Radio Features

Long before there was a U.S. Forest Service, women played an integral part in the preservation and conservation of our nation’s forest. That in turn also grew opportunities for women in development, and eventually, leadership roles regarding forest stewardship. Rod Bain talks with a U.S. Forest Service historian about the role of women in developing U.S. forests, and the U.S. Forest Service, in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rachel Kline

The Agriculture Secretary reveals how consumers surveyed shaped development of a voluntary label for meat, poultry, and egg products produced, processed, and packaged in our nation. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The U.S. winter of 2023-24 is now the warmest winter season on record, per NOAA climatic data going back 130 years. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANT: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Active weather across a wide stretch of the Central U.S. was behind several tornadoes resulting in injuries and fatalities late Thursday and early Friday. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

This time of year the prices we pay for eggs at the grocery store are as changeable as the weather. Gary Crawford has more.


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

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

USDA recently announced its first set of awards under its Local Meat Capacity Grant Program, with focus on simplified equipment investments within processing facilities. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. wheat continues to struggle in global markets. Exports are down to levels not seen in half a century. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski.

USDA recently announced funding awards associated with its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program as means to conserve various farm and watershed easements. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie)

What is the forecast for milk production, product demand, prices for this year? Rod Bain report.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA dairy analyst Micheal McConnell

USDA’s forecast for cotton this marketing year reflect year-over-year rises in several categories within the domestic production estimates and balance sheet. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and economist Stephen MacDonald