Ever been inspired by the unbroken spirit of a community? Today, we're taking you on an uplifting journey to Graves County, where we'll explore the remarkable recovery following the devastating tornado that struck Mayfield in December 2021. Our guest unveils the extraordinary stories of how the farmers and the agricultural community immediately sprang into action, providing aid and support to restore normalcy. We'll also dig deeper into the long-term recovery process, emphasizing the significance of patience and courage in decision-making. Plus, hear about the role of River Valley AgCredit in supporting agriculture in Graves County and enhancing its economic development.

Fast forward two years to the Haunted Graves Festival and Events – a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Graves County community. Discover how this close-knit community bonded together to raise funds to enhance downtown Mayfield and learn about the success of the creative and competitive River Valley AgCredit Bale Trail. Our guest imparts insights about the thriving food & beverage business and the variety of events that took place during the month, including the FNB Glowing Graves Halloween Parade, corn mazes, and much more. Fancy a spooky yet inspiring adventure? Tune in to our podcast and prepare to be moved by the resilience and strength of the Graves County community. 

Are you curious about the intricacies of agricultural lending and the role of a cooperative lender? Well, buckle in for an insightful conversation with our guest, Kyle Yancey, the President and CEO of River Valley AgCredit. Kyle unravels the complex world of ag lending, highlighting the differences between the ag cooperative system and commercial banks, and how his organization has tailored their services to fit various scenarios, including home loans without farm income. 

We then journey behind the scenes of River Valley AgCredit's loan process, revealing the power of the cooperative lender's unique decision-making prowess in providing quick loan closures. Kyle underscores the influential role of relationships, market acumen, and predictive abilities in the loan approval process, providing a context-rich understanding of the world of agricultural finance. Adding to this, we also delve deep into the funding dynamics and loan rates, discussing how the cooperative lender maintains consistent rates while remaining competitive.

Imagine owning a century farm but also being a full-time civil servant, eventually trading in your badge and uniform for a John Deere tractor and a life on the farm. That’s exactly what our guest, Don Massengale, did when he transitioned from being a firefighter, paramedic, and police officer to embracing the labor and love of farming. In this captivating conversation, Don, alongside his wife Karen, takes us on a journey through their generational farm, exploring the daily grind, the unique challenges of modern farming such as drought, flooding, high interest rates, and soaring land prices.

We also delve into the Massengale’s relationship with River Valley Ag Credit and how it has shaped their farming journey. Discover the role Don plays as a Director at River Valley AgCredit. Find out about the Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Farm Program, an initiative designed to provide support and opportunity to young, aspiring farmers. The Massengales share their wisdom, their struggles, and their triumphs, offering invaluable advice for those considering a venture into the farming industry. So, buckle up and join us on this farming adventure as we uncover the realities and rewards of farm life, the importance of a supportive partner in this demanding industry, and the joy of watching the growth of life, season after season.

Are you ready to stake your claim and invest in land but puzzled about where to start? Clear that confusion as we, Chris Griffin and Jordan Turnage, guide you through the intricate process of land purchasing and financing in this enlightening episode of Back to Your Roots. We walk you through working with banks and Farm Credit Associations, educate you on the various types of loans available, and reveal how you can customize the loan process to suit your unique needs. 

Land financing isn't just about securing the cash for your purchase—it's also about leveraging opportunities and minimizing risks. We delve into the potential of refinancing to modify your loan terms without bearing additional costs, and the idea of cross-collateralizing your loan with another property to lower the initial down payment. We also bring to light the importance of setting up an LLC to protect your personal liability and offer tips on what to look for when considering the purchase of hunting properties. 

But the journey doesn’t end with the purchase. It is essential to seek professional guidance to ensure you reap a good return on your investment. Tune in as we discuss the importance of finding a realtor specializing in land and farm purchases, the value of having pictures and videos of the property, and why you need appraisers who know the ropes when it comes to property.  Let us help you make informed decisions in your land-purchasing journey. Tune in, learn, and grow with us on Back to Your Roots.

Prepare to be swept away by the riveting tales and insights from our esteemed guest, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Quarles. From the cornfields of the Fancy Farm Picnic to the bustling Kentucky State Fair, come journey with us as we explore the far-reaching impact of agriculture in Kentucky, narrated by the very man at the helm. Ryan shares his personal experiences growing up on a family farm and brings to light the multifaceted responsibilities of his role as the Commissioner since 2016.

Our adventure takes us through some of the pivotal initiatives of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. As we speak with Ryan, he uncovers the workings of the Kentucky Hunger Initiative and the Kentucky Proud food package. This actionable approach to reducing hunger while supporting farmers and agribusinesses in the state will give you fresh perspectives on how local agriculture can be leveraged for community welfare. Ryan also shares his aspirations for the program to continue its crucial work even after his tenure.

We wrap up our discussion by exploring the potential of hemp as a sustainable crop in Kentucky, its emergent markets, and the role of the FDA in steering this industry. Furthermore, Ryan walks us through his noteworthy achievements, including fundraising $5.1 million dollars for Kentucky 4-H and FFA. He also lets us in on his future plans, hinting at aspirations for higher education and possibly another political run. So, buckle up and immerse yourself in this deep dive into Kentucky's agricultural landscape - one full of hope, resilience, and innovation.

Ever wonder what it's like to grow up on a farm, toiling the soil and reaping the rewards of a hard day's work? Today, we pull back the barn doors and immerse ourselves in the life of 10-year-old Mosey Ralph, an extraordinary farm kid with an abundance of tales to tell. Mosey's world is one filled with chicken barns, cornfields, and heavy machinery, and he's not shy about sharing the joys and burdens of being the only boy in a family of girls on this bustling farm.

Step into the world of the Ralph family, where farming isn't just an occupation, it's a legacy. As Mosey's father reflects on the pride of seeing his son ready to take up the mantle, we explore the tireless work ethic and unwavering determination that are the backbone of this family business. From dealing with unforgiving terrain to nurturing dreams of further education, join us as we traverse the challenging yet rewarding landscape of farm life through Mosey's eyes.

But farming is not just about crops and equipment; it's also about community and faith. We learn from Mosey's family about the crucial bonds formed with agricultural lenders and the invaluable support they've received. Discover how faith plays a pivotal role in their lives and how the farming community rallies together in times of adversity. Whether it's the shared hardship of a bad harvest or the shared joy of a good one, it's these relationships that hold the farming world together. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through the highs, the lows, and the everyday miracles of life on the Ralph family farm.

On our inaugural episode of Back to Your Roots we introduce our intrepid hosts as well as get an exclusive interview with River Valley AgCredit President/CEO Kyle Yancey. We get the down low on how a cooperative works, River Valley AgCredit's history, and the day-to-day operations of the President/CEO.

Next time we'll be interviewing Mosey and Justin Ralph about life as a farm kid.