Squabbles of the Soil

Topic: Sexed Semen in Dairy Operations Host: Alli Lawson Guests: Dr. Paul Fricke and Mr. Charles Bowman Objectives: Students will understand the purpose and economic benefits of using sexed semen in dairy operations. Students will compare opposing viewpoints about the cost, efficiency, and genetic implications of sexed semen technology. Students will explain how reproductive decisions impact herd...

Teaching Guide    Topic: Mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the agriculture industry.    Host: Matthew Sanchez   Guest: Abby Vaquerano and Windy Pinnix   Summary: Undocumented immigrants have recently drawn significant media attention, particularly regarding their impact on the agriculture industry. Opponents of mass deportation, such as Abby Vaquerano, argue that removing these worke...

Topic: How the Americans with Disability Act affects members of the Agricultural Industry Host: Karlee Dunn Guests: Michael Shirley and Amy Olt Summary: The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was created in 1990 to aid people with disabilities in their jobs after the war. Now the act has expanded to cover all aspects of daily life including jobs, schools, and any public spaces. In today's epi...

Topic:Public Access to Food-Making Facilities Host: Kaitlyn Robichaud Guests: Dustin Noble and Kim Summary: Food-making facilities shape how food is prepared, processed, and created. As consumers grow more curious about what happens behind the scenes in these spaces, questions are being raised about who should be allowed access to them. In today’s episode, we explore what public access to food-mak...

Hosted by Callie Pearson, featuring former Ag Teacher, Jacob Tipton, and WCS Technology Supervisor, Brandon Cook. Teacher Guide: Objectives 1.      While listening to the podcast (Condition), students will summarize the differing perspectives of the Technology Supervisor and Agriculture Teacher regarding AI in agricultural education (Behavior), providing at least two points from each guest (Criter...

Teaching guide Topic: Farrowing crates in swine production Host: Holly Parks Guest: Brian strobel a swine producer from the Tennessee pork association supporting the use of farrowing crates and guest number 2 Starrlynn Costa from PETA2 opposing the use of farrowing crates Summary: This podcast explores the controversy surrounding farrowing crates in pig production. The host introducing the issue,...

Topic : U.S Soybeans Exports   Host : Abbie Bowker   Guests : Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner and Stefan Maupin   Objectives 1.     Students will understand the economic and agricultural consequences of China halting U.S soybean purchases 2.    Students will compare opposing viewpoints on U.S. tariff policy and evaluate the arguments presented   3.    Students will explain how political...

Teaching Guide Topic: AI Technology in Farming Host: Megan Loreto  Guest: Mike McCloskey, Jacqueline McCloskey, and Jason Jarrell  Summary: AI in farming is a controversial topic because it offers promising benefits while also raising important concerns. Many people see AI as a way to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support better decision-making through tools like drones, sensors, and autom...

Teaching Guide   Торіс: Lab-Grown Dairy vs. Traditional Dairy   Host: Ja’Keythia Gooch   Guest: Austen Cohlmia and Emma Hagmann   Summary: This podcast explores the differences between lab-grown (precision-fermented) dairy and traditional dairy farming. Austen Cohlmia of Strive Nutrition explains how animal-free dairy proteins are made through precision fermentation and discusses sustainability, s...

Topic: Importation of Argentina Beef Host: Macie Rhinehart Guest: Glynn Tonsor, Charley Martinez, Coy Young Summary: The United States is considering increased imports of Argentine beef as a way to reduce high consumer beef prices and stabilize supply, but the idea has sparked debate among producers and economists. Experts explain that the U.S. imports lean trimmings, mainly for ground beef,becaus...

Topic: Cage Free vs Caged Egg Production Host: Kirsten Pigg Guest: Peyton Hopkins and Pri Summary: Eggs are a widely consumed product to consumers around the world. As consumers come more and more aware of where their food comes from, debate has formed on how egg laying hens should be housed. In today’s episode we will discuss the difference between caged and free range egg production.  Teaching G...

Host: Makala Blythe Guests: Jacob Tipton- A local agriculture teacher whose focus is in animal science and who runs a seedstock meat goat operation. Doug Caywood- A Tennessee native who raises beef cattle and specializes in architectural development in residential and commercial areas. Description: In Tennessee, many farmers are losing their access to farmland for a variety of reasons. It is estim...

Host: Christopher Dorsett Guest: Samantha Brown- Environmental Scientist  in The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute Dylan Smith - Owner of a 50-acre organic farm and member of the local organic farming association Description:  The issue of GMOs is particularly important now due to the increasing global food demand driven by population growth and changing dietary habits. As agricultu...

Teaching Guide Topic: Government Transparency in Food Labeling Host: Dorique Insisienmay Guest: Gavin Plumlee Description: Government transparency in food labeling is increasingly significant as consumers demand clear, accurate information about what they eat. This issue touches on public health, ethics, and trust in regulatory bodies, especially with the rise of GMOs and advanced food technologie...

Host: Wyatt Stokes  Guest: Kali Schurmeier – agriculture student at Murray State University who has grown up on a family farm in the industry.   Description:  Should the government subsidize more parts of agriculture (livestock & fruit/vegetable production) than just commodity crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, & rice. Supporters of this argue that the government should be puttin...

Teaching Guide Topic: Due to government regulation, would an emphasis on agricultural education improve or impact the economy?  Hosts: Samantha Calvetti, Allison Wells Guest: Clayton Bundy, Randy Lockbridge, Kat Smith Description: One large issue that faces the United States agriculture industry is the need for more education. This lack of agricultural education has led to social and economic prob...

Host: Paige Nevil Guest: Maddie Head the daughter of the owners of Head's Farm in Cedar Hill Tennessee; Cody Johnson an averagge consumer with extensive knowledge in agriculture from Hendersonville Tennessee. Discription: Whether foreign countries should own U.S. farmland centers on economic, security, and sovereignty concerns. Supporters argue that foreign investment boosts local economies, enhan...

Teaching Guide Topic: Environmental impact of small-scale farms in comparison to large-scale farms Host: Dean Childs Guests : Colton McClanahan, Farm Credit and Doug Caywood, Organization they represent Description: Farms of all sizes across the globe are always adapting new practices to reduce the impact on the environment. From carbon emissions, pesticides, and other environmental concerns, farm...

Teaching Guide Topic: Spay Or Neuter house pets  Host: Madilyn Westergard Guests : Michael Shirley, Co-owner and office manager of Family Pet Health Description: In this podcast, we speak to a Co-Owner of a veterinary clinic about Spaying and neutering house pets. He gives insightful information about the safety and financial responsibilities of this procedure.   Objectives: I can explain the safe...

Teaching Guide Topic: In Vitro Fertilization in Livestock Host: Lucero Gomez Guests : Micheal Resendiz with TransOva Texas and Liz Vanherweg with TransOva California Description: We are always breeding livestock in hopes of creating better offspring. There are several forms of breeding livestocks and they all have their pros and cons. With these pros and cons there is always discussions and everyo...

Teaching Guide Topic: Reallocation of Base Acres Host: Faith Cook Guests : George McDonald, Owner of Catesa Farms and TCGA member; Casey Youngermann, American Soybean Association Board of Directors and TN Soybean Association State Director Description: With the 2023 Farm Bill being a main topic of discussion in the agriculture industry, base acreage has been brought before legislators several time...

Topic: Government Monetary Support on Sustainable Agricultural Practices Host: Elisabeth Bean Guests : Matthew McClellan, Professor of Soil Science and Ag Business at Walters State Community College Description: Implementing sustainable agricultural methods is a challenge for many producers due to the cost. Government organizations offer monetary relief and support for these sustainable agricultur...

Topic: Removal & Roundup of Wild Horses in the Western United States Host: Addison Medlin Guests : Celeste Carlisle, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Preservation & Lynae Rogers, Bureau of Land Management Description: Throughout the last several years, wild horses that roam freely on public land have become overpopulated to the point of conflict. Due to the overpopulation, these horses are rec...

Guests : Guest 1, Charles Hord Jr. with TN Cattlemen's Association   Guest 2 Makayla Hickman with Boviatech Semex (based out of Canada)   Description: Discussion on why there are good and bad practices with cow/calf separation. Is there harm in doing this in the cattle industry? Explaining why this mainly happens in the dairy industry instead of the beef. Discussing if there is a correct time...

Topic: Foie Gras Host: Jordan Komers Guest 1: Rebecca Williams & Guest 2: Kevin Jones Description: Foie gras or “fatty liver” is a delicacy made from the fattened liver of ducks or geese. It is highly regarded for its rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, often considered gourmet food. However, behind its culinary allure lies a deep-rooted controversy that has divided food enthusiasts, anim...