Radio Features

Between now and September First, there are various options available for public comment on proposals addressing aspects of federal prevented planting crop insurance coverage. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger

A series of programs, led primarily by USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative, are designed to assist farmers switching from conventional to organic agriculture, and develop markets for organically grown commodities and products. Rod Bain looks at some of these efforts in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

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

Food production by farmers and civilians was a key factor in the success of the D-Day invasion 79 years ago this week. Gary Crawford has this report.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA historical expert , Anne Effland. ABC reporter George Hicks. President Franklin Roosevelt.

We are still seeing prices for most foods going up, but they are rising at a slower rate than expected. Gary Crawford has the good news.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA economist, Matt MacLachlan. Classic radio comedian, Stan Freberg.

The annual Atlantic hurricane season is underway, so what are some ways citizens in areas prone to such events can prepare for a potential emergency? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell.

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. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Housing Service Administrator Joaquin Altoro

Ticks can carry serious diseases. What can we do to reduce tick attacks? We'll find out in this report from Gary Crawford.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. University of Kentucky Professor Emeritus of Entomology, Lee Townsend. Tick rapper, Tanya Josek. Also Brad Paisley.

USDA is out with its new ag. trade forecast for this current fiscal year. Gary Crawford has the details.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawrford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

Each week USDA gives us a comprehensive snapshot of the progress and condition of U.S. crops. Gary Crawford has more on this major effort.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Lance Honig with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service

Rising Brazilian corn production has analysts wondering about the long-term effect on U.S. and world corn markets. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Also a brief snippet from Frank Sinatra.

Much like the U.S. Drought Monitor that closed the month of May, the commodities in drought categories also reflect both drought coverage expansion and retraction in key growing areas. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey