Back to Your Roots

Most people hear “FSA” and think one thing: a backup plan. That assumption can cost farmers real options. We sit down with Anna Armstrong, a Farm Loan Specialist, and David Wayne, Kentucky’s State Executive Director, to unpack what the USDA Farm Service Agency actually does and how producers can use it to build a stronger operation. We talk through the day-to-day reality of FSA, then zoom out into...

We sit down with Coye Elliott to explore hunting as a year‑round passion and the ways thoughtful food‑plot strategy can improve deer health, expand turkey opportunities, and increase the long‑term value of recreational land. The conversation also digs into realistic costs, simple equipment setups, and the biggest mistakes beginners should avoid. We talk about how hunting and the outdoors serve as...

He’s a farmer first and a crop duster second, and that changes everything about how he flies. We’re joined by Robert Houston, a fifth-generation producer who farms for a living and does aerial application because he loves the work and the relationships. If you’ve ever wondered what crop dusting actually does for corn, soybeans and canola, why some growers choose a plane over a ground sprayer, or h...

Ever wonder how a family farm survives wild price swings, weather curveballs, and shifting markets? We sit down with Kentucky producer Keith Harris to unpack the real mechanics of resilience: diversifying for stability, securing buyers before planting, and building a legacy that gives each child a lane to thrive. Keith’s story starts with dark fire tobacco, which funded decades of growth, then piv...

A wet spring, a parched August, and a combine that won’t quit—this conversation with fourth-generation farmer Allen Pace gets right to the heart of what it takes to bring a crop from the field to your plate. We talk through the harvest grind, the thin line between profit and loss, and why a few cents per bushel can swing a year when you’re moving hundreds of thousands of bushels. Allen shares how...

Dive deep into Western Kentucky's real estate landscape with Chance Futrell of Housman Partners Realty Land & Farm as he shatters common misconceptions about today's market. Fresh from his transition to full-time real estate after years of balancing dual careers, Chance brings authentic insights forged through countless successful transactions and deep community connections. Contrary...

 On this episode of Back to Your Roots, host Chris Griffin sits down with Daniel Elrod, a mortgage loan originator recently voted "Best of the Best" in Cleveland, Tennessee, to unpack the ins and outs of construction financing. Ever wonder why construction loans seem so complicated? Daniel breaks down the crucial differences between traditional home purchases and building from scratch. B...

What does the future of farming look in today's world? Who's leading agricultural innovation in the river counties? And how can young people break into an industry where the traditional advice has been "inherit it or marry it"? Dr. Tony Brannon, former dean of agriculture at Murray State University for 25 years and current leader with the West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Ec...

"$95 million returned to members over 30 years, with $4.8 million coming this April." That's the staggering figure River Valley AgCredit CEO Kyle Yancey shares as he breaks down the cooperative's patronage refund program in this revealing conversation. What exactly is patronage, and why don't traditional banks offer it? Yancey explains the concept using a vivid waterfall a...

Step into the dynamic realm of land auctions where opportunities abound and strategies can mean the difference between winning and losing. In this engaging episode, we chat with Michael Harris, owner of Harris Real Estate and Auction, who shares his multi-generational expertise in navigating the auction landscape. With an impressive family legacy spanning over four generations, Michael brings inva...

Join us on "Back to your Roots" as we explore the bustling world of agriculture with Dean Williams, the passionate owner of the Athens Stockyard in Tennessee. Raised amidst the dynamic environment of a dairy farm and family-run grocery stores, Dean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Discover how his early adventures in stockyards shaped his journey to becoming a se...

What shapes a person's journey into politics? Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture, Jonathan Shell, joins us to share the influential figures and experiences that led him to public service. From the pivotal guidance of his grandfather to the encouragement of U.S. Congressman James Comer, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of everyday people making a difference in politic...

Kentucky's political and agricultural landscape comes alive in our conversation with Steven Rudy, the Kentucky State Representative for the 1st District. Join us as he reminisces about growing up in Ballard County, sharing amusing childhood anecdotes and his longstanding friendship with our CEO, Kyle Yancey. Steven's unique perspective provides a rare glimpse into the distinctive cultura...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Aaron Smith, a distinguished professor and extension economist from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as he navigates the complex world of agricultural economics. Dr. Smith shares his journey from a farm in Western Canada to becoming an influential figure in understanding economic trends that impact agriculture. Learn how historical data, altho...

Discover the secrets to a thriving home garden and the joys of canning with our special guest, Marni Ausenbaugh. Growing up amid her grandparents' lush gardens, Marni has cultivated a deep appreciation for knowing exactly where her food comes from and the gratification of feeding her family with homegrown produce. From jalapenos and tomatoes to blueberries and blackberries, Marni shares her j...

How do modern farmers navigate a landscape riddled with economic volatility, high input costs, and unpredictable weather? In our enlightening conversation with Aaron Wilson, a seasoned generational farmer from Ballard County, Kentucky, you'll uncover the secrets to successfully managing a 3,000-acre farming operation focusing on corn, soybeans, and wheat. Aaron shares his strategies for bulle...

How do you go from a chance interview to being the cornerstone of an organization? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kip Ellington, the Chief Credit Officer at River Valley, as he recounts his extraordinary journey from an unexpected hire to becoming a respected leader in the company. Kip shares invaluable insights from his time as a loan officer, his rise through the ranks, and his dedic...

Ever wondered how the farming dreams of the young and ambitious can be nurtured in today's economy? We're Jordan Turnage and Chris Griffin, and we're here to unfold the mysteries of the Young, Beginning, and Small (YBS) loan program, a vital initiative that's keeping the agricultural heartbeat strong. As the farming population ages, it's like a tree in need of new roots—we...

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of building the place you call home? Uncover the intricacies of home construction with Mr. Israel Sanders, a seasoned general contractor with 24 years under his belt. As the owner of IS Custom Homes, Israel navigates us through the highs and lows of the industry, revealing the real impact of the pandemic on costs and market fluctuations. He also pays trib...

Discover the future of farming through the eyes of Darren Grogan from Triple G Farms, as he reveals how precision agriculture is not just a trend, but a revolution in the agricultural industry. In our conversation, we uncover the secrets behind farming that thrives in the commodity markets. Darren's dual role as a seasoned farmer and a board member of River Valley AgCredit infuses our discuss...

Get ready to navigate the intricate maze of construction loans with mortgage loan originator Julli Haley by your side! In a world where financing your dream home build could get tangled in red tape, we're slicing through the jargon to bring you valuable insights. From the one-time close appeal of a fully dispersed in-house loan to the enticing low down payment of a C2P loan, we're laying...

Discover the fine print details of renewal season as we sit down with Trent Cossey from River Valley AgCredit, a man whose roots run as deep as the crops he finances. From childhood days on a hobby farm to becoming a pivotal relationship manager, Trent's journey is a testament to the significance of tailored agricultural lending. We peel back the layers of the loan renewal process, an annual...

Ready to unravel the financial web of poultry farming? Ira Wray, known as the 'chicken man' of Western Kentucky, joins us to lay out the landscape of agricultural lending with the kind of expertise that only comes from years in the trenches. From his start under the wing of Seth Carter to becoming the go-to Relationship Manager for structuring complex poultry loans, Ira's journey is...

 Matt Ramage of Hutson Incorporated, a seasoned veteran in the agricultural industry sits down with us to discuss equipment trading and advances. We pull back the layers of the complex yet vital process of equipment trading. Matt's deep roots in farming illuminate our discussion, revealing how this crucial aspect of agriculture intertwines with the necessity to manage costly repairs and the c...

Unlock the secrets of financial success in the farming industry with the astute Mrs. Penny Wade of Wade Farm Financial Services. In our latest engaging conversation, Penny recounts her compelling tale of transforming a family legacy into a booming enterprise, offering indispensable wisdom on the significance of financial diligence for agricultural success. She introduces a trio of offerings that a...