The Co-op Feeds Podcast

This month on Feeding Traditions, host Mary Jane Arnette sits down with her dad, Paul Arnette. For nearly 40 years, Paul has been part of the Co-op system, serving farmers, supporting rural communities, and helping agriculture thrive. Throughout his career, he has built lasting relationships in agriculture while maintaining a lifelong passion for raising cattle. In this special episode, Paul refle...

This month on Feeding Traditions, host Mary Jane Arnette sits down with West Tennessee farmer and longtime Co-op leader Amos Huey for a conversation about farming, leadership, and the values that continue to shape agriculture today. A primary row crop producer, Amos shares the story of growing his family operation over the years while also maintaining a Red Angus cattle herd rooted in quality and...

This month on Feeding Traditions , host Mary Jane Arnette sits down with Claire Hill, Executive Director of the Tennessee Farmers Co-op Foundation, whose work is centered around investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. From her own roots in FFA to her role today, Claire shares how her passion for serving others has shaped her career and continues to drive the mission of the founda...

This month on Feeding Traditions , we’re heading to White Bluff, Tennessee, to meet Beth and Phil Dawson, a husband and wife farming team who have built their life around hard work, faith, and community. From raising row crops and cattle to facing floods and changing times, their story is full of determination, grit, and heart. Over the years, their farm has grown and evolved, from 1,200 acres of...

This month on Feeding Traditions , our guest is Dani Morrison, a team member at First Farmers Cooperative, whose story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of community. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dani opens up about her personal journey through multiple cancer battles and the strength she found in her Co-op family along the way. Raised in a true Co-op family in...

 Mike Richardson has dedicated more than 40 years to the Co-op system, starting in a temporary role at the fertilizer plant, moving into the warehouse and bagging room at the feed mill, and ultimately finishing his career as the LaVergne plant manager. Known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to farmers, he has guided the LaVergne mills through decades of change while building lasting f...

Marty and Mark Tolley of Darden, Tennessee, are a father-and-son duo carrying on a family cattle tradition that began in the late 1940s. From Marty’s early start raising pigs with $20 earned picking cotton to today’s partnership in a 45,000-head Kansas feedyard, the Tolley family has built an operation rooted in hard work, faith, and generational values. Now managing both their Henderson County he...

Benjie Daniel of Charlotte, Tennessee, carries on a remarkable family tradition spanning over 150 years. As the sixth generation on a century farm, Benjie has seen the operation evolve—from its start as a row crop and dairy farm into a thriving stocker and cow-calf beef business. Today, the farm manages about 150 cow-calf pairs, a few hundred stockers, and takes care of roughly 1,800 acres of stoc...

James Wright has worn a lot of hats—Co-op manager, farmer, mentor, and a James B. Walker Award honoree. In this episode of Feeding Traditions, he reflects on a career rooted in service and a legacy that’s still growing strong through his family’s farm in Rhea County. From the feed counter to the front pasture, his impact runs deep. Listen now! 

Amanda Evans grew up on a dairy farm in Anderson County. Today, she’s stewarding the same land by boarding horses, cutting hay, and honoring the legacy her family built. In this episode, you’ll hear about:      Making bold shifts in a farming operation      Staying grounded in family values      Building something meaningful on familiar ground Listen now! 

In this episode of Feeding Traditions, we’re proud to feature the story of Todd Jennings, a Moore County cattle producer. From humble beginnings to growing his family’s thriving operation, Todd reflects on his journey, the lessons learned, and the changes he’s seen in the farming industry.   For Todd, farming is more than a job—it’s a calling built on hard work and community. He shares how mentors...

In honor of National Agriculture Day, join host Mary Jane Arnette as she sits down with Mr. Donald Jernigan, a Rutherford County farmer whose journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. From humble beginnings with small truck gardens to cultivating a thriving farm, Mr. Jernigan shares the intimate story of his hard work, innovation, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his family and the lan...

In the February edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Thompson, Director of the Middle Tennessee UT AgResearch and Education Centers, to discuss the exciting changes coming to their Bull and Heifer Program. Kevin dives into the upcoming improvements and innovations aimed at enhancing livestock production, research, and education in the region. He shares insights on how these...

 In the January edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, hosted by John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, we explore how Co-op Feeds can be your trusted partner in facing the challenges of winter weather. From mineral supplementation to tubs, range cubes, and more, John discusses how these vital products help keep livestock healthy and productive through the colder months....

The December edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, hosted by John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, features an in-depth discussion on the importance of cattle mineral supplementation with Jacob Sparkman, Zinpro Southeast Account Manager, and Todd Steen, ProTrition Nutritionist. Proper mineral nutrition is a cornerstone of successful cow production in Tennessee, where va...

Tune into the November episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston records live at the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development Program in Lewisburg, TN. This special episode features a Q&A session during the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development Program Field Day event. Joining him are a panel of experts, including Kevin Thompson, Research Center Director; Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Extension Be...

In the October episode of The Feed Bin podcast, host John Houston and ProTrition Nutritionist Todd Steen discuss significant updates to the Co-op cattle mineral line. They introduce the Balancer, a cost-effective mixing mineral requiring just 1 bag per ton, and highlight the Foundation line's increased levels of essential minerals tailored for Tennessee forages, including zinc, copper, mangan...

Join us for the latest episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston dives into the pressing issues of short forage as we transition into the fall and winter months. In this episode, John explores the co-op Rationalyx and Sensiblelx lines, discussing their benefits and how they can help farmers navigate the challenges of the colder seasons. Tune in for valuable insights and practical ti...

Join us for the latest episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston sits down with Protrition Nutritionist Todd Steen to discuss our new product that’s set to transform cattle feeding— Co-op Beef Generator. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on how you can boost your cattle's growth and enhance your bottom line. Don’t miss...

 Join John Houston and special guest Charlie Stogner, along with Dr. Saulo Zoca and Claire Hunkler, all esteemed employees of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), in the July edition of The Feed Bin. This episode dives into the operations of the UTIA heifer and bull research stations and explores how these operations contribute to advancing the beef industry in Tennessee un...

Join John Houston and special guest Charley Martinez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UTIA, on the June edition of the Feed Bin. They'll explore the critical issue of agricultural, farm, and forest land loss, shedding light on ongoing research efforts. Curious about the extent of farmland lost? Visit https://farmmanagement.tennessee.edu/land-los...

Join host John Houston in this month's episode of the Feed Bin Podcast as he provides a comprehensive overview of the latest agricultural census findings. The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, offers insights into various aspects such as land use, ownership, production practices, and more. But that's not all! We're excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Gr...

Learn about the production process behind your animals' feed in the April edition of The Feed Bin! Host John Houston and guest Randy Henley, Director of Feed Mill Operations at ProTrition Feed, will discuss the daily operations of our three feed mills, all located right here in Tennessee. Tune in to gain insight into how your animals' feed is made and discover the steps we take to provid...

Join your host, John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, and his guest, John Duke, Crop Nutrients Marketing Manager from GreenPoint Ag. In this episode, Houston and Duke discuss the significance of proper pasture care in livestock management, emphasizing its role in providing essential nutrients, maintaining soil health, and mitigating environmental impact.  Additionally, t...

Join John Houston, the host of the Feed Bin podcast, as he introduces Terrie Ragan, the director of purchasing for ProTrition. Together, they delve into ProTrition's process of sourcing commodities directly from local producers to create the feed that powers your animals!