Root of the Matter

Root of the Matter


Latest Episodes

ROTM: Investment In Ag Research
November 05, 2025

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has a strong tradition of providing top-tier research in the agricultural industry. Recent federal funding awarded to the state has been allocated to enhance resources at various agricultur research cen

ROTM: Could Argentine Beef Undercut American Cattle
October 30, 2025

Beef cattle prices are hitting historic highs but whats driving the surge, and could a wave of Argentine imports change the game? In this episode, we dig into the global forces shaping todays cattle markets, from domestic herd numbers to international

ROTM: Chuck McSpadden With Apple Valley Orchard
October 15, 2025

Fall is a busy time at Apple Valley Orchard, a family-owned farm nestled in the rolling hills of Cleveland. Owner Chuck McSpadden tells how his father started the orchard from two trees to now hundreds. From crisp apples and fresh cider to homemade fried

ROTM: Profitless Harvests – The Financial Crisis Hitting The Farm Economy
October 08, 2025

The numbers dont lie row crop farmers across the United States are losing significant amounts of money. Recent data from a University of Tennessee report projects that row crop farmers in Tennessee alone will lose between $150 and $250 per acre. Statew

ROTM: Lance Pekus Cowboy Ninja
October 01, 2025

Lance Pekus balances his life between two passions. When hes not working alongside his family on their Idaho ranch, hes training for or competing on NBCs hit show American Ninja Warrior. His impressive performances have earned him the nickname Cowboy

ROTM: Seconds From Disaster – A Farmer’s Close Call and a Safety Wake-Up Call
September 24, 2025

In this episode of Root of The Matter, we hear firsthand from Franklin County Farmer, Kary Robinson, who made it through a scary accident on the farm. He opens up about what went wrong, how it could have been prevented, and why safety on the farm should n

ROTM: Forecasting Weather On The Farm
September 17, 2025

Weather can make or break a farm seasonand farmers are watching the skies more closely than ever. In this episode, we dive into the newly released 2026 Farmers' Almanac with its editor, who reveals bold predictions for Tennessee's fall and winter. Plus,

ROTM: Dr. Paul Plummer
September 11, 2025

On this episode of Root of The Matter, we have Dr. Paul Plummer as out guest. Plummer has been Dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for about a year now. A thirdgeneration Tennessean and UTCVM alumnus, Dr. Plummer returns ho

ROTM: Keeping The Lights On In Rural America
August 27, 2025

Mike Partin serves as the CEO of the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and was recently elected president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors. He also farms beef cattle on the side with his father back home. With

ROTM: Environmental Stewardship Award Winner Emily Ivey
August 20, 2025

Emily Ivey runs beef cattle on her family farm in Loudon County. Over the past few years she has really worked hard to put good environmental practices in place on her farm. She recently was recognized for all of her environmental efforts by being given t