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.

Nick Parker is a marine veteran, retired TBI Agent, and former Farm Bureau agent. Nick was diagnosed with parkinson's in 2014, and then cancer six years later. Throughout his medical journey Nick has persevered and chosen to have a good attitude and lean into his faith. On this episode of Root of the Matter Nick talks about battling parkinson's and cancer and how he's chosen faith over fear. He also discusses how he's working to help others dealing with difficult circumstances through his newsletter.

After nearly four decades working for UT Extension, Kevin Ferguson is hitting the ground running as the new Executive Director of the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee. FACT oversees animal welfare in the state. On this episode of Root of The Matter Kevin explains more about what FACT does and he hopes to accomplish in the role.

Sweetwater Valley Farm is one of the few dairies left in Tennessee. Owner John Harrison has grown the operation and turned it into an agritourism destination with their famous cheese being a big draw. On this episode of Root of The Matter Thomas Capps sits down with John and his son Charles to talk about how SweetWater Valley Farm was created and how they continue to evolve and grow.

The Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee Knoxville hit record enrollment this fall. University of Tennessee Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver sat down with Lee Maddox to talk about this major milestone for the Herbert College of Agriculture and why he believes this is just the beginning for growth.

Each year on November 11th we pause as a Nation to honor our great veterans for their service. On this special Veterans Day episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox talks with veterans David Hochreiter & Ron Bridges who is the President of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee. They discuss what it means to them to have served and why it's important to honor veterans on Veterans Day & everyday.