Radio Features

New reports indicate that things in the beekeeping world may be finally improving after more than a decade of staggering colony losses. Experts say, however, bees still need our help. Gary Crawford has the latest buzz about bees on this edition of Agriculture USA.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Dave Goulson , University of Sussex. Jeff Pettis, President of International Federation of Beekeepers Associations. Dr. Samuel Ramsey and Kyle Grubbs with USDA's Bee Lab in Beltsville, Md. Travis Averill with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Do you want to help our struggling populations of bees and other pollinators? Gary Crawford has some tips from the experts on how to do it.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Dave Goulson , University of Sussex. Jeff Pettis, President of International Federation of Beekeepers Associations. Dr. Samuel Ramsey with USDA's Bee Lab in Beltsville, Md.

If your child is actually going to school this fall and taking lunch from home, an expert says pack that lunch with good nutrition. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Sandy Proctor, Kansas State University Extension Nutrition expert.

Wearing masks protects the health of everyone, but on expert says it also may pose a few problems for young children. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and daughter, Kara. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Extension Child Development Specialist. Plus guest stars such as The Lone Ranger, the Mandalorian , Darth Vader and the MASK.

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants offer resources for communities in their efforts to foster local economic growth. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Cooperative Business Service Administrator Karama Neal

Applications are now being accepted for funding to assist rural businesses and communities in the switch to renewable and energy efficient systems. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Business and Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal

What are some of the changes in trends regarding farm computer and technology compared to two years ago? Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Adam Peters of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

USDA data reveals that more, and in some cases younger, new and beginning farmers and ranchers are getting involved in agriculture. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Tony Dorn of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

It's been six years since we saw a yearly drop in beef production, but it could be in the offing for next year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Shayle Shagam, USDA livestock analyst. Mark Jekanowski, USDA Outlook Board Chairman.

U.S. pork producers are enhancing biosecurity measures both through border collaboration and ground-level efforts to keep African Swine Fever out of our country. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Liz Wagstrom of the National Pork Producers Council

A new resource of USDA market data and information for beef, lamb, and veal producers is now available in a visualized format. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Agricultural Marketing Service Associate Deputy Administrator Taylor Cox.