Most people hear “FSA” and think one thing: a backup plan. That assumption can cost farmers real options. We sit down with Anna Armstrong, a Farm Loan Specialist, and David Wayne, Kentucky’s State Executive Director, to unpack what the USDA Farm Service Agency actually does and how producers can use it to build a stronger operation. We talk through the day-to-day reality of FSA, then zoom out into the big buckets farmers rely on: agricultural lending, disaster assistance, price support, and ...
Jul 10
52 min
We sit down with Coye Elliott to explore hunting as a year‑round passion and the ways thoughtful food‑plot strategy can improve deer health, expand turkey opportunities, and increase the long‑term value of recreational land. The conversation also digs into realistic costs, simple equipment setups, and the biggest mistakes beginners should avoid. We talk about how hunting and the outdoors serve as a powerful stress reliever and a way to build lasting family memories. Coye explains why food plo...
May 14
33 min
He’s a farmer first and a crop duster second, and that changes everything about how he flies. We’re joined by Robert Houston, a fifth-generation producer who farms for a living and does aerial application because he loves the work and the relationships. If you’ve ever wondered what crop dusting actually does for corn, soybeans and canola, why some growers choose a plane over a ground sprayer, or how an ag pilot thinks about risk, this conversation gets specific fast. We talk timeliness, crop...
Apr 16
36 min
Ever wonder how a family farm survives wild price swings, weather curveballs, and shifting markets? We sit down with Kentucky producer Keith Harris to unpack the real mechanics of resilience: diversifying for stability, securing buyers before planting, and building a legacy that gives each child a lane to thrive. Keith’s story starts with dark fire tobacco, which funded decades of growth, then pivots into a multi-enterprise operation spanning 3,500 acres of row crops, retail strawberries, 270...
Jan 27
28 min
A wet spring, a parched August, and a combine that won’t quit—this conversation with fourth-generation farmer Allen Pace gets right to the heart of what it takes to bring a crop from the field to your plate. We talk through the harvest grind, the thin line between profit and loss, and why a few cents per bushel can swing a year when you’re moving hundreds of thousands of bushels. Allen shares how a lean crew uses crystal-clear communication and a whole lot of hustle to make good decisions whe...
Nov 7, 2025
33 min
Dive deep into Western Kentucky's real estate landscape with Chance Futrell of Housman Partners Realty Land & Farm as he shatters common misconceptions about today's market. Fresh from his transition to full-time real estate after years of balancing dual careers, Chance brings authentic insights forged through countless successful transactions and deep community connections. Contrary to popular belief, the local housing market isn't just surviving—it's thriving. Housman Partners celebrat...
Jul 30, 2025
32 min
On this episode of Back to Your Roots, host Chris Griffin sits down with Daniel Elrod, a mortgage loan originator recently voted "Best of the Best" in Cleveland, Tennessee, to unpack the ins and outs of construction financing. Ever wonder why construction loans seem so complicated? Daniel breaks down the crucial differences between traditional home purchases and building from scratch. Before you meet with contractors or fall in love with house plans, listen to his advice about establis...
Jul 7, 2025
27 min
What does the future of farming look in today's world? Who's leading agricultural innovation in the river counties? And how can young people break into an industry where the traditional advice has been "inherit it or marry it"? Dr. Tony Brannon, former dean of agriculture at Murray State University for 25 years and current leader with the West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy (WAVE Ag), joins host Chris Griffin to answer these questions and more. From his childhood on a farm to his de...
May 29, 2025
27 min
"$95 million returned to members over 30 years, with $4.8 million coming this April." That's the staggering figure River Valley AgCredit CEO Kyle Yancey shares as he breaks down the cooperative's patronage refund program in this revealing conversation. What exactly is patronage, and why don't traditional banks offer it? Yancey explains the concept using a vivid waterfall analogy, showing how money flows through the organization - first covering operating expenses and capital requirements bef...
Mar 20, 2025
20 min
Step into the dynamic realm of land auctions where opportunities abound and strategies can mean the difference between winning and losing. In this engaging episode, we chat with Michael Harris, owner of Harris Real Estate and Auction, who shares his multi-generational expertise in navigating the auction landscape. With an impressive family legacy spanning over four generations, Michael brings invaluable insights into the auction process, emphasizing the importance of preparation for potential...
Feb 28, 2025
34 min
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