Podcast
Capital Roots: Stories from Agriculture's Footprint
Hosted by Capital Farm Credit · EN
A podcast brought to you by Capital Farm Credit, featuring stories about
agriculture production, sustainability, lifestyle and Texas tall tales. We'll share unique stories about Texas agriculture and how the ag industry impacts lives every day.
For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit System and serves more than 23,000 members, with loans outstanding totaling more than $11 billion. Headquartered in Bryan, Texas, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties. Learn more at CapitalFarmCredit.com.
20episodes
Episodes
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Episode 52: From West Texas to Washington: Skylar Sowder on Fighting for Agriculture
Dec 400:28:44Tap to summarizeRecorded in Washington, D.C. during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In, this episode of Capital Roots feature Skylar Sowder, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Farm Credit Council. In this episode, Skylar shares how her West Texas roots shaped her passion for advocating for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She breaks down what's happening with the Farm Bill, why bipartisan cooperation still matters, and how she approaches policy through the lens of the customer. Tune in for a grounded look at agriculture advocacy in action.
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Episode 51: Leadership in Action: A Conversation with Farm Credit Council CEO Christy Seyfert
Nov 2000:23:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer welcomes Christy Seyfert, President & CEO of the Farm Credit Council, for a timely conversation recorded during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In. With the government now reopened, Christy reflects on the momentum of the week, Farm Credit’s unified advocacy efforts, and the policy priorities shaping Farm Bill 2.0.She also shares her first-year perspective as CEO, her deep agricultural roots, and why strong relationships across the system make Farm Credit’s mission so powerful. A must-listen for anyone following ag policy, leadership, or the future of rural America.Missed an episode of Capital Roots? Find all of our past episodes here.
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Episode 50: The Economics of Water: Balancing Conservation and Production in West Texas with Dr. Donna McCallister
Nov 600:32:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Donna McAllister, Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University and member of the leadership team for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC). Dr. McAllister shares how researchers and producers are working together to preserve the Ogallala Aquifer—one of our region’s most valuable, yet finite, resources. From changing cropping practices to evaluating the economics of water use, she offers insight into how science, policy, and stewardship intersect to secure the future of Texas agriculture.
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Episode 49: Leading the Next Generation of Agriculture with Dr. Clint Krehbiel
Oct 2300:34:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Clint Krehbiel, Dean of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University. From growing up on his family's Simmental cattle operation in Kansas to leading one of the nation's fastest-rising agricultural colleges, Dr. Krehbiel shares his journey of service, leadership, and vision for the future of ag education. We explore the pillars of the On and On Campaign, Texas Tech's century-long legacy of serving West Texas, and how hands-on learning and collaboration continue to shape the next generation of agricultural leaders.Tune in to hear how Davis College is building momentum, fostering innovation, and staying true to its West Texas roots - one student at a time.
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Episode 48: Global Pressures, Local Opportunities & Competing in Modern Agriculture with Dr. Darren Hudson
Oct 900:49:12Tap to summarizeHow can U.S. farmers stay competitive in a world where markets move faster than ever and global players like Brazil and China reshape agriculture? On this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer sits down with Dr. Darren Hudson, Associate Dean and Director of the of the International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness at Texas Tech University, to unpack what "ag competitiveness" really means - and how U.S. producers can adapt to thrive. From his humble start in the Texas Panhandle to leading one of the nation's top ag economics centers, Dr. Hudson shares his insights on:The pressures facing today's commodity marketsWhat U.S. producers can learn from Brazil's booming ag sectorThe role of China in shaping global ag policyWhy technology, creativity, and risk management are key to future profitabilityPlus, hear his candid take on cotton demand and why he believes the next five years could bring major opportunity for row-crop producers.
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Episode 47: Texas Game Warden Shaun Bayless
May 27, 202501:06:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we visit with Shaun Bayless, Fayette County Game Warden with Texas Parks and Wildlife, as he shares what it means to serve rural communities across the state. From the backroads of West Texas to the waters of the Highland Lakes, Shaun reflects on the relationships, responsibilities, and realities of life behind the badge. His story highlights the deep ties between conservation, public trust, and the people who call rural Texas home.
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Episode 46: Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University
May 20, 202500:39:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we’re joined by Stephanie Webb '07 and James Palacios '17 to explore the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University. A life-changing opportunity for students interested in agriculture and public service, the ANRP program places Aggies in congressional offices and ag organizations in Washington, D.C. and Austin. Stephanie and James—both former interns themselves—share powerful stories of professional growth, policy impact, and how the program continues to shape the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
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Episode 45: Beefmaster Breeders United
May 8, 202500:29:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we’re joined by Dr. Lance Bauer, Executive Vice President of Beefmaster Breeders United, to explore the history, genetics, and growing global presence of the Beefmaster breed. Developed in South Texas during the 1930s, Beefmasters were built to thrive in tough conditions and are still defined by the Six Essentials: weight, conformation, milk production, fertility, hardiness, and disposition.Dr. Bauer shares his journey from raising commercial sheep in Ingram, Texas, to leading one of the largest beef breed registries in the U.S. We dive into breed-up programs, junior involvement, and how Beefmasters are meeting the demands of modern cattle production with both grit and genetic advantage.
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Episode 44: Justin Putz - Mid-Coast Smackdown
Apr 22, 202500:49:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Capital Roots, we spotlight Mid-Coast Smackdown—a Texas nonprofit born from a fishing tournament and fueled by a mission to support families with children battling cancer. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a major community event, offering financial relief with no strings attached. Tune in to hear how a passion for fishing turned into a powerful force for good.Tournament Info: May 31, 2025 in Rockport, TXGet Involved
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Episode 43: Dr. Jeffrey Savell - Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Apr 10, 202500:58:14Tap to summarizeDr. Jeffrey Savell, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, joins Capital Roots for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of people. From his start in meat science to leading one of the University's largest colleges, Dr. Savell shares lessons learned over nearly five decades in higher education. We cover everything from mentorship and trust to student success, hands-on learning, and why the "people business" matters more than ever.
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