Radio Features

Some of those connected by the position they held at the Agriculture Department – top economic advisor – recently reconnected through an Agricultural Outlook Forum, with discussion centered on their time at USDA and some of the issues they faced. Rod Bain reveals some of this history of USDA’s economic mission area in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economics Randy Russell. Former Assistant Secretaries for Economics Robert Thompson and Dan Sumner. Former Chief Economist Joe Glauber and Rob Johansson.

The latest round of USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grant awards continues to expand fuel station capabilities to bring higher blends of ethanol to motorists and consumers. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association. Doug Bervin of POET. Emily Skor of Growth Energy. Ron Lamberty of the American Coalition for Ethanol. Secretary Tom Vilsack

Food Price Inflation is cooling down. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS; Gary Crawford and USDA economist, Megan Sweitzer.

Summers almost over, but there's still plenty of time for outdoor grilling and for avoiding some major grilling mistakes. Gary Crawford has more.


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

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

Whether you love apples or pears, grapes or peaches, USDA has the latest numbers regarding fall-time fruit production for this year. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Fleming Gibson of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

One expert says a healthy diet can improve the health of the brain as well as the body. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Sharolyn Jackson with Kansas State University Extension.

The Agriculture Secretary recently provided an example of how a project within a Natural Resources Conservation Service partnership program works and how it can provide a myriad of benefits. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Secretary Tom Vilsack. Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Cosby.

What does USDA’s latest report on farmland values and cash rents reveal about 2024 values and trends? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Chief Economist Seth Meyer

USDA trade officials expect to see increased export sales to Columbia after a recent trade mission there. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Under Secretary of Agriculture Alexis Taylor.

One expert says there is very little standing in the way of a bumper harvest of soybeans and corn. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey.

A recent panel contained dialogue between some of those who held the post as USDA’s top economic advisor – including former Chief Economists. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Former Assistant Secretaries for Economics Robert Thompson and Dan Sumner. Former Chief Economist Joe Glauber and Rob Johansson.