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Root of the Matter

Root of the Matter

Hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

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Episodes

50

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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 industry, agriculture. “Root of the Matter” is inspired by a column written by the late Melissa Burniston Bratton, but has the same goal as she had for her article – sharing the important stories of farmers and those involved in agriculture.

Listen to episodes

50 recent
August 14, 202618 min

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 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, and how the college is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders through a wide range of majors and opportunities.

August 7, 202632 min

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, Willis joins us to share the pride, hard work, and perseverance behind his family’s Robertson County farm.

July 31, 202626 min

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 Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award winner, to discuss how his family’s Smith County farm has found success raising grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

July 24, 202616 min

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 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.

June 12, 202640 min

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 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.

May 22, 202639 min

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 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 ground, why India and Thailand were important stops, and how building these relationships can create long-term economic opportunities for rural Tennessee.

May 15, 202626 min

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 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 rural communities. We also dive into the realities facing young farmers today — from rising input costs and land prices to the pressure of rapid development threatening family farms across Tennessee.

May 8, 202626 min

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 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 agricultural land. Josh shares how the UT Center for Planning works with cities and counties across Tennessee to help them think ahead, make informed decisions, and create strategies that balance development with preservation.

May 1, 202627 min

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 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 shares insight on how the industry is working to break down barriers and reminds us that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward strength. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode serves as a reminder that you’re not alone and that support is available. You can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with a trained professional any time, day or night.

April 24, 202627 min

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 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. Mohammad shares insight into whether these elevated costs are a short-term spike or part of a longer-term shift—and what that means for farm profitability and decision-making. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwnHz1ixFxI

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