Root of the Matter

ROTM | Changing the Conversation: The Farm Babe on Agriculture, Influence & Advocacy

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, Michel

ROTM | Record Demand, Record Quality: The State of American Beef

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,

ROTM | George Washington: The Farmer Who Became President

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 Geo

ROTM | No-Till’s Legacy and the Future of Agriculture

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

ROTM | Seven Generations Strong: Tennessee Farmer of the Year Willis Jepson

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

ROTM | Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished, and Built to Last

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

ROTM: 2026 TN Young Farmer of The Year Kary Robinson

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

ROTM | Tools for the Farm: How FSA Supports 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 journ

ROTM | Building Global Markets for Tennessee Forestry

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

ROTM | Weston Brown on Farming, Leadership & the Future of Rural Tennessee

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

ROTM | Managing Growth and Protecting Farmland

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

ROTM | Farming Through the Pressure: You’re Not Alone

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 episo

ROTM | Are High Fertilizer Prices Here to Stay?

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

ROTM | More Than 50 Years of Fruit & Wisdom with Dr. Dave Lockwood

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 ser

ROTM | The Cost Crunch: Why Farming Still Isn’t Adding Up in 2026

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. Fro

ROTM | Resurrection Living: Faith Beyond Sunday

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 grandp

ROTM | Answering the Call: Teacher, Pastor, Public Servant

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

ROTM | Advocating for Agriculture: Why Farmers’ Voices Matter

In this episode, we sit down with Rutherford County Farm Bureau President Trey Smith to talk about why it’s more important than ever for farmers to have a voice in the le

ROTM | Energy, Agriculture, and the Future of Powering Rural Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Authority has played a major role in powering communities across the region for decades—but today the mission is evolving. As Tennessee’s population

ROTM | Fewer Acres, Bigger Questions: The Future of Cotton in the United States

The cotton industry is facing serious headwinds—from shrinking acreage to volatile markets and rising input costs. In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Williams, Pre