Radio Features

What are the priorities for USDA that Tom Vilsack outlined in his confirmation hearing to be Ag Secretary? In this week's Agriculture USA, Stephanie Ho looks at some of the top items on his agenda.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. Ag Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack. Robert Kennedy. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

EDS: This piece is still correct even if he is confirmed.

What are some of the priorities that Ag Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack outlined for his second opportunity as head of USDA? Stephanie Ho has the story.


PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. Ag Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack. Robert Kennedy.

EDS: This piece is still correct even if he is confirmed.

Much of the nation is in an icy grip of arctic air. So, does that mean the groundhog's forecast was right? Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA Chief Meteorologist Mark Brusberg. USDA history expert, Anne Effland. Plus Phil, the singing groundhog.

Are you looking for someone to prepare your tax returns? Gary Crawford talks with an expert who has some advice for choosing a preparer.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Kansas State University Extension tax expert, Susie Latta. Also, classic comedy team, Abbott and Costello

The annual celebration of love we know as Valentine's Day is steeped in history and culture. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Carrie Van Buren of South Dakota State University. An odorous animated animal.

Recent events and curiousity have led more first-time consumers to purchase lamb at supermarkets and retail stores. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Megan Wortman of the American Lamb Board

What are some of the things USDA could do to help the country's agricultural community? Stephanie Ho has this look.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack.

EDS: This piece is still correct even if he is confirmed.

In its first farm income forecast for 2021, USDA is projecting a drop from last year, but with a silver lining. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

The weather pattern known as La Nina is bringing extreme cold temperatures to many parts of the country. Stephanie Ho has this report.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist.

Despite a recent storm system, several of the West's mountain ranges have below normal snowpack levels, raising concerns about runoff and refilling the region's water reservoirs. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

It has only been in recent years that researchers have been able to learn about pest threats to industrial hemp crops, and likewise, ways to control and manage these insects and mites. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Colorado State University Emeritus Professor Whitney Crawshaw