James Wright has worn a lot of hats—Co-op manager, farmer, mentor, and a James B. Walker Award honoree. In this episode of Feeding Traditions, he reflects on a career rooted in service and a legacy that’s still growing strong through his family’s farm in Rhea County. From the feed counter to the front pasture, his impact runs deep. Listen now!

Amanda Evans grew up on a dairy farm in Anderson County. Today, she’s stewarding the same land by boarding horses, cutting hay, and honoring the legacy her family built.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Making bold shifts in a farming operation
• Staying grounded in family values
• Building something meaningful on familiar ground

Listen now!

In this episode of Feeding Traditions, we’re proud to feature the story of Todd Jennings, a Moore County cattle producer. From humble beginnings to growing his family’s thriving operation, Todd reflects on his journey, the lessons learned, and the changes he’s seen in the farming industry.

For Todd, farming is more than a job—it’s a calling built on hard work and community. He shares how mentorship shaped his path, the joy of working alongside family, and the vital role his local Co-op has played in his success.

In honor of National Agriculture Day, join host Mary Jane Arnette as she sits down with Mr. Donald Jernigan, a Rutherford County farmer whose journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. From humble beginnings with small truck gardens to cultivating a thriving farm, Mr. Jernigan shares the intimate story of his hard work, innovation, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his family and the land.

This episode is part of a new series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of farming, where dedication, passion, and love for the land come together. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will leave you inspired and deeply connected to the roots of Tennessee agriculture.

In the February edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Thompson, Director of the Middle Tennessee UT AgResearch and Education Centers, to discuss the exciting changes coming to their Bull and Heifer Program. Kevin dives into the upcoming improvements and innovations aimed at enhancing livestock production, research, and education in the region. He shares insights on how these changes will benefit producers and advance the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of animal agriculture at the UT AgResearch centers. Tune in for an informative and forward-looking discussion with one of the leaders in Tennessee agriculture!

In the January edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, hosted by John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, we explore how Co-op Feeds can be your trusted partner in facing the challenges of winter weather. From mineral supplementation to tubs, range cubes, and more, John discusses how these vital products help keep livestock healthy and productive through the colder months. He also previews upcoming events ProTrition will be a part of, including the Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention and the Southern Equine Expo, where producers can connect and learn. Finally, John honors John Teague, a respected friend of Tennessee agriculture, as he celebrates an impressive 43 years of service with the UT Extension system before retiring. Tune in for an informative episode and a heartfelt tribute to a true agricultural advocate.

The December edition of the Co-op Feed Bin podcast, hosted by John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, features an in-depth discussion on the importance of cattle mineral supplementation with Jacob Sparkman, Zinpro Southeast Account Manager, and Todd Steen, ProTrition Nutritionist. Proper mineral nutrition is a cornerstone of successful cow production in Tennessee, where variable soil types and forage quality can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Minerals play a vital role in reproduction, immune function, and overall herd health, ensuring optimal performance and profitability for producers. This episode highlights the recent updates to the Co-op cattle mineral line, designed to address these challenges and support the unique needs of cattle in our region. To learn more about the specific minerals in our lineup, visit www.ourcoop.com/livestock/feed-products/cattle/minerals.

Tune into the November episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston records live at the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development Program in Lewisburg, TN. This special episode features a Q&A session during the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development Program Field Day event. Joining him are a panel of experts, including Kevin Thompson, Research Center Director; Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Extension Beef Specialist; Charlie Stogner, Beef Cattle Supervisor; Claire Hunkler, Research Coordinator; Hugh Moorehead, Research Associate; and Dr. Saulo Zoca, UT Extension Beef Specialist. They will delve into the current state of the Tennessee beef industry, sharing insights and answering questions. Don’t miss this engaging discussion!