Root of the Matter

Northeast Tennessee is reeling from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. More than 30 inches of rain fell in Western North Carolina, sending massive amounts of water down river into East Tennessee and causing excessive flooding. People lost homes, bridges have been wiped out, crops are gone and much of the area is without […]

Oct 2, 2024

ROTM: Recovering from Helene

The beef industry is ever evolving from genetics to the latest technology and feeding practices. Beef cattle farmers are constantly trying to stay up to date on the latest industry practices to improve beef quality and to meet a growing demand for American beef. Those cutting-edge practices don’t just happen as it takes hours of […]

Sep 25, 2024

ROTM: Advancing The Beef Industry

It’s no secret that each generation of Americans are becoming further removed from the farm. Because of that there is a lack of understanding about where our food comes from, and how it’s grown and produced. All of that is leading to growing misinformation and untrue things being spread about the food and agriculture industry. […]

Sep 18, 2024

ROTM: Farmers VS. Foodies

Circle S Farms in Wilson County, Tennessee has a rich legacy that dates back to the late 1800’s. Lily Steed is the eighth generation in her family to live and work on Circle S Farms. Lily explains how agritourism is something that’s allowed she and her Dad to continue the farm that her ancestors started […]

Sep 11, 2024

ROTM: Legacy Of Family Farm Continues Through AgriTourism

Tourists have traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for years to take in the beauty of the East Tennessee mountains, and to possibly get a sight of a black bear and her cubs. Recently though black bears have been seen outside of their native region of the state, but rather in Middle Tennessee. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency […]

Sep 4, 2024

ROTM: Bears on the Run

It’s no secret that Americans overall are not the healthiest. In fact studies show that Americans spend nearly two trillion dollars in healthcare due to poor nutrition. On this episode of Root of The Matter Kelsey Barnes with the Food Journal Foundation dives into a new idea called food is health. It’s the idea that […]

Aug 28, 2024

ROTM: Food is Medicine

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall recently came to the Volunteer State to address farmers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference. Lee Maddox caught up with Duvall after where they discussed how powerful advocacy at the county farm bureau level is powerful, and how Duvall is hopeful a new farm bill still might get […]

Aug 14, 2024

ROTM: AFBF President Zippy Duvall

George McDonald of Catesa Farms is the 2024 Tennessee Farmer of the Year. George farms more than 9,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, milo, hay, watermelons and strawberries. As farmer of the year, George will represent Tennessee and compete on the national stage in Moultrie, Georgia at the Sunbelt Ag Expo this fall. On this […]

Aug 2, 2024

ROTM: 2024 Tennessee Farmer of the Year George McDonald

Tracy & Katie Robinson of Franklin County are the 2024 Tennessee Young Farmers of The Year! They were named Young Farmers of The Year at the 2024 Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference. Lee Maddox caught up with the Robinson’s right after they were named state winners to hear what it means to them […]

Jul 23, 2024

ROTM: Young Farmers of The Year Tracy & Katie Robinson

Each year the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium annual meeting is held in different parts of the country, allowing beef producers to meet and discuss ways to improve their product. This year the meeting is being held in Knoxville. Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee discusses the importance of this meeting, and how improving cattle […]

Jun 12, 2024

ROTM: All About Genetics