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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 […]Feb 26, 2025
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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.Feb 12, 2025
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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.Feb 5, 2025
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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.Jan 10, 2025
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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 […]Jan 8, 2025
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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 […]Jan 2, 2025
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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.Dec 23, 2024
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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 […]Dec 18, 2024
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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 […]Dec 4, 2024
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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 […]Nov 20, 2024
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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.Nov 13, 2024
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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 […]Nov 11, 2024
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It’s been more than a month since Hurricane Helene left behind destruction in upper East Tennessee. Dr. Aaron Smith with University Of Tennessee Institute Of Agriculture has been working to put an estimate on the economic impact the storm damage will have on agriculture in the area. They estimate that the damage will cost a […]Nov 6, 2024
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Cotton has been a staple crop in the southern United States for centuries. That’s not the case in other parts of the country or even world. A French newspaper reporter is spending several weeks in Alabama and southern Tennessee researching and talking to cotton growers with the intent of writing a 10 page article for […]Oct 30, 2024