Capital Roots: Stories from Agriculture's Footprint

Recorded in Washington, D.C. during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In, this episode of Capital Roots feature Skylar Sowder, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Farm Credit Council . In this episode, Skylar shares how her West Texas roots shaped her passion for advocating for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She breaks down what's happening with the Farm Bill , why bipartisan cooperatio...

In this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer welcomes Christy Seyfert, President & CEO of the Farm Credit Council , for a timely conversation recorded during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In . With the government now reopened, Christy reflects on the momentum of the week, Farm Credit’s unified advocacy efforts, and the policy priorities shaping Farm Bill 2.0 . She also shares her first-year p...

In this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Donna McAllister, Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University and member of the leadership team for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) . Dr. McAllister shares how researchers and producers are working together to preserve the Ogallala Aquifer—one of our region’s most valuable, yet finite, resources. From changing cropping practi...

In this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Clint Krehbiel, Dean of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University . From growing up on his family's Simmental cattle operation in Kansas to leading one of the nation's fastest-rising agricultural colleges, Dr. Krehbiel shares his journey of service, leadership, and vision for the future of ag e...

How can U.S. farmers stay competitive in a world where markets move faster than ever and global players like Brazil and China reshape agriculture? On this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer sits down with Dr. Darren Hudson , Associate Dean and Director of the of the International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness at Texas Tech University, to unpack what "ag competitiveness" really me...

In this episode of Capital Roots, we visit with Shaun Bayless, Fayette County Game Warden with Texas Parks and Wildlife , as he shares what it means to serve rural communities across the state. From the backroads of West Texas to the waters of the Highland Lakes, Shaun reflects on the relationships, responsibilities, and realities of life behind the badge. His story highlights the deep ties betwee...

In this episode of Capital Roots , we’re joined by Stephanie Webb '07 and James Palacios '17 to explore the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University. A life-changing opportunity for students interested in agriculture and public service, the ANRP program places Aggies in congressional offices and ag organizations in Washington, D.C. and Austin....

In this episode of Capital Roots, we’re joined by Dr. Lance Bauer , Executive Vice President of Beefmaster Breeders United , to explore the history, genetics, and growing global presence of the Beefmaster breed. Developed in South Texas during the 1930s, Beefmasters were built to thrive in tough conditions and are still defined by the Six Essentials: weight, conformation, milk production, fertilit...

In this episode of Capital Roots , we spotlight Mid-Coast Smackdown —a Texas nonprofit born from a fishing tournament and fueled by a mission to support families with children battling cancer. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a major community event, offering financial relief with no strings attached. Tune in to hear how a passion for fishing turned into a powerful force for good....

Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University , joins Capital Roots for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of people. From his start in meat science to leading one of the University's largest colleges, Dr. Savell shares lessons learned over nearly five decades in higher education. We cover everything from mento...

Texas landowners are facing new opportunities and challenges in energy, conservation, and land management. In this episode of Capital Roots, Joe and Clint sit down with Jennifer Bremer Owen, Executive Director of the Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association , to break down the key issues shaping the future of land and mineral ownership. From water conservation in West Texas to the rise of lithium...

Texas ranks among the top states in poultry production, but did you know we still don't produce enough eggs to meet demand? In this episode, hosts Joe Patranella and Clint Cryer sit down with J.C. Essler, Executive Vice President of the Texas Poultry Federation , to explore the state's $50 billion poultry industry. From egg production and broiler operations to industry challenges and consumer tren...

Texas land markets are shifting, so what's driving the change? In this episode of Capital Roots, Dr. Lynn Krebs from the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center unpacks the latest trends, from rising land values to property tax implications and rural real estate demand. He shares expert insights on what's fueling the market, where prices are headed, and what buyers and sellers k...

Welcome to another episode of Capital Roots! Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Tobin Redwine, the new executive director of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo , and Madison Harris, the marketing and community outreach coordinator. Since 1957, this beloved event has been a hub for agriculture, entertainment, and community connection. Join us as we explore its rich history, exciting events li...

In this episode of Capital Roots, Joe and Clint delve into the thriving Texas wine industry with Justin Scheiner, Ph. D., an Associate Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist at Texas A&M University. Explore how the Lone Star State has become home to over 800 wineries and discover the unique grape varieties that flourish in Texas. Join us as we uncover the vital connection between agric...

In this episode of Capital Roots, Joe and Clint dive into the world of Brahman cattle with special guest Paul Maulsby, Executive Vice President of the American Brahman Breeders Association . Explore the breed's rich history, unique traits, and their significant role in sustainable agriculture. Paul shares his expert insights into how Brahman cattle have adapted to diverse climates, their impact on...

In this episode of Capital Roots, Joe and Clint welcome Dane Swinburn from Tule Creek Outfitters and explore the captivating intersection of agriculture and hunting. Dane shares his journey from growing up on a cotton farm in Tulia, TX to running a successful hunting operation in both Texas and Saskatchewan, Canada. Listeners will gain insights into the unique experiences offered in field hunting...

In this episode of Capital Roots, hosts Joe Patranella and Clint Cryer welcome Bryan Rose and Koby Reed from Fat Tire Cowboys , an aviation adventure brand. Listen along as they discuss their passion for flying and the unique experiences that come with it, including the thrill of flying small planes and the responsibility that pilots carry. The conversation also touches on the origins of their bra...

This week's episode of Capital Roots welcomes Texas legend, Mr. Sam Middleton of Chas. S. Middleton & Son as he shares his remarkable journey in real estate and ranching. Drawing on over 50 years of experience, Sam recounts fascinating stories from his family's legacy, including the sale of the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., the Wagner Ranch, and the iconic Four Sixes Ranch. Sam also di...

On this week's episode of Capital Roots, Joe and Clint sit down with David Gibson, Executive Director, and Stephanie Pruitt, Communications Director, of Texas Corn Producers for a deep dive into Texas corn and agriculture. Stephanie shares her background in agriculture and her role managing marketing and PR for the organization. David, with over 25 years at Texas Corn Producers, offers insights in...

LIsten in as Joe and Clint take a walk down memory lane and revisit all of the fantastic guests that have joined the Capital Roots Podcast over the last three season.

In this episode, meet Mark Hefner with Plateau Land & Wildlife Management. Plateau Land & Wildlife Management has been helping rural landowners protect and enhance their rural land since 1997. Plateau was born out of a law that was passed in 1995 by the Texas Legislature that made it possible for folks with an ag valuation to maintain their same property tax savings while managing for nati...

On this episode of Capital Roots, we are joined by Jason Cleere, PhD, associate professor and Texas AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist at Texas A&M University. He shares the beginnings of the annual Beef Cattle Short Course and what to expect at this year's event.

On this episode of Capital Roots, we explore the Texas Department of Agriculture, dig into the many programs and services they offer, and learn more about Dan Hunter, Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Trade and Business Development.

United Agricultural Cooperative Inc. is the result of several ag cooperatives merging along the Texas Gulf Coast over the previous century. Today, United Ag’s membership consists of 1,165 farmers, ranchers and landowners involved in agricultural production. Join us for this episode to learn more about the history of UnitedAg and how it has evolved into the business it is today.