Radio Features

Leaders at USDA say they are working to fill staff vacancies in local offices, but face a number of obstacles. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Terry Cosby, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency.

Increased participation, support, and innovation efforts, along with follow-ups on previous commitments, and new announcements from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, were among the highlights from the second ever Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit recently held in Washington DC. Rod Bain looks at some of news items of note from the AIM for Climate Summit in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. United Arab Emirates Minister for Climate Change and Environment Mariam Almheiri.

Two newly announced rural energy programs focused on rural clean energy infrastructure and development involves an investment not seen since the electrification of rural America in the 1930’s. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Agriculture Department is working to update and expand its 50 year-old nutrition program for low income women, infants and children. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Stacy Dean, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Former President Richard Nixon.

A panel at the recent Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit discusses women in key scientific roles, and what is needed to further encourage women into STEM based careers. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. USDA Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs Young. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chief Scientist Sarah Kapnick.

It's not only hiking and camping season, but also, unfortunately, tick season. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. University of Nebraska Extension insect expert, Kait Chapman.

The CDC says millions of us will get sick this summer from outdoor grilling mistakes. Gary Crawford has a list of the three biggest goofs.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers, food safety expert with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline. Also, Larry, Moe and Curly.
****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov

There are several common themes running through USDA Crop Forecasts for the New marketing year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA Outlook Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

What will 2024 hold for the nation's beef, pork and broiler sectors? Gary Crawford has the latest forecasts.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA Outlook Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

Livestock producers suffering loss from weather related disasters last year still have time to apply for the Farm Service Agency’s suite of livestock disaster assistance programs. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

What are the various steps to adopt changes in Federal Milk Marketing Orders once the Agriculture Secretary accept proposals? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Agricultural Marketing Service Associate Administrator Melissa Bailey