Radio Features

One of the most enduring holiday traditions is the Christmas tree. On this edition of AGRICULTURE USA Gary Crawford explores this old holiday standby and takes us on a hunt for that perfect real tree.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Agriculture Department historical expert, Anne Effland. Christmas tree growers, Jim Gehlsen and Tom Dull. Farm worker, Chris Gray. Plus a bunch of Christmas tree hunters.

The Agriculture Secretary explains recent investments in rural infrastructure that emphasizes greater resiliency and climate smart practices. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

USDA's annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will highlight sustainability and productivity -- goals that are not mutually exclusive. Stephanie Ho has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer

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.

Since hurricane season is now officially over (it ended November 30), it's a good time to take a look at how this year stacked up compared to others, for tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin. Stephanie Ho has the story.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey

Your dog or cat could be hurt seriously by eating certain foods that are common around the house during the holidays. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Susan Nelson, veterinarian and professor at Kansas State University.

The legacy of late U.S. Senator Robert Dole is notable throughout USDA, including one program that is in part named in his honor. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and former U.S. Senator Robert Dole

The latest USDA "forecast" for 2021 shows that farm income will end the year even higher than was expected. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Spiro Stefano, Administrator of USDA's Economic Research Service. Seth Meyer, USDA Chief Economist.

Farmers are seeing fertilizer prices soar and supplies dwindle. This could change farmers' plans for next year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Rod Wells, on behalf of the Agricultural Retailers Association. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

As drought continues to expand nationwide, so do concerns about some of the nation's commodities over the winter, such as winter wheat. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

The recent start of the Western mountain snowpack season may bring cause for concern about already low water supplies going into the Spring. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey