decorations. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. USDA history expert, Anne Effland. Former First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Actor, LL Cool J.

Are we giving our kids far too many toys for the holidays? One expert thinks so. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Kansas State University Associate Professor and Extension Child Development Expert Bradford Wiles.

It's not too late to send or receive holiday gifts of perishable foods. An expert has tips on how to do that safely. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers of USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline. A famous cartoon bird.



****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov

How much longer will the current avian influenza outbreak continue? An expert says there's no way to know. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Rosemary Sifford, with Veterinary Services of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,

Despite the usual quiet of December USDA reports, there were some items of interest in both the crop production reports and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Chief Economist Seth Meyer

Some of those involved in USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities projects provide insight into what these efforts look like as well as the broad collaborations behind them. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Nathan Fields of the National Corn Growers Association. Jack Cornell of the United Soybean Board. Jennifer Wells of Truterra.

Irrigators, farmers, and municipalities in some parts of the West is keeping a close eye on this season's winter mountain snowpack accumulations, with some places off to a good start so far. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey