Root of the Matter

In this episode, we’re joined by Shelby Vannoy to break down the midterm election results and what a shift in political power could mean for farmers and rural communities. We discuss the potential impact on agricultural policy at both the state and federal levels, what changes could be on the horizon, and the issues farmers should be watching as lawmakers get to work.

Agriculture is about much more than what happens on the farm. Behind America’s food and agricultural system is a vast network of research, science, and data that helps us understand where agriculture is today and where it’s headed tomorrow. In this episode, we sit down with USDA Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins to explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s important role in advancing agricultural research and collecting the statistics that help tell the story of American agriculture. We discuss how USDA research supports farmers and the broader agricultural industry, why reliable agricultural data matters, and how science and innovation are helping address the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture.

After years of growing traditional row crops, Carl Shultz and his family took a different path and found an opportunity in rice. On this episode, Carl joins us to explain why Dyer County is well suited for growing rice, what led the family to make the switch, and how Tennemo brings its different rice varieties directly from the farm to consumers. We also discuss Tennemo Rice’s recognition as the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee and what this achievement says about innovation and diversification in Tennessee agriculture.

Farmers continue to operate in the red even as grocery prices rise. Chad Smith tells us despite that, many consumers don’t know the challenges facing farm country.

Voting is underway for the midterms, with early voting already started in many states. Early indicators suggest turnout is outpacing 2022 in many places, and with control of Congress up for grabs, what could that mean heading into Election Day? Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Division joins us to break down the trends shaping this year’s midterms, what’s driving voters to the polls, and how the political landscape could be shifting. Plus, we take a closer look at Tennessee’s three constitutional ballot amendments and explain what each one means for voters.

Tennessee is home to some remarkable trees, from towering giants to ancient trees that have stood witness to generations of change. In this episode, we’re joined by arborist Jim Cortese who explains the importance of trees in our state, and why these living treasures deserve our appreciation and protection. Join us as we look at the stories, history, and natural beauty rooted in the trees all around us.

In this episode of Root of the Matter, we sit down with Dr. Chris Boyer, UTIA Professor and Head of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, for a conversation about the economic challenges facing agriculture and the future of farming. We talk about farmland loss and why profitability is one of the biggest drivers of keeping land in agriculture. Dr. Boyer also shares insight into reimagining farming and the growing economic impact of wildlife damage on agricultural operations.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett joins us for a conversation about the upcoming midterm elections and the importance of Tennesseans making their voices heard at the ballot box. Secretary Hargett discusses his efforts to ensure Tennessee elections are secure, accurate, and timely, while sharing why voter participation matters and what goes into administering elections across the state. We also talk about higher education and Hargett’s passion for focused bachelor’s degrees—an approach that could allow students to graduate in three years, avoid unnecessary coursework, and enter the workforce sooner.

For more than a decade, the Shooting Hunger initiative has brought people together around a simple mission: helping feed those in need. Sponsored and organized by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Tennessee Farmers Co-op, the initiative has grown into a powerful example of what can happen when agriculture comes together to serve others. In this episode, Executive Vice President Bryan Wright joins us to talk about the incredible impact of Shooting Hunger—and how the effort has provided more than two million meals over the years.

Can we really predict what kind of winter Tennessee is going to have? In this episode, we sit down with meteorologist Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions to take a deeper look at the science behind weather forecasting—and what the atmosphere may be telling us about the winter ahead. We also dive into the upcoming El Niño pattern and what it could mean for Tennessee.