CD#41.04 PUMPKIN TIME AGAIN

00:05:00 

GCRAWFORD 

Halloween and other fall festivals have become even bigger events in this country over the last 20 years. As a result , the nationīs pumpkin farmers are carving out a bigger niche for themselves with more pumpkins and bigger pumpkins as they supply one of the oldest symbols of the season.

On this edition of Agriculture USA Gary Crawford takes a look at the past folklore and present business of Jack - O - Lanterns.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Anne Effland, USDA historical expert. Gary Lucier, USDA economist. Greg Norlin, organizer of an Iowa pumpkin contest.

COLD CAR CASES

00:03:00 

GCRAWFORD 

Winter can be tough on your car, especially if you havenīt prepared your car for the cold weather to come. Gary Crawford has this report.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and MIke Bradshaw, Kansas State University Extension Safety Specialist.

USDA & FFA EXPOSE RURAL STUDENTS TO AGRICULTURE

00:02:20 

KPETTIS 

A program loosely based on FFAīs mission is becoming part of the curriculum for rural students in some states. Kristi Pettis reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Kristi Pettis and Anna Melodia, Director of FFAīs Education Programs Division

LOOKING FOR THAT GREAT PUMPKIN

00:03:00 

GCRAWFORD 

Looking for that perfect pumpkin for fall or Halloween decorations? Gary Crawford reports the search will be easier this year.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Gary Lucier, USDA economsit. Hannah Sevens, Michigan State University extension . Bob King, Cornell University extension. MIke Orzolek, Penn State University extension.

THE ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN

00:03:00 

GCRAWFORD 

Ever wonder why millions of us dress up in scarey costumes, decorate our homes and go trick or treating for Halloween? Gary Crawford has some of the reasons in this report.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Anne Effland, USDA historical expert.

TRICK OR TREAT CAUTIONS

00:03:00 

GCRAWFORD 

Itīs about time for little goblins to haunt neighborhood streets and malls in search of treats. Gary Crawford has this report on safe trick or treating.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Dr. Karen Debord, North Carolina State University extension child development specialist. Anne Effland, USDA historical expert.

BRAZIL AND U.S. PROMOTE MUTUAL TRADE INTERESTS

00:02:30 

KPETTIS 

Brazil and the U.S. may be competitors when it comes to ag production, but they are also partners pursuing trade opportunities to benefit both countries. Kristi Pettis reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Kristi Pettis and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman

MORE FARMERS GROWING PUMPKINS

00:02:30 

GCRAWFORD 

More and more farmers are growing more and more pumpkins, taking advantage of rising consumer demand. Gary Crawford has this report.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Gary Lucier, USDA economist. MIke Orzolek, extension expert at Penn State University. Stanley Trout, Tenn. Agriculture Department.

NEW FARM LOAN PLAN

00:02:29 

GCRAWFORD 

From now on farmers looking to get USDA farm loans will fill out some new worksheets that will help loan officers better evaluate the farmīs financial situation. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford . Mike Hinton and Carolyn Cooksie with USDAīs Farm Service Agency.

FARM PROGRAM PAYMENTS ARE COMPLEX

00:02:16 

BCURTIS 

Both farmers are consumers will likely find it hard to understand the complex system and formulas used to determine farm program payments. In addition, what do countercyclical payments really mean? Brenda Curtis reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Brenda Curtis and Phil Scronce, Farm Service Agency.

FLORIDA DISASTER PROGRAM SIGNUP

00:02:27 

GCRAWFORD 

Florida producers hit by hurricanes are starting to sign up for a special U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster assistance package. Gary Crawford has more.

PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. Florida farmer, John Salter. Senator Bill Nelson. President George W. Bush. Casey Pace, Florida Citrus Mutual. John Johnson, with USDAīs Farm Service Agency.