Radio Features

The nation's certified organic livestock and poultry producers will soon have new production standards to follow. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Nate Powell-Palm, organic farmer and Chair of the National Organic Standards Board. Maine Representative Chellie Pingree.

Agritourism remains popular for both farm owners and consumers due to its variety of benefits. Yet for a farmer or rancher wishing to run an agritourism operation, there are challenges to consider. Rod Bain looks at various benefits and challenges associated with agritourism in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Audrey Comerford of Oregon State University Extension

* - ATTN: Bat Week is October 24 - 31 - *

The annual awareness campaign about bats, their role in agriculture, and threats to their existence, is now international in scope. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Kim Winter of the US Forest Service

An expert says don't let food poisoning bacteria haunt your Halloween party. Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline.

***Broadcasters, USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) Listeners can also chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. ***

If you are carving Jack-O-Lanterns or involved in treat or treat, you are following some long-time traditions. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA historical researcher, Anne Effland

Parents can do things to make sure their little trick or treaters have a safe, happy and non-threatening time. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and University of Kentucky Extension Child Development Specialist David Weisenhorn.

Online permits are now available via “Recreation.gov” for cutting Christmas trees in national forests, but a U.S. Forest Service expert says there are some things to keep in mind regarding permits and tree cutting. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Janelle Smith

The Agriculture Secretary recently announced the latest funding awards for projects under a USDA program designed to expand the domestic production capacity of fertilizer. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

A livestock analyst says larger than expected cattle feedlot inventories now could mean lower supplies/higher prices by mid-2024. Gary Crawford and USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam)

USDA recently released its first production forecast for the nation’s new season orange crop, with trends primarily positive. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Lance Honig and Mark Hudson of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

The National Animal Health Laboratory Network, made up of USDA and land grant university labs, are joining forces with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Laboratory in increased detection of animal disease threats. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and National Animal Health Laboratory Network Coordinator Christie Loiacono.