Root of the Matter
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ROTM | Are High Fertilizer Prices Here to Stay?
In this episode, we take a closer look at one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today: rising input costs. We sit down with Dr. Andrew Mohammad from the University of Tennessee to unpack…
ROTM | More Than 50 Years of Fruit & Wisdom with Dr. Dave Lockwood
Dr. Dave Lockwood has spent more than 50-years as a fruit specialist with UT Extension. Dr. Lockwood shares how his passion for horticulture turned into a lifetime of service through UT Extension,…
ROTM | The Cost Crunch: Why Farming Still Isn’t Adding Up in 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Vice President James Haskew to talk about the reality facing farmers as we head into the 2026 planting season. From rising input costs—seed,…
ROTM | Resurrection Living: Faith Beyond Sunday
Matthew McClanahan is an attorney, associate pastor, and a man deeply rooted in faith and family. In this episode, he shares his journey from growing up around his grandparents’ farm to pursuing law…
ROTM | Answering the Call: Teacher, Pastor, Public Servant
In this episode, we sit down with Chuckey Doak FFA Chapter advisor Chase Murray to talk about his journey into agricultural education and the impact it’s had on his life and community. Chase shares…
ROTM | Advocating for Agriculture: Why Farmers’ Voices Matter
In this episode, we sit down with Rutherford County Farm Bureau President Trey Smith to talk about why it’s more important than ever for farmers to have a voice in the legislative process. From…
ROTM | Energy, Agriculture, and the Future of Powering Rural Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority has played a major role in powering communities across the region for decades—but today the mission is evolving. As Tennessee’s population grows and new technologies…
ROTM | Fewer Acres, Bigger Questions: The Future of Cotton in the United States
The cotton industry is facing serious headwinds—from shrinking acreage to volatile markets and rising input costs. In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Williams, President of the National Cotton…
ROTM: Shane Profitt’s Rural Roots & Radio Rise
In this episode, we sit down with Shane Profitt to talk about the journey from small-town Tennessee to the country music spotlight. Growing up in rural Maury County, Shane shares how life on…
ROTM: High Prices, High Stakes in Agriculture
Agriculture is no stranger to cycles, but today’s landscape presents a unique combination of opportunity and pressure. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Patterson of Clay County, president-elect…
ROTM: Beef, Belief, and the Battle for Agriculture
First-generation cattle farmer Russ Uselton joins the show to break down the realities of today’s beef cattle market, the pressures facing modern farmers, and what it takes to build an operation from…
ROTM: Tennessee Farmers CO-OP CEO Joey Caldwell
Joey Caldwell was recently named CEO of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. A longtime leader within the organization, Caldwell has spent the majority of his career with TFC. As he steps into his new…
ROTM: USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden – Strengthening America’s Ag Economy
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden is laser-focused on helping pull the U.S. farm economy out of the difficult stretch it has faced for several consecutive years. He joins us to…
ROTM: Logan & Bobby Lee Hanks From Talk Dirt To Me
Logan Hanks and Bobby Lee Hanks are two guys from Tipton County with a strong passion for agriculture. Logan is a full-time row-crop farmer, while Bobby Lee is a veterinarian who also raises beef…
ROTM: AFBF President Zippy Duval
As farmers look ahead to 2026, strong agricultural policy is more important than ever. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall sits down to discuss the challenges farmers face this…
ROTM: Tariffs, Trade Deals, and the American Farmer
Trade has been a major topic over the past year, and as the U.S. agriculture industry continues to face challenges, trade has become more important than ever. In this episode former, USDA Under…
ROTM: A Miracle — Jeff Pannell’s New Heart
Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance CEO Jeff Pannell faced the toughest moment of his life earlier this year when he learned he needed a heart transplant. In this episode, Jeff shares the powerful story…
ROTM: Steadfast in Space – How Faith Sustained Astronaut Butch Wilmore
Tennessee native Butch Wilmore has spent his entire career serving his nation. After beginning his career as a Navy test pilot, Wilmore went on to become a NASA astronaut. His final test mission drew…
ROTM: Elected to Lead – National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams
Cannon County’s own T. Wayne Williams is a true rock star in the FFA world. After earning numerous awards at the local and state levels and serving as Tennessee FFA State President, T. Wayne has now…
ROTM: TCA Executive V.P. Dale Parker
Dale Parker of Warren County has been named the new Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association. Having operated a beef cattle farm for most of his life, Dale understands…
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Root of the Matter has published 50 episodes since April 2025, covering topics in Business News, Earth Sciences.
Root of the Matter is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 23m.
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