Root of the Matter

Voting is underway for the midterms, with early voting already started in many states. Early indicators suggest turnout is outpacing 2022 in many places, and with control of Congress up for grabs, what could that mean heading into Election Day? Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Division joins us to break down the trends shaping this year’s midterms, what’s driving voters to the polls, and how the political landscape could be shifting. Plus, we take a closer look at Ten

Tennessee is home to some remarkable trees, from towering giants to ancient trees that have stood witness to generations of change. In this episode, we’re joined by arborist Jim Cortese who explains the importance of trees in our state, and why these living treasures deserve our appreciation and protection. Join us as we look at the stories, history, and natural beauty rooted in the trees all around us.

In this episode of Root of the Matter, we sit down with Dr. Chris Boyer, UTIA Professor and Head of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, for a conversation about the economic challenges facing agriculture and the future of farming. We talk about farmland loss and why profitability is one of the biggest drivers of keeping land in agriculture. Dr. Boyer also shares insight into reimagining farming and the growing economic impact of wildlife damage on agricultural operations.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett joins us for a conversation about the upcoming midterm elections and the importance of Tennesseans making their voices heard at the ballot box. Secretary Hargett discusses his efforts to ensure Tennessee elections are secure, accurate, and timely, while sharing why voter participation matters and what goes into administering elections across the state. We also talk about higher education and Hargett’s passion for focused bachelor’s degrees—an approach tha

For more than a decade, the Shooting Hunger initiative has brought people together around a simple mission: helping feed those in need. Sponsored and organized by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Tennessee Farmers Co-op, the initiative has grown into a powerful example of what can happen when agriculture comes together to serve others. In this episode, Executive Vice President Bryan Wright joins us to talk about the incredible impact of Shooting Hunger—and how the effort h

Can we really predict what kind of winter Tennessee is going to have? In this episode, we sit down with meteorologist Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions to take a deeper look at the science behind weather forecasting—and what the atmosphere may be telling us about the winter ahead. We also dive into the upcoming El Niño pattern and what it could mean for Tennessee.