With the November midterm elections approaching, farmers are facing mounting pressure from high input costs, volatile commodity markets and uncertainty over the future of agricultural policy. Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths are joined by TJ Wilson, deputy director of rural policy at the America First Policy Institute, to discuss the issues shaping rural America and the decisions coming out of Washington.

The conversation covers soaring diesel prices during harvest, efforts to lower fuel costs, food affordability, trade opportunities and the outlook for the next phase of the Trump administration's agricultural agenda. Wilson also explains how artificial intelligence and seed genomics could reshape crop production, reduce input costs and create new opportunities for farmers. Plus, the team examines the ongoing threat of New World screwworm, the future of the farm bill and the key agricultural issues that could influence voters in November.

It's an inside look at the policy debates, economic pressures and political decisions that could shape the future of American agriculture.

With the November midterm elections approaching, farmers are facing mounting pressure from high input costs, volatile commodity markets and uncertainty over the future of agricultural policy. Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths are joined by TJ Wilson, deputy director of rural policy at the America First Policy Institute, to discuss the issues shaping rural America and the decisions coming out of Washington.
The conversation covers soaring diesel prices during harvest, efforts to lower fuel costs, food affordability, trade opportunities and the outlook for the next phase of the Trump administration's agricultural agenda. Wilson also explains how artificial intelligence and seed genomics could reshape crop production, reduce input costs and create new opportunities for farmers. Plus, the team examines the ongoing threat of New World screwworm, the future of the farm bill and the key agricultural issues that could influence voters in November.
It's an inside look at the policy debates, economic pressures and political decisions that could shape the future of American agriculture.

Unscripted: Midterm Elections, Skyrocketing Diesel Prices and the Future of Ag Policy

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths look back at a surprising Pro Farmer Crop Tour and what the 2026 growing season is revealing across the Corn Belt. Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer join the conversation to break down the impact of excessive June rainfall, extreme heat, nutrient losses, crown rot, tar spot and uneven crop development.

The group also digs into where farmers may have cut input costs too far, why sulfur is becoming an increasingly important concern, and how rising fertilizer and diesel prices could shape decisions for the 2027 crop. Plus, they discuss pre-harvest scouting, adjusting harvest plans and the importance of making decisions based on real numbers—not emotion—as farmers navigate a challenging finish to the season.

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths look back at a surprising Pro Farmer Crop Tour and what the 2026 growing season is revealing across the Corn Belt. Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer join the conversation to break down the impact of excessive June rainfall, extreme heat, nutrient losses, crown rot, tar spot and uneven crop development.
The group also digs into where farmers may have cut input costs too far, why sulfur is becoming an increasingly important concern, and how rising fertilizer and diesel prices could shape decisions for the 2027 crop. Plus, they discuss pre-harvest scouting, adjusting harvest plans and the importance of making decisions based on real numbers&mdash;not emotion&mdash;as farmers navigate a challenging finish to the season.

Unscripted: Where Did the Yield Go? The Biggest Lessons From 2026

Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths go unscripted with Pro Farmer Crop Tour veteran Chip Flory to preview this year’s tour. They discuss what makes the tour’s consistent methodology so valuable, how USDA’s latest acreage and yield estimates compare, and the biggest questions heading into the fields. Chip also shares what he’ll be watching across the Western Corn Belt, including ear populations, plant health, weather impacts and yield potential, plus how this year’s crop compares with recent record crops.

Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths go unscripted with Pro Farmer Crop Tour veteran Chip Flory to preview this year&rsquo;s tour. They discuss what makes the tour&rsquo;s consistent methodology so valuable, how USDA&rsquo;s latest acreage and yield estimates compare, and the biggest questions heading into the fields. Chip also shares what he&rsquo;ll be watching across the Western Corn Belt, including ear populations, plant health, weather impacts and yield potential, plus how this year&rsquo;s crop compares with recent record crops.

Unscripted: Pro Farmer Crop Tour Preview | What Will Scouts Find in the Fields?

USDA crop reports influence billions of dollars in agricultural markets—but what if the system behind them is overdue for a major overhaul?

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with former U.S. Ambassador and Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who has been tapped by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to help modernize the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Kip shares how new technologies—including satellite imagery, digital farm data, and AI—could improve the accuracy, transparency, and frequency of USDA crop reports while giving farmers better information to make marketing decisions. He also explains why producer participation matters, what he learned from evaluating cutting-edge ag technologies, and how USDA plans to gather farmer input through nationwide listening sessions.

USDA crop reports influence billions of dollars in agricultural markets&mdash;but what if the system behind them is overdue for a major overhaul?
This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with former U.S. Ambassador and Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who has been tapped by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to help modernize the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Kip shares how new technologies&mdash;including satellite imagery, digital farm data, and AI&mdash;could improve the accuracy, transparency, and frequency of USDA crop reports while giving farmers better information to make marketing decisions. He also explains why producer participation matters, what he learned from evaluating cutting-edge ag technologies, and how USDA plans to gather farmer input through nationwide listening sessions.

Unscripted: Inside USDA's Plan to Modernize Crop Reports with Kip Tom

Country music star and newly appointed Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich joins Unscripted for an in-depth conversation about the growing fight over private property rights in rural America. Rich explains why he accepted the role, how he's working with the Trump administration to advocate for farmers and ranchers, and why he believes protecting farmland is a matter of national security.

Then, Washington ranchers Wade and Teresa King share their firsthand account of a years-long legal battle with state agencies after routine maintenance on livestock stock ponds led to investigations, fines, and criminal allegations. They discuss the financial and emotional toll, why they're continuing to fight, and what they believe is at stake for family farms across the country.

Join Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths as they explore the challenges facing America's landowners, the future of property rights, and why these battles could have lasting implications for agriculture nationwide.

Country music star and newly appointed Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich joins Unscripted for an in-depth conversation about the growing fight over private property rights in rural America. Rich explains why he accepted the role, how he's working with the Trump administration to advocate for farmers and ranchers, and why he believes protecting farmland is a matter of national security.
Then, Washington ranchers Wade and Teresa King share their firsthand account of a years-long legal battle with state agencies after routine maintenance on livestock stock ponds led to investigations, fines, and criminal allegations. They discuss the financial and emotional toll, why they're continuing to fight, and what they believe is at stake for family farms across the country.
Join Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths as they explore the challenges facing America's landowners, the future of property rights, and why these battles could have lasting implications for agriculture nationwide.

Unscripted: John Rich's Fight to Protect Americans' Property Rights

As New World screwworm reaches the United States and uncertainty continues around the U.S.-Mexico border, Oklahoma State University livestock economist Derrell Peel joins Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the cattle industry.

Peel shares insights from nearly four decades studying cattle markets, explains how Mexico's cattle industry has evolved, and discusses what border closures could mean for producers on both sides of the border. The trio also dives into drought concerns, herd rebuilding challenges, beef demand, and why record cattle prices may have further room to run.

From market fundamentals to policy debates, this episode cuts through the noise to provide perspective on one of the most complex and consequential moments the cattle industry has faced in years.

As New World screwworm reaches the United States and uncertainty continues around the U.S.-Mexico border, Oklahoma State University livestock economist Derrell Peel joins Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the cattle industry.
Peel shares insights from nearly four decades studying cattle markets, explains how Mexico's cattle industry has evolved, and discusses what border closures could mean for producers on both sides of the border. The trio also dives into drought concerns, herd rebuilding challenges, beef demand, and why record cattle prices may have further room to run.
From market fundamentals to policy debates, this episode cuts through the noise to provide perspective on one of the most complex and consequential moments the cattle industry has faced in years.

Unscripted: Why Record Cattle Prices May Still Have Room to Run Despite New World Screwworm Concerns

On this episode of “Unscripted,” hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths throw out the script for a wide-ranging conversation on the growing divide between rural America and Washington, D.C.

Political strategist Michael Amato breaks down exclusive new polling of nearly 1,000 farmers and ranchers, revealing mounting frustration over rising input costs, volatile markets, trade policy, and whether elected officials truly understand life on the farm. Then, rural politics expert Nicholas Jacobs joins the conversation to explore how rural voters are shaping America’s political landscape, why community matters more than individual economics in rural decision-making, and whether the country can overcome the growing “us versus them” divide.

From diesel prices and midterm elections to trust in government and the future of rural America, this episode delivers an honest, thoughtful discussion about the pressures facing farmers and the voices behind the headlines.

On this episode of &ldquo;Unscripted,&rdquo; hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths throw out the script for a wide-ranging conversation on the growing divide between rural America and Washington, D.C.
Political strategist Michael Amato breaks down exclusive new polling of nearly 1,000 farmers and ranchers, revealing mounting frustration over rising input costs, volatile markets, trade policy, and whether elected officials truly understand life on the farm. Then, rural politics expert Nicholas Jacobs joins the conversation to explore how rural voters are shaping America&rsquo;s political landscape, why community matters more than individual economics in rural decision-making, and whether the country can overcome the growing &ldquo;us versus them&rdquo; divide.
From diesel prices and midterm elections to trust in government and the future of rural America, this episode delivers an honest, thoughtful discussion about the pressures facing farmers and the voices behind the headlines.

Unscripted: Why 40% of the Ag Vote is Up for Grabs

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths catch up on major changes behind the scenes at Farm Journal before diving into one of their most wide-ranging conversations yet.

From surviving a multi-week power outage (and living off squirrel and canned goods) to uncovering a haunting Southern mystery, guest Christ Bennett brings stories that are as gripping as they are unexpected. But it’s not all storytelling—this episode tackles serious issues facing agriculture today.

The team breaks down:
A controversial legal battle where farmers face massive fines without a jury trial
Growing concerns over government overreach and property rights
Rising fertilizer prices and lack of competition in ag markets
The shifting demand for cotton in a world dominated by synthetic fabrics

Plus, a lighter side of life—from prom DJ duties to parenting wins and the realities of raising the next generation.

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths catch up on major changes behind the scenes at Farm Journal before diving into one of their most wide-ranging conversations yet.
From surviving a multi-week power outage (and living off squirrel and canned goods) to uncovering a haunting Southern mystery, guest Christ Bennett brings stories that are as gripping as they are unexpected. But it&rsquo;s not all storytelling&mdash;this episode tackles serious issues facing agriculture today.
The team breaks down:
<ul data-start="1039" data-end="1336">
<li data-section-id="qylmt3" data-start="1039" data-end="1125">A controversial legal battle where farmers face massive fines without a jury trial</li>
<li data-section-id="1oohmft" data-start="1126" data-end="1192">Growing concerns over government overreach and property rights</li>
<li data-section-id="pb2hr2" data-start="1193" data-end="1259">Rising fertilizer prices and lack of competition in ag markets</li>
<li data-section-id="j2yauf" data-start="1260" data-end="1336">The shifting demand for cotton in a world dominated by synthetic fabrics</li>
</ul>
Plus, a lighter side of life&mdash;from prom DJ duties to parenting wins and the realities of raising the next generation.

Unscripted: From Squirrel Suppers to Supreme Court Showdowns - The Wild World of Chris Bennett

From devastating blizzards and wildfires to unseasonable heat, extreme weather is creating chaos across the U.S., leaving farmers scrambling to adapt in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Joined by farmer advocate Dee Vaughn from Texas, the conversation turns to a growing crisis in fertilizer pricing. Are rising costs simply market-driven—or is something deeper at play? Dee shares concerns about industry consolidation, alleged price manipulation, and why fertilizer prices seem tied more to corn markets than actual input costs. The discussion also explores how global conflicts—from the Middle East to beyond—are adding fuel to the fire, raising serious questions about pricing practices and accountability in the ag supply chain. This episode pulls back the curtain on the forces shaping modern farming—and the voices demanding change.

From devastating blizzards and wildfires to unseasonable heat, extreme weather is creating chaos across the U.S., leaving farmers scrambling to adapt in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Joined by farmer advocate Dee Vaughn from Texas, the conversation turns to a growing crisis in fertilizer pricing. Are rising costs simply market-driven&mdash;or is something deeper at play? Dee shares concerns about industry consolidation, alleged price manipulation, and why fertilizer prices seem tied more to corn markets than actual input costs. The discussion also explores how global conflicts&mdash;from the Middle East to beyond&mdash;are adding fuel to the fire, raising serious questions about pricing practices and accountability in the ag supply chain. This episode pulls back the curtain on the forces shaping modern farming&mdash;and the voices demanding change.

Unscripted: How One Texas Farmer Is Taking the Fight to Fertilizer

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with Josh Linville of StoneX to unpack the extreme volatility in global fertilizer markets. From Middle East tensions and shipping risks near the Strait of Hormuz to skyrocketing nitrogen costs, the conversation dives into what’s driving price spikes—and what it means for farmers’ bottom lines. With input costs squeezing margins and corn acreage potentially at risk in 2026, the trio also tackle the push for expanded domestic production and real policy solutions. It’s a candid look at fertilizer turmoil, farmer frustration, and the fight for stability in uncertain times.

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with Josh Linville of StoneX to unpack the extreme volatility in global fertilizer markets. From Middle East tensions and shipping risks near the Strait of Hormuz to skyrocketing nitrogen costs, the conversation dives into what&rsquo;s driving price spikes&mdash;and what it means for farmers&rsquo; bottom lines. With input costs squeezing margins and corn acreage potentially at risk in 2026, the trio also tackle the push for expanded domestic production and real policy solutions. It&rsquo;s a candid look at fertilizer turmoil, farmer frustration, and the fight for stability in uncertain times.

Unscripted: Fertilizer Frenzy, Global Tensions & the Fight for Farmer Survival

Unscripted is a show where scripts take a back seat. Hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths put down the teleprompters and let the conversations flow naturally. Each week, they bring in fellow Farm Journal hosts and editors to share behind-the-scenes insights on the stories we've covered, giving you a chance to meet the personalities behind the personalities.

Unscripted is a show where scripts take a back seat. Hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths put down the teleprompters and let the conversations flow naturally. Each week, they bring in fellow Farm Journal hosts and editors to share behind-the-scenes insights on the stories we've covered, giving you a chance to meet the personalities behind the personalities.

Unscripted

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