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 when time, weather, and markets refuse to cooperate.

We dive into yields across Ballard County and beyond—corn averaging around 215 on his acres, early soybeans pushing into the 60s and 70s, and double-crop beans waiting on late rain. Allen explains how this year’s weather flipped yield maps, why storage and timing matter when harvest lows hit, and how working with a marketing team helps capture those crucial pennies. We follow the grain as it leaves the farm: down lock-free rivers toward export, to regional poultry integrators, and even into Kentucky’s booming bourbon industry.

There’s a bigger shift underway too. Soy oil is stepping into the spotlight thanks to renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, changing the crush equation and creating new demand. Allen’s work on the Soybean Board highlights the research that got us here, and he makes a simple case for ag literacy: you may not eat soybeans, but your chicken sure did. We also look ahead at the next decade—drones, planter innovation, autonomy, hybrid powertrains—and what actually pays back versus what’s just a shiny toy. The perfect farm size? The profitable one. If you care about food security, rural economies, or just want an honest look at modern farming, this conversation delivers both grit and insight.

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 celebrated their best month on record in May 2025, even with higher interest rates. After an initial adjustment period, buyers have acclimated to the new rate environment, recognizing that waiting indefinitely isn't practical when lifestyle needs demand action. Construction loans continue at surprising levels, with Chance and host Chris Griffin noting more than 20 new projects initiated during recent months.

The conversation shifts to the booming rural property market, where parcels of 10-40 acres are particularly sought-after. COVID accelerated the desire for self-sufficiency, with more people seeking their "own little piece of heaven" for gardening, recreation, and privacy. Chance reveals the unique valuation factors for hunting properties, where amenities like electricity and documented hunting success can significantly impact pricing. He advises property owners to maintain detailed logs of hunting activities to maximize value when selling.

Beyond market analysis, Chance offers practical wisdom for both buyers and sellers. He cautions sellers against allowing properties to become stigmatized through overpricing, while warning buyers to realistically assess maintenance requirements before purchasing rural land. "Chris Griffin goes out and buys 50 acres tomorrow and he doesn't own a tractor," he explains, illustrating how unprepared buyers often overlook ongoing costs.

Whether you're considering your first home purchase, looking to invest in recreational land, or seeking to maximize your property's value, Chance's expertise provides invaluable guidance.

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 establishing what you can actually afford—potentially saving you from heartbreak and wasted time. The conversation dives deep into two distinct construction loan options that serve different needs: the unique 30-year fully dispersed construction loan with one-time closing and fixed rates, and the traditional 12-month interest-only construction loan.

What truly sets this discussion apart is the revelation about River Valley's note modification program—a feature that could save borrowers thousands in refinancing costs when interest rates drop. "You can always date the rate but marry the property," Daniel advises, highlighting how this program lets you secure your dream home now without missing future rate opportunities.

The episode also tackles specialized construction types like barndominiums and pole barn homes, explaining how these increasingly popular rural building options can be financed at up to 85% loan-to-value. Daniel dispels common myths about who qualifies for agricultural lending (hint: you don't need to be a farmer), reveals how land equity can eliminate down payment requirements, and explains the flexibility around dwelling limits for properties over 15 acres.

Whether you're just starting to dream about building or ready to break ground, this conversation delivers practical insights you won't hear elsewhere. Subscribe to Back to Your Roots for more insider knowledge on agricultural and rural financing that guides you back to what matters most.

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 decades shaping agricultural education, Dr. Brannon brings wisdom earned from both academic leadership and hands-on farming experience.

The conversation delves into the revolutionary technologies transforming agriculture—autonomous planters operating without drivers and heavy-lift drones capable of spraying 1,000 acres daily. "It's not my granddaddy's agriculture anymore," Brannon explains, describing how modern farmers need technological savvy alongside traditional agricultural knowledge. We also explore the economic importance of the river counties' agricultural production, the progress toward establishing a veterinary school at Murray State to address the shortage of large animal veterinarians, and practical advice for succeeding in today's agricultural landscape.

For aspiring farmers, Brannon emphasizes perseverance, networking, and diversification as key strategies. He explains how the Young and Adult Farmer Program through WAVE Ag provides valuable connections and resources for those entering agriculture, whether they come from farming families or not. As he puts it, farmers must be "eternal optimists" in a profession where success depends on factors beyond their control—from unpredictable weather to volatile markets.

Ready to learn more about the future of farming or connect with agricultural resources in Western Kentucky? Follow Back to Your Roots for more insights into all things farming, financing, and farm life, and visit rivervalleyagcredit.com for additional agricultural resources.

"$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 before cascading back to members. This systematic approach has allowed River Valley to return significant funds to borrowers each year since 1993.

The benefits are substantial and concrete. Patronage effectively reduces member interest rates by an average of 1%, which, when combined with no-cost note modifications, can sometimes create rate advantages of 1.75% or more compared to traditional lenders. As Yancey pointedly asks, "What is your bank giving you?"

A common misconception gets thoroughly debunked: patronage doesn't mean the cooperative overcharges for loans. River Valley is regulatorily required to offer fair, equal pricing and maintains competitive rates.

With patronage checks arriving in early April (now available via direct deposit), members gain a timely financial boost for spring expenses or tax obligations. The cooperative's financial success directly translates to member benefits - a true embodiment of the cooperative principle that sets farm credit apart from other financial institutions.

Ready to maximize your patronage returns? Beyond traditional loans, consider River Valley's additional services like crop insurance, credit life, and equipment leasing. The more business you do with your cooperative, the more you'll see coming back to you when patronage season arrives.

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 buyers and sellers alike.

Throughout our discussion, we unravel the intricacies of bidding, including the often misunderstood buyer's premium, equipping you with knowledge to enter the auction confidently. Michael gives essential tips for first-time bidders, encouraging them to seek guidance and understand what to expect on auction day—navigating bid strategies and property combinations efficiently. Furthermore, he clarifies the distinctions between absolute and reserve auctions, outlining when each method may be most beneficial.

As we dive deeper, Michael discusses current land price trends—from the impact of market dynamics to factors influencing buyer decisions. This is a must-listen for anyone considering land transactions, whether you are looking to buy or sell. Join us as we uncover the secrets of successful land auctions and learn how you can maximize your outcomes. Don’t forget to visit our website and subscribe to Back to Your Roots for more insights to keep you ahead in the agricultural sector!

Join us on "Back to your Roots" as we explore the bustling world of agriculture with Dean Williams, the passionate owner of the Athens Stockyard in Tennessee. Raised amidst the dynamic environment of a dairy farm and family-run grocery stores, Dean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Discover how his early adventures in stockyards shaped his journey to becoming a seasoned cattle trader, transforming the Athens Stockyard from a modest 50-cattle operation to a thriving enterprise handling over 2,000 cattle weekly—all while emphasizing the essential value of respect and collaboration in business.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the cattle and stockyard industry, gain invaluable insights from seasoned professionals who have weathered economic storms and the shifting tides of market demands. We'll discuss the pressing issue of an aging farmer population and the critical need to engage younger generations through initiatives like 4-H and FFA, ensuring the future vitality of agriculture. Against the backdrop of land development challenges, we delve into strategies that can keep the spirit of farming alive among youth.

The nationwide shortage of large animal veterinarians presents unique challenges for cattle farmers, and we shed light on its impact from a personal and professional perspective. Hear practical advice on making smart investments in genetics and equipment, and learn the importance of perseverance through market fluctuations. This episode emphasizes the supportive dynamics between farmers and lenders, underscoring the significance of adapting strategies to individual circumstances. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with us on social media and share your thoughts on future topics you'd like us to explore as we continue this agricultural journey together.

What shapes a person's journey into politics? Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture, Jonathan Shell, joins us to share the influential figures and experiences that led him to public service. From the pivotal guidance of his grandfather to the encouragement of U.S. Congressman James Comer, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of everyday people making a difference in politics. We explore his admiration for the Kentucky Farm Bureau and Rush Limbaugh, both of which played a significant role in forming his conservative beliefs and igniting his political career. This episode offers a personal glimpse into the values and inspirations that have guided Jonathan's path.

Kentucky's farming community faces unique challenges, and Jonathan Shell is committed to supporting them. Discover the New and Beginning Farmer Loan Program, aimed at empowering young farmers with low-interest loans, and learn about the significance of crop insurance and community support in navigating natural disasters. We also discuss future policy goals to maximize taxpayer resources, promote economic growth, and connect consumers with the origins of their food. Jonathan's dedication to advancing agriculture in the Bluegrass State shines through, as he strives to position Kentucky as a national leader in healthy eating and sustainable practices.