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Radio Features Archive

Initiatives and Efforts to Expand Organic Farmer Opportunities

00:04:59.885
A series of programs, led primarily by USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative, are designed to assist farmers switching from conventional to organic agriculture, and develop markets for organically grown commodities and products. Rod Bain looks at some of these efforts in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. FSA Acting Deputy Administrator John Berge.

A Vital Part in the Success of D-Day 79 Years Ago Was Food

00:02:58.677
Food production by farmers and civilians was a key factor in the success of the D-Day invasion 79 years ago this week. Gary Crawford has this report.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA historical expert , Anne Effland. ABC reporter George Hicks. President Franklin Roosevelt.

Food Prices Rising at Slower Rate than Expected

00:03:00.323
We are still seeing prices for most foods going up, but they are rising at a slower rate than expected. Gary Crawford has the good news.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA economist, Matt MacLachlan. Classic radio comedian, Stan Freberg.

Steps for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparation

00:02:48.698
The annual Atlantic hurricane season is underway, so what are some ways citizens in areas prone to such events can prepare for a potential emergency? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell.

A Portfolio of Rural Development Housing Programs

00:02:54.288
It might be a surprise to some that a division of USDA’s Rural Development mission area offers housing programs in many realms of the housing process. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Rural Housing Service Administrator Joaquin Altoro

Thwarting Tick Attacks

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Ticks can carry serious diseases. What can we do to reduce tick attacks? We'll find out in this report from Gary Crawford.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. University of Kentucky Professor Emeritus of Entomology, Lee Townsend. Tick rapper, Tanya Josek. Also Brad Paisley.

USDA Lowers Ag. Export Forecast

00:02:30.021
USDA is out with its new ag. trade forecast for this current fiscal year. Gary Crawford has the details.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawrford and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

Producing USDA's Weekly Crop Progress Report Is Massive Undertaking

00:02:26.024
Each week USDA gives us a comprehensive snapshot of the progress and condition of U.S. crops. Gary Crawford has more on this major effort.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Lance Honig with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service

Big Brazilian Corn Crop Has Prices Down/Competition Up

00:02:19.180
Rising Brazilian corn production has analysts wondering about the long-term effect on U.S. and world corn markets. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Also a brief snippet from Frank Sinatra.

Drought Coverage for Commodities and Crops a Mixed Bag in May

00:02:27.722
Much like the U.S. Drought Monitor that closed the month of May, the commodities in drought categories also reflect both drought coverage expansion and retraction in key growing areas. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

Farmers Helped Make 1944 D-Day Invasion a Success

00:02:22.915
This week marks the 79th anniversary of D-Day. The nation's farmers played a key role in the success of the D-Day invasion. Gary Crawford has more.



PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford . USDA historical expert, Anne Effland. Radio reporter, George Hicks. General Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Franklin Roosevelt.