Radio Features

More people, especially those with no background in agriculture, are beginning to understand how farming and ranching, and its innovations, are needed not just to produce goods but to play a role in solving some of the globe's greater challenges. Rod Bain looks at some of this ag tech and innovation now in service, or that is being developed for future use, in this edition of "Agriculture USA".

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Robert White of the Renewable Fuels Association. Riley Buss of CHS Inc. Chad Passman of John Deere. Scott Holt of Merck Animal Health. Andy LaVigne of the American Seed Trade Association. National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Carrie Castille.

Does sleep affect our health and safety? Well, to find out just try to stay awake for this report from Gary Crawford.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. University of Nebraska Extension expert, Susan Harris. Classic comedian, W.C. Fields. And Moe and Curly Howard.

A strategic framework for a particular zoonotic disease, and its implementation, is the latest step in building an early warning system for potential zoonotic outbreaks in our country. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Associate Administrator Mike Watson.

Millions of Americans say they suffer from insomnia, but may be using that term a bit loosely. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension sleep expert. Also, classic comedian, W. C. Fields.

The bison industry provides many examples of USDA forms of assistance to growers of all kinds - whether its support, market development, research, or animal health. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Donnis Baggett and Jim Matheson of the National Bison Association

An expert advises us to check out the details of any offer by our tax preparer to give us an instant or "anticipation" tax refund. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Lauren Jones, Ohio State University Extension Consumer Policy and Financial Expert. Also, classic comedians, Groucho and Chico Marx.

USDA's Farm Service Agency recently announced extensions to this year's sign-up period for a dairy safety net program. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

How might existing Agriculture Department programs play a role in efforts to advance climate smart agriculture and forestry goals? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

USDA now has a way to provide any farmer who has a smart phone to get instant access to USDA market reports. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Under Secretary of Agriculture Jenny Moffitt. John Gallagher, with the Market News Division of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

A recent panel of meat industry insiders looked at what processing capacity and efficiencies might look like in the future. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Lee Reichmuth of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. Scott Brown of the University of Missouri.

USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has supported several projects that build up research, production and marketing of commodities. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt