Capital Roots: Stories from Agriculture's Footprint

Episode 52: From West Texas to Washington: Skylar Sowder on Fighting for Agriculture

Recorded 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 [https://farmcredit.com/about-us/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 [https://farmcredit.com/issues/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.

Episode 51: Leadership in Action: A Conversation with Farm Credit Council CEO Christy Seyfert

In this episode of Capital Roots, host Clint Cryer welcomes Christy Seyfert, President & CEO of the Farm Credit Council [https://farmcredit.com/], for a timely conversation recorded during the 2025 Farm Credit Fly-In [https://farmcredit.com/farmbill-advocate/]. 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 [https://farmcredit.com/farmbill-advocate/]. 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 [https://www.capitalfarmcredit.com/resources/podcast/].

Episode 50: The Economics of Water: Balancing Conservation and Production in West Texas with Dr. Donna McCallister

In this episode of Capital Roots, we sit down with Dr. Donna McAllister, Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/aaec/research/Faculty-Research-Expertise-and-Scholarship/Donna-Mitchell-McCallister-PhD.php] and member of the leadership team for the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/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.

Episode 49: Leading the Next Generation of Agriculture with Dr. Clint Krehbiel

In 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 [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/]. 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.

Episode 48: Global Pressures, Local Opportunities & Competing in Modern Agriculture with Dr. Darren Hudson

How 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 [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/aaec/research/Faculty-Research-Expertise-and-Scholarship/Darren-Hudson-PhD.php], Associate Dean and Director of the of the International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/aaec/icac/] 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 markets * What U.S. producers can learn from Brazil's booming ag sector * The role of China in shaping global ag policy * Why technology, creativity, and risk management are key to future profitability Plus, hear his candid take on cotton demand and why he believes the next five years could bring major opportunity for row-crop producers.