Radio Features

June is National Homeownership Month, and in this week's Agriculture USA, Stephanie Ho looks at USDA programs that are aimed at helping low-income residents get into their own homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. Deputy Undersecretary Justin Maxson. Montana homeowner, Amanda Donnell. Vermont homeowner, Tito Santiago. Oregon homeowner, Sandra.

USDA's Rural Development homeownership programs help a single mom buy a home that allows her to stay in the community where her sons were born. Stephanie Ho has the story.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. Deputy Undersecretary Justin Maxson. Montana homeowner, Amanda Donnell.

The Agriculture Department is placing a significant investment in our nation's emergency food system to build up its response and its resiliency. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean

A federal government award highlights USDA's efforts to protect human safety and conserve wildlife at the same time. Stephanie Ho has the story.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and Wildlife Service Research Biologist, Brian Washburn.

How do plant-based hamburger patties compare to tradition beef patties? The results of a scientific study may surprise you. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Travis O'Quinn, Associate Professor at Kansas State University.

Keeping invasive plants and pest from being unwanted hitchhikers from your outdoor excursion is as simple as cleaning items before traveling back home. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Krysta Lutzke of the North American Invasive Species Management Association. Cecilia Sequeira of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Leigh Greenwood of The Nature Conservancy.

Drought is still maintaining a stranglehold on most farming areas of Brazil. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Mark Brusberg, Chief USDA meteorologist.

The last month of U.S. Drought Monitor coverage indicates a mixed bag of news regarding farm commodities in drought. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

It seems to be a seller's market right now for agricultural land. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Randy Dickhut, Senior Vice President for Real Estate Operations at Farmers National Company, Omaha, Nebraska.

The growing number of poultry producers in our nation also means an increased awareness effort in biosecurity measures, with a focus on new and young growers. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Julie Gauthier of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Despite numerous challenges last year, the sheep and wool industries found support and assistance through various USDA programs. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Peter Orwick of the American Sheep Industry Association