Radio Newsline

A late March severe weather outbreak is but the latest in recent years involving major tornadoes impacting parts of the Southeast. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses how the month of March in recent years has experienced a significant number of tornados in the U.S., including March 2021.

USDA is forgiving loans in an effort to help socially-disadvantaged farmers.(Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack)

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says farmers need to think about USDA loan forgiveness in terms of how it will affect them, tax-wise.

Equity is going to be a major concern at USDA. (Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack)

USDA is hoping more socially-disadvantaged farmers apply for COVID assistance. (Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack)

USDA is urging greater trust in farmers to self-identify. (Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack)

The American Rescue Plan includes steps to help address discrimination against Black farmers. (Stephanie Ho and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack)

House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott said a hearing on the state of the country's Black farmers will lead to future anti-discrimination legislation.

If you are planning on coloring some eggs and perhaps having a family egg hunt, an expert says be careful if you also intend to eat those same eggs. (Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers, with the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline) ****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-5463) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov