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!