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Root of the Matter: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
A podcast created by the Tennessee Farm Bureau where co-hosts Lee Maddox, Amy Beckham and Thomas Capps take turns interviewing folks on issues, events and news with the goal of getting to the root of the matter on what is defining our most important industry, agriculture. “Root of the Matter” is inspired by a column written by the late Melissa Burniston Bratton, but has the same goal as she had for her article – sharing the important stories of farmers and those involved in agriculture.
Latest Episodes
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- 2 days ago17 min
Beyond the Farm: How USDA Research Shapes Agriculture | ROTM
Agriculture is about much more than what happens on the farm. Behind America’s food and agricultural system is a vast network of research, science, and data that helps us understand where agriculture is today and where it’s headed tomorrow. In this episode, we sit down with USDA Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins to explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s important role in advancing agricultural research and collecting the statistics that help tell the story of American agriculture. We discuss how USDA research supports farmers and the broader agricultural industry, why reliable agricultural data matters, and how science and innovation are helping address the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture.
- 1 weeks ago18 min
Rice in the Volunteer State | ROTM
After years of growing traditional row crops, Carl Shultz and his family took a different path and found an opportunity in rice. On this episode, Carl joins us to explain why Dyer County is well suited for growing rice, what led the family to make the switch, and how Tennemo brings its different rice varieties directly from the farm to consumers. We also discuss Tennemo Rice’s recognition as the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee and what this achievement says about innovation and diversification in Tennessee agriculture.
- 1 weeks ago2 min
Higher Grocery Prices Don’t Mean More Farmer Profits
Farmers continue to operate in the red even as grocery prices rise. Chad Smith tells us despite that, many consumers don’t know the challenges facing farm country.
- 2 weeks ago31 min
Inside the Midterms: Early Voting, Redistricting & What’s on Tennessee’s Ballot | ROTM
Voting is underway for the midterms, with early voting already started in many states. Early indicators suggest turnout is outpacing 2022 in many places, and with control of Congress up for grabs, what could that mean heading into Election Day? Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Division joins us to break down the trends shaping this year’s midterms, what’s driving voters to the polls, and how the political landscape could be shifting. Plus, we take a closer look at Tennessee’s three constitutional ballot amendments and explain what each one means for voters.
- 3 weeks ago28 min
Giants Among Us: Tennessee’s Oldest and Largest Trees | ROTM
Tennessee is home to some remarkable trees, from towering giants to ancient trees that have stood witness to generations of change. In this episode, we’re joined by arborist Jim Cortese who explains the importance of trees in our state, and why these living treasures deserve our appreciation and protection. Join us as we look at the stories, history, and natural beauty rooted in the trees all around us.
- Oct 8, 202630 min
ROTM | The Economics Behind the Future of Farming
In this episode of Root of the Matter, we sit down with Dr. Chris Boyert, UTIA Professor and Head of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, for a conversation about the economic challenges facing agriculture and the future of farming. We talk about farmland loss and why profitability is one of the biggest drivers of keeping land in agriculture. Dr. Boyert also shares insight into reimagining farming and the growing economic impact of wildlife damage on agricultural operations.
- Oct 2, 202625 min
The Ballot Box & the 3-Year Degree: A Conversation with Tre Hargett | ROTM
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett joins us for a conversation about the upcoming midterm elections and the importance of Tennesseans making their voices heard at the ballot box. Secretary Hargett discusses his efforts to ensure Tennessee elections are secure, accurate, and timely, while sharing why voter participation matters and what goes into administering elections across the state. We also talk about higher education and Hargett’s passion for focused bachelor’s degrees—an approach that could allow students to graduate in three years, avoid unnecessary coursework, and enter the workforce sooner.
- Sep 25, 202619 min
A God Thing: Two Million Meals and Counting | Root of the Matter
For more than a decade, the Shooting Hunger initiative has brought people together around a simple mission: helping feed those in need. Sponsored and organized by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Tennessee Farmers Co-op, the initiative has grown into a powerful example of what can happen when agriculture comes together to serve others. In this episode, Executive Vice President Bryan Wright joins us to talk about the incredible impact of Shooting Hunger—and how the effort has provided more than two million meals over the years.
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About Root of the Matter
A podcast created by the Tennessee Farm Bureau where co-hosts Lee Maddox, Amy Beckham and Thomas Capps take turns interviewing folks on issues, events and news with the goal of getting to the root of the matter on what is defining our most important industry, agriculture. “Root of the Matter” is inspired by a column written by the late Melissa Burniston Bratton, but has the same goal as she had for her article – sharing the important stories of farmers and those involved in agriculture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
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How often does Root of the Matter release new episodes?
Root of the Matter publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Root of the Matter cover?
Root of the Matter covers topics including Leisure, Science, News, Business, Garden, Earth Sciences, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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