NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — With the start of a new year comes new goals, especially for the future of agriculture. Tennessee 4-H is encouraging members to plan wisely as they build skills in confidence, leadership, and resilience that will serve them well both inside and outside of agriculture.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share how their involvement in the program has helped shape their goals and personal growth.
Rochford discussed how his 4-H journey began as a fifth grader through a STEM class and grew into leadership roles at both the regional and state levels.
He also highlighted his entrepreneurial efforts through Matthew’s Market, where he sells produce and eggs, and shared how 4-H has influenced his interest in pursuing a degree in business administration or a pre-med path.
Hesson reflected on her eight years of involvement with 4-H and shared how the program has strengthened her interest in animal science and family and consumer sciences.
She also spoke about his leadership experience as Macon County 4-H Honor Club president and State All-Star Scribe, and how those roles prepared her for future opportunities.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
January 28, 2026 02:42 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
January 28, 2026 12:27 PM
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Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
January 28, 2026 07:00 AM
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Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
January 27, 2026 02:53 PM
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Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
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The West Carroll Parish Ag Expo represents more than farming — it is about the future of agriculture, where tradition meets innovation, and where the backbone of Northeast Louisiana continues to thrive.
January 27, 2026 12:31 PM
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Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
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Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
January 27, 2026 06:00 AM
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