Capital Roots: Stories from Agriculture's Footprint

For more than two decades, Aaron Watson has built a career by staying true to who he is — an independent Texas artist, rancher and advocate for rural communities.

In this episode of Capital Roots, Aaron joins us to talk about his connection to agriculture, life on the ranch and the values that have shaped both his music and his career. As a valued Capital Farm Credit member, Aaron shares why supporting Texas agriculture matters and what it means to remain rooted in the communities that have supported him from the very beginning.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Aaron's music or simply appreciate authentic conversations about rural life, this episode offers a look at the people and values that continue to shape Texas.

Learn more about Aaron Watson's latest album, Horse Named Texas: https://www.aaronwatson.com/

Get tickets to the Horse Named Texas Tour sponsored by Capital Farm Credit: https://www.aaronwatson.com/tour

About Capital Farm Credit

Capital Farm Credit is the largest agricultural lending cooperative in Texas, providing financing for farms, ranches, rural property, agribusiness and agritourism operations. As a member-owned cooperative, we're committed to supporting the people, businesses and communities that keep Texas agriculture strong.

Learn more about Capital Farm Credit: https://www.capitalfarmcredit.com/

Recorded in Washington, D.C. during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In, this episode of Capital Roots feature Skylar Sowder, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Farm Credit Council.

In this episode, Skylar shares how her West Texas roots shaped her passion for advocating for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She breaks down what's happening with the Farm Bill, why bipartisan cooperation still matters, and how she approaches policy through the lens of the customer. Tune in for a grounded look at agriculture advocacy in action.

In this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer welcomes Christy Seyfert, President & CEO of the Farm Credit Council, for a timely conversation recorded during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In. With the government now reopened, Christy reflects on the momentum of the week, Farm Credit’s unified advocacy efforts, and the policy priorities shaping Farm Bill 2.0.

She also shares her first-year perspective as CEO, her deep agricultural roots, and why strong relationships across the system make Farm Credit’s mission so powerful. A must-listen for anyone following ag policy, leadership, or the future of rural America.

Missed an episode of Capital Roots? Find all of our past episodes here.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Donna McAllister, Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University and member of the leadership team for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC). Dr. McAllister shares how researchers and producers are working together to preserve the Ogallala Aquifer—one of our region’s most valuable, yet finite, resources.

From changing cropping practices to evaluating the economics of water use, she offers insight into how science, policy, and stewardship intersect to secure the future of Texas agriculture.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Clint Krehbiel, Dean of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University. From growing up on his family's Simmental cattle operation in Kansas to leading one of the nation's fastest-rising agricultural colleges, Dr. Krehbiel shares his journey of service, leadership, and vision for the future of ag education.

We explore the pillars of the On and On Campaign, Texas Tech's century-long legacy of serving West Texas, and how hands-on learning and collaboration continue to shape the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Tune in to hear how Davis College is building momentum, fostering innovation, and staying true to its West Texas roots - one student at a time.

How can U.S. farmers stay competitive in a world where markets move faster than ever and global players like Brazil and China reshape agriculture?

On this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer sits down with Dr. Darren Hudson, Associate Dean and Director of the of the International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness at Texas Tech University, to unpack what "ag competitiveness" really means - and how U.S. producers can adapt to thrive.

From his humble start in the Texas Panhandle to leading one of the nation's top ag economics centers, Dr. Hudson shares his insights on:

• The pressures facing today's commodity markets
• What U.S. producers can learn from Brazil's booming ag sector
• The role of China in shaping global ag policy
• Why technology, creativity, and risk management are key to future profitability

Plus, hear his candid take on cotton demand and why he believes the next five years could bring major opportunity for row-crop producers.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we visit with Shaun Bayless, Fayette County Game Warden with Texas Parks and Wildlife, as he shares what it means to serve rural communities across the state. From the backroads of West Texas to the waters of the Highland Lakes, Shaun reflects on the relationships, responsibilities, and realities of life behind the badge. His story highlights the deep ties between conservation, public trust, and the people who call rural Texas home.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we’re joined by Stephanie Webb '07 and James Palacios '17 to explore the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University. A life-changing opportunity for students interested in agriculture and public service, the ANRP program places Aggies in congressional offices and ag organizations in Washington, D.C. and Austin. Stephanie and James—both former interns themselves—share powerful stories of professional growth, policy impact, and how the program continues to shape the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we’re joined by Dr. Lance Bauer, Executive Vice President of Beefmaster Breeders United, to explore the history, genetics, and growing global presence of the Beefmaster breed. Developed in South Texas during the 1930s, Beefmasters were built to thrive in tough conditions and are still defined by the Six Essentials: weight, conformation, milk production, fertility, hardiness, and disposition.

Dr. Bauer shares his journey from raising commercial sheep in Ingram, Texas, to leading one of the largest beef breed registries in the U.S. We dive into breed-up programs, junior involvement, and how Beefmasters are meeting the demands of modern cattle production with both grit and genetic advantage.

In this episode of Capital Roots, we spotlight Mid-Coast Smackdown—a Texas nonprofit born from a fishing tournament and fueled by a mission to support families with children battling cancer. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a major community event, offering financial relief with no strings attached. Tune in to hear how a passion for fishing turned into a powerful force for good.

Tournament Info:

May 31, 2025 in Rockport, TX

Get Involved