The Co-op Feeds Podcast

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

If you like to follow all things related to animal agriculture, then this is the podcast for you. Tune in for expert news with our special guest and coverage of hot topics in the industry with our Feed Bin segment. Feeding Traditions is a monthly podcast hosted by Mary Jane Arnette with Co-op Feeds, celebrating the hardworking farm producers who are the backbone of Tennessee agriculture and loyal customers of our local Co-ops. Each episode features the raw, authentic stories of co-op members—producers who not only feed our fellow Tennesseans but also strengthen their communities through values, grit, and a deep-rooted love for the land. These are the voices keeping rural traditions alive, be sure to tune in!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 327 min

Feeding Traditions: Integrity in Every Acre with Amos Huey

This month on Feeding Traditions, host Mary Jane Arnette sits down with West Tennessee farmer and longtime Co-op leader Amos Huey for a conversation about farming, leadership, and the values that continue to shape agriculture today.A primary row crop producer, Amos shares the story of growing his family operation over the years while also maintaining a Red Angus cattle herd rooted in quality and tradition. Throughout the episode, he reflects on the importance of trust, planning ahead, and treating farming like both a business and a responsibility.Amos also discusses his years of service on both local and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative boards, offering honest perspective on the future of the cooperative system and why relationships still matter in agriculture. From crop marketing and technology to cattle, family, and leadership, his insight is grounded in decades of experience and hard-earned wisdom.Join us for a conversation about integrity, resilience, and carrying agricultural traditions forward for the next generation.

April 23, 2026Episode 238 min

Feeding Traditions: Growing the Future: Inside the TFC Foundation with Claire Hill

This month on Feeding Traditions, host Mary Jane Arnette sits down with Claire Hill, Executive Director of the Tennessee Farmers Co-op Foundation, whose work is centered around investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.From her own roots in FFA to her role today, Claire shares how her passion for serving others has shaped her career and continues to drive the mission of the foundation. Through programs like Round & Raise, Co-op scholarships, the Case Knife program, and Auction Barn, she gives insight into how the Co-op is supporting youth, strengthening communities, and making a lasting impact across Tennessee—including stepping in to support disaster relief efforts when communities need it most.Claire also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the foundation’s work and why investing in young people—through leadership, opportunity, and connection—matters now more than ever.Join us for a conversation about purpose, community, and what it really means to carry traditions forward.

March 24, 2026Episode 148 min

Feeding Traditions: The Dawson Family Story

This month on Feeding Traditions, we’re heading to White Bluff, Tennessee, to meet Beth and Phil Dawson, a husband and wife farming team who have built their life around hard work, faith, and community. From raising row crops and cattle to facing floods and changing times, their story is full of determination, grit, and heart.Over the years, their farm has grown and evolved, from 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans to a smaller, focused cattle operation, showing how farming is as much about care and stewardship as it is about strategy. Beth and Phil share what it’s like running a farm together, the lessons they’ve learned from mentors and neighbors, and the values that have guided their work for decades.

October 15, 2025Episode 820 min

Feeding Traditions: Feed Strong, Fight Strong - The Story of Dani Morrison

This month on Feeding Traditions, our guest is Dani Morrison, a team member at First Farmers Cooperative, whose story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of community. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dani opens up about her personal journey through multiple cancer battles and the strength she found in her Co-op family along the way.Raised in a true Co-op family in Hardin County, Dani’s connection to agriculture runs deep, from her early days feeding livestock on the farm to her career serving farmers across West Tennessee. Her story ties perfectly into Co-op’s Feed Strong, Fight Strong campaign, which is supporting breast cancer awareness this October. Through this effort, ProTrition Feed is donating a portion of sales from specially marked Co-op and Cumberland Mills feed bags to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a cause that holds special meaning for Dani and many within the Co-op system.Tune in to Feeding Traditions to hear Dani’s inspiring story of courage, community, and hope, and learn how your feed purchases this month help make a difference.

September 30, 2025Episode 723 min

Feeding Traditions: Mike Richardson Laying Down his Hard Hat

Mike Richardson has dedicated more than 40 years to the Co-op system, starting in a temporary role at the fertilizer plant, moving into the warehouse and bagging room at the feed mill, and ultimately finishing his career as the LaVergne plant manager. Known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to farmers, he has guided the LaVergne mills through decades of change while building lasting friendships along the way. This November, Mike will lay down his hard hat and step into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and service to Co-op. Tune into Feeding Traditions to hear Mike’s story.

August 23, 2025Episode 627 min

Feeding Traditions: A Father-Son Legacy in Henderson County

Marty and Mark Tolley of Darden, Tennessee, are a father-and-son duo carrying on a family cattle tradition that began in the late 1940s. From Marty’s early start raising pigs with $20 earned picking cotton to today’s partnership in a 45,000-head Kansas feedyard, the Tolley family has built an operation rooted in hard work, faith, and generational values.Now managing both their Henderson County herd and a growing beef business serving customers in more than 25 states, Marty and Mark share how family, farming, and Co-op have shaped their story—and how they’re preparing the next generation to carry it forward.

July 24, 2025Episode 538 min

Feeding Traditions: Generations of Growth with Benjie Daniel

Benjie Daniel of Charlotte, Tennessee, carries on a remarkable family tradition spanning over 150 years. As the sixth generation on a century farm, Benjie has seen the operation evolve—from its start as a row crop and dairy farm into a thriving stocker and cow-calf beef business. Today, the farm manages about 150 cow-calf pairs, a few hundred stockers, and takes care of roughly 1,800 acres of stock, hay, pasture, and crops. With the eighth generation now joining the legacy, Benjie shares a story of resilience and adaptation that has kept their heritage strong through the decades.Deeply rooted in the Co-op system, Benjie follows in his father’s footsteps—who served as a TFC board member—and now chairs the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative board of directors. Listen now to discover how family, farming, and community leadership come together on this historic Tennessee farm.

June 16, 2025Episode 445 min

Feeding Traditions: James Wright, A Trailblazer for our System

James Wright has worn a lot of hats—Co-op manager, farmer, mentor, and a James B. Walker Award honoree. In this episode of Feeding Traditions, he reflects on a career rooted in service and a legacy that’s still growing strong through his family’s farm in Rhea County. From the feed counter to the front pasture, his impact runs deep. Listen now!

May 21, 2025Episode 347 min

Feeding Traditions: Carrying the Legacy, featuring Amanda Evans

Amanda Evans grew up on a dairy farm in Anderson County. Today, she’s stewarding the same land by boarding horses, cutting hay, and honoring the legacy her family built.In this episode, you’ll hear about: Making bold shifts in a farming operation Staying grounded in family values Building something meaningful on familiar groundListen now!

April 14, 2025Episode 240 min

Feeding Traditions: Meet Moore County Cattle Producer, Todd Jennings

In this episode of Feeding Traditions, we’re proud to feature the story of Todd Jennings, a Moore County cattle producer. From humble beginnings to growing his family’s thriving operation, Todd reflects on his journey, the lessons learned, and the changes he’s seen in the farming industry. For Todd, farming is more than a job—it’s a calling built on hard work and community. He shares how mentorship shaped his path, the joy of working alongside family, and the vital role his local Co-op has played in his success.