Radio Features

Robby Burns believes he has two callings – as a U.S. Forest Service wildland hotshot firefighter, - and a competitive snowboarder, who recently achieved a lifelong dream by competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. He believes both callings have several similar, intertwined, components that have shaped Robby’s passion of and performance in both. Rod Bain talks to Robby about his firefighter and Olympic experiences in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Robby Burns.

There were two highlights in USDA's March WASDE report, in two very different parts of the world. Stephanie Ho has the story.

PARTCIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski.

Rural, and in some cases suburban, watersheds and dams will benefit from improvements supported by recent USDA infrastructure funding. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie

Has the pandemic dramatically and permanently changed our food eating and buying habits? Gary Crawford has this report.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Andy Harig with the Food Marketing Institute. Mr. Harig's presented his findings at USDA's Outlook Forum.

One expert says it's going to take quite a long time for the nation's restaurant industry to recover from the pandemic. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Hudson Riehl, economist with the National Restaurant Association. His comments came at the USDA's recent Outlook Forum.

A U.S. Forest Service wildland hotshot firefighter discusses the similarities between his vocation and his athletic endeavors as a U.S. Olympic team member. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Robby Burns

Details of a USDA grant program designed to develop additional fertilizer production domestically will be announced later this year. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The U.S., the Agriculture Secretary, and the world are watching events in Ukraine closely to monitor that nation’s ability to produce farm goods, and export to markets, with a focus on food security. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Agriculture Secretary announced that additional USDA-led agricultural trade missions are scheduled for this year following an earlier endeavor in Dubai. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

What does domestic and global cotton categories reveal regarding USDA's first forecasts for cotton for this marketing year? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA cotton analyst James Johnson

What are the trends indicated within USDA’s first look at meat and poultry production, exports, and prices for this year? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA livestock analyst Shayle Shagam