In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes Ryan Cooper, a startup farmer and founder of Milkmen Coop, to discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture and food distribution. Ryan shares insights into his business, which sources high-quality food from local farms and distributes it within his community.

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on Thomas Massey's controversial stance on ethanol mandates and their impact on food prices. Ryan and Vance delve into the complexities of ethanol's role in agriculture and its economic implications.

The episode also covers the USDA's billion-dollar initiative to combat avian flu, exploring whether such financial interventions are effective or merely exacerbate market imbalances. Ryan shares his skepticism about government spending and its impact on the agricultural sector.

Vance and Ryan then turn their attention to the role of the USDA and its current leadership under Secretary Brooke Rollins, questioning the effectiveness of her initiatives and the overall size of the department.

In a bold proposal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggests using the post office for census duties, a move that could significantly impact rural representation. Ryan and Vance weigh the pros and cons of this idea.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on Bitcoin's fluctuating value and its implications for land prices, as well as a philosophical exploration of the Peter Thiel paradox, where Ryan shares a belief that challenges conventional thinking within his community.

Finally, Ryan discusses his worthy adversary, Dr. Kyle Gibbs, the superintendent of his local school district, highlighting the ongoing debate over property taxes and community resources.