All eyes remain on trade as the Trump Administration continues to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that President Trump says is being unfair to the U.S. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney has a special insight into the President's vision to get better trade deals, as he previously served as the first USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs in the first Trump administration. McKinney is cautioning folks to be patient as things seem volatile. He believes this is all a part of a bigger plan to lead to better trade deals.

On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox sits down with former NFL star, Super Bowl champion, and author Michael Oher. Oher talks about persevering through his childhood growing up homeless, and accomplishing his dreams of being a successful NFL player. He also explains the importance of telling your own story and how he's working to do that for himself now.

Paul Binkley had a successful 45 year career with the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. His last position with TFC before retiring was manager over the trainee program. On this episode of Root of The Matter Thomas Capps sits down with Paul to discuss his career with co-op and how he impacted the lives of many people he helped hire. Paul also discusses his struggle with parkinson's disease and how he's determined to persevere through it.

The economy was tough for agriculture in 2024. Will it be any better in 2025? On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox talks with trade expert, Dr. Andrew Muhammad, with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture about what the farm economy is looking like in 2025, and why trade is so important in seeing a turn around.

On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox sits down and talks with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. They discuss the 2025 AFBF Convention in San Antonio, Texas and why Farm Bureau is so important for the future of agriculture.

Fayette County beef producer Gary Dering was recently elected President of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. On this episode of Root of The Matter Gary discusses being elected as TCA President, what's on cattle producers minds these days, and what he hopes to accomplish in his two year term.

Most of the Volunteer State has seen snow recently. While most might be able to stay indoors and off the roads, that's not the case for farmers. Thomas Capps talked with farmers across the state about caring for their animals in winter weather.

Jeff Aiken has served as Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the past two years. He announced at the end of 2024 that he is retiring and going back to his family farm in Washington County. Andy Holt will be replacing Aiken as Deputy Commissioner. On this episode of Root of The Matter we hear from both gentlemen about transitioning into their new roles in the new year.

On this episode of Root of The Matter we talk with Tennessee Farm Bureau President, Eric Mayberry, about recently setting policy at the 103rd TFBF Annual Meeting and why it's so important to advocate for it in this tough farm economy. We also hear from newly elected Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers State Chair, Lee Bagwell, about his goals in his year of service.

On this episode of Root of the Matter we chat with Worth Eubanks with Farm Credit and Logan Meeks about the struggling farm economy. Both give a perspective on what's driving a lot of farmers balance sheets in the red and what can be done to help improve the overall farm economy.