Radio Features Archive

Years in the making, the shortage of water supplies in several parts of the West have led to increased research, and various conservation strategies, to save as much water as possible for a growing list of diverse resource users. Rod Bain looks at the why�s behind the Western water shortage and ways to spread this dwindling supply among water users in this edition of �Agriculture USA�.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Colorado State University Professor Courtney Schultz. Kansas farmer Tom Willis.

Long term weather factors have come together to create water shortages in many locales in the West. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

If you should encounter a snake in your yard, or anywhere, what's the best way to handle that encounter? Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Maureen Frank, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A and M University. Also classic comedian, W.C. Fields.

Thousands of Americans are bitten by snakes every year. If it happened to you, would you know what to do? Gary Crawford has this report.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Maureen Frank, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A and M University. Also, Homer and Jethro.

Thousands of us are scammed every year as we are caught in the nets of people who are experts at getting us to reveal personal information or to send money. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Barbara Stockebrand with Kansas State University Extension.

A variety of products contain some form of soybean, including items you may have never considered. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Belinda Burrier of the United Soybean Board

It looks like corn will win the battle with soybeans for acreage this year. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Lance Honig with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cindy Nickerson, USDA Deputy Chief Economist.

A dairy extension expert notes some common characteristics shared by successful operations, regardless of size or goals. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Jim Salfer of University of Minnesota Extension

The nation's pork producers are being very cautious about making production decisions for the future. (Gary Crawford and USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam)

How is a Kansas farmer applying innovations, technologies and strategies to help conserve water supplies while maintaining a profitable operation? Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Tom Willis

The rancher�s use of federal lands for grazing goes beyond feeding livestock by providing a needed management benefit to these public lands. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Kaitlynn Glover of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association