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

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Recent Episodes

ROTM: Tennessee Farmers CO-OP CEO Joey Caldwell

Posted February 5, 2026 • 00:21:37

Joey Caldwell was recently named CEO of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. A longtime leader within the organization, Caldwell has spent the majority of...

ROTM: USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden – Strengthening America’s Ag Economy

Posted January 28, 2026 • 00:23:07

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden is laser-focused on helping pull the U.S. farm economy out of the difficult stretch...

ROTM: Logan & Bobby Lee Hanks From Talk Dirt To Me

Posted January 23, 2026 • 00:28:28

Logan Hanks and Bobby Lee Hanks are two guys from Tipton County with a strong passion for agriculture. Logan is a full-time row-crop...

ROTM: AFBF President Zippy Duval

Posted January 14, 2026 • 00:13:57

As farmers look ahead to 2026, strong agricultural policy is more important than ever. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall sits down...

ROTM: Tariffs, Trade Deals, and the American Farmer

Posted January 7, 2026 • 00:16:53

Trade has been a major topic over the past year, and as the U.S. agriculture industry continues to face challenges, trade has become more important...