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: Voice of Valor – Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

Posted November 11, 2025 • 00:30:27

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...

ROTM: Investment In Ag Research

Posted November 5, 2025 • 00:20:45

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has a strong tradition of providing top-tier research in the agricultural industry. Recent federal...

ROTM: Could Argentine Beef Undercut American Cattle

Posted October 30, 2025 • 00:38:24

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,...

ROTM: Chuck McSpadden With Apple Valley Orchard

Posted October 15, 2025 • 00:23:51

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...

ROTM: Profitless Harvests – The Financial Crisis Hitting The Farm Economy

Posted October 8, 2025 • 00:23:22

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...