Surveys show only Santa Claus is recognized by more Americans than Smokey Bear. A few days ago the venerable bear celebrated his 65th birthday. While most folks are ready to retire at that age, Smokey Bear is still working, still trying to prevent forest and wild fires. On this edition of AGRICULTURE USA ,Gary Crawford takes a look at the past, present and future America's favorite bear.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Forest Service officials, Hank Kashdan and James Hubbard. The original voice of Smokey Bear, Jackson Weaver. Former Forest Service historian, Jean Pablo...and many other fans of Smokey.
A USDA official is pleasantly surprised by the number of applications for broadband infrastructure monies through the Recovery Act. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and David Villano of USDA's Rural Utility Service
The nation's honeybee population continues to be decimated by a mysterious malady, but researchers have a new clue. Gary Crawford has this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA bee researcher , Jay Evans.
Cooking is more fun when you use herbs ... and herbs are more fun if you grow them yourself. Gary Crawford has more.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Scott Acre, with the USDA's National Arboretum.
Dry edible bean producers have had their ups and downs over the last decade, so what's in store for them this year? Gary Crawford has this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Gary Lucier, USDA economist.
Once our major export to Russia was grain and lots of it. Now it's shifted to frozen meats and it may soon shift again. Gary Crawford has this report.
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford . Former Agriculture Secretary Bob Bergland. Former White House spokesperson, Larry Speaks. Current U.S. Agricultural Representative in Moscow, Scott Reynolds.
Thanks in part to USDA rural electric loans, the rural landscape in America changed for the better from the 1930's to the present day. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Jonathan Adelstien of USDA's Rural Development
A series of nationwide public hearings focuses on Environmental Impact Statements connected to the Conservation Reserve Program. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Ben Horter of USDA's Farm Service Agency
USDA research takes the best elements of different bluegrass varieties and creating a drought tolerant, yet harvestable, grass in dry areas. Rod Bain reports.
PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Jason Goldman of the Southern Plains Range Research Station
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