Root of the Matter

Hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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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

November 6, 202617 min

Beyond the Farm: How USDA Research Shapes Agriculture | ROTM

Agriculture is about much more than what happens on the farm. Behind America’s food and agricultural system is a vast network of research, science, and data that helps us understand where agriculture is today and where it’s headed tomorrow. In this episode, we sit down with USDA Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins to explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s important role in advancing agricultural research and collecting the statistics that help tell the story of American agriculture. We discuss how USDA research supports farmers and the broader agricultural industry, why reliable agricultural data matters, and how science and innovation are helping address the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture.

October 30, 202618 min

Rice in the Volunteer State | ROTM

After years of growing traditional row crops, Carl Shultz and his family took a different path and found an opportunity in rice. On this episode, Carl joins us to explain why Dyer County is well suited for growing rice, what led the family to make the switch, and how Tennemo brings its different rice varieties directly from the farm to consumers. We also discuss Tennemo Rice’s recognition as the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee and what this achievement says about innovation and diversification in Tennessee agriculture.

October 23, 202631 min

Inside the Midterms: Early Voting, Redistricting & What’s on Tennessee’s Ballot | ROTM

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 Tennessee’s three constitutional ballot amendments and explain what each one means for voters.

October 16, 202628 min

Giants Among Us: Tennessee’s Oldest and Largest Trees | ROTM

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.

October 8, 202630 min

ROTM | The Economics Behind the Future of Farming

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.

October 2, 202625 min

The Ballot Box & the 3-Year Degree: A Conversation with Tre Hargett | ROTM

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 that could allow students to graduate in three years, avoid unnecessary coursework, and enter the workforce sooner.

September 25, 202619 min

A God Thing: Two Million Meals and Counting | Root of the Matter

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 has provided more than two million meals over the years.

September 18, 202625 min

ROTM | El Niño Is Coming: What Does It Mean for Tennessee This Winter?

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.

September 11, 202616 min

ROTM | More Than a Crown: Championing Agriculture

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 feed and provide for our country.

September 4, 202624 min

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, 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 build connections on a personal level.