Radio Features

What have been some of the changes regarding the scope of drought coverage in growing areas of certain commodities between last fall's harvest and the spring planting season? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Big data continues to be a growing part of ag operations – whether in the field, research lab, or resource offering. How far has ag come in the development of big data and what are some projects and programs that could feature big data in the future? Rod Bain takes a look in this edition of Agriculture USA.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Sumer Johal of the Ag Stack Foundation. Kendall Kirk of Clemson University.

Applications are now being accepted for the latest round of Rural Energy for America Program project funding - with some new elements included. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The first three months of this year reflect a significant amount of tornadic activity nationwide, particularly in parts of the Southeast and Midwest. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Those Easter eggs may be fun to decorate and nice to look at, but think twice before you eat those eggs. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers 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

There's a special bunny that certainly gets things hopping this time of year. Some may not believe in him, but let's not split hares. Gary Crawford reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA history expert, Anne Effland. Also a special member of the Hare Force

Why do we color eggs and then hide them from view? Why do bunnies do home delivery of eggs and other foods? Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA history expert, Anne Effland. Comedian, Jim Gaffigan.

The USDA is out with its report on farmers' planting intentions. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Seth Meyer, USDA Chief Economist.

A new USDA report points to a less optimistic attitude in the hog business at the moment. Gary Crawford has more.


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

Many more corn and soybean producers will be able to buy USDA's Margin Protection insurance plan for the 2024 crop year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Marcia Bunger, Administrator of USDA's Risk Management Agency

USDA recently announced the latest release of financial assistance to distressed borrowers of Farm Service Agency farm loans - part of recent relief efforts. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux