Radio Features

Part of the Agriculture Department's strategy to advance climate smart agriculture was revealed recently through updates in some of its popular conservation programs. Stephanie Ho and Rod Bain look at the details of climate smart ag within the Conservation Reserve Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and others in this edition of "Agriculture USA".

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho. Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. Acting Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Cosby. NRCS Deputy Chief Jimmy Bramblett.

The goal of bringing high speed internet access to all Americans is spawning lots of thought and unusual innovations. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President Joe Biden. Vickie Robinson with Microsoft Global Airband Initiative. Dr. Tommy Park with Wabash Heartland Innovation Network.

The Secretary of Agriculture used Earth Day to highlight USDA's efforts aimed at mitigating climate and encouraging conservation. Stephanie Ho has the story.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Parents may praise the re-opening of schools and day care centers, but young children may have different feelings. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Bradford Wiles, Extension Child Development Specialist at Kansas State University.

The Chief of the U.S. Forest Service recently discussed some of the technological and strategic advances designed to combat, and reduce, wildfire activity. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Chief Vicki Christiansen

If you are part of a growing crop of gardening beginners this year, Gary Crawford has in this report some advice from a gardening guru.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Kansas State University Extension gardening expert, Dennis Patton

It could cost a lot to bring broadband to every farm and rural home in the country, but experts say it will pay off long term. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President Joe Biden. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Dr. Johnny Park with Wabash Heartland Innovation Network. Vickie Robinson with Microsoft Global Airband Initiative. Jennifer Prather, on behalf of the Rural Broadband Association.

The Agriculture Department recently announced an increased enrollment cap and new and expanded incentives within it’s Conservation Reserve Program. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects, including ones recently awarded funding, offer innovative approaches to conservation, including climate smart agriculture. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting Chief Terry Cosby.

Funding research of new and existing conservation innovations at the field level is the purpose of a specific part of USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Natural Resources Conservation Service Deputy Chief Jimmy Bramblett

Freezing cold temperatures are expected to have damaged crops in many areas of the country. Stephanie Ho reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey.