Episodes

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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Polson, Miss Rodeo USA, for a conversation about horses, rodeo, agriculture, and the journey that brought her to the crown. Ashley shares how her love for horses began as a child and eventually led her to the national stage as Miss Rodeo USA. Her role is about more than wearing a crown. Ashley is passionate about using her platform to champion agriculture, educate others about where their food comes from, and be a voice for the people who work every day to...

Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, has taken an unconventional path to becoming one of agriculture’s most recognizable voices online. In this episode, Michelle shares the story behind her journey, how she became an influencer and advocate for agriculture, and what it’s been like building a platform dedicated to telling agriculture’s story. Michelle shares why she believes those in agriculture need to get out of their comfort zones, engage with people who may not agree with them, and...

In this episode, we sit down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall to take a closer look at the current state of the American beef cattle market. Despite historically high prices, consumer demand for beef remains incredibly strong. Colin explains why consumers continue to choose American beef, what that demand means for cattle producers, and where the market could be headed.

What do we really know about George Washington beyond the general and the first President of the United States? In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Dickerson, a George Washington impressionist, to talk about Washington’s journey from Virginia farmer to general and eventually our nation’s first president. Douglas gives us a peak into Washington’s passion for farming, why he was so highly respected, and the leadership lessons we can still learn from him today.

In this episode, we sit down with UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver for a conversation about the legacy of no-till farming and the future of agriculture. We talk about the Milan No-Till Field Day and why the no-till method has become such an important part of protecting soil health, improving the land, and building a more sustainable future for agriculture. Keith also shares insight into the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville...

What does it take to carry on a family farming legacy seven generations in the making? Willis Jepson knows firsthand. Recently named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year, Willis joins us to share the pride, hard work, and perseverance behind his family’s Robertson County farm.

What does it take to build a profitable, sustainable beef operation in today’s cattle industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Campbell Baker, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award winner, to discuss how his family’s Smith County farm has found success raising grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

What does it take to become Tennessee’s Young Farmer of the Year? On this episode, we sit down with Franklin County farmer Kary Robinson, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year, to hear the story behind the honor. From raising row crops and beef cattle to operating a family feed mill, Kary shares the hard work, challenges, and values that have shaped his family’s farming operation—and what the future holds for Tennessee agriculture.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Mayfield, State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Tennessee, to discuss his background in agriculture and his journey to serving farmers across the state. Mike shares insights from his years in the agricultural industry and explains the mission of the Farm Service Agency and the important role it plays in supporting producers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt to talk about Tennessee’s recent trade mission to India and Thailand and why these trips matter for farmers and businesses back home. We discuss how the state is working to open new international markets for Tennessee products, with a big focus on the forestry industry and expanding opportunities for Tennessee timber and wood products overseas. Commissioner Holt also shares what these meetings looked like on the gr...

In this episode, we sit down with former Tennessee State FFA President Weston Brown to discuss his journey through agricultural leadership, his aspirations to work in the political world, and his commitment to carrying on his family’s fifth-generation beef cattle farm in Greene County, Tennessee. Weston shares what it was like serving as Tennessee’s State FFA President, the lessons leadership taught him, and why he believes young people must stay involved in shaping the future of agriculture and...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Suddath from the University of Tennessee’s Center for Planning to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the state today: how to manage rapid population growth without losing the farmland and rural character that make Tennessee unique. As more people move into the state, communities are under increasing pressure to expand housing, infrastructure, and services. But growth without a plan can lead to sprawl, strained resources, and the loss of valuable a...

In agriculture, strength and resilience are often worn like badges of honor—but behind that strength, many farmers carry heavy mental and emotional burdens. In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Bryan Wright to have an honest conversation about mental health in the farming community. We discuss the unique pressures farmers face, the stigma that often keeps people from speaking up, and why those conversations matter now more than ever. Bryan s...

In this episode, we take a closer look at one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today: rising input costs. We sit down with Dr. Andrew Mohammad from the University of Tennessee to unpack what’s driving persistently high fertilizer prices and why relief may not come anytime soon. We break down the global and domestic factors influencing fertilizer markets, from the conflict in Iran, supply chain disruptions to energy costs, and how fuel prices continue to add pressure across the board. Dr....

Dr. Dave Lockwood has spent more than 50-years as a fruit specialist with UT Extension. Dr. Lockwood shares how his passion for horticulture turned into a lifetime of service through UT Extension, working with both commercial growers and homeowners across the state. We dive into the growing interest in backyard fruit production and why more people than ever are planting their own trees and vines. As he prepares for retirement this June, Dr. Lockwood reflects on the relationships, lessons, and im...

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Vice President James Haskew to talk about the reality facing farmers as we head into the 2026 planting season. From rising input costs—seed, fertilizer, fuel, and chemicals—to tightening margins, many farmers are finding that the numbers simply aren’t adding up. We also dive into the increasing consolidation within the agriculture industry and how fewer players in the marketplace may be contributing to higher costs and fewer options for pro...

Matthew McClanahan is an attorney, associate pastor, and a man deeply rooted in faith and family. In this episode, he shares his journey from growing up around his grandparents’ farm to pursuing law school and stepping into his calling as both a legal professional and part-time pastor. We talk about how those early roots shaped his values, work ethic, and ultimately his walk with Christ. Matthew also dives into what it truly means to live a “resurrection life”—not just celebrating once a year at...

In this episode, we sit down with Chuckey Doak FFA Chapter advisor Chase Murray to talk about his journey into agricultural education and the impact it’s had on his life and community. Chase shares what led him to become an FFA teacher, why ag education is more important than ever, and how hands-on learning helps shape the next generation of leaders. We also dive into his work outside the classroom—serving on his local county commission and answering a different kind of calling as a pastor. Thro...