Co-op Talk Texas

Episode 40: What the FTC Investigation into Fertilizer Means for Agriculture with David Gibson

Texas Corn Producers Executive Director David Gibson joins Co-op Talk Texas to discuss the FTC's recent fertilizer industry listening session in McKinney, Texas, and the agency's newly announced investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration. Learn why producers are concerned about rising input costs and what this could mean for farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. *If you have information or concerns regarding fertilizer pricing, availability, or market practices that may assist the FTC's investigation, you can submit your comments to fertilizercomplaints@ftc.gov [fertilizercomplaints@ftc.gov]. The FTC has indicated that all complaints and submissions will be kept completely confidential. Watch FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson's speech in McKinney, Texas (approximately 14 minutes long): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2SRebmolU&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2SRebmolU&feature=youtu.be]

Episode 39: Get to Know Republican Candidate for Texas Ag Commmissioner: Nate Sheets

Join Christy Lewis on Co-op Talk Texas for a conversation with Nate Sheets about his journey from entrepreneur to Republican candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner and his vision for the future of Texas agriculture. They discuss rural communities, water, innovation, and opportunities ahead for producers, agribusinesses, and cooperatives across Texas.

Episode 38: Grain Markets in Focus: Latest WASDE Report & Global Pressures with Paul Dubravec

Listen to a special edition of Co-op Talk Texas featuring a timely grain markets update with Paul Dubravec from Advance Trading. Following the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the United States Department of Agriculture, this quick conversation focuses on what the report did—and didn't—tell us, along with the outside factors currently influencing markets. From global uncertainty to input costs and planting considerations, we break down what producers and cooperatives should be watching right now.

Episode 37: Strengthening Demand: The Buying American Cotton Act Explained

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, Christy Lewis visits with Tas Smith of the National Cotton Council about the Buying American Cotton Act. They discuss how the legislation could strengthen demand for U.S.-grown cotton, where the bill stands in Congress, what NCC has done so far, and how producers and cooperatives can support the effort.

Episode 36: Executive Sessions Explained: What Co-op Boards Need to Know with Gary McLaren

This special episode of Co-op Talk Texas features a practical excerpt from co-op attorney Gary McLaren addressing one of the most common board governance questions: when to hold an executive session and how to properly handle meeting minutes. Clear guidance every cooperative director and manager should understand.