Beyond the Fence Line

May is mental health awareness month, and a good time for reflection about one’s own mental health, and how friends and family are faring. Farmers and ranchers experience a lot of stress over economic uncertainty, and being at the mercy of weather and the markets. In this month’s podcast, Nebraska Rancher Ryan Sexson shares his story with Chad Ellis, and what folks can do to get help if they need it.

The science of agriculture is at the forefront of good policy, and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is doing cutting edge research to deepen our knowledge about agriculture. Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy food, fiber and land. Listen in on a conversation with soil health expert Lakisha Odom and Chad Ellis on our latest “Beyond the Fence Line” podcast.

The concept of resilient landscapes is one that has often been discussed in context of responding to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Last month’s statewide hard freeze added another element to the conversation. With more than 95% of land in Texas privately held, Texas farmers and ranchers play a critical role in ensuring resilient landscapes that benefit us all. Listen in to our latest podcast with TALT CEO Chad Ellis and the Noble Research Institute’s Jeff Goodwin to learn how conservation helps protect natural resources impacted by these events.

It happens once every two years, with an occasional special session thrown in for good measure. Yes, it’s that time again, and the Texas Legislature’s 87th session is well underway. Ag policy is top of mind for many legislators, and a variety of agricultural organizations that have policy agendas they want to advance. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear from Texas agricultural policy experts.

Stay in the know by following our partner organization's podcast below:

Texas Ag Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/texas-ag-today/id1528446942

TSCRA Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tscra-talk/id1495549799

The reasons landowners decide to put family land under a conservation easement are as varied as the landowners who make them. TALT closes several conservation easements a year, forever protecting the wide-open spaces of Texas. In our latest podcast, Chad Ellis explores conservation easements with several landowners who recently went through the easement process.

Texas rancher Meredith Ellis is championing the importance of working lands in every way she can. She’s been featured in a film produced by the National Grazing Lands Coalition, and TALT CEO Chad Ellis caught up with her recently for a conversation about why she has become such an outspoken advocate. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear more.

Sustainability has become a focus for many organizations and industries, including within the agricultural space. Dr. Myriah Johnson is the Senior Director of Beef Sustainability Research with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and is a thought leader in the conversation about sustainable cattle ranching. Listen in on our latest podcast to learn more.

Si Cook knows the Texas Farm Bureau like the back of his hand. He’s spent his entire professional career there, and now serves as the Texas Farm Bureau’s chief operating officer. Listen in on our latest podcast as TALT CEO Chad Ellis discusses Texas farm issues and trends with Si Cook.

The Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M is a nationally recognized think tank that provides information to federal and state policymakers about agriculture policy. It is staffed with respected experts, including the former chief economist for the U.S House Committee on Agriculture, Bart Fischer. Fischer has been the chief architect of the last two Farm Bills, and will now offer his expertise about agriculture policy from a different direction. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear his insights.

Beyond the Fence Line: Episode #3: Bob McCan by Texas Agricultural Land Trust