Radio Features

Christmas tree growers are working hard in record-breaking heat getting those trees ready for us this winter. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Christmas tree growers, John Tillman, Beth Walterscheidt and Jim Gehlsen.

A new USDA program allows higher education institutions to foster programs to train and develop the future generation of ag professionals to fill needs in areas of ag research and at the Agriculture Department. Rod Bain looks at the Next Gen program and how it is designed to encourage a diverse workforce in the ag sector in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. Christopher Nytch of the University of Puerto Rico. Courtney Kowalzcak of Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Mohamed Ahmedna of North Carolina A and T University.

The Agriculture Secretary recently discussed some of the effort made by USDA in recent years to improve the scope of diversity and equity in the Department, and in agriculture. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

USDA is utilizing both recent and future awards through its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to expand the availability of biofuels to the nation's consumers. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

Emergency food providers are having trouble keeping up with the increasing demand for food assistance. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

If you are enrolled in Medicaid, officials want you to know that eligibility checks are resuming after a three year hiatus. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Andrea Palm.

Is your dog having heat stroke? Here are some signs to look for. Gary Crawford has this report.


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

Farmers have planted far more corn acres and fewer soybean acres than had been expected. Gary Crawford has details.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer

Some of the recent efforts to expand U.S. agricultural exports into India include events at the recent G20 Ag Ministerial held in that nation. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small

One analyst says that currently there's not much incentive for hog producers to boost production. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam.

While acreage enrollment numbers were announced for the recent Conservation Reserve Program General sign-up, enrollment continues for other CRP programs as well. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.