Co-op Talk Texas

Workforce rules continue to change for agricultural employers. Kelley Green with the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association joins Co-op Talk Texas to discuss the latest developments involving H-2A wage rates and CDL issues affecting agricultural drivers—and what cooperative managers need to know right now.

Join us for a practical discussion with Alicia Postigo of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs on Texas' updated Migrant Labor Housing regulations. Learn what changed under the 2025 law, how inspections work, common compliance mistakes, increased penalties, and the resources available to help agricultural employers stay compliant. Contact Alicia Postigo at migrantlaborhousing@tdhc...

Following the USDA's latest WASDE report, grain markets are shifting. Join Paul Dubravec of Advance Trading as he breaks down the report's key takeaways, explains the market reaction, discusses weather, basis, and producer selling, and shares insights on tariffs, international trade, and potential opportunities with China.

Who owns the data generated on your farm? In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Rocky Weber of the Nebraska Cooperative Council discusses the nation's first agricultural data privacy law, why it was needed, how it was passed, and what it could mean for producers and policymakers across the country.

Texas Corn Producers Executive Director David Gibson joins Co-op Talk Texas to discuss the FTC's recent fertilizer industry listening session in McKinney, Texas, and the agency's newly announced investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration. Learn why producers are concerned about rising input costs and what this could mean for farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. *If you have in...

Join Christy Lewis on Co-op Talk Texas for a conversation with Nate Sheets about his journey from entrepreneur to Republican candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner and his vision for the future of Texas agriculture. They discuss rural communities, water, innovation, and opportunities ahead for producers, agribusinesses, and cooperatives across Texas.

Listen to a special edition of Co-op Talk Texas featuring a timely grain markets update with Paul Dubravec from Advance Trading. Following the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the United States Department of Agriculture , this quick conversation focuses on what the report did—and didn't—tell us, along with the outside factors currently influencing markets....

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Christy Lewis visits with Tas Smith of the National Cotton Council about the Buying American Cotton Act. They discuss how the legislation could strengthen demand for U.S.-grown cotton, where the bill stands in Congress, what NCC has done so far, and how producers and cooperatives can support the effort.

This special episode of Co-op Talk Texas features a practical excerpt from co-op attorney Gary McLaren addressing one of the most common board governance questions: when to hold an executive session and how to properly handle meeting minutes. Clear guidance every cooperative director and manager should understand.

In this episode of  Co-op Talk Texas ,  Paul Dubravec of Advance Trading shares insights from recent visits with South Texas producers, breaks down key USDA reports, discusses trade expectations and global events, and offers a macro view of producer sales across the U.S. A timely market update to help producers and cooperatives navigate today's grain markets.

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Christy Lewis visits with Tim Brennan of the Farm Foundation to discuss the organization's mission and the programs supporting agriculture through research, leadership development, and policy dialogue. Learn how the Farm Foundation is building connections and shaping the future of agriculture.

Texas agriculture is facing serious water challenges. In this episode, we visit with Dr. Shane Walker with the Texas Produced Water Consortium to explore how produced water could become part of the solution. We also discuss Proposition 4 and how new water funding could support future opportunities for producers and cooperatives.

In this special Co-op Talk Texas episode, we visit with Jerrad Stroh , the current CHS Board Member representing Region 8 , which includes Texas. With elections approaching, Jerrad reflects on his service, the cooperative values that guide him, and the priorities he believes will keep CHS strong for its members across the region.

As CHS members prepare for the upcoming Region 8 Board of Directors election , this special episode of Co-op Talk Texas sits down with  Ross Littlefield , a candidate representing the region that includes Texas. Ross shares his background in agriculture, his passion for cooperatives, and his vision for how CHS can continue to serve its members and communities.

This episode of Co-op Talk Texas discusses regulatory wins with Kelley Green , Executive Vice President of the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association. This episode unpacks key outcomes from the 2025 Texas Legislative Session and highlights federal updates shaping our industry. Tune in to learn what these changes mean for cooperatives and producers.

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Ilissa Nolan, Executive Director , Texas Hemp Coalition,  unpacks the whirlwind journey of the proposed Texas ban on hemp-derived THC. We explore the bill's origins, its potential impact on retailers and agriculture, Governor Abbott's surprise veto, and what the hemp industry hopes to see moving forward.

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Marcus Hill, Board Chairman of Ag Workers Insurance, shares how the company has served the ag community for over 75 years. Learn what sets Ag Workers apart, how the auto insurance world is changing, and tips to help you save on your premiums.

Whether you're managing day-to-day operations, guiding a team, or helping shape long-term strategy from the boardroom, your ability to lead during uncertain times can make or break your organization's momentum. In this episode, Kristen Ireland from People Spark Consulting joins Christy Lewis to share practical strategies for navigating change, building trust, and leading with clarity and confidenc...

In this episode, Christy Lewis sits down with Matt McCuen from Imagine360 to answer common questions about TACC's new healthcare offering. Learn how this innovative model works, what to expect after signing up, and why it's designed to deliver real savings and superior support for cooperatives and their employees. Questions? Contact Janna or Matt below: Janna Haggard , Triangle Insurance, janna.ha...

New World Screwworm is creeping back toward Texas. In this episode, TSCRA's Peyton Schumann joins Christy Lewis to explain the threat, what's at stake, how we stopped it before—and what it will take to stop it again.

  Learn how to simplify sign-up, lower healthcare costs, and navigate reference-based pricing with insights from Triangle Insurance's Janna Haggard.

In this Month's episode, Christy sits down with Jon Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, to discuss the USTR's proposed actions targeting China's maritime and shipbuilding sectors. These changes could significantly impact shipping costs, port access, and ultimately, Texas cooperatives and ag exports like cotton and grain. Don't miss this import...

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, Christy is joined by Charlie Leal, State Legislative Director for the Texas Farm Bureau. Charlie is a dedicated advocate for Texas agriculture, ensuring that farmers and ranchers have a strong voice at the Capitol. Together, they discuss Texas Farm Bureau's top legislative priorities this session, how the session is shaping up and key concerns, and challenges i...

In this episode, Christy sits down with Tera Stoddard, Program Manager for CHS Stewardship, to explore an exciting initiative that's shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. The Cooperative Minds program, developed by the CHS Foundation in partnership with Discovery Education, introduces middle and high school students to agricultural careers and the cooperative business model through...

Episode 20 of Co-op Talk Texas introduces a new health care benefit tailored for TACC members, brought to you by Triangle Insurance. Host Christy Lewis and guest Janna Haggard and Bryce Thornton discuss flexible plan options, Reference-Based Pricing, cost savings, and special perks for early sign-ups. Learn how this program can transform your health care experience!