Radio Features

The nation's farmers and food industry workers are probably glad that 2020 is in the rearview mirror. It certainly was a rollercoaster ride for the food industry. What is this new year likely to bring? Gary Crawford takes a quick look, backward and forward, on this edition of Agriculture USA.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Outgoing USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson. President Donald Trump. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

What were the 2020 highlights for USDA's Agricultural Research Service? Stephanie Ho has a look at the top three.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and ARS Administrator Chavonda Jacobs-Young.

Have your patterns of exercise, sleep and food changed for the worst during this pandemic? One expert says it's possible. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Sharolyn Jackson with Kansas State University Extension.

Are the holiday gift bills flooding in? Has your money to pay them already flooded out? What can you do? Gary Crawford has answers in this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Amanda Woods, Ohio State University Extension Financial Health Specialist.

Why do many of us fail to keep our New Year's resolution to start exercising? Gary Crawford has an expert with the answer.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Karen Ensle, Rutgers University extension nutrition and health expert.

The National Technology and Development Program has been a key part of U.S. Forest Service efforts to advance innovation in fire suppression and many other aspects of its mission area. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and National Technology and Development Program Director Alex Gavrisheff

2020 started with a lot of promise for producers. What it produced was a lot of problems and huge efforts to mitigate them. Gary Crawford has more.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President Donald Trump. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson. Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

In 2020 the U.S. agricultural sector generated some of the highest income numbers in recent years. What about 2021? Gary Crawford reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA outgoing Chief Economist Rob Johansson.

The first Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs discusses how this position has been shaped since its formation over three years ago. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney

A USDA pilot program is establishing Farm Service Agency County Committees in designated urban locations, with the second round of service areas recently announced. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce

College graduates in food and farm related disciplines are expected to find job opportunities in their related fields over the next five years. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Marcos Fernandez of Purdue University