This month on Feeding Traditions, our guest is Dani Morrison, a team member at First Farmers Cooperative, whose story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of community. In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dani opens up about her personal journey through multiple cancer battles and the strength she found in her Co-op family along the way.

Raised in a true Co-op family in Hardin County, Dani’s connection to agriculture runs deep, from her early days feeding livestock on the farm to her career serving farmers across West Tennessee. Her story ties perfectly into Co-op’s Feed Strong, Fight Strong campaign, which is supporting breast cancer awareness this October. Through this effort, ProTrition Feed is donating a portion of sales from specially marked Co-op and Cumberland Mills feed bags to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a cause that holds special meaning for Dani and many within the Co-op system.

Tune in to Feeding Traditions to hear Dani’s inspiring story of courage, community, and hope, and learn how your feed purchases this month help make a difference.

 Mike Richardson has dedicated more than 40 years to the Co-op system, starting in a temporary role at the fertilizer plant, moving into the warehouse and bagging room at the feed mill, and ultimately finishing his career as the LaVergne plant manager. Known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to farmers, he has guided the LaVergne mills through decades of change while building lasting friendships along the way. This November, Mike will lay down his hard hat and step into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and service to Co-op. Tune into Feeding Traditions to hear Mike’s story. 

Marty and Mark Tolley of Darden, Tennessee, are a father-and-son duo carrying on a family cattle tradition that began in the late 1940s. From Marty’s early start raising pigs with $20 earned picking cotton to today’s partnership in a 45,000-head Kansas feedyard, the Tolley family has built an operation rooted in hard work, faith, and generational values.

Now managing both their Henderson County herd and a growing beef business serving customers in more than 25 states, Marty and Mark share how family, farming, and Co-op have shaped their story—and how they’re preparing the next generation to carry it forward.

Benjie Daniel of Charlotte, Tennessee, carries on a remarkable family tradition spanning over 150 years. As the sixth generation on a century farm, Benjie has seen the operation evolve—from its start as a row crop and dairy farm into a thriving stocker and cow-calf beef business. Today, the farm manages about 150 cow-calf pairs, a few hundred stockers, and takes care of roughly 1,800 acres of stock, hay, pasture, and crops. With the eighth generation now joining the legacy, Benjie shares a story of resilience and adaptation that has kept their heritage strong through the decades.

Deeply rooted in the Co-op system, Benjie follows in his father’s footsteps—who served as a TFC board member—and now chairs the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative board of directors. Listen now to discover how family, farming, and community leadership come together on this historic Tennessee farm.

James Wright has worn a lot of hats—Co-op manager, farmer, mentor, and a James B. Walker Award honoree. In this episode of Feeding Traditions, he reflects on a career rooted in service and a legacy that’s still growing strong through his family’s farm in Rhea County. From the feed counter to the front pasture, his impact runs deep. Listen now! 

Amanda Evans grew up on a dairy farm in Anderson County. Today, she’s stewarding the same land by boarding horses, cutting hay, and honoring the legacy her family built.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

•      Making bold shifts in a farming operation
•      Staying grounded in family values
•      Building something meaningful on familiar ground

Listen now! 

In this episode of Feeding Traditions, we’re proud to feature the story of Todd Jennings, a Moore County cattle producer. From humble beginnings to growing his family’s thriving operation, Todd reflects on his journey, the lessons learned, and the changes he’s seen in the farming industry.
 
For Todd, farming is more than a job—it’s a calling built on hard work and community. He shares how mentorship shaped his path, the joy of working alongside family, and the vital role his local Co-op has played in his success.

In honor of National Agriculture Day, join host Mary Jane Arnette as she sits down with Mr. Donald Jernigan, a Rutherford County farmer whose journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. From humble beginnings with small truck gardens to cultivating a thriving farm, Mr. Jernigan shares the intimate story of his hard work, innovation, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his family and the land.

This episode is part of a new series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of farming, where dedication, passion, and love for the land come together. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you inspired and deeply connected to the roots of Tennessee agriculture. 

In the February edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Thompson, Director of the Middle Tennessee UT AgResearch and Education Centers, to discuss the exciting changes coming to their Bull and Heifer Program. Kevin dives into the upcoming improvements and innovations aimed at enhancing livestock production, research, and education in the region. He shares insights on how these changes will benefit producers and advance the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of animal agriculture at the UT AgResearch centers. Tune in for an informative and forward-looking discussion with one of the leaders in Tennessee agriculture!

 In the January edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, hosted by John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, we explore how Co-op Feeds can be your trusted partner in facing the challenges of winter weather. From mineral supplementation to tubs, range cubes, and more, John discusses how these vital products help keep livestock healthy and productive through the colder months. He also previews upcoming events ProTrition will be a part of, including the Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention and the Southern Equine Expo, where producers can connect and learn. Finally, John honors John Teague, a respected friend of Tennessee agriculture, as he celebrates an impressive 43 years of service with the UT Extension system before retiring. Tune in for an informative episode and a heartfelt tribute to a true agricultural advocate.