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Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, a Republican candidate for governor next year, says he's concerned the proliferation of data centers in Mississippi puts the state at risk and that he's hearing major concerns about data centers and AI from Mississippians as he campaigns across the state. Gipson said data centers and the AI boom are being funded by debt and "circular financing," similar to what happened with other tech before the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s. He said he's also concerned about the "AI impact on humanity," the environment and utility consumers' costs.
Federal AG Sec. Brooke Rollins is making news on a topic long in the crosshairs of Florida's AG Commissioner, protecting and supporting the nation's food supply. Plus, getting ahead of threats from invasive species.
Greetings, Lowdowners—Deanna here!This summer, we're doing something a little different. Over the next few weeks, we're opening the gates a bit — giving free subscribers a taste of some of the exclusive stories, video, and behind-the-scenes Hightower that paid subscribers get regularly. If you've been on the fence about upgrading, consider this your invitation to see what you've been missing.To kick things off, I spent a day with Hightower in Austin last month, beer in hand at ABGB, talking with him about fifty-plus years of fighting the b******s. We've got a summer's worth of material to share with you, and I wanted to kick things off with the one that shows what organizing really looks like. Here's the setup: Hightower's Agriculture Commissioner, and he's just put forward the most progressive pesticide regulation in the country. The pesticide lobby is furious. So they get the governor to introduce legislation to gut his authority and make his office appointed instead of elected. Standard playbook—except for what happened next.The hearing room they'd booked was tiny. They had to move it to the House Chamber because Hightower's first witness was Willie Nelson. His second was Barbara Jordan. His third was the chairwoman of the Dallas Republican Women's Organization, who didn't love the idea of pesticides in her kids' food either.Not one committee member would make the motion to pass the bills. They lost without a vote.Here's the part I actually wanted to talk to him about, though: the celebrities weren't the strategy. They were the payoff. Hightower's team spent six months before that hearing building an actual coalition—farmers, farmworkers, consumers, local press. Willie and Barbara Jordan showed up because there was already a movement there to show up for. “They are the punctuation point of a movement that has already been built and is moving,” he told me. “Their presence encourages the movement,” but it doesn't replace it.It's a lesson that's aged exactly zero days in forty years: you don't win by getting a famous person to show up at your rally. You win by doing the unglamorous work first, and then the famous person shows up because there's something worth showing up for.It's your support that enables us to keep bringing the outside in, to keep sharing the ways we can fight together and have fun together. We know times are tighter than ever, and it makes your support mean even more to us. Thank you! Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the screwworm will continue to spread unless officials adopt a more aggressive response. Also, energy economist Ed Hirs says Texas oil producers are not significantly increasing production despite higher oil prices.
Cristina McInnis joins Will for a fascinating discussion hitting all five points of her plan, including how to handle China buying farmland in our midst, and tourists racing from the state line to the beach without buying anything.
Mike Strain joins Tommy to talk about the latest in Louisiana agriculture and forestry.
This hour, Dave Cohen is joined by Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, to discuss farmers saying they can't survive without migrant labor, then on the flip side, others said that farmers are being too greedy and won't pay an American wage.
04/07/26: Doug Goehring has been North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner since 2009, and is a third-generation farmer. He joins Joel Heitkamp and KFGO's Farm and Ranch Director, Sarah Heinrich, at Tall Towers Aviation in Page, ND. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/20/26: Joel is back in the KFGO studio, and is joined by Vern Thompson for an announcement. Vern Thompson announced that he’s running for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, and has already been endorsed by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Committee. Vern is an independent trucker who hauls natural gas liquids. He represented the Minnewauken area in the ND House from 1989-1990 and served from 1997-2000 in the Senate, including one session as Senate minority caucus leader. He recently lost the endorsement for U.S. Congress. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MARKDAVIS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/markdavisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guest: Matt Shaheen, Texas State Representative, District 66 If you'd like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page. This was such a powerful conversation with Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen sharing some helpful insights into the political system and how primary and general elections work. Early voting in Texas runs through Friday, February 27th and the primary election date is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. If you are in another state, make sure you check for your primary election date and get out and vote! In Texas there are several hotly contested races on the federal, state, and levels from one US Senator position to every House member. On the state level, the Texas Governor, Lt. Gov., Attorney General, Land Commissioner, Ag Commissioner, and Railroad Commissioner are also in contested primary battles on both sides of the political spectrum!
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MARKDAVIS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/markdavisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terri also defends Nate Sheets for Ag Commissioner. I'm still deciding!
WarRoom Battleground EP 942: Deep Dive With Ag Commissioner Sid Miller
Tommy talks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, about agriculture struggles, crawfish, and more.
In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, hear Nate Sheets' vision for Texas agriculture. A Texas food and agriculture entrepreneur, Nate shares his journey from a hobby beekeeper to leading Nature Nate's into a national honey brand and now running for Texas Ag Commissioner. The conversation covers vital topics such as integrating regenerative agricultural practices, improving school lunch quality, the potential of industrial hemp, and Texas's water challenges. Nate shares his approach and commitment to both local farmers and consumer health. Additionally, Nate discusses the urgent need for change in our food system and why he thinks he's the man for the job. Incumbent Sid Miller and Nate Sheets are running in the Republican primary for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture on March 3, 2026. Early voting begins on February 17, 2026, and runs through February 27.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:30 Introducing Nate Sheets01:48 The Role and Importance of the Agricultural Commissioner03:55 Connecting Health, Food, and Agriculture07:03 Challenges in the Food Industry and the Need for Change09:26 Nate Sheets' Journey: From Hobby Beekeeper to Industry Leader 18:28 Vision for Texas Agriculture and School Nutrition30:59 The Potential of Industrial Hemp in Texas32:06 The Benefits of Industrial Hemp32:31 Challenges in Hemp Processing and Infrastructure35:08 Supporting Farmers to Grow Hemp36:30 Consumer Demand and Market Viability for Hemp-Made43:05 Water Conservation and AI Data Centers46:34 Protecting Texas Agriculture and Water Resources54:01 The Importance of Bees and Pollinators57:37 Nate Sheets' Vision for Texas Agriculture
Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the week's top stories in agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring discusses the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TX AG Commissioner Sid Miller joined The WBAP Morning News to talk about the push back on data centers wanting to build in Texas. What is the problem with that? Plus, the Go Texan initiative is taking off. Will this get more people to buy Texan?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tommy talks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, about Thanksgiving cooking and getting yourself a Louisiana Christmas tree.
10/29/25: Doug Goehring has been North Dakota’s Agriculture Commissioner since 2009, and is a third-generation farmer, and joins Joel Heitkamp on "News and Views." Joel and Commissioner Goehring talk about the Argentine beef deal, soybean tariffs, and more that's impacting our farmers and ranchers. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're on location at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds for a special Do Politics Better episode with NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. From the smell of fried food to the sound of ferris wheels spinning, Commissioner Troxler shares what makes the State Fair one of North Carolina's most beloved traditions — and why it's a powerful showcase for the state's $100 billion agriculture industry. We talk about the state of farming in North Carolina, his concerns about the loss of farmland, and that memorable moment when he was asked to run for Governor. Plus, Skye and Brian unpack a busy week in North Carolina politics — including the announcement that the General Assembly is redrawing congressional maps, the latest on Rep. Cecil Brockman's criminal allegations, a split-decision court ruling, candidate news, and much more. It's a fun, fairground conversation that blends policy, politics, and fried food. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.
Tommy talks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
09/29/25: Doug Goehring has been North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner since 2009, and is a third-generation farmer. North Dakota’s agriculture commissioner warned lawmakers this week that federal trade and health policies are exacerbating concerns of farmers already worried about low ag commodity prices and high production costs. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mississippi AG Commissioner Andy Gipson reveals epic plans for America's 250th birthday bash at the State Fair, plus the all-star country music lineup at the Dixie National Rodeo!
We have our weekly check-in with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry.
Mike Strain joins Tommy to talk about seafood testing and the rice industry in Louisiana.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher announced Wednesday that he will be retiring as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture effective October 1st. After nearly seven years as commissioner, Hatcher says his dairy farm in Williamson County and family is calling him back home. Governor Bill Lee has appointed current Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt to succeed Hatcher as Tennessee Ag Commissioner.
Tommy talks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, about the Roseland explosion and the aftermath.
Mike Strain joins Tommy to talk about his trip to Ireland and the EU.
There's still a lot of summer left at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo - and there's loads of things to plan for this fall, too. So, come along as we head to the zoo and get a lesson about the beautiful and fascinating Monarch Butterflies. You'll also find out how you can help preserve and rebuild our fragile population of Monarchs, while hearing about other pollinator activities, and so much more. Then, it's up the road to Meriden to visit with a couple of leaders at the Community Economic Development Fund or CEDF. If you are looking to establish your ownn business, we'll clue you in on how CEDF supports the growth and success of small businesses in Connecticut, especially in underserved communities, through a powerful combination of capital, coaching, and education. Then our next summer re-run takes us back to our live broadcast from Connecticut Ag Day last spring. As we close out this week's conversations, we'll hear from CT Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt.
Mike Strain joins Dave to talk about the rise in beef prices and trade with Japan.
Over the weekend, the number of missing in the Texas Hill Country dropped drastically. What happened?Checking in with those whose livelihood is at stake after the flood, including farmers and ranchers in the region.Why so many Texans don’t have flood insurance.The governor ordered an end to remote work for state employees, but now he’s backtracking. […] The post Ag commissioner outlines rural flood aid appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Tommy and Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, talk about tropical weather and the role the Commissioner plays in responses.
Republican Andy Gipson, the first candidate to publicly announce a run for Mississippi governor in 2027, outlines his five-plank platform. No. 1 is fighting crime, which Gipson says is rising in what were once quiet rural areas, because "If people don't feel safe, nothing else matters." He also offers a brief sampling of his baritone crooning from his just-released two studio albums.
Tommy talks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, about chemicals that can be harmful, dogs getting sunburnt, and those dang screwworms
All of us here in Hightower’s office (especially Hightower!) have come across some amazing, hard-working candidates over the years, and those candidates bring us hope and optimism for the future.
Great show this morning with Lex Wallace, the GM of the all-new Spring Street Cigars that's having their Grand opening next to Highland Village in Jackson this Saturday (they're already open now though). Lex joins us to talk about what separates Spring Street from other cigar based establishments. After Lex we host the one and only Andy Gipson, Mississippi's AG Commissioner who's announced his bid for the Governor's mansion in 2027 sitting down for his first longform interview since announcing.
Brian & Trisha talked to Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell about the challenge he presented them with to grow a giant pumpkin.
Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson gives Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Michael Goldberg an update on the challenges facing Mississippi farmers, including the burgeoning trade war with countries that buy our chicken, soybeans, cotton and other products as well as rising costs and immigration/labor issues. Gipson, a man of many hats besides his trademark cowboy one, also discusses his recording an album! "I'll sing at the drop of a hat, even if I drop it myself," Gipson said.
Season 5: Episode 204In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight podcast, host Chrissy Wozniak welcomes Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for an in-depth discussion on the Biden Administration's recent changes to the Horse Protection Act. Commissioner Miller explains how the new regulations, originally intended to curb the inhumane practice of soring in Tennessee Walking Horses, have been drastically expanded to cover all horse breeds and events. He warns that these overreaching rules could place an undue burden on horse owners, breeders, and event organizers, requiring costly inspections and creating impractical restrictions—such as banning common fly spray or minor abrasions from routine training.Beyond the Horse Protection Act, Commissioner Miller addresses broader concerns about government overreach in agriculture, touching on issues such as the USDA's response to screw worm outbreaks, the push to list the monarch butterfly as endangered, and the agency's handling of avian flu in dairy cattle. He highlights the critical role of agriculture in America and the need for policymakers to apply common sense rather than excessive regulation.The conversation also explores potential solutions, including a coalition of state agriculture commissioners pushing back against federal overreach. Commissioner Miller shares his optimism about the new administration's commitment to reducing unnecessary regulations and restoring balance to the industry. He also discusses his lifelong passion for agriculture, his mission to educate the public, and his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can stay engaged, including subscribing to Commissioner Miller's press updates and tuning into his television show, Texas Agriculture Matters - which can be found here - https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Texas-Agriculture-Matters-TV-Show. Learn more at - https://texasagriculture.gov For those passionate about preserving agricultural freedoms, this is an episode you won't want to miss!#agpolicy #farming #agricultureNorth American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.comWant to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.comDon't just thank a farmer, pray for one too!Send us a textReady to experience the next generation of precision agriculture? Discover innovative ways to save on labor, cut chemical use, and boost your yields with the Ecorobotix ARA Ultra-High Precision Sprayer! Visit Ecorobotix at the World Ag Expo, February 11th through 13th! Or visit ecorobotix.com/topten to learn more! Experience over 400 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for beef, dairy, crop management, and more. This year's show features new products, like advanced harvest tracking tools, compact tractors, and cattle health innovations.Don't miss the refreshed forestry seminars. Learn about carbon programs and silvopasturing. Plus, get tips from consulting foresters to maximize your land's potential.Join us this February in Syracuse! Learn more at NewYorkFarmShow.com.Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com