Radio Features

What is it about Farmers Markets that draws farmers and ranchers, vendors, consumers, and communities – to the venue itself and as part of social and economic opportunity? Rod Bain looks at the uniqueness of Farmers Markets in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt

What makes Farmers Markets such a unique entity, no matter where they are found, or what they offer in the way of economic and community opportunity? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt

* - October is National Cooperative Month - *

Nearing a century of service in some cases, rural electric cooperatives continue to evolve to incorporate new technologies in providing power and other benefits to communities they serve. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke

This is the season for potluck dinners. Gary Crawford has this report about how to help make sure that dinner doesn't make someone sick.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA food safety expert, Meredith Carothers. Pat Dodson, potluck dinner organizer.

While you carve out that Halloween pumpkin, you can also amaze your friends with your pumpkin knowledge. Gary Crawford explains how.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Greg Astill, economist with USDA's Economic Research Service.

Tomatoes may be very common food items, but one expert says they are quite extraordinary. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Nikita Vivekanandan, with the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

USDA's latest trade update shows a mixed bag of ag trade trends. Gary
Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Bart Kenner.

USDA’s recent set of fair and competitive market announcements include a three-part strategy designed to make germplasm research and the seeds they produce more available for development. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA Senior Advisor Andy Green

The Agriculture Department recently announced the latest actions designed to increase competition and fairness in both the meat retail industry and livestock markets. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA Senior Advisor Andy Green

What was some of the notable news and industry reaction associated with USDA’s October crop production forecasts? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Mark Hudson of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

What are some of the initial concerns about Hurricane Milton associated with impacts to various Florida crops? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey