Radio Features

USDA and other federal agencies are bringing the message of needed rural infrastructure projects and support programs to communities and regions as part of an ongoing White House Rural Infrastructure Tour. Rod Bain explains some of the programs, projects, and outreach offerings being discusses on this tour in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. White House Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. Minnesota State Rural Development Director Colleen Landkamer. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice. Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja.

A new Rural Partners Network is designed to help rural leaders find and apply for federal programs such as for infrastructure improvements and economic development. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice.

The Agriculture Department's new technical assistance network for meat and poultry processing capacity program applicants is as diverse as the system of processing facilities and the customers they serve. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Mae Wu. Roger Fragua (pronounced "Fra-wah"), Chris Roper, and Dave Carter of Flower Hill Institute.)

Most financial advisors say tax refunds are not a great idea. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Kansas State University Extension tax expert, Susie Latta. Classic comedians, Groucho and Chico Marx.

Most 18 wheelers are running on diesel fuel, but what if they could run on pure, less costly and cleaner burning, ethanol? Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. B.J. Johnson, CEO of Clear Flame Engine Technologies.

Analysts are having once again to boost their forecasts of this year's food price inflation. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Matt MacLachlan, USDA economist.

Applicants of and projects under USDA's meat and poultry processing capacity and expansion programs now have a new technical assistance network available as a resource. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Mae Wu. Dave Carter of Flower Hill Institute.

Drought appears to be playing a part in the most recent USDA Cattle on Feed report - one that perhaps surprised industry analysts. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and livestock analyst Shayle Shagam

An enterprising technology company is developing a system that would let big trucks and tractors run on 100% ethanol. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and B.J. Johnson, CEO of Clear Flame Engine Technologies.

What are some of the challenges involved with the ocean shipping industry as it continues efforts to curb supply chain disruptions? Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Walter Lanza

What are some of the thoughts about the shaping of focus and programs within the conservation title of a new Farm Bill? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Johnathan Coppess of the University of Illinois. Lynn Tjeerdsma. Dan Yeoman of ReHarvest. Ryan Taylor of Ducks Unlimited. Melinda Cep of the National Audubon Society.