Co-op Talk Texas

Whether you're managing day-to-day operations, guiding a team, or helping shape long-term strategy from the boardroom, your ability to lead during uncertain times can make or break your organization’s momentum. In this episode, Kristen Ireland from People Spark Consulting joins Christy Lewis to share practical strategies for navigating change, building trust, and leading with clarity and confidence—no matter your role. Website: htt...

In this episode, Christy Lewis sits down with Matt McCuen from Imagine360 to answer common questions about TACC’s new healthcare offering. Learn how this innovative model works, what to expect after signing up, and why it’s designed to deliver real savings and superior support for cooperatives and their employees. Questions? Contact Janna or Matt below:

• Janna Haggard, Triangle Insurance, janna.haggar...

In this Month's episode, Christy sits down with Jon Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, to discuss the USTR’s proposed actions targeting China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors. These changes could significantly impact shipping costs, port access, and ultimately, Texas cooperatives and ag exports like cotton and grain. Don’t miss this important conversation on how global trad...

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, Christy is joined by Charlie Leal, State Legislative Director for the Texas Farm Bureau. Charlie is a dedicated advocate for Texas agriculture, ensuring that farmers and ranchers have a strong voice at the Capitol.

Together, they discuss Texas Farm Bureau’s top legislative priorities this session, how the session is shaping up ...

In this episode, Christy sits down with Tera Stoddard, Program Manager for CHS Stewardship, to explore an exciting initiative that’s shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The Cooperative Minds program, developed by the CHS Foundation in partnership with Discovery Education, introduces middle and high school students to agricultural careers and the c...

Welcome to another episode of Co-op Talk Texas! Join Christy as she dives into the often misunderstood world of workers’ compensation insurance with Robert Schneider and Dan Jackson from the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust.

In this episode, we explore the origins of the Trust, its move from Austin to Lubbock, and how its coverage goes beyond just cotton gins. Robert and Dan debunk common myths about workers’ comp claims, clarify misund...

In this episode, Kelley Green, Executive Vice President of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association (TCGA), joins Christy to break down critical developments impacting cooperatives - Tune in as Kelley discusses the recent U.S. District Court ruling invalidating the Department of Labor’s overtime rule and its implications for staffing at co-ops. Plus, get the latest on OSHA’s proposed Heat Standards and what these changes could mean fo...

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, Erin Mies, co-founder of People Spark Consulting, shares practical strategies for leaders to have meaningful conversations that motivate and connect teams. With her extensive experience in HR and leadership development within the ag industry, Erin discusses ...

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, we’re joined by Davon Cook from Pinion, a consulting and accounting firm with deep roots in agriculture, dating back to 1932. Pinion has grown far beyond traditional tax and accounting services to offer expertise in estate planning, farm programs, land and water management, financial strategy, succession planning, and business growth. 

Davon works closely with farms and related ag businesses, gu...

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kody Bessent, CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, to discuss one of the most critical topics for our farmers—the status of the farm bill. Most of you know Kody is a leading advocate for the cotton industry ...

There’s one topic that has frequently been discussed with co-op managers and boards lately – how difficult it has been to apply for a disaster relief loan through the SBA. While each co-op has had unique challenges getting their application approved, we thought it might be helpful to have David Hincapie, Lender Relations Specialist and Veteran Business Development Officer from the SBA, to share all his secrets of applying for an SB...