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Oklahoma Wheat’s Hard 2026 Lesson
Oklahoma’s 2026 wheat crop came early, stressed, and uneven — but the story does not end with lower yields. In this episode of Red Dirt and Round Bales, Dave Deken talks with Oklahoma Wheat Commission Executive Director Mike Schulte about how drought after planting, late-season rain, and a fast-moving harvest shaped this year’s crop across western and central Oklahoma.
Mike also explains why wheat demand still matters, even in a tough production year. From miller interest to global grain stocks and the changing balance between wheat production and consumption, this episode looks at how an Oklahoma crop connects to dinner tables around the world — and why farmers keep moving even when the year does not go according to plan.
Key takeaways
Timestamped rundown
00:00–00:17 — Dave Deken opens the episode and introduces the theme of Oklahoma agriculture and rural life.
00:18–01:07 — The episode sets the scene for Oklahoma’s 2026 wheat crop: dry conditions, stress, an early finish, and a difficult year for producers.
01:07–01:34 — Mike Schulte explains that western Oklahoma saw very little moisture after planting, with rains arriving only shortly before harvest.
01:34–02:04 — Dave describes the usual Oklahoma wheat harvest rhythm, from the Red River northward, and explains how 2026 moved much faster than normal.
02:05–02:35 — The episode looks at the challenge of rain arriving at harvest instead of during the crop’s critical growing period.
02:35–03:06 — Mike says southwest Oklahoma was ready to cut two to three weeks early, with harvest expected to wrap up much sooner than in many normal years.
03:06–03:41 — Dave reflects on what “yield capability” really means for producers: fuel, seed, rent, operating notes, and the difference between getting ahead and getting by.
04:02–05:18 — Mike explains the market side, including miller interest, global wheat production, and the shift from production outpacing consumption to consumption outpacing production.
05:18–05:58 — Dave widens the lens, connecting Oklahoma wheat fields to global markets and families buying flour, bread, and other staple foods.
05:59–07:06 — The episode closes with a reflection on drought, early harvest, muddy finishes, market surprises, and the resilience of Oklahoma producers.
07:07–07:31 — Dave directs listeners to learn more about the 2026 Oklahoma wheat crop and the final crop update.
Red Dirt And Round Bales website
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By Dave DekenOklahoma’s 2026 wheat crop came early, stressed, and uneven — but the story does not end with lower yields. In this episode of Red Dirt and Round Bales, Dave Deken talks with Oklahoma Wheat Commission Executive Director Mike Schulte about how drought after planting, late-season rain, and a fast-moving harvest shaped this year’s crop across western and central Oklahoma.
Mike also explains why wheat demand still matters, even in a tough production year. From miller interest to global grain stocks and the changing balance between wheat production and consumption, this episode looks at how an Oklahoma crop connects to dinner tables around the world — and why farmers keep moving even when the year does not go according to plan.
Key takeaways
Timestamped rundown
00:00–00:17 — Dave Deken opens the episode and introduces the theme of Oklahoma agriculture and rural life.
00:18–01:07 — The episode sets the scene for Oklahoma’s 2026 wheat crop: dry conditions, stress, an early finish, and a difficult year for producers.
01:07–01:34 — Mike Schulte explains that western Oklahoma saw very little moisture after planting, with rains arriving only shortly before harvest.
01:34–02:04 — Dave describes the usual Oklahoma wheat harvest rhythm, from the Red River northward, and explains how 2026 moved much faster than normal.
02:05–02:35 — The episode looks at the challenge of rain arriving at harvest instead of during the crop’s critical growing period.
02:35–03:06 — Mike says southwest Oklahoma was ready to cut two to three weeks early, with harvest expected to wrap up much sooner than in many normal years.
03:06–03:41 — Dave reflects on what “yield capability” really means for producers: fuel, seed, rent, operating notes, and the difference between getting ahead and getting by.
04:02–05:18 — Mike explains the market side, including miller interest, global wheat production, and the shift from production outpacing consumption to consumption outpacing production.
05:18–05:58 — Dave widens the lens, connecting Oklahoma wheat fields to global markets and families buying flour, bread, and other staple foods.
05:59–07:06 — The episode closes with a reflection on drought, early harvest, muddy finishes, market surprises, and the resilience of Oklahoma producers.
07:07–07:31 — Dave directs listeners to learn more about the 2026 Oklahoma wheat crop and the final crop update.
Red Dirt And Round Bales website