Radio Features

The promise of precision agriculture hinges on keeping the promise of high-speed internet access for all of rural America. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. David Zumwalt, CEO, Broadband without Barriers. Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, Rural Broadband Association. Bill Hurley with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

It might be a surprise to some that a division of USDA’s Rural Development mission area offers housing programs in many realms of the housing process, which in turn, provides rural citizens the opportunity of home ownership and affordable housing. Rod Bain looks at the portfolio of programs in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Rural Housing Service Administrator Joaquin Altoro. Darin Beckius of Homes are Possible Inc. Tennessee realtor Renea Veach.

It might surprise you that USDA’s Rural Development mission area offers housing programs which provide rural citizens the opportunity of home ownership and affordable housing. Rod Bain has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Rural Housing Service Administrator Joaquin Altoro. Darin Beckius of Homes are Possible Inc. Tennessee realtor Renea Veach.

Want to help your physical and mental health? Help yourself to some foods and drinks rich in Flavonoids. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State University Food Scientist.

A long running USDA publication series and its highlights of research projects we now find in stores or use in everyday life is available in podcast form. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Todd Silver of the Agricultural Research Service

USDA is implemented a multi-step effort designed to bolster claims of how meat animals are raised, improving accuracy of such claims. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin

An expert says dog owners should know that very high temperatures can be dangerous for our pets. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA veterinarian, Dr. Dawn Fitzhugh.

A huge weather phenomenon could make things rough for soybeans and corn over a massive area of the U.S. (Gary Crawford and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

A recent tour of Kansas winter wheat fields illustrates concerns about crop conditions for several growers in the Central and Southern Plains. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Dave Green of the Wheat Quality Council

USDA’s organic transition initiative and updates regarding it, are among the various assistance available to organic producers as they establish themselves and their markets. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. FSA Acting Deputy Administrator John Berge.

What are some of the planning and program aspects of a USDA-led Agricultural Trade Mission that take place prior to the actual event? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs Morgan Perkins. USDA Ag Trade Office Director Chanda Berk.