Root of the Matter

A podcast created by the Tennessee Farm Bureau where co-hosts Lee Maddox, Amy Beckham and Thomas Capps take turns interviewing folks on issues, events and news with the goal of getting to the root of the matter on what is defining our most important indus

Recent Episodes

ROTM | Advocating for Agriculture: Why Farmers’ Voices Matter

Posted March 20, 2026 • 00:29:53

In this episode, we sit down with Rutherford County Farm Bureau President Trey Smith to talk about why it’s more important than ever...

ROTM | Energy, Agriculture, and the Future of Powering Rural Tennessee

Posted March 11, 2026 • 00:15:14

The Tennessee Valley Authority has played a major role in powering communities across the region for decades—but today the mission...

ROTM | Fewer Acres, Bigger Questions: The Future of Cotton in the United States

Posted March 4, 2026 • 00:25:25

The cotton industry is facing serious headwinds—from shrinking acreage to volatile markets and rising input costs. In this episode,...

ROTM: Shane Profitt’s Rural Roots & Radio Rise

Posted February 25, 2026 • 00:19:16

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Profitt to talk about the journey from small-town Tennessee to the country music spotlight....

ROTM: High Prices, High Stakes in Agriculture

Posted February 18, 2026 • 00:28:38

Agriculture is no stranger to cycles, but today’s landscape presents a unique combination of opportunity and pressure. In this episode,...