Root of the Matter

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to get more people into hunting and fishing—and why it matters for conservation, community, and the future of our wild places. TWRA Director Jason Mexedon joins us to break down the barriers new hunters and anglers face, the programs that are working, and how each of us can play a role in growing the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

In honor of Veterans Day, we sit down with Army veteran Rodney Fugate to reflect on his service, resilience, and life after the uniform. Rodney shares stories from his time in the U.S. Army, the challenges and lessons learned through his military journey, and how those experiences continue to shape him as he farms in Claiborne County.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has a strong tradition of providing top-tier research in the agricultural industry. Recent federal funding awarded to the state has been allocated to enhance resources at various agricultur research centers across Tennessee. Lee Maddox spoke with Randy Boyd, Dr. Hongwei Xin, Scott Stewart, and State Representative Chris Todd about the recent inv...

Beef cattle prices are hitting historic highs — but what’s driving the surge, and could a wave of Argentine imports change the game? In this episode, we dig into the global forces shaping today’s cattle markets, from domestic herd numbers to international trade dynamics. Livestock economist, Dr. Andrew Griffith, breaks down the economics behind record beef prices. We discuss how supply shortages,...

Fall is a busy time at Apple Valley Orchard, a family-owned farm nestled in the rolling hills of Cleveland. Owner Chuck McSpadden tells how his father started the orchard from two trees to now hundreds. From crisp apples and fresh cider to homemade fried pies and warm southern hospitality, Apple Valley Orchard offers more than just produce—it’s a place where the community gathers.

The numbers don’t lie — row crop farmers across the United States are losing significant amounts of money. Recent data from a University of Tennessee report projects that row crop farmers in Tennessee alone will lose between $150 and $250 per acre. Statewide, collective losses are expected to total $430 million. Third-generation farmer Todd Littleton explains how the collapsing farm economy is thr...

Lance Pekus balances his life between two passions. When he’s not working alongside his family on their Idaho ranch, he’s training for or competing on NBC’s hit show American Ninja Warrior. His impressive performances have earned him the nickname “Cowboy Ninja.” Combining rugged cowboy determination with ninja-like agility, Lance showcases how the skills and lessons he gains from the competition h...

In this episode of Root of The Matter , we hear firsthand from Franklin County Farmer, Kary Robinson, who made it through a scary accident on the farm. He opens up about what went wrong, how it could have been prevented, and why safety on the farm should never be an afterthought. It’s a powerful reminder that one moment of inattention can change everything.

Weather can make or break a farm season—and farmers are watching the skies more closely than ever. In this episode, we dive into the newly released 2026 Farmers’ Almanac with its editor, who reveals bold predictions for Tennessee’s fall and winter. Plus, atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to break down what these forecasts mean for crops, livestock,...

On this episode of Root of The Matter, we have Dr. Paul Plummer as out guest. Plummer has been Dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for about a year now. A third‑generation Tennessean and UTCVM alumnus, Dr. Plummer returns home after his time at Iowa State University, where he served as Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies, as well as Anderson Endowed Ch...

Mike Partin serves as the CEO of the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and was recently elected president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors. He also farms beef cattle on the side with his father back home. With growing demand on the electric grid from Tennessee’s rising population and emerging artificial intelligence hubs, Mike sees the urgency to...

Emily Ivey runs beef cattle on her family farm in Loudon County. Over the past few years she has really worked hard to put good environmental practices in place on her farm. She recently was recognized for all of her environmental efforts by being given the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award. On this episode Emily details some of the practices she’s put in...

Patrick Jaynes is no stranger to public service. He grew up in rural East Tennessee and later served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Lamar Alexander. Jaynes is now the the USDA State Director for Rural Development in Tennessee. On this episode we chat with Patrick about his new position, and how he hopes to use the position to help boost rural Tennessee.

Dr. Jaye Hamby is the Director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Hamby is a Tennessee native originally from Polk County and now resides in Eagleville, Tennessee. He is now taking his experience and agriculture background to Washington DC to advocate for farmers through the research that NIFA does.

Robert Hill is the 2025 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year. Robert farms alongside his dad, sister, and brother in-law in Lauderdale County. They farm around 5,000 acres of cotton, corn, and soybeans. On this episode Robert talks about why farming is more than just a job to him, and what is means to him to be named the young farmer of the year.

Gabe Harville of Smith County is  is the 2025 Tennessee 4-H Council President. On this episode of Root of The Matter Gabe talks about his 4-H career and the lasting impact it’ll have on him as he heads off to college in the fall.

Obion County, Tennessee native Stephen Vaden is the newly sworn in U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Lee Maddox sits down with Vaden to talk about his journey to the number two position at USDA, and how he’s bringing his Tennessee agriculture roots with him to make his focus American farmers.

One in seven people in the United States struggle with hunger. For decades Second Harvest Food Bank has been working in Middle Tennessee to help end hunger, and now they’re getting help from local farmers through their Farm to Families program. On this episode Amy Beckham talks with Farm to Families coordinator, Jessie Lumpkins, about the program and how it’s benefiting both people in...

On this episode of Root of the Matter Dr. Bruno Pedreira talks with Lee Maddox about UT’s Master Forage program & how he hopes it will help livestock producers across Tennessee better feed their animals.

Upper East Tennessee was devastated by the damage left behind from Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Farmers in the area had structures, hay, and fields washed away from the flooding. The agriculture community came together to raise money to help farmers, raising money through the Tennessee Farm & Forest Families. That money was recently used to purchase seed to give to farmers so they can...

After serving as the interim for over a year, Dr. Justin Rhinehart has been named the permanent Dean of UT Extension. Rhinehart has been a part of the UT system for 15 years serving as a professor, beef cattle specialist, assistant dean of agriculture, and now dean of extension. On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox talks with Rhinehart about his career, what he hopes to accomplish in h...

Laura Purtle is the fifth Generation on her family’s dairy farm, Cleburne Jersey Farm, in Spring Hill, TN. While many dairy farms have been forced to sell their herd and get out of the businesses, Purtle and her family have committed themselves to keeping their operation going. They consider their herd to be the oldest continuously milking jersey herd in the Nation. Their ancestors began mil...

Memorial Day is a day we pause as a Nation to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. Rory Williams is an Army Veteran who now farms in Marshall County. He helps remind us the importance of Memorial Day & how he’s honoring those he served with and died in the line of duty.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins recently halted all livestock imports across the border from Mexico into the United States due to a new world screwworm. This new screwworm has the potential to make livestock very sick and even kill them. Tennessee State Veterinarian, Samantha Beaty, talks about the screwworm and the efforts being done to keep it out of the U.S.

Valerie Teal has a full plate. She’s a full time teacher, and helps her husband on their family farm in Coffee County, but the title she’s most proud of though is mom. On this episode of Root of The Matter Amy Beckham and Valerie talk about the joys of motherhood & the struggles of juggling all that being a mom brings while still keeping the family farm going.