Radio Features

The National Mall in Washington DC recently played host to a vast display of innovations, technologies and equipment associated with agriculture, providing a glimpse of aspects of modern ag. Rod Bain looks at this event, and some examples of modern farming and food production in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Nick Tindall of the Association of Equipment Manufactures. Andy LaVigne of the American Seed Trade Association. Mac Marshall of the United Soybean Board. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.

A recent White House event featured announcements from the Agriculture Secretary on investments for rural infrastructure and economic development. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

Food price inflation is the lowest in years. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Megan Sweitzer

Do any of the usual insect deterrents actually work to keep bugs away from our cookouts and picnics? Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Kait Chapman with the University of Nebraska.

Outdoor grillers follow most of the recommended food safety rules, but often ignore one crucial rule. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers, food safety expert with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline.

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

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

As lawmakers try to craft a new farm bill, one of the many debates centers around what is the best way to help producers when disasters strike. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Steve Peterson with USDA Farm Service Agency

A Department of Energy report is projecting major growth of the U.S. bio-based economy which could raise farmers' revenues. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Jeff Marootian with the Department of Energy

What is the outlook for milk production and prices for the next year and a half? Gary Crawford haa the latest forecast. '


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Classic entertainer, Danny Kaye. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

A unique multi-day rain event in Southern Brazil raises concerns how crops currently under harvest might be affected. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA Chief Meteorologist Mark Brusberg

Updated greenhouse gas emission modeling coupled with tax credits could provide growers another value-added revenue stream through sustainable aviation fuel production. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Paul Winters of the Clean Fuels Alliance. Lindsay Fitzgerald of GEVO. Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie.