Former North Dakota Governor, Ed Schafer, had less than a year to serve as the nation's 29th Agriculture Secretary,but what a year! He served during a food safety situation that resulted in the largest meat recall in history. He was charged with implementing a farm bill that was not only the most complex ever, but was many months late in coming. He also served during a time of the highest farm prices on record, but also a time when those prices plummeted prior to a national recession. On this edition of AGRICULTURE USA, Gary Crawford presents some reflections by Ed Schafer on his tumultuous term as Agriculture Secretary.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President George W. Bush. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer.
An agri-marketer offers women farmers a new kind of GPS to put in their tool shed as they navigate the road to success.
PARTICIPANTS: Susan Carter and Agri-Marketer Jane Eckert
Prices for raw farm commodities and energy are down dramatically, but so far supermarkets have not lowered food prices. Gary Crawford has more.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Ephriam Leibtag, USDA economist.
While some believe the poinsettia is only a holiday time plant, proper care now can help your poinsettia grow and remain healthy all year long. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Jerry Goodspeed of Utah State University Extension
The US Forest Service is among many partners of a January time event designed to encourage outdoor recreation, safety, and ecological awareness during the winter time. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Kristen Nelson of the U.S. Forest Service
A New York animal rescue group extends a helping hand to those having a hardship feeding their beloved pets.
PARTICIPANTS: Susan Carter and Rosanne Higgins vice president of Buffalo CAN
A recent USDA Outlook into agriculture income and finances shows the farm and ranch sector in strong shape entering into this new year. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA Economist Ken Erickson
Two per cent declines in most hog inventory categories, and a two per cent increase in pigs per litter, highlighted USDA's December Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and USDA Livestock Analyst Shayle Shagam
What will the new year hold for the U.S. cotton industry? Gary Crawford has this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber.
35,000 Census of Agriculture participants are targeted for a supplemental survey pertaining to irrigation use and practices. Rod Bain has details in this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and National Agricultural Statistics Service Deputy Administrator Carol House
"A thrilling , wild ride." That's how outgoing Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer describes his one year in that office. Gary Crawford has this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. President George W. Bush. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer.