Reelfoot Forward

In the first part of this two-part, live episode, the Discovery Park team went to the Tennessee Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., to get to know some of the professionals working in agriculture today. With most people being three or more generations removed from a family farm, first-hand information is getting harder to come by, so this was a great information to hear about farming from those working in the industry every day. Part one features the Tennessee Beef Industry Council, the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, the Tennessee Poultry Association and Farm Credit Mid-America. Those we spoke with have a great understanding of the challenges facing the world in the coming years, and they are all part of providing solutions.

By 2050, the global population is expected to reach more than 10 billion. This is going to present a major challenge in providing food, fuel and fiber for farmers around the world. Lee Maddox, director of communications for Tennessee Farm Bureau took a few moments out of his busy schedule at the organization’s annual meeting in Nashville to talk about this and other challenges facing those working in agriculture today. Whether you are a seasoned professional in the ag industry or someone like most of the population who has no idea how your food gets from the farm to the family, you’ll learn something new about agriculture on this episode from Maddox who has been working in the industry for decades.

And later, see what you will discover behind the scenes at Discovery Park of America.

Here’s an episode that will inspire anyone who hopes to march to the beat of their own drum while living in a rural community. While his friends were out duck hunting and fishing on Reelfoot Lake, Micah Barnes was teaching himself to play a number of instruments and perfecting his musical talents. He eventually studied bass at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts, started the world fusion jam band 27bstroke6 and carved out a niche as a utility musician, writing, performing, and recording with numerous groups in various genres on an array of instruments. He later focused his creativity on the visual arts and was working in graphic design and performing with independent artists in Middle Tennessee when he was drawn back home to work with Robert Kirkland on a dream that would become Discovery Park of America. Today, he manages to combine all his skills into a fascinating career at both his family’s business, Soleil Garden Center in Union City, Tenn., and The University of Tennessee at Martin.

And later, go behind-the-scenes and find out what it’s like to “throw a pot” at Discovery Park.

Today, most of us are three or more generations removed from life on a farm—therefore, we don't know how our food, fuel and fiber gets from the farm to our families. In this special episode, recorded live during Tennessee Ag Literacy Day at Discovery Park, listeners will meet and get to know farmers and others working in the agriculture field. By the year 2050, the production of food, fuel and fiber around the world must more than double in order to support an estimated population of ten billion. Sustaining our environment for future generations while meeting that need is only going to happen because of the hard work of farmers like the ones who share their personal stories of agriculture on this episode.

During this episode, you’ll hear from Wes Totten, Ph.D, chair Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources, UTM; Josh Richardson, district conservationist, USDA-NRCS; Beth Cochran, farmer and technician, Obion County Soil Conservation District; Derek Giffin, farmer, Giffin Farms; Alexis Beach, student and FFA member; Carol Reed, farmer and executive director of the Tennessee Corn Promotion Council; Mike Holeman, farmer and president of the Tennessee Corn Growers Association; Mike Brundage, farmer and chairman of the Tennessee corn promotion council; Brenda Baker, farmer and ag educator; Matt Fennel; farmer and regional field director, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; Rusty Grills, farmer and Tennessee state representative for District 77; and Misha Madding; precision ag specialist, Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Then, Katie chats with John Watkins, grounds director at Discovery Park, about the challenge of getting the park decorated with more than a million lights for “Let it Glow,” the annual Christmas light show.

A few years ago, Ana Edmaiston was on her couch watching “Cake Boss” when she had the realization that she, too, wanted to be the cake boss. She now owns her own business in downtown Union City called “Tiny Baker” that has sweetened the community since opening in 2018. Ana’s decision to pursue her dreams of becoming a baker eventually landed her where she always wanted to be: back home with family. Listen to her story as she shares her adventure in the sweet world of baking, the importance of family in tough situations and why she loves her hometown so much.

And later, Kayce Workman takes us behind the scenes at Discovery Park as she debunks some myths about turtles.

In June 1917, 1,250 men volunteered to become the first African Americans to receive training and begin military service in World War I. Many hoped that they would be rewarded with equal rights at the end of the war. Adam Wilson, the director of the University of Tennessee at Martin online and author of “African American Army Officers of World War I,” shares the difficult story of the impact of race in America through an exploration of these brave men, some of whom became college graduates, business leaders, doctors, lawyers, ministers and non-commissioned officers. Many eventually became leaders in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. Wilson’s storytelling during this episode provides a much-needed reminder of a part of history that is often forgotten.

And later, learn the truth about snakes in Tennessee as Kacey takes us behind-the-scenes at Discovery Park.

Charles and Crystal Meade changed the course of their family’s life when they purchased a Northwest Tennessee nursery that was in much need of some TLC. Today, Soleil Garden Center includes a nursery, a retail showroom featuring regional artists and a recording studio. In this episode, Charles and Crystal share what inspired them in the early years as they were “growing” their family-run small business, and the ups and downs they’ve experienced along the way. Their story will inspire anyone looking for their own unique path to making their dreams come true.

And later, Zach Rea gives us some information about health during the Civil War.

As a child, Karen Campbell looked down the road of her Northwest Tennessee hometown and couldn’t wait to get out and explore. Campbell, who today is the communications director for Weakley County, Tennessee Schools, shares her entertaining story of leaving home and of the exciting world she found working and writing for a variety of publications including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Star Telegram. Today, her passion for this region of Tennessee is infectious, and after you experience her story, you’ll be reminded of the power of home and the importance of family in all our lives.

And later, learn all about Tennessee River mussels with Nathaniel Newlin.

Have you ever wondered the importance that a cotton mill would have on a community? Danny Walden from Dyersburg, Tenn., who was on a previous episode about the missing town of Minglewood, joins Scott to discuss the impact the cotton industry had in the small community of Dyersburg right before the Great Depression and how the town continued forward even after the depression. He also gives us some insider information about what was found in a safe of the cotton mill after it was pilled from a fire in the early 1900s. Be sure to check out the Dyer County Museum for the steam whistle that was blown for shift change and the contents that were found inside the safe.

And later, Russell Orr tell us why a T-Rex is not a scavenger.

Have you ever wanted to know what it was like behind-the-scenes before Discovery Park of America even opened? In today’s episode, Katie Jarvis stands in as the guest host of Reelfoot Forward and interviews Mary Nita Bondurant, who is the marketing director for the park. She gives some insider information on how it was working with Robert Kirkland as Discovery Park was being built, the team that was formed at the beginning, some insights on tourism for this region in Northwest Tennessee and advice for those seeking a career in marketing and advertising.

And later, Andrew talk with Nathaniel Newlin about the Naga Tribe of northeastern India and the different artifacts from this tribe that can be found in the Enlightenment Gallery on the lower level inside Discovery Center.