Radio Features

The impacts of the Omega Block continue to be reflected in the nation’s corn and soybean crop conditions, even with a slight weakening of the block going into July. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

This 4th of July grills across America will be fired up for cookouts. On this edition of Agriculture USA Gary Crawford has some tips from an expert on how to keep cookouts from being sickouts. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers, food safety expert with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline.

****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov

This 4th of July grills across America will be fired up for cookouts. Here are some tips to keep cookouts from being sickouts. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers, food safety expert with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline.

****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov

Most July 4th outdoor grillers follow most of the recommended practices for food safety, but often miss one crucial step. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Meredith Carothers, food safety expert with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline.
****Broadcasters: The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854)Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov***

Will that Fourth of July Cheeseburger cost less than last Year? Gary Crawford has the answer from an expert.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Megan Sweitzer.

Along with the hot dogs and hamburgers, why not try some veggies on the outdoor grill? Gary Crawford has an expert to tell us how to do it.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Dr. Sandy Proctor, Kansas State University.

What are the stories behind U.S. sweet and tart cherry production for this year, as the time when they are most in demand by consumers comes about? Rod Bain reports.

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

There were some unexpected numbers in the latest USDA report on cattle feedlot activity. Gary Crawford has details.


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

A new USDA funding program provides higher education institutions opportunities to develop the future professionals of agriculture, including those working for USDA. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

The annual election cycle for USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees is underway for 2023 with nominations for positions now being accepted through August First. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recently awarded funding for infrastructure repair and rebuild after extreme weather events through its Emergency Watershed Protection program. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Astrid Martinez of USDA-NRCS