Root of the Matter

Agriculture is about much more than what happens on the farm. Behind America’s food and agricultural system is a vast network of research, science, and data that helps us understand where agriculture is today and where it’s headed tomorrow. In this episode, we sit down with USDA Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins to explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s important role in a...

After years of growing traditional row crops, Carl Shultz and his family took a different path and found an opportunity in rice. On this episode, Carl joins us to explain why Dyer County is well suited for growing rice, what led the family to make the switch, and how Tennemo brings its different rice varieties directly from the farm to consumers. We also discuss Tennemo Rice’s recognition as the C...

Farmers continue to operate in the red even as grocery prices rise. Chad Smith tells us despite that, many consumers don’t know the challenges facing farm country.

Voting is underway for the midterms, with early voting already started in many states. Early indicators suggest turnout is outpacing 2022 in many places, and with control of Congress up for grabs, what could that mean heading into Election Day? Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Division joins us to break down the trends shaping this year’s midterms, what’s driving voters...

Tennessee is home to some remarkable trees, from towering giants to ancient trees that have stood witness to generations of change. In this episode, we’re joined by arborist Jim Cortese who explains the importance of trees in our state, and why these living treasures deserve our appreciation and protection. Join us as we look at the stories, history, and natural beauty rooted in the trees al...

In this episode of Root of the Matter, we sit down with Dr. Chris Boyert, UTIA Professor and Head of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, for a conversation about the economic challenges facing agriculture and the future of farming. We talk about farmland loss and why profitability is one of the biggest drivers of keeping land in agriculture. Dr. Boyert also shares insight into reim...

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett joins us for a conversation about the upcoming midterm elections and the importance of Tennesseans making their voices heard at the ballot box. Secretary Hargett discusses his efforts to ensure Tennessee elections are secure, accurate, and timely, while sharing why voter participation matters and what goes into administering elections across the state. We a...

For more than a decade, the Shooting Hunger initiative has brought people together around a simple mission: helping feed those in need. Sponsored and organized by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Tennessee Farmers Co-op, the initiative has grown into a powerful example of what can happen when agriculture comes together to serve others. In this episode, Executive Vice Preside...

Can we really predict what kind of winter Tennessee is going to have? In this episode, we sit down with meteorologist Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions to take a deeper look at the science behind weather forecasting—and what the atmosphere may be telling us about the winter ahead. We also dive into the upcoming El Niño pattern and what it could mean for Tennessee.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Polson, Miss Rodeo USA, for a conversation about horses, rodeo, agriculture, and the journey that brought her to the crown. Ashley shares how her love for horses began as a child and eventually led her to the national stage as Miss Rodeo USA. Her role is about more than wearing a crown. Ashley is passionate about using her platform to champion agriculture, e...

Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, has taken an unconventional path to becoming one of agriculture’s most recognizable voices online. In this episode, Michelle shares the story behind her journey, how she became an influencer and advocate for agriculture, and what it’s been like building a platform dedicated to telling agriculture’s story. Michelle shares why she believes those in agr...

In this episode, we sit down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall to take a closer look at the current state of the American beef cattle market. Despite historically high prices, consumer demand for beef remains incredibly strong. Colin explains why consumers continue to choose American beef, what that demand means for cattle producers, and where the market could be headed.

What do we really know about George Washington beyond the general and the first President of the United States? In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Dickerson, a George Washington impressionist, to talk about Washington’s journey from Virginia farmer to general and eventually our nation’s first president. Douglas gives us a peak into Washington’s passion for farming, why he was so highl...

In this episode, we sit down with UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver for a conversation about the legacy of no-till farming and the future of agriculture. We talk about the Milan No-Till Field Day and why the no-till method has become such an important part of protecting soil health, improving the land, and building a more sustainable future for agriculture. Keith a...

What does it take to carry on a family farming legacy seven generations in the making? Willis Jepson knows firsthand. Recently named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year, Willis joins us to share the pride, hard work, and perseverance behind his family’s Robertson County farm.

What does it take to build a profitable, sustainable beef operation in today’s cattle industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Campbell Baker, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award winner, to discuss how his family’s Smith County farm has found success raising grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

What does it take to become Tennessee’s Young Farmer of the Year? On this episode, we sit down with Franklin County farmer Kary Robinson, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year, to hear the story behind the honor. From raising row crops and beef cattle to operating a family feed mill, Kary shares the hard work, challenges, and values that have shaped his family’s farming operation...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Mayfield, State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Tennessee, to discuss his background in agriculture and his journey to serving farmers across the state. Mike shares insights from his years in the agricultural industry and explains the mission of the Farm Service Agency and the important role it plays in supporting producers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt to talk about Tennessee’s recent trade mission to India and Thailand and why these trips matter for farmers and businesses back home. We discuss how the state is working to open new international markets for Tennessee products, with a big focus on the forestry industry and expanding opportunities for Tennessee timber...

In this episode, we sit down with former Tennessee State FFA President Weston Brown to discuss his journey through agricultural leadership, his aspirations to work in the political world, and his commitment to carrying on his family’s fifth-generation beef cattle farm in Greene County, Tennessee. Weston shares what it was like serving as Tennessee’s State FFA President, the lessons leadership taug...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Suddath from the University of Tennessee’s Center for Planning to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the state today: how to manage rapid population growth without losing the farmland and rural character that make Tennessee unique. As more people move into the state, communities are under increasing pressure to expand housing, infrastructure, and se...

In agriculture, strength and resilience are often worn like badges of honor—but behind that strength, many farmers carry heavy mental and emotional burdens. In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Bryan Wright to have an honest conversation about mental health in the farming community. We discuss the unique pressures farmers face, the stigma that...

In this episode, we take a closer look at one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today: rising input costs. We sit down with Dr. Andrew Mohammad from the University of Tennessee to unpack what’s driving persistently high fertilizer prices and why relief may not come anytime soon. We break down the global and domestic factors influencing fertilizer markets, from the conflict in Iran, supply c...

Dr. Dave Lockwood has spent more than 50-years as a fruit specialist with UT Extension. Dr. Lockwood shares how his passion for horticulture turned into a lifetime of service through UT Extension, working with both commercial growers and homeowners across the state. We dive into the growing interest in backyard fruit production and why more people than ever are planting their own trees and vines....

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Vice President James Haskew to talk about the reality facing farmers as we head into the 2026 planting season. From rising input costs—seed, fertilizer, fuel, and chemicals—to tightening margins, many farmers are finding that the numbers simply aren’t adding up. We also dive into the increasing consolidation within the agriculture industry an...