The Co-op Feeds Podcast

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 groundListen 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 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!

In the October episode of The Feed Bin podcast, host John Houston and ProTrition Nutritionist Todd Steen discuss significant updates to the Co-op cattle mineral line. They introduce the Balancer, a cost-effective mixing mineral requiring just 1 bag per ton, and highlight the Foundation line's increased levels of essential minerals tailored for Tennessee forages, including zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, and cobalt. The Supreme line, featuring all organic mineral sources from ZINPRO, matches the Foundation's nutrient levels while adding vitamins. All products include a yeast product from Co-op to enhance rumen function, ensuring optimal cattle nutrition as we transition into the colder months. Tune in to learn more about these supplements and pick up a bag at your local Co-op today! 

Join us for the latest episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston dives into the pressing issues of short forage as we transition into the fall and winter months. In this episode, John explores the co-op Rationalyx and Sensiblelx lines, discussing their benefits and how they can help farmers navigate the challenges of the colder seasons. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to ensure your livestock stay healthy and well-fed during this critical time!

Join us for the latest episode of The Feed Bin podcast, where host John Houston sits down with Protrition Nutritionist Todd Steen to discuss our new product that's set to transform cattle feeding— Co-op Beef Generator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on how you can boost your cattle's growth and enhance your bottom line. Don't miss out on learning how this innovative feed solution can make a real difference in your operation. Tune in now and get ahead in the game!

 Join John Houston and special guest Charlie Stogner, along with Dr. Saulo Zoca and Claire Hunkler, all esteemed employees of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), in the July edition of The Feed Bin. This episode dives into the operations of the UTIA heifer and bull research stations and explores how these operations contribute to advancing the beef industry in Tennessee under the UTIA model. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an agriculture student, or just curious about the latest in beef research, this episode offers valuable insights and expert discussions on the critical role of research in animal agriculture. 

Join John Houston and special guest Charley Martinez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UTIA, on the June edition of the Feed Bin. They'll explore the critical issue of agricultural, farm, and forest land loss, shedding light on ongoing research efforts. Curious about the extent of farmland lost? Visit https://farmmanagement.tennessee.edu/land-loss/ to learn more about the farmland loss in your area. From 2017 to 2022, there has been a loss of nearly half a million acres of land. Martinez provides an update on the numbers that UTIA is gathering and discusses what it means for the future of agriculture in Tennessee.

Join host John Houston in this month's episode of the Feed Bin Podcast as he provides a comprehensive overview of the latest agricultural census findings. The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, offers insights into various aspects such as land use, ownership, production practices, and more.But that's not all! We're excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Grey Parks, ProTrition's Equine Nutritionist, focusing on the essential topic of horse care and nutrition. Whether you're already a proud horse owner or on the brink of becoming one, this episode is tailored to you. Grey dives deep into everything you need to know before welcoming a horse into your life, covering crucial areas like feed management and hoof care.Be sure to tune in!

Learn about the production process behind your animals' feed in the April edition of The Feed Bin! Host John Houston and guest Randy Henley, Director of Feed Mill Operations at ProTrition Feed, will discuss the daily operations of our three feed mills, all located right here in Tennessee. Tune in to gain insight into how your animals' feed is made and discover the steps we take to provide top-quality products for you and your animals! 

Join your host, John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, and his guest, John Duke, Crop Nutrients Marketing Manager from GreenPoint Ag. In this episode, Houston and Duke discuss the significance of proper pasture care in livestock management, emphasizing its role in providing essential nutrients, maintaining soil health, and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the discussion shifts towards the fertilizer market, where Houston and Duke analyze current trends, factors influencing pricing, and strategies for navigating this dynamic landscape. They highlight the importance of staying informed, working closely with advisors, and making strategic decisions to optimize fertilizer investments for agricultural success.

Join John Houston, the host of the Feed Bin podcast, as he introduces Terrie Ragan, the director of purchasing for ProTrition. Together, they delve into ProTrition's process of sourcing commodities directly from local producers to create the feed that powers your animals! 

Tune in to the January episode of the Co-op Feeds Podcast with host Jennifer Dowd! In this special edition, we sit down for an interview with Donnie Chapman and Keith Farmer, both seasoned employees of United Farm and Home Co-op. Keith, former manager of Maury Farmers Co-op and now over the Agronomy business at United Farm and Home Co-op. Donnie retired at the close of 2023, culminating an impressive 47-year career with the Co-op predominately delivering feed. Throughout his tenure, he dedicated his time to delivering feed orders to customers across the greater Columbia area. Join us as we celebrate Donnie's remarkable journey in this episode.

Join host Jennifer Dowd in a festive episode of The Feed Bin as she interviews Jessica Anderson, the owner of The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green, KY.

Join Jennifer Dowd and equine nutrition expert Grey Parks in this month's Co-op Feed Bin episode as share the latest discoveries in equine nutrition research. Not only that, they'll spill the hay on the exciting transformations in the Pinnacle Horse Feed lineup, with formulation tweaks that promise to elevate your horse's nutrition, and they are unveiling the sleek new look to the Pinnacle line. Saddle up for an engaging conversation that's all about ensuring your horses receive the very best. 

Join us on this episode of The Feed Bin as we take a journey to the heart of the American countryside to explore Chaney's Family Dairy. Nestled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Chaney's Family Dairy has focused on sustainability, quality, and community since its inception.Explore how this multi-generational farm has intertwined age-old traditions with cutting-edge innovations, allowing it to supply customers with milk and ice cream, all the while transforming into an engaging agritourism destination for the public.To find out more about Chaney's Family Dairy, visit their website at www.chaneysdairybarn.com. Be sure to subscribe to Co-op Feeds for more inspiring stories!

Join us on this month's episode of The Feed Bin! Host Jennifer Dowd interviews Randall Scheck, owner of Randall Scheck Performance Horses in Lewisburg, TN. Originally from Wyoming, Randall and his wife Gina operate a large facility specializing in training and coaching for barrel racing, roping, and all-around performance horses. Each year, they lead a guided trail riding trip and elk hunt in Wyoming with 50 participants from across the country. In this episode, Dowd and Scheck discuss the key elements of a good horse, including genetics, confirmation, foundational training, and nutrition.

​As horses age it is important to review their rations to make sure they are getting the correct nutrients from their feed.

In this month's episode of the Feed Bin, join your host Jenifer Dowd as she introduces two producers in the beef cattle industry that found a niche in meat processing, Garrett Daniels and Ben Neale. Garrett, a young and ambitious entrepreneur, has built his freezer beef operation from the ground up, selling locally to neighbors, friends, and the community. Meanwhile,  Ben is the owner of Light Hill Meat Company which started as Light Hill Custom Butchery in the early years of existence, then panned into the Neale family purchasing their own herd of cattle for processing and sale purposes. In March of 2017, Ben and his wife Lauren purchased a processing plant in Lynnville, TN, and opened the doors to the Light Hill Meats processing plant. Light Hill Meats is a fully integrated business, consisting of a cow herd that has been designed over a decade to make the best quality beef possible. Additionally, Light Hill Meats operates a USDA-inspected processing facility in Lynnville, TN, as well as a butcher shop located in Spring Hill, TN. Much like Garrett, Ben started as one of the "small guys" that processed for a source of extra income. Together, they share their inspiring stories, the challenges they've overcome, and their visions for future growth. Tune in to the podcast to learn more about their journey and discover how you can support these hometown producers!To learn more about Light Hill Meats, click here! 

In the Beef Tips & Gravy Series Finale, John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, recaps previous episodes and provides essential tips for navigating the fall and winter of this year.Join us as we wrap up the season with valuable insights and expert advice to help you make the most of the upcoming months. Don't miss out on this final episode - tune in now for all the tips and tricks you need to succeed!

In this episode, join Protrition's Equine Nutritionist, Grey Parks, as she discusses the differences between forage-only and forage-based diets and how to supplement both types.  You won't want to miss this episode!

Co-ops across the state get all kinds of questions about raising chickens!  This week's Chick Talk is working to answer many questions that our stores get regularly! Don't miss out on getting some of your questions answered!

Don't miss out on the July episode of The Feed Bin! Join us as host Jennifer Dowd interviews two logistics industry experts who shed light on the importance of logistics in the agriculture industry. Chris Melton, owner of Melton Hauling, and Justin Waller, ProTrition logistics coordinator, will discuss common misconceptions, issues, and the economic impact of logistics in agriculture. As a farmer, you know how crucial it is to get your products transported to their destination. So, tune in to The Feed Bin podcast and learn from the best in the industry. 

Get ready for the premiere of Beef Tips and Gravy's latest episode! As the temperature rises and the conditions dry, cattle farmers are finding it difficult to provide proper nutrition for their cows. But don't worry, your Co-op Feeds team has you covered! Tune in to our Facebook page on June 27th at 6:30 p.m. CT to learn all about managing nutrition in dry conditions. Our experts will provide you with tips and tricks to keep your beef cows growing. Don't miss out!

Join Grey Parks, ProTrition equine nutritionist, on this month's episode of Equine Essentials!  Grey discusses traveling with your horse and tips to minimize stress, as well as what to bring with you on road trips.

In this episode of Pasture to Pets, we're talking all about dog nutrition! From farm dogs to inside pets, we've got you covered. So grab your furry friend and tune in for some paw-some tips!

Layers and meat birds are raised for two different purposes, and their diet should reflect that. It's important to understand the body composition and nutritional requirements of meat birds in order to select the correct feed. Learn more about feeding meat birds in this month's Chick Talk!

Don't miss our June episode of the Feed Bin featuring the UT Extension Center for Profitable Agriculture. In this episode, our host Jennifer Dowd speaks with Rob Holland, Director of the Center for Profitable Agriculture, and Alaina Boyd, UT Extension Assistant, about the various programs and resources that they offer. As the Center celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, they are still striving for the same mission and that is to help farmers develop value-added enterprises. Tune in to learn more about the services and events that they offer! Listen now! For more information about the Center for Profitable Agriculture, click here! To learn more about the upcoming Center for Profitable Agriculture workshops and conferences, click here! 

Looking to learn more about educational opportunities in the beef industry? Then you won't want to miss this week's Beef Tips and Gravy Premiere Event! Hosted by John Houston, the episode features Dr. Jessica Carter, Dean of the School of Agriculture at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and Matt Wade, Farm Laboratories Director for MTSU. They will highlight MTSU's educational offerings in the beef cattle industry and the hands-on learning opportunities available to students. 

Join Grey Parks, ProTrition Equine Nutritionist on this month's episode of Equine Essentials! In this episode, Grey discusses body condition scoring in horses, by showing live examples! Body condition scoring is crucial in horses because it helps determine their overall health and well-being. This information is important for managing a horse's diet and exercise routine, as well as detecting any potential health issues early on. By regularly monitoring a horse's body condition score, owners and caretakers can ensure that the horse is receiving proper nutrition and care, leading to a longer and healthier life! 

Looking for information on llamas and alpacas' nutrition and feeding? Learn about their diet in this month's Pasture to Pet premiere event here on Facebook!

Join host John Houston and special guest Dr. Tom Tabler, UT Poultry Extension and Research Specialist, on Chick Talk this month for an informative episode on chicken health and nutrition. With over 40 years of experience in the poultry industry, Dr. Tabler will share a wealth of knowledge that will benefit both backyard bird enthusiasts and broiler flock owners. Don't miss out on this valuable resource for all poultry enthusiasts! 

Tune into this month's episode of The Feed Bin featuring host, Jennifer Dowd, with Andy Holt, Tennessee Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner for Business Development.In this episode, we discuss Tennessee agriculture trends and available cost-share programs. Holt provides us with expertise and knowledge of how to ensure that Agriculture and Forestry remain the top industries within the state, including supporting youth organizations, the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program, the FARM Cost Share Program, and a large amount of employment available in the agricultural industry such as Agritourism. Listen now! For more information on the FARM Cost Share Program, click here.For more information on the Tennessee Ag-Enhancement Program, click here.To learn more about Agritourism, click here.

Feed dewormers are an easy and viable option for summer parasite management. Tune in to this month's Beef Tips and Gravy for more information on how feed through dewormers can benefit you and your livestock!

Proper pasture management leads to high-quality, productive pastures that can supply excellent nutrition for horses. Tune in this month to hear ProTrition Equine Nutritionist, Grey Parks, discuss the best practices for horse pasture management!

Rabbits and guinea pigs diets have more in common than you would think!  Tune in to learn more about the proper rations to meet the digestive systems needs of these animals!

 Tune into this month's episode of The Feed Bin featuring host, Jennifer Dowd, with Dr. Justin Rhinehart and Dr. Saulo Zoca, both of The University of Tennessee.Dr. Rhinehart is the Assistant Dean for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community Economic Development. Dr. Zoca is an Assistant Professor for the Department of Animal Science at UTK and the Extension Beef Cattle Specialist for UTIA.  In this episode, we discuss beef cattle reproduction tips and tricks to improve herd profitability. Dr. Rhinehart and Dr. Zoca provide us with resources and a list of upcoming events for producers that are in the cattle industry, including efforts of the Beef Reproduction Task Force, UTIA Field Days, and the upcoming U.S. Precision Livestock Conference. Listen now!For more information on materials from the Beef Reproduction Task Force, click here. For more information on upcoming UTIA Field Days, click here.For more information on the upcoming U.S. Precision Livestock Conference, click here.

Chicken lovers – we've got the expert know-how on how to feed 'em! 

Tune into this month's Beef Tips & Gravy with host John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed! As we transition into spring, it's important to focus on fly control for our cattle herds. Flies can cause a variety of issues for our animals, including reduced weight gain, decreased milk production, and even the spread of disease. By implementing effective fly control measures, we can help keep our herds healthy and thriving.  The most convenient method is a cattle vitamin-mineral supplement containing an IGR because this product eliminates the stress, labor, and expense of handling cattle while allowing the animals to spread the horn fly control as they graze. Tune in to learn more! If you still have questions about spring fly control, visit our recent blog!  https://www.ourcoop.com/news/livestock-news/proper-fly-control 

Did you know that ration balancers were originally created to balance unfortified grains such as oats, corn or barley? Tune in this month to hear ProTrition Equine Nutritionist, Grey Parks, discuss do's and don'ts of the ration balancer and more interesting facts!

We are excited to announce Pasture to Pets, our newest series! In this video series, Jennifer Dowd, ProTrition inside sales and marketing representative, will host Grey Parks, ProTrition nutritionist, in discussing the nutritional needs of the animals not covered in our other video series! This month's episode covers ostrich and emu nutrition. Tune in to learn more about the proper rations to meet the digestive systems needs of these animals!

You have brought baby chicks home, now what? It is important to ensure your chicks are being fed properly to meet their nutritional needs at each stage of life. Tune into this month's Chick Talk with host John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, and ProTrition Nutritionist Grey Parks as they discuss the things that you should be monitoring during the first few weeks of raising chicks.  

Tune into this month's episode of The Feed Bin featuring host, Jennifer Dowd, with Grey Parks, equine nutritionist. Jennifer and Grey discuss topics in the equine industry including rations, hay quality, and so much more! Want to learn more about ProTrition, and our full line of equine feeds? Visit Jennifer and Grey at the 2023 Southern Equine Expo in Murfreesboro, TN March 17-19, 2023.   Click here to learn more about Southern Equine Expo! 

Tune into this month's Beef Tips & Gravy with host John Houston, Director of Business Services for ProTrition Feed, and Tennessee Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President, Charles Hord. In this episode, the hosts will dive into legislation that will be affecting the cattle industry!

Every horse owner wants to make sure they are doing right by their horses. Tune in this month to hear ProTrition Equine Nutritionist, Grey Parks, discuss the fact and fiction about feed labeling!

 Join us for our season finale of Chew the Cud! Host, John Houston, will recap the previous episodes in the series and give pointers to get you through the spring season! Listen now!