Radio Newsline

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says the country's best pastures are in the eastern part of the country.

Notable topsoil moisture shortages remain in the western half of the country. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a look at where the worst topsoil moisture shortages are in the nation this week.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a detailed look at which states in the country have topsoil moisture surpluses.

One expert says 2021 is shaping up to be the second rough year in a row for the beef cattle industry. (Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer) **Broadcasters, Use this story prior to USDA's Cattle on Feed report to be released this Friday, May 21st at 3pm EDT. This story mentions that report.**

Seth Meyer, USDA Chief Economist with a litany of problems that the beef cattle industry has been facing in the last two years.

Growing Western drought has some cattle producers considering a reduction of stocking rates to assure proper forage and feed. (Rod Bain and Aaron Berger of University of Nebraska Extension.)

Aaron Berger of University of Nebraska Extension discusses three options cattle producers have to reduce stocking rates in response to forage challenges caused by drought.

Opinions vary greatly on the 17 year cicadas that are emerging right now in parts of the Eastern U.S. (Gary Crawford and Michael Raupp, University of Maryland entomologist)

Michael Raupp, University of Maryland entomologist, urging people in areas where the 17 year cicadas are emerging not to spray trees with insecticides.