In this episode of Rooted and Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with international economist Dr. Robert Thompson to unpack what’s truly driving risk in our food system—from trade policy and farm economics to food prices and consumer fears.

The conversation also tackles one of the most misunderstood topics when it comes to food fears: the difference between hazard and risk. From pesticide concerns to annual “food fear” lists, how fear-based messaging can influence what we eat—and why context matters is discussed.

What We Cover

• Why today’s agricultural pressures feel different from past “farm crises”

• What’s really driving food prices—and why they may stay high

• The critical difference between evaluating hazard and risk in the safety of our food

• Why innovation in agriculture is essential to feeding a growing global population

This episode brings a grounded, science-based perspective to the conversation—and explains why the biggest risks in our food system aren’t always the most visible.

Guest: Dr Robert L Thompson, Former Dean of Agriculture at Purdue, Former Assistant Secretary for Economics at USDA, Former Director of Rural Development at the World Bank.

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In this powerful episode, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with Kentucky farmer and ag economist Jesse Horn to uncover the realities behind today’s food system—from rising grocery prices to the hidden financial pressures facing American farmers.

What We Cover:

• Farming today is a high-risk, high-cost business.

• Why switching to fruits and vegetables isn’t as simple as it sounds

• What “regenerative agriculture” really means (and why farmers have been doing it for decades)

• How technology is helping farmers use less fertilizer and pesticides, not more.

• Higher grocery prices don’t mean farmers are making more money.

Jesse explains why today’s farmers are facing one of the toughest financial periods in decades, revealing why the future of food depends on understanding the people who grow it. The heart of farming isn’t just business—it’s passion, stewardship, and a deep commitment to feeding others.

Guest: Jesse Horn, Kentucky Corn and Soybean Farmer, Principal, CEO-Big H Ag Supply,

Owner, Superior Seeds, LLC

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Milk might seem simple — but the story spans across the globe. In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne sits down with Tom Suber to explore how milk travels from local farms to global markets. From cheese and milk powder to whey protein, today’s dairy industry is shaped as much by international demand as it is by what we consume at home.

Beyond economics, the cultural side of milk — from cow’s milk in the U.S. to camel, goat, sheep, and even fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia is explored. Drawing on their shared experience in the Gobi Desert, Marianne and Tom reflect on how milk plays a role in tradition, storytelling, and daily life far beyond nutrition.

What We Cover

• How the U.S. dairy industry evolved into a global export powerhouse

• The economics behind dairy pricing and trade flows

• Cultural perspectives on milk — from cow to camel to mare’s milk

• Why shelf-stable milk is more common in Europe than in the U.S.

• How current trends, like whole milk in school and GLP-1 medications may impact dairy consumption and ultimately, farmer economics

The conversation wraps with today’s hot topics, including whole milk in schools and how changing health trends, like GLP-1 medications may influence dairy consumption….and why differences in packaging, refrigeration, and culture shape what ends up in your fridge.

Guest:

Tom Suber- Global trade strategist and former President, US Dairy Export Council

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