Squabbles of the Soil

Topic: Cage Free vs Caged Egg Production

Host: Kirsten Pigg

Guest: Peyton Hopkins and Pri

Summary: Eggs are a widely consumed product to consumers around the world. As consumers come more and more aware of where their food comes from, debate has formed on how egg laying hens should be housed. In today’s episode we will discuss the difference between caged and free range egg production. 

Teaching Guide:

Objectives:

1. I am able to explain the key differences between free and caged egg production systems.

2. I can identify two supporting arguments of caged systems and two supporting arguments of free range systems. 

3. I can create my own opinion on this topic based off previous knowledge and the information provided in the podcast. 

Pre-listening Questions:

1. What do I already know about caged vs free range egg production?

2. What is something I am curious about prior to listening to the podcast?

3. Based on prior knowledge of this topic, what is your opinion on caged vs free range egg production?

Guided Questions:

1. How many acres did Peyton Hopkins work on?

2. According to Peyton Hopkins, what is the biggest challenge in free range operations?

3. True or False: Caged eggs are cheaper than free range

4. From a business stand point, why does Pri support caged production systems?

5. Which guest works on a regenerative farm in the panhandle of Florida?

Post-listening Questions:

1. Explain at least 2 key differences of caged vs free range egg production. 

2. Identify two supporting arguments for caged systems and two supporting arguments for free range systems.

3. What is your opinion on caged vs free range egg production systems? Which method do you support?

Rubric and Answer Key:

Level 1- 1 pt - Does not explain the key differences, does not identify supporting arguments for either egg production type, and does not state their opinion on the topic. 

Level 2- 2 pt - Only identifies 1 key difference, only identifies only one supporting argument of each side, and states their opinion on the topic. 

Level 3- 3 pt - identifies at least two key differences, identifies two arguments on each side, and states their opinion on the topic. 

Answer Key: 

Guided Questions: 

1. 2000 acres

2. Predators

3. True

4. From a business standpoint, it is simply cheaper to produce eggs in caged systems.

5. Peyton Hopkins

Host: Makala Blythe

Guests: Jacob Tipton- A local agriculture teacher whose focus is in animal science and who runs a seedstock meat goat operation.

Doug Caywood- A Tennessee native who raises beef cattle and specializes in architectural development in residential and commercial areas.

Description: In Tennessee, many farmers are losing their access to farmland for a variety of reasons. It is estimated that nearly 60,000 acres of farmland are lost every year due to foreign countries, which they have no chance of winning against. Instead of acts being put in place to protect farmers, there are acts in place that allow these buyouts to take place. In total, Tennessee has lost nearly 1.6 billion acres thus far. While Tennessee is often seen as a leading developmental state, controversy has emerged surrounding the topic of land loss due to development and whether this loss may be justified. Given the recent natural disasters affecting many Eastern Tennesseans, they are at the most risk for loss of land due to government interference.  

Objectives:

1. Investigate the causes and consequences of farmland loss due to foreign investment and buyouts, focusing on the effects on local farmers' livelihoods and the state's agricultural economy.

2. Assess the current legal framework in Tennessee, including policies and acts that allow farmland buyouts, and propose potential legislative solutions to protect local farmers and their access to land.

3. Explore the relationship between development pressures, government intervention, and the vulnerability of farmland in Eastern Tennessee, particularly in the context of recent natural disasters and environmental risks.

Pre-listening questions:

1- What are the reasons for farmland loss in Tennessee?

2- What policies affect American farmland and even more specifically, Tennessee?

3- How do you think foreign land investors can impact the American economy?

Guided Questions:

1- What is Mr. Tipton's current occupation?

2- What is Mr. Caywood's current occupation?

3- What is one way that farmers can ensure that their voices are heard?

4- How does each guest describe their concern for a foreign buyout?

5- How can American land be purchased through the AFIDA?

Post-listening questions:

1- What is the AFIDA?

2- How does the AFIDA affect Tennesseans?

3- How would you describe Mr. Tipton's and Mr. Caywood's stance on this topic?

Host: Christopher Dorsett

Guest: Samantha Brown- Environmental Scientist  in The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute

Dylan Smith - Owner of a 50-acre organic farm and member of the local organic farming association

Description: 

Learning Objective: 

Analyze the benefits and detriments of GMO's in agriculture. 

Pre-viewing Questions: 

 What is the importance of GMO’s in your field? What is a GMO? Historical Background?

Intro and outro:

Welcome to Squabbles of the soil the podcast exploring the wide world of agriculture, directed by students from the Debate and Discussion class at Middle Tennessee State University. We'll bring you insights from experts, diverse perspectives, and real stories from those making an impact. Keep in mind, the views expressed here are not affiliated with MTSU. Thanks for tuning in let’s get right into it” Thank you for joining us on another episode of. We hope you have enjoyed digging deep on the pressing issues facing our agriculture
world. Keep listening to find out who you are rooting for.

Teaching Guide

Topic: Government Transparency in Food Labeling

Host: Dorique Insisienmay

Guest: Gavin Plumlee

Description:

Government transparency in food labeling is increasingly significant as consumers demand clear, accurate information about what they eat. This issue touches on public health, ethics, and trust in regulatory bodies, especially with the rise of GMOs and advanced food technologies. Debates focus on balancing consumer rights to know their food's contents with industry concerns about regulatory burdens. Advocates push for stricter labeling standards to ensure informed choices and support sustainability, while critics argue for voluntary approaches due to cost and feasibility. This tension highlights broader questions of trust and accountability in the food system

Objectives:

Pre-Listening Questions:

Guided Questions:

Post-Listening Questions:

Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions:

1. Provide two reasons why consumers, like Gavin, support transparency in food labeling.

•       Level One: Provides one reason with no explanation.

•       Level Two: Provides one reason and an example from the podcast.

•       Level Three: Provides two reasons and examples from the podcast, with clear connections to the discussion.

2. Explain one potential downside of stricter government regulations on food labeling that Gavin mentioned.

•       Level One: Mentions a downside without explanation.

•       Level Two: Describes one downside with some detail.

•       Level Three: Explains a downside in detail and relates it to consumer impact.

3. In your opinion, do the benefits of including GMO information on food labels outweigh the challenges? Why or why not?

•       Level One: States a simple opinion without explanation.

•       Level Two: Provides an opinion with one reason or example.

•       Level Three: Provides a well-reasoned opinion supported by at least two examples or arguments from the podcast.

Host: Wyatt Stokes 

Guest: Kali Schurmeier – agriculture student at Murray State University who has grown up on a family farm in the industry.  

Description: 

Should the government subsidize more parts of agriculture (livestock & fruit/vegetable production) than just commodity crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, & rice. Supporters of this argue that the government should be putting more money into healthier agriculture instead of less healthy options. Opponents argue that the government subsidizes these things to ensure that agriculture products that are necessary for the country are readily available. 

Learning Objective: 

Analyze the benefits and detriments of government subsidies in agriculture. 

Pre-viewing Questions: 

What is a subsidy? Why have subsidies? Are subsidies negative or positive for farmers and consumers? 

Guided Questions: 

Who is the quest speaker and where are they from? 

How do government subsidies affect a small family farm? 

What are your thoughts on the small amount of healthy agriculture that is subsidized? 

Teaching Guide

Topic: Due to government regulation, would an emphasis on agricultural education improve or impact the economy? 

Hosts: Samantha Calvetti, Allison Wells

Guest: Clayton Bundy, Randy Lockbridge, Kat Smith

Description: One large issue that faces the United States agriculture industry is the need for more education. This lack of agricultural education has led to social and economic problems within agriculture and the general public. The government places many rules and regulations on the industry. Unfortunately, many individuals making those decisions aren't adequately educated in the agriculture industry. Many government officials and most of the general public lack any knowledge of how the agriculture industry functions. Government regulation could also help increase agricultural education by making ag-ed a mandatory class. This would set up a foundation of knowledge about agriculture, which could help combat some of the issues the agriculture industry faces.  

Objectives: 

Pre-Viewing Questions:

Guided Questions:

Post Listening Questions:

Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions:

Question One

Level one: 1 example listed  

Level two: 2 examples listed

Level three: 3 or more examples listed

Question two

Level one: Provides an answer with little or no explanation

Level two: Provides an answer with 1-2 sentences of explanation

Level three: Provides an answer with 3+ sentences of factual explanation

Question three

Level one: Provides an answer with little or no explanation

Level three: Provides an answer with 1-2 sentences of explanation

Level three: Provides an answer with 3+ sentences of factual explanation

Host: Paige Nevil

Guest: Maddie Head the daughter of the owners of Head's Farm in Cedar Hill Tennessee; Cody Johnson an averagge consumer with extensive knowledge in agriculture from Hendersonville Tennessee.

Discription: Whether foreign countries should own U.S. farmland centers on economic, security, and sovereignty concerns. Supporters argue that foreign investment boosts local economies, enhances agricultural efficiency, and fosters global trade. Opponents state national security risks, loss of food supply control, and potential foreign influence over critical resources. The issue raises questions about balancing economic benefits with safeguarding national interests.

Learning Objectives: I can analyze the economic impacts of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. I can evaluate the national security risks associated with foreign investments in agriculture. I can formulate a personal stance on the issue based on evidence and diverse perspectives.

Pre-Viewing Questions: Why might some countries or corporations want to invest in U.S. farmland? How could foreign ownership of farmland potentially impact local farmers and food production? Do you think the U.S. should restrict foreign ownership of critical resources like land? Why or why not?

Guided Questions:

Who is the first guest speaker and where are they from?

How does the first guest feel about foreign countries owning U.S. farmland?

Based off the first guest speaker what are factors causing U.S. farmland to increase in price?

Who is the secound guest speaker and where are they from?

How does the first guest fell about foreign countries owning U.S. farmland?

Based on the secound guestspeaker what role should U.S. governement play in foregin ownership of farmland?

Based on the secound guest speaker how does foreign ownership of farmland affect local farmers and rural communities?

What is your opinion on the topic should foreign countries be allowed to own and or have farmland in the U.S.? Why or Why not?

Open Ended Questions: Objective 1: What are the economic benefits and drawbacks of foreign ownership of farmland in the U.S.? Objective 2: How could foreign ownership of farmland pose a national security threat? Objective 3: Based on what you heard, should foreign ownership of farmland in the U.S. be restricted? Why or why not?

Scoring Rubric for Open Ended Questions: Excellent (5 pts), Good (4 pts), Satisfactory (3 pts), Needs Improvement (1-2 pts)

Content Accuracy: Response is accurate, detailed, and includes evidence from the podcast (Excellent). Response is mostly accurate and includes evidence from the podcast (Good). Response is partially accurate with minimal evidence from the podcast (Satisfactory). Response is inaccurate or lacks evidence(Needs Improvement).

Critical ThinkingDemonstrates deep analysis and clear reasoning (Excellent). Shows some analysis and reasoning (Good). Shows limited analysis or reasoning (Satisfactory). Lacks analysis or reasoning (Needs Improvement).

Clarity and StructureWell-organized and clearly written (Excellent). Organized and mostly clear (Good). Somewhat organized but lacks clarity (Satisfactory). Disorganized or unclear (Needs Improvement).

Teaching Guide

Topic: Environmental impact of small-scale farms in comparison to large-scale farms

Host: Dean Childs

Guests: Colton McClanahan, Farm Credit and Doug Caywood, Organization they represent

Description: Farms of all sizes across the globe are always adapting new practices to reduce the impact on the environment. From carbon emissions, pesticides, and other environmental concerns, farmers have a huge impact on the world. This impact varies greatly based on numerous variables, one of which being size and resources connected to size. 

Objectives:

Pre-Viewing Questions:

Guided Questions:

Post-Listening Questions:

Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions

Question one

Level one: only one pro or con for each side or less.

Level two: All eight of pro/cons but with information that is blatantly incorrect.

Level three: All eight of pro/con are listed with correct or mostly correct answers.

Question two

Level one: one practice filled out

Level two: two practice filled out, both incorrect

Level three: two practice filled out, one or both correct    

Question three

Level one: one sentence, about only one priority

Level two: two sentences, about only large or small scale priorities, or one sentence about both side’s priorities, or two sentences about both side’s priorities that is completely wrong

Level three: two sentences, about both sides of the argument that is mostly factually correct in accordance of the podcast audio. 

Teaching Guide

Topic: Spay Or Neuter house pets 

Host: Madilyn Westergard

Guests: Michael Shirley, Co-owner and office manager of Family Pet Health

Description: In this podcast, we speak to a Co-Owner of a veterinary clinic about Spaying and neutering house pets. He gives insightful information about the safety and financial responsibilities of this procedure.  

Objectives:

Pre-Viewing Questions:

Guided Questions:

Post-Listening Questions:

Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions

Level One: Student provides one question.

Level Two: Student provides two questions.

Level Three: Student provides three or more questions.

Level One: Student explains in one sentence

Level Two: Student explains in two sentences.

Level Three: Student explains in three or more sentences the wellness plans that Family Pet Health provides. 

Teaching Guide

Topic: In Vitro Fertilization in Livestock

Host: Lucero Gomez

Guests: Micheal Resendiz with TransOva Texas and Liz Vanherweg with TransOva California

Description: We are always breeding livestock in hopes of creating better offspring. There are several forms of breeding livestocks and they all have their pros and cons. With these pros and cons there is always discussions and everyone has an opinion on breeding. Come along and learn about the pros and cons of one form of assisted breeding in vitro fertilization.

Objectives:

Pre-Viewing Questions:

Guided Questions:

Post-Listening Questions:

Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions

Post-Listening Question 1:

Level 1: Student little to no definition

Level 2: Student can  briefly defines IVF in incomplete sentences

Level 3: Student can define IVF in incomplete sentences 

Level 4: Student can define in vitro fertilization in complete sentences 

Post-Listening Question 2:

Level 1: Student lists only one pro or one con

Level 2: Student lists one pro and one con

Level 3: Student lists two pros and two cons with no information 

Level 4: Student lists two pros and two cons with information

Post-Listening Question 3:

Level 1: Student gives one to two word answer

Level 2: Student gives one reason and incomplete sentences 

Level 3: Student gives two reasons in incomplete sentences

Level 4: Student gives two reasons in complete sentences