Root of the Matter

Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, has taken an unconventional path to becoming one of agriculture’s most recognizable voices online. In this episode, Michelle shares the story behind her journey, how she became an influencer and advocate for agriculture, and what it’s been like building a platform dedicated to telling agriculture’s story. Michelle shares why she believes those in agriculture need to get out of their comfort zones, engage with people who may not agree with them, and build connections on a personal level.

In this episode, we sit down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall to take a closer look at the current state of the American beef cattle market. Despite historically high prices, consumer demand for beef remains incredibly strong. Colin explains why consumers continue to choose American beef, what that demand means for cattle producers, and where the market could be headed.

What do we really know about George Washington beyond the general and the first President of the United States? In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Dickerson, a George Washington impressionist, to talk about Washington’s journey from Virginia farmer to general and eventually our nation’s first president. Douglas gives us a peak into Washington’s passion for farming, why he was so highly respected, and the leadership lessons we can still learn from him today.

In this episode, we sit down with UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver for a conversation about the legacy of no-till farming and the future of agriculture. We talk about the Milan No-Till Field Day and why the no-till method has become such an important part of protecting soil health, improving the land, and building a more sustainable future for agriculture. Keith also shares insight into the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and how the college is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders through a wide range of majors and opportunities.

What does it take to carry on a family farming legacy seven generations in the making? Willis Jepson knows firsthand. Recently named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year, Willis joins us to share the pride, hard work, and perseverance behind his family’s Robertson County farm.

What does it take to build a profitable, sustainable beef operation in today’s cattle industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Campbell Baker, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award winner, to discuss how his family’s Smith County farm has found success raising grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

What does it take to become Tennessee’s Young Farmer of the Year? On this episode, we sit down with Franklin County farmer Kary Robinson, the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year, to hear the story behind the honor. From raising row crops and beef cattle to operating a family feed mill, Kary shares the hard work, challenges, and values that have shaped his family’s farming operation—and what the future holds for Tennessee agriculture.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Mayfield, State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Tennessee, to discuss his background in agriculture and his journey to serving farmers across the state. Mike shares insights from his years in the agricultural industry and explains the mission of the Farm Service Agency and the important role it plays in supporting producers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt to talk about Tennessee’s recent trade mission to India and Thailand and why these trips matter for farmers and businesses back home. We discuss how the state is working to open new international markets for Tennessee products, with a big focus on the forestry industry and expanding opportunities for Tennessee timber and wood products overseas. Commissioner Holt also shares what these meetings looked like on the ground, why India and Thailand were important stops, and how building these relationships can create long-term economic opportunities for rural Tennessee.

In this episode, we sit down with former Tennessee State FFA President Weston Brown to discuss his journey through agricultural leadership, his aspirations to work in the political world, and his commitment to carrying on his family’s fifth-generation beef cattle farm in Greene County, Tennessee. Weston shares what it was like serving as Tennessee’s State FFA President, the lessons leadership taught him, and why he believes young people must stay involved in shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities. We also dive into the realities facing young farmers today — from rising input costs and land prices to the pressure of rapid development threatening family farms across Tennessee.

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Suddath from the University of Tennessee’s Center for Planning to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the state today: how to manage rapid population growth without losing the farmland and rural character that make Tennessee unique. As more people move into the state, communities are under increasing pressure to expand housing, infrastructure, and services. But growth without a plan can lead to sprawl, strained resources, and the loss of valuable agricultural land. Josh shares how the UT Center for Planning works with cities and counties across Tennessee to help them think ahead, make informed decisions, and create strategies that balance development with preservation.

In agriculture, strength and resilience are often worn like badges of honor—but behind that strength, many farmers carry heavy mental and emotional burdens. In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Bryan Wright to have an honest conversation about mental health in the farming community. We discuss the unique pressures farmers face, the stigma that often keeps people from speaking up, and why those conversations matter now more than ever. Bryan shares insight on how the industry is working to break down barriers and reminds us that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward strength. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode serves as a reminder that you’re not alone and that support is available. You can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with a trained professional any time, day or night.