Co-op Talk Texas

Hosted by Christy Lewis

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Step into the heart of the Lone Star State's agricultural cooperatives with "Co-Op Talk Texas." Join us as we bring you closer to the cooperative members, leaders, and visionaries who are driving Texas agriculture forward. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, passionate about cooperative models, or simply curious about the dynamic world of Texas agriculture, this show offers a captivating blend of interviews, insights, storytelling, and the shared vision of nurturing communities through cooperative agribusiness. Subscribe now and join us on this enriching journey into the heart of cooperatives in Texas!

Listen to episodes

42 recent

August 17, 202620 min

Episode 43: Migrant Labor Housing: Avoiding Costly Mistakes Under Texas' New Rules with Alicia Postigo

Join us for a practical discussion with Alicia Postigo of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs on Texas' updated Migrant Labor Housing regulations. Learn what changed under the 2025 law, how inspections work, common compliance mistakes, increased penalties, and the resources available to help agricultural employers stay compliant. Contact Alicia Postigo at migrantlaborhousing@tdhca.texas.gov . Correction: Housing is required to have 1 shower per 10 people (not 20 as stated in the podcast). Links referenced in podcast: Texas Administrative Code (Standards and Inspections): https://tinyurl.com/5h9yawm6 TDHCA Migrant Housing Resources/Information: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/migrant-labor-housing-facilities Additional clarification on penalties: 10 TAC §§90.8 (J) In the event that there are multiple findings of noncompliance subject to civil penalties that fall under multiple groups in the attached schedule, the civil penalty shall be for the higher penalty amount.

July 17, 202615 min

Episode 42: July WASDE Report: What Changed and What Comes Next with Paul Dubravec

Following the USDA's latest WASDE report, grain markets are shifting. Join Paul Dubravec of Advance Trading as he breaks down the report's key takeaways, explains the market reaction, discusses weather, basis, and producer selling, and shares insights on tariffs, international trade, and potential opportunities with China.

July 16, 202625 min

Episode 41: Protecting Farm Data: Nebraska's Landmark Legislation with Rocky Weber

Who owns the data generated on your farm? In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Rocky Weber of the Nebraska Cooperative Council discusses the nation's first agricultural data privacy law, why it was needed, how it was passed, and what it could mean for producers and policymakers across the country.

June 10, 202620 min

Episode 40: What the FTC Investigation into Fertilizer Means for Agriculture with David Gibson

Texas Corn Producers Executive Director David Gibson joins Co-op Talk Texas to discuss the FTC's recent fertilizer industry listening session in McKinney, Texas, and the agency's newly announced investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration. Learn why producers are concerned about rising input costs and what this could mean for farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. *If you have information or concerns regarding fertilizer pricing, availability, or market practices that may assist the FTC's investigation, you can submit your comments to fertilizercomplaints@ftc.gov . The FTC has indicated that all complaints and submissions will be kept completely confidential. Watch FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson's speech in McKinney, Texas (approximately 14 minutes long): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2SRebmolU&feature=youtu.be

May 14, 202632 min

Episode 39: Get to Know Republican Candidate for Texas Ag Commmissioner: Nate Sheets

Join Christy Lewis on Co-op Talk Texas for a conversation with Nate Sheets about his journey from entrepreneur to Republican candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner and his vision for the future of Texas agriculture. They discuss rural communities, water, innovation, and opportunities ahead for producers, agribusinesses, and cooperatives across Texas.

March 26, 202619 min

Episode 38: Grain Markets in Focus: Latest WASDE Report & Global Pressures with Paul Dubravec

Listen to a special edition of Co-op Talk Texas featuring a timely grain markets update with Paul Dubravec from Advance Trading. Following the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the United States Department of Agriculture , this quick conversation focuses on what the report did—and didn't—tell us, along with the outside factors currently influencing markets. From global uncertainty to input costs and planting considerations, we break down what producers and cooperatives should be watching right now.

March 19, 2026Episode 3716 min

Episode 37: Strengthening Demand: The Buying American Cotton Act Explained

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Christy Lewis visits with Tas Smith of the National Cotton Council about the Buying American Cotton Act. They discuss how the legislation could strengthen demand for U.S.-grown cotton, where the bill stands in Congress, what NCC has done so far, and how producers and cooperatives can support the effort.

February 12, 202624 min

Episode 36: Executive Sessions Explained: What Co-op Boards Need to Know with Gary McLaren

This special episode of Co-op Talk Texas features a practical excerpt from co-op attorney Gary McLaren addressing one of the most common board governance questions: when to hold an executive session and how to properly handle meeting minutes. Clear guidance every cooperative director and manager should understand.

January 19, 202624 min

Episode 35: From South Texas Fields to Global Markets: A Grain Update with Paul Dubravec

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Paul Dubravec of Advance Trading shares insights from recent visits with South Texas producers, breaks down key USDA reports, discusses trade expectations and global events, and offers a macro view of producer sales across the U.S. A timely market update to help producers and cooperatives navigate today's grain markets.

December 12, 202522 min

Episode 34: Shaping the Future of Agriculture — A Conversation with Tim Brennan of the Farm Foundation

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas , Christy Lewis visits with Tim Brennan of the Farm Foundation to discuss the organization's mission and the programs supporting agriculture through research, leadership development, and policy dialogue. Learn how the Farm Foundation is building connections and shaping the future of agriculture.