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: Environmental Stewardship Award Winner Emily Ivey

Posted August 20, 2025 • 00:13:39

Emily Ivey runs beef cattle on her family farm in Loudon County. Over the past few years she has really worked hard to put good environmental...

ROTM: USDA Rural Development State Director Patrick Jaynes

Posted August 13, 2025 • 00:16:20

Patrick Jaynes is no stranger to public service. He grew up in rural East Tennessee and later served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Lamar Alexander....

ROTM: 2025 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year Robert Hill

Posted July 30, 2025 • 00:12:42

Robert Hill is the 2025 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year. Robert farms alongside his dad, sister, and brother in-law in Lauderdale...

ROTM: 2025 Tennessee 4-H Council President Gabe Harville

Posted July 21, 2025 • 00:31:17

Gabe Harville of Smith County is is the 2025 Tennessee 4-H Council President. On this episode of Root of The Matter Gabe talks about his 4-H career...

ROTM: U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden

Posted July 16, 2025 • 00:19:57

Obion County, Tennessee native Stephen Vaden is the newly sworn in U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Lee Maddox sits down with Vaden...