Radio Features

Hemp is an old crop with a lot of old history, but it's writing some new history right now. Gary Crawford has more on this edition of Agriculture USA.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA history researcher, Anne Effland. Former Presidents Richard Nixon and Donald Trump. Gerald Tillman with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Bill Richmond with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

The USDA is investing 272 million dollars for projects to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater systems. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Nathan Ohle, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Matt Holmes, CEO of the National Rural Water Association

A series of USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program grants address various aspects of benefit and program integrity, efficiency, and delivery at the state and local levels. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and SNAP Associate Administrator Jessica Shahin

Most of us are flunking the clean hands test, at least in our kitchens. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service

If you are involved in trick-or-treating or carving Jack-O-Lanterns, you are following a long-time tradition. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA history expert, Anne Effland

Chilling tales of some insects perpetuated by their characteristics and notoriety from literature fill the air during the Halloween season. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Purdue University Emeritus entomologist Tom Turpin

USDA is conducting its first comprehensive survey of U.S. hemp growers in at least six decades. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Gerald Tillman with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Bill Richmond with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA’s Farm Service Agency and multiple partners are joining together in a new initiative designed to measure soil carbon sequestration within specific Conservation Reserve Program practices. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

Small farmers who sell their goods locally will soon have a new crop insurance product available. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Risk Management Agency Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy

Researchers are conducting a detailed study into the sleep patterns of ag producers, with hopes of developing ways to produce a better night's sleep for farmers and ranchers. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Amanda Prokasky and Susan Harris of University of Nebraska Extension.

Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a national recognition continues for some of our country's outstanding young farmers and their contributions to the farm and community. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Sharon Page of the National Outstanding Young Farmer Organization