Radio Features

If you've been discriminated against by USDA, and it happened before January 1st of 2021, officials want you to know about a special program of financial assistance. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Monica Rainge with USDA. .

A new farmer survey shows why more farmers are using cover crops. The survey also explodes one myth about cover crop incentives. Gary Crawford has more on this edition of Agriculture USA.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Rob Myers with USDA's Sustainable Ag. Research and Extension Group at the University of Missouri. Andy LaVigne, CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. Ryan Heiniger, Executive Director of the Conservation Technology Information Center.

Summers almost over, but there's still plenty of time for outdoor grilling and for avoiding some major grilling mistakes. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline. Also assorted Stooges.

****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854)Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov***

A Pacific based tropical system was noted as such when entering the Western U.S., leaving behind both beneficial and detrimental impacts. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Severe heat waves do much more than pose a threat to human health. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Kristie Ebi with the University of Washington.

Pollinators can live in and around your lawn or a golf course, so what are some best management practices to use when applying pesticides. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Terri Billeisen of North Carolina State University Extension

Whether going by pathologist, tree doctor, or stump buster, a U.S. Forest Service tree expert in California utilizes his observation skills to diagnose unhealthy forest areas. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Martin MacKenzie

USDA is making changes to its Livestock Indemnity program to better support cattle producers who have lost animals due to severe heat. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Agriculture Department recently announced its latest efforts to help financially distressed borrowers in Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

The USDA is improving its multi-layered system to protect the U.S. livestock industry from foreign animal diseases. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Julie Wallin with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

While several laws and regulations provide special treatment for farmers and ranchers, there are also several rules that can adversely impact producers as well. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Washburn University Professor Roger McEowen.