Squabbles of the Soil artwork

Squabbles of the Soil

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -

Squabbles of the Soil is a podcast where we discuss different issues in agriculture and how they affect the current industry. This podcast series was first created and produced by agriculture students in the Fall 2020 "Debate and Discussion in Agriculture" course at Middle Tennessee State University. Each fall, a new group of students adds to the podcast episodes. The MTSU School of Agriculture does not endorse any specific opinion shared in this podcast series.

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Episodes

Pet Health

December 16, 2023 00:16 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Spay Or Neuter house pets  Host: Madilyn Westergard Guests: Michael Shirley, Co-owner and office manager of Family Pet Health Description: In this podcast, we speak to a Co-Owner of a veterinary clinic about Spaying and neutering house pets. He gives insightful information about the safety and financial responsibilities of this procedure.   Objectives: I can explain the safety precautions I should take before I find a vet.    I can identify questions I should as...

In Vitro Fertilization in Livestock

December 15, 2023 20:08 - 9 minutes - 9.12 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: In Vitro Fertilization in Livestock Host: Lucero Gomez Guests: Micheal Resendiz with TransOva Texas and Liz Vanherweg with TransOva California Description: We are always breeding livestock in hopes of creating better offspring. There are several forms of breeding livestocks and they all have their pros and cons. With these pros and cons there is always discussions and everyone has an opinion on breeding. Come along and learn about the pros and cons of one form of as...

Base Acre Reallocation

December 15, 2023 16:38 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Reallocation of Base Acres Host: Faith Cook Guests: George McDonald, Owner of Catesa Farms and TCGA member; Casey Youngermann, American Soybean Association Board of Directors and TN Soybean Association State Director Description: With the 2023 Farm Bill being a main topic of discussion in the agriculture industry, base acreage has been brought before legislators several times. Base acres are the amount of acres that a farm has for a certain commodity, and they affec...

Government Monetary Support on Sustainable Agricultural Practices

December 15, 2023 13:34 - 8 minutes - 8.25 MB

Topic: Government Monetary Support on Sustainable Agricultural Practices Host: Elisabeth Bean Guests: Matthew McClellan, Professor of Soil Science and Ag Business at Walters State Community College Description: Implementing sustainable agricultural methods is a challenge for many producers due to the cost. Government organizations offer monetary relief and support for these sustainable agricultural practices but there is controversy. There is opposition to this monetary support by many wh...

Wild Horse Round-Ups

December 15, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.7 MB

Topic: Removal & Roundup of Wild Horses in the Western United States Host: Addison Medlin Guests: Celeste Carlisle, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Preservation & Lynae Rogers, Bureau of Land Management Description: Throughout the last several years, wild horses that roam freely on public land have become overpopulated to the point of conflict. Due to the overpopulation, these horses are recruited and removed from the land, using the method of round-up, by law by the Bureau of Land Managemen...

Cow/Calf Separation

December 14, 2023 21:26 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Guests: Guest 1, Charles Hord Jr. with TN Cattlemen's Association  Guest 2 Makayla Hickman with Boviatech Semex (based out of Canada)   Description: Discussion on why there are good and bad practices with cow/calf separation. Is there harm in doing this in the cattle industry? Explaining why this mainly happens in the dairy industry instead of the beef. Discussing if there is a correct time period to separate mother and calf for animal health.  Objectives: I can define the reason for cow/...

Foie Gras Unraveled - Delicacy, Controversy, and Animal Welfare

December 14, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

Topic: Foie Gras Host: Jordan Komers Guest 1: Rebecca Williams & Guest 2: Kevin Jones Description: Foie gras or “fatty liver” is a delicacy made from the fattened liver of ducks or geese. It is highly regarded for its rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, often considered gourmet food. However, behind its culinary allure lies a deep-rooted controversy that has divided food enthusiasts, animal rights activists, and chefs alike.  Objectives: I can describe the gavage process in foie gr...

Controversy Surrounding Fish Farming

December 14, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Controversy Surrounding Fish Farming Host: Jasmin Angel Guests: (1) Steven Hedlund: Global Seafood Alliance and (2) Paul Chiyokten Wagner, founder of the Protectors of the Salish Sea.  Description: Fish farming is the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish. It is a form of aquaculture and the fastest growing area of animal food production today. As we continue to navigate these waters, we dive into the potential positives and negatives of this form of agriculture...

Grass-fed beef, is it better?

December 14, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Topic: Grass-fed beef, is it better?  Host: Lexy Halbert Guests: Brad Whited, grass-fed beef cattle farmer, and Seth Granstaff, grain-fed beef cattle farmer. Description: Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, grass-fed only, and pasture-raised… are all terms I am sure each one of you has heard of when it comes to shopping for any kind of meat, milk, or egg produce in the grocery store. While all of these topics are bound to get people wound up and ready to debate, today I would like to discuss t...

Farmland Conversion

December 14, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Farmland Conversion Host: Hannah Harrell Guests: Dr. Charley Martinez, University of Tennessee Kendrick Curtis and Matt Von Lunen, Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association Description: Farmland conversion has become a rising issue for the agriculture industry in Tennessee in recent years. In the last 20 years, the state of Tennessee has lost over a million acres of farmland, whether that be to contractors, housing, or infrastructure developments. Some se...

Coyote Hunting Regulations and Contests

December 14, 2023 13:44 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

Topic: Coyote Control: Wildlife Hunting Competitions for Population Control Host: Anna Collins Guests: Francisco Santiago-Avila, Science and Ethics Manager of Project Coyote; Barry Cross, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Description: Coyotes are a fixture of the environment in many areas across the United States. They may serve as a threat to pets, livestock, and the ecosystem if populations are allowed to go uncontrolled. One way the population is controlled is through Wildlife Hunting...

Factory Farming

December 14, 2023 04:26 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Factory Farming of Animals  Host: Sara Reese Guests:  Seth Robinson, Robinson Farms and Justin Turner, Turner Farms Description: This podcast will bring a new knowledge to the listeners in which way they will decide on their own whether or not Factory Farming of Animals is good or bad. They will get to listen to both sides of someone who knows more about the topic than I do. I believe that it will give a better understanding for the industry.   Objectives: I can ...

Development of Urban Agriculture

December 14, 2023 01:24 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

Topic: Development of Urban Agriculture Host: Xander Caywood Guests: Jason Sowell, Lewis Group Architects & University at Buffalo and Nia Smith, Civic Design Center. Description:  Agriculture is an ever-evolving industry, but does it belong in urban areas? Listen to this Squabbles of the Soil episode about development of Urban Agriculture, where we discuss the pros and cons of bringing agriculture into more urban areas of civilization. Will the negative consequences outweigh the positive...

Critical Habitat Protection of Hellbender Salamanders

December 28, 2022 04:50 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

Teaching Guide Topic: Critical Habitat Protection of Hellbender Salamanders Host: Zen Pisani Guests: Trisha Crabill and Brain Segee Listen in to learn more about Hellbenders, the subspecies of Giant Salamanders in North America, and different views as to why the subspecies having a Critical Habitat Designation along with their classifications under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Objectives: I can define what a critical habitat designation is. I can explain two positive and two nega...

Agritourism and Weddings, do they go hand in hand?

December 10, 2022 00:37 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Objectives: I can define agritourism in my own words  . I can explain 2 positive and 2 negative consequences of agritourism and having weddings. I can develop my own opinion on if agritourism should include weddings and be agricultural land or if weddings should not be included and be commercial land Pre-Viewing Questions: List 4 things you know about agritourism. What is your current opinion on agritourism venues and hosting weddings Guided Questions: What did kacey’s family grow be...

Consumption of Red Meat

December 09, 2022 06:39 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

  Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3 Topic:  Consumption of Red Meat Host: Tyler Lansford Guests: Charles Hord, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Vice President /  Ana Currie, Healthcare Professional Red meat is a popular animal product consumed around the world. Products like beef, pork, lamb, goat, and more fall into the category of red meat. It’s such a broad category, that according to the USDA, red meat made up 51% of all meat consumption in the United States during 2...

Artificial Pollination

December 09, 2022 01:51 - 33 minutes - 31.3 MB

Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3 Topic: Artificial Pollination Host: KJ Mills Guests: Jim Murff, Lucas Holman Artificial pollination is the pollination of plants with no insects involved. With bees being our main pollinator in the US, the decline in bee population is terrifying because we will have the issue of finding new ways of pollinating crops on farms. There are several ideas that researchers are working on to come up with a solution. Drones spray pollen, bubbles th...

Pesticide Use in Food Crops

December 08, 2022 23:21 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3 Topic: Pesticide Use in Food Crops (Original Conventional versus New Integrated Pest Management Methods) Host: Cincere Douglas Guests: Chelsea Nelan and Sydney Snelling This podcast episode entails the use of pesticides and its effects on the environment, human health, and so much more. The use of pesticides dates back to over half a century. Many argue that pesticides have brought our food production and consumption to a place that wo...

Artificial Insemination

December 08, 2022 18:13 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3 Topic: Artificial Insemination in livestock Host: Brailey McFarlin Guests:Grace Powell and Colton Behrendt Artificial insemination in the agriculture industry can be defined as the process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female. Artificial insemination can be considered a controversial topic within this industry. There are some people who view artificial inseminatio...

Weaning/Bottle-Feeding Within the Dairy Industry - Zoe Stone

December 08, 2022 04:17 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MB

This podcast dives into a major controversy within the dairy industry: bottle-feeding. We hear from two experts within the dairy industry as they discuss their perspectives on the issue. Brooke Vanderloop of the AVA Group Inc. and Amber Canavan of the PETA organization share their opinions on weaning/bottle-feeding dairy calves and whether or not they view it as a necessity within the dairy industry. We talk about if bottle-feeding is the only way to adequately produce milk for consumers and...

Biofuels by Liz Smith

December 07, 2022 16:36 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MB

Biofuels are a controversial topic for various economic and environmental reasons. However, they have been used as a substitute for other fuels for over a century. Ethanol was originally burned in alcohol lamps as a source of light. According to Dr. de Koff, the first engines developed by Henry Ford ran on peanut oil and had to be converted to use fossil fuels. Ethanol was added to our gas during World War II, and it became a mainstream fuel additive during the gas crisis in the late 1970s. ...

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

December 07, 2022 07:10 - 31 minutes - 29.5 MB

This podcast of Squabbles of the Soil digs into the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of the oldest conservation laws in the United States. Some say that the MBTA is a crucial conservation law that has saved species from the brink of extinction and should not be changed, while others say it essentially handcuffs citizens from protecting their health and severely restricts what they can do to protect their property and livestock from protected species. Follow along with host speaker Laurel Ingall...

Breeding to produce the Doodle dog

December 01, 2022 07:12 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB

 Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3 Topic: The Breeding of Doodles Host: Farrayn Arnold Guests: Brooke Dent and Tammy Speakman The Doodle breeds are dogs that are cross bred with a poodle and another dog breed of some sort. Popular Doodle breeds are Aussie Doodles, Goldendoodles, and Labradoodles. Designer Doodle’s are very popular right now, but there are some controversies to whether this cross should be made. The controversy lays between the fact that pure bred dogs are...

Livestock’s Contribution to Climate Change

November 29, 2022 22:45 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Topic: Livestock’s Contribution to Climate Change Host: Kyla Pearson Guests: Dr. Andrew Muhammad and Mr. Charles Hord Objectives: I can define livestock’s contribution to climate change. I can explain 2 positive and 2 negative consequences of livestock’s contribution to climate change I can create my own opinion on controversial agricultural issues. Pre-Viewing Questions: List 4 things you know about the livestock industry What is your current opinion on climate change? Why do you ...

12 Month Employment Contracts For Agriculture Teachers- hosted by Bailey Warren

December 10, 2021 20:24 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

This episode of Squabbles of the Soil explores the possible advantages and disadvantages of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers. Many believe that this structure of employment offers no time for agriculture teachers to have a personal life, time outside of the school, or takes them away from their families, children, spouses, and so on. There are some that argue that teachers should not be seeing students outside the normal school year, and most often it comes down to one ...

Nationwide Licensure for Agriculture Education Teachers

December 09, 2021 17:27 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MB

Host: Richie Lowery Guests: Lily Pruitt West/Haley Cheatem Issue: Nationwide Licensure for Agriculture Education Teachers The topic of a nationwide licensure for agriculture education teachers was the issue discussed at The Farm Bureau discussion meet in 2021. As with most things in agriculture, there would be advantages and challenges associated with this implementation. As we strive to move forward into a brighter future of agriculture, it is important to understand how this could affect f...

Organic Farming

December 09, 2021 17:16 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

Organic Farming has gained popularity for its environmental, sustainability, and marketing value. Although there are criticisms, such as increased inputs, decreased yields, and reduced land efficiency. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of Organic Farming in this podcast.  Teaching Guide Topic: Organic Farming  Host: Angayla Maxwell Guests: Dan and Nadia Spatz (Happy Flavors Farms), Lauren Palmer (Bloomsbury Farms)  Objectives:     1. Explore the benefits and challenges of organic ...

Ear Cropping in Dogs

December 09, 2021 17:13 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

This topic is about ear cropping in dogs. This controversial topic discusses the various reasons why some might be opposed to ear cropping, like how painful it is for dogs, and why some may support it, like for breed looks. We will have two guests to give us information on the topic.  Topic: Ear Cropping in Canines Host: Leandra Koss Guests: Dr. Vickie Swarowski (Veterinarian in San Diego) & Noelle Bozeman (seasoned animal rescuer) Objectives: 1. I can identify what ear cropping on cani...

Coyote Hunting Competitions

December 09, 2021 17:08 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

In this episode we will explore the controversial topic of coyote hunting competitions. We will hear from our guest, Tucker Barrett, about what happens at the competitions and why he and several others take part in coyote hunting competitions. We will also hear some arguments from the opposing side. We will also learn about why some organizations are non-supporters of coyote hunting competitions.  Teaching Guide Topic: Coyote hunting competitions Host: Maxwell LaFrenier Guests: Tucker Ba...

Grain Free Food and Heart Disease

December 09, 2021 16:54 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

This podcast is about grain-free food and the controversial topic of it causing heart disease. There will be 2 guest speakers, one will be opposed and one will be in support of grain-free foods.  Topic: Grain-free Food and Heart Disease Host: Emily Goolsby Guests: Gabrielle Richey and Debbie Clark Objectives: 1. I can identify the amino acid that is unabsorbable/not in grain-free food.  2. I can identify some Pros and Cons of grain-free food. 3. I can recall 2 things that are missing ...

Declawing Cats

December 09, 2021 16:53 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

Declawing cats is a controversial topic due to people choose to alter their cats ability by removing their nails. Many people can declaw for health issues or to alter their behavior due to scratching and ruining furniture. Some may find other resources than declawing. Follow along to see what the guest today have to say about declawing cats. Teaching Guide Topic: Declawing of Cats Host: Savannah Scott Guests: Abby Roberts, a Vet Tech from VCA Creekside Alicia Jones, a Hospital Manager ...

Livestock Showing

January 14, 2021 16:32 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Livestock Showing Host: Lily Steed Guests: Lindsey Nicholas and Kayla Wilson Objectives Animal Safety - Showmanship level Animal Safety - Arena Level Preventative Measures Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What is livestock showing? How does showing differ from breed to breed? Do you think animals are harmed during livestock showing? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: How can we prevent harm to animals during sho...

Genetically Modified Organisms

January 14, 2021 16:29 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Genetically modified organism Host: Colby Chapman Guests: Jeremiah Lynch and Phil St Objectives Students will understand why the topic is controversial. Students will be able to describe what a GMO is. After being well informed about GMOs, students will able to formulate their own opinion. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: List every fact you know about GMOs. In your own opinion, should farmers be allowed to use GMOs? What does GMO ...

Right to Farm Laws

January 13, 2021 17:49 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

Teaching Guide – Right to Farm Podcast Topic: Right to Farm Laws Host: Jake Duke Guests: John Duke, Joleana Starnes Objectives I can explain the original purpose of the      Right to Farm Laws. I can list the pros and cons of Right to      Farm Laws. I can create my own Right to Farm Laws      that will be beneficial to the farmer and consumer. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What would you do if a neighbor was      causing an inconvenience to you? Should farme...

Veganism

January 13, 2021 16:53 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Teaching Guide – Veganism Podcast Topic: Veganism Host: Caitlin Faulkner Guests: Stephanie Branim Gerlad Branim Objectives I can understand the pros and cons of      choosing a vegan lifestyle. I can understand the health      benefits of eating on a vegan diet and a non-vegan diet. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Do you know reasons why people      choose to eat a vegan diet? Do you think that younger or      older generations eat a vegan diet? What beliefs ...

Raw Milk

January 13, 2021 16:49 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Raw Milk Host: Brandon Roy Guests: Mark Foley Randy and      Robin Pope Objectives I can explain the difference between Raw      and Processed (pasteurized) Milk. I can      describe why many states and organizations do not sell or produce Raw Milk      products. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Did you know      that Milk is “cooked” via pasteurization before it is sold at the grocery      store? Do you think      that pasteurizat...

Pesticides and Bees

January 13, 2021 16:38 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

Teaching Guide – Pesticides and Bees Topic: Pesticides and Bees Host: Bailey Lugo Guests: Nathaniel Jennette / Brent Brewer Objectives Understand what type of chemical      pesticides are less harmful to bee colonies Be familiar with the different practices involved in pest      management Recognize the importance of bees to our      world Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What risks do you think pesticides pose to bees? Are there other forms of pest management  ...

Precision Agriculture

January 13, 2021 16:37 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Teaching planning guide Topic: Precision agriculture Host: Alana Hester Guest: Colin Miller, Carter Woodruff Lesson overview: Students will be able to decide their standpoint on precision agriculture. Students will be able to explain the struggles some farmers are having adjusting to the change into precision agriculture. Students will also be able to list some possible downs sides from switching to precision. Discussion questions before listening to podcast: Has anyone heard of preci...

Horse Slaughter for Meat

January 13, 2021 16:32 - 27 minutes - 25.9 MB

Teaching Guide – Horse Slaughter Podcast Topic: Horse Slaughter Host: Loren Huling Guests: Savannah Scott & Abigail McConnell Objectives To gain more knowledge of Horse Slaughter Listen and analyze      different opinions Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Write down anything you already know about Horse      Slaughter. Why do you think horse slaughter is an issue? Would you be for or against horse slaughter? Why or Why      not? Questions for teacher to ask stud...

Antibiotic Use in Livestock

January 13, 2021 16:30 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Teaching Guide – Antibiotic Usage in Livestock Topic:  Antibiotic Use in Livestock Host: Madison Looney Guests: Reauna Person, Galeon Collier Objectives I can explain the purposes of antibiotic use in livestock I can list the pros and cons of antibiotic  use in livestock I can differentiate between livestock that has antibiotics and livestock that doesn’t Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Do you think antibiotics should be used in food animals? Why do you think p...