Root of the Matter

In this episode of Root of the Matter, we sit down with Dr. Chris Boyert, 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. Boyert 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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Polson, Miss Rodeo USA, for a conversation about horses, rodeo, agriculture, and the journey that brought her to the crown. Ashley shares how her love for horses began as a child and eventually led her to the national stage as Miss Rodeo USA. Her role is about more than wearing a crown. Ashley is passionate about using her platform to champion agriculture, educate others about where their food comes from, and be a voice for the people who work every day to feed and provide for our country.

Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, has taken an unconventional path to becoming one of agriculture’s most recognizable voices online. In this episode, Michelle shares the story behind her journey, how she became an influencer and advocate for agriculture, and what it’s been like building a platform dedicated to telling agriculture’s story. Michelle shares why she believes those in agriculture need to get out of their comfort zones, engage with people who may not agree with them, and build connections on a personal level.

In this episode, we sit down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall to take a closer look at the current state of the American beef cattle market. Despite historically high prices, consumer demand for beef remains incredibly strong. Colin explains why consumers continue to choose American beef, what that demand means for cattle producers, and where the market could be headed.

What do we really know about George Washington beyond the general and the first President of the United States? In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Dickerson, a George Washington impressionist, to talk about Washington’s journey from Virginia farmer to general and eventually our nation’s first president. Douglas gives us a peak into Washington’s passion for farming, why he was so highly respected, and the leadership lessons we can still learn from him today.

In this episode, we sit down with UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver for a conversation about the legacy of no-till farming and the future of agriculture. We talk about the Milan No-Till Field Day and why the no-till method has become such an important part of protecting soil health, improving the land, and building a more sustainable future for agriculture. Keith also shares insight into the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and how the college is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders through a wide range of majors and opportunities.

What does it take to carry on a family farming legacy seven generations in the making? Willis Jepson knows firsthand. Recently named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year, Willis joins us to share the pride, hard work, and perseverance behind his family’s Robertson County farm.