Is U.S. agriculture in crisis — or simply evolving? In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne sits down with agricultural strategist David Parker to unpack the headlines surrounding U.S. agriculture. From falling commodity prices and global trade tensions to biofuels, land use, and emerging technology, this conversation connects farm-level realities to consumer impact.

What We Cover

• Why commodity crop farmers are under economic pressure
• The impact of tariffs and global competition on U.S. agriculture
• The realities behind the food vs. fuel biofuels debate
• The debate around biofuels and farmland for wind and solar development.
• How AI, precision agriculture, and automation are reshaping the future of farming

This episode provides a grounded, myth-busting look at the forces shaping the food system behind your plate.

Reference:

Ag leaders warn Congress of a potential widespread collapse in U.S. agriculture amid rising costs, trade challenges, and declining farm profitability. Read More

David Parker

Processed foods often get blamed for today’s health challenges—but is processing itself really the issue? In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RDN sits down with Dr. Taylor Wallace, food scientist and nutrition researcher to unpack the science, history, and misconceptions surrounding processed and “ultra-processed” foods.

What We Cover:

• Why processed foods exist and their evolution of being a “homemaker’s convenience” to a link to major health concerns.

• What “ultra-processed” really means—and why it’s often misunderstood

• What the real dietary factors in food -added sugars, saturated fats, refined carbs and sodium-impact long-term health.

• Why processed foods exist and their contribution to year-round food access and contribution to a safe and stable global food supply.

Taylor also shares insights from his current research on choline, including daily egg consumption and its benefits for child development and cognitive function, especially in females.

You can find Taylor on:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website

In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with Connie Diekman, MS, RDN to separate fact from fiction in today’s dietary fat debate. Together, they explore the latest headlines around fats, what the research shows, and how consumers can make sense of conflicting messages.

What We Cover:

• Why decades of research still show a link between saturated fats, LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk.

• The source behind the backlash against seed oils and why social media has fueled confusion.

• How the backlash is driving changes in restaurant oil use to meet consumer demand.

• What the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans saturated fats recommendations actually look like on the plate…and why quantity matters.

Connie also shares practical insight from her work in cardiovascular health and foodservice, emphasizing that fats like butter and beef tallow can have a place on our plate, but we still need to think “balance”. Because food always has a story… and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

References:

Seed Oils- Good or Bad?

2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge is joined by Jennifer Schmidt, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and full-time farmer in the eastern shore of Maryland, for a candid conversation about the evolving role of women in agriculture and the economic realities that shape what farmers, male or female, face in growing crops.

As the world prepares to recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Jennie shares firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities women farmers experience both in the U.S. and globally.

Marianne and Jennie dig into the economic pressures facing farmers, from low commodity prices and rising input costs to shifting markets like wine grapes. Jennie explains why farming margins are razor thin and changing crops or production systems isn’t as simple as it sounds.

The episode also tackles common misconceptions about farming and sustainability, including regenerative agriculture, pesticide use, and the trade-offs between organic and conventional systems. Jennie offers a grounded explanation of how farmers balance soil health, yields, labor availability, and environmental stewardship, and why one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in agriculture.

Bottom Line:

Women farmers are more influential than data once showed in the US and across the globe. From small crop production across the globe to major U.S. commodity farmers, women are now recognized as a true farmers-not the silent partner.

Farming economics drive decisions more than ideals. Low prices, high input costs, labor shortages, and infrastructure limitations shape what farmers grow and how they farm.

Sustainability is about balance- economics, land and people. Real-world farming requires trade-offs between yield, soil health, labor, and cost.

Because food always has a story… and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

Follow Jennifer:

Instagram

Facebook

For more insights on women in agriculture, check out my blog: https://agrinutritionedge.com/celebrating-women-in-agriculture/.

Welcome to Rooted and Restless. The podcast that digs beneath the surface of what we eat. How it gets to our plates and why it matters to our health. I'm Marianne Smith Edge, registered dietitian and sixth generation farm owner. Each week, I'll explore the complex, fascinating world of food and farming with friends and colleagues, from hot topics and trends to travel, culture and the food memories that connect us all.

Because food always has a story, and not all of it is as simple as it seems.