Recorded live at KNID AgriFest in Enid from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth, Episode 501 launches Season 5 with a fast-paced crop check and a whole lot of agronomy banter. 
Dave Deken sits down with Brian Arnall and Josh Lofton to talk January wheat realities: dry conditions, odd winter insect pressure, and early reports of wheat diseases showing up sooner than anyone wants. 
They also hit canola concerns—like that purple color—and what to inspect right now (new leaves and crown health) as everyone looks ahead to green-up.

Next, it’s go-time thinking for topdress: why timing, weather, and surface conditions matter—especially when warm days, wind, and dew can increase nitrogen losses. 
Then the conversation turns into a practical deep dive on plant physiology and decision-making: primordia (the “cells in waiting”), how early-season stress can differ from true deficiency, and why chasing genetic potential without respecting environmental limits can hurt ROI. 
If you like your agronomy with real-world nuance (and a little friendly arguing), this one’s for you!

Top 10 takeaways

1. January crop scouting can be misleading—weather swings can make fields look great or “go backwards” fast.
2. Warm winter + dry stretch = unusual pest pressure, including armyworms in wheat.
3. Early disease reports (tan spot, rust, powdery mildew) mean don’t assume “it’s too early.”
4. For canola right now, focus on new leaves and crown—that’s your “are we okay today?” check.
5. Green-up moisture is the hinge point for both wheat tillering and canola recovery.
6. Topdress timing is a system problem (acres, co-op schedules) and a weather-loss problem (dew + warm + wind).
7. If conditions are right to lose N (dry soil + dew/humidity + wind), waiting can be the most profitable move.
8. A lot of management is about what’s happening inside the plant—primordia/cell division—before you ever see it.
9. Stress can be useful; deficiency is where you start giving away yield potential—context (stage/goal) matters.
10. The “right” program depends on your risk profile: protecting max yield vs protecting ROI on inputs.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00–01:15 — Welcome to Episode 501 + Season 5 vibes; shoutout to AgriFest and the Wheat Commission cinnamon-roll traffic.
01:16–01:55 — Introductions: Dave Deken with Dr. Brian Arnall and Dr. Josh Lofton; “we were arguing in our office earlier…”
01:46–02:10 — Recorded Jan 9, 2026 at the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth during AgriFest in Enid.
02:10–03:05 — Cinnamon roll banter + meeting listeners at the booth.
03:07–04:20 — Crop update headline: it’s January, it hasn’t rained, it feels like June; armyworms in wheat; disease confirmations in SW OK.
05:01–06:20 — Canola check: purple color mystery; focus on new leaves + crown health “right now.”
06:35–08:10 — “Magic windows” talk: green-up moisture is critical for canola and wheat tillering.
09:03–10:30 — Rooting + grazing: planting timing affects anchoring; some fields pull easier under cattle.
10:45–12:55 — Topdress season starts early for many; best efficiency late Jan–March; avoid warm/windy/dewy days that can increase N loss (they cite “blow off 15–25%”).
13:00–16:55 — What if winter doesn’t get cold? Daylength and growth timing; discussion on how wide the N window really is.
17:00–22:10 — OSU NPK blog topic: managing “primordia” (cells-in-prep), not just what you see aboveground.
22:10–25:20 — Corn example: by V6 you’ve set rows/potential kernels; stress/deficiency can reduce grain number.
28:50–41:10 — Main debate: stress vs deficiency, “leaf deficient but not the plant,” and Liebig’s Law barrel analogy.
44:20–48:10 — Genetic vs environmental potential, realized yield; precision vs accuracy; risk aversion (yield loss vs input cost).
49:40–50:17 — Wrap + resources at reddirtagronomy.com.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast features Dr. Beatrix Haggard, an associate professor in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, whose teaching mission is to make sure students know what plant they’re looking at—and how it works. Dr. Haggard walks us through her journey from FFA land judging in Texas to soil science at Tarleton State and LSU, to a regional soil fertility role in the Louisiana Delta, and finally to a teaching-heavy, tenure-track position at OSU. 
Along the way, she explains how those experiences shape how she teaches, from intro plant science to senior seminar, crop judging, and soil morphology.

The crew also explores major shifts in today’s student body and how they change the way agronomy is taught. 
They discuss students working full-time jobs while in school, the rise of pre-vet and ag business majors, the growing number of non-traditional and out-of-state students (from California to New York and Indiana), and why judging teams and hands-on greenhouse work are powerful ways to build confidence and real-world skills. 
If you care about who will be scouting your fields, writing your recs, and leading your ag businesses in 10–20 years, this episode is a great look at how OSU is training that next generation.

Top 10 takeaways

1. Teaching-focused, tenure-track agronomy roles are rare—and powerful.
   Dr. Haggard holds an 85% teaching appointment at a land-grant university, which she describes as a “unicorn” compared to more common research-heavy roles. That lets her invest deeply in core plant and soil courses that hundreds of students pass through every year.
2. Intro plant science at OSU is huge and foundational.
   Plant 1213 serves ~600 students a year, mostly freshmen, and often becomes their first exposure to plant science, agronomy and OSU’s ag culture. What happens in that class heavily influences which majors students choose—and whether they ever consider crops or soils.
3. College is about “learning how to learn,” not just memorizing content.
   Dr. Haggard uses her own career—soil scientist turned crop teacher—to show students that the real value of college is learning how to tackle new subjects and roles. If she can go from soil formation to crop growth stages on the job, they can pivot in their careers too.
4. Judging teams teach life skills: travel, teamwork and resilience.
   Beyond plant and seed ID, crops and soils judging expose students to long trips, new regions and tight-quarters team dynamics. For some, it’s their first time crossing the Mississippi River or even flying. Dr. Haggard jokes it’s a successful trip if everyone is still talking on the way home.
5. Today’s students juggle far more than class.
   Many students work full time, commute home on weekends and carry heavy concurrent credit loads from high school. That changes how instructors design assignments and study expectations—“go to the library all weekend” doesn’t match many students’ realities anymore.
6. OSU agronomy is no longer just rural Oklahoma farm kids.
   The department now attracts students from California, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, New York and beyond, plus metro and suburban areas like Edmond and Oklahoma City. Many arrive with little or no farm background, which reshapes how faculty introduce basic equipment and practices.
7. Ag majors are fluid—pre-vet and ag business are big destinations.
   Dr. Haggard sees many students start in animal science or pre-vet and then migrate to ag business, economics or plant/soil majors once they experience different classes and discover where their interests really lie. Flexibility in degree paths is key.
8. Plain language and memory tricks matter in technical fields.
   Rather than keeping content “unattainable,” Dr. Haggard leans on layman’s terms and memorable phrases like “all cats manage kittens ammonium naturally” to help students retain complex ideas such as the lyotropic series in soil chemistry. Those small tools make a big difference for freshmen.
9. Extension and classroom teaching are two sides of the same coin.
   Josh points out that he loves teaching the same agronomic concepts to two very different audiences: landowners and consultants on the extension side, and students in the classroom. The goals and depth differ, but both are about helping people apply agronomy in real life.
10. Stable, passionate teachers anchor a department.
    Brian notes how important it is for a department to have long-term, high-quality teachers in core classes. With Dr. Haggard and Dr. Abbott, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences has a consistent foundation for teaching the “fundamentals” to every student who comes through the program.
     

Segment Timestamps

00:00–02:00 – Opening & introductions
02:00–06:30 – What Dr. Haggard teaches at OSU
06:30–11:30 – Her path into soils and agronomy
11:30–15:30 – First “real” job & learning crops on the fly
15:30–19:30 – Why she loves teaching
19:30–24:30 – Building a teaching-heavy career at a land-grant
24:30–29:30 – How Josh and Beatrix coordinate teaching
29:30–26:00 – Judging teams and what students gain
26:00–33:30 – How students and learning have changed
33:30–36:35 – Who OSU agronomy students are now & close

RedDirtAgronomy.com

Water is life—especially in the Oklahoma Panhandle. In this episode, the Red Dirt Agronomy team welcomes Dr. Sumit Sharma, OSU Extension’s irrigation specialist, for a wide-ranging discussion on how producers can stretch every drop. 
From pre-watering to planting decisions, Sharma explains how irrigation science is helping producers navigate declining well capacities and unpredictable weather while maintaining strong yields.

The conversation also explores cotton and corn management, growing degree days, and the future of sustainable production in Oklahoma’s High Plains. 
With insights on new technologies, the Master Irrigators program, and the resilience of prairie systems, this episode offers both practical advice and a hopeful look at how farmers can adapt without giving up on the land they love.

10 Takeaways

1. Efficient irrigation is key to sustaining Oklahoma Panhandle agriculture as wells decline.
2. Cotton can thrive with as little as 14 inches of irrigation when managed correctly.
3. Elevation impacts growing degree days, influencing which crops succeed.
4. Pre-watering is vital for establishing crops and managing weeds in sandy soils.
5. Short-maturity cotton varieties may improve harvest success before early freezes.
6. Data and technology (like soil moisture sensors) are transforming irrigation decisions.
7. Regenerative ag and cover crops are helping improve soil health under limited irrigation.
8. Pasture restoration is a long-term solution for lands losing water capacity.
9. The Master Irrigators Program offers farmers education, audits, and financial incentives to conserve water.
10. The Panhandle’s resilience—both ecological and cultural—shows that adaptation is possible even in drought-prone areas.

Timestamped Rundown

00:00–01:00 – Dave Deken opens Episode 426; sets up discussion on irrigation and underground water.
01:00–03:00 – Introductions: Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Raedan Sharry; light humor about breakfast and fieldwork.
03:30–05:00 – Dr. Sharma joins; recap of his background and move from the Panhandle to Stillwater.
05:00–07:00 – Overview of ongoing research: growing corn with limited water, regenerative agriculture, and cotton-water studies.
07:00–10:00 – Explanation of growing degree days (GDDs) and how elevation affects crop heat units in Oklahoma.
10:00–13:00 – Cotton challenges in high elevation areas; water use comparisons between cotton and corn.
13:00–17:00 – Discussion on cotton irrigation timing—why early stress can help root growth.
17:00–21:00 – Cotton varieties (Phytogen 205 vs. 411); balancing short vs. long maturity crops.
21:00–25:00 – GDD model reliability questioned; differences between Panhandle and southern climates.
25:00–29:00 – Deep dive on “pre-watering” in the Panhandle: how much, why, and when.
29:00–32:00 – Millet research and unexpected challenges (birds, pigweed, herbicide limits).
32:00–35:00 – Discussion on drought, soil loss, and reestablishing pasture for sustainability.
35:00–39:00 – Dr. Sharma details the Master Irrigators Program: training, incentives, and upcoming sessions in Altus.
39:00–40:30 – Closing remarks and links to RedDirtAgronomy.com.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The cattle industry is riding high on prices—but running low on cows. 
In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, joins the team to unpack how drought, market cycles, and global trade have shaped today’s record-setting beef economy. 
Peel explains why herd numbers have fallen to their lowest level in 70 years, and why it could take until the end of the decade to rebuild.

From wheat pasture leases to feedlot margins, the discussion dives deep into how grain, forage, and feed costs influence decisions on the ranch. 
The crew also explores producer strategies in a volatile market—from managing risk to making the call on heifer retention. 
Whether you’re a cow-calf producer, stocker operator, or just watching the beef prices at the grocery store, this episode brings timely insight into the complex world of cattle markets.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. U.S. beef cow herd is at a 70-year low—the tightest supply in generations.
2. Cattle prices are at record highs, and analysts expect peaks through 2027.
3. Drought forced widespread liquidation, reducing herds beyond intended levels.
4. Herd rebuilding will be slow—likely taking the rest of the decade.
5. Feedlots benefit from cheap corn, extending feed periods to offset low supplies.
6. Beef demand remains strong, even with expensive retail prices and alternatives available.
7. Ground beef drives the U.S. beef market, making up nearly half of consumption.
8. Imports of lean beef add value to U.S. cattle by balancing fat and lean ratios.
9. Market volatility is a growing risk, making risk management crucial for producers.
10. New producers should proceed cautiously, leasing land or starting small before buying high-priced cattle.

Timestamps

00:00–04:00 – Opening and crop updates from Dr. Josh Lofton: best summer in years, but grain markets are low.
04:00–10:00 – Wheat planting delays, moisture variability, and forage conditions across Oklahoma.
10:00–12:00 – Crop quality nationwide and tie-in to cattle feed and grain prices.
12:00–14:00 – Introduction of Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Livestock Marketing Specialist.
14:00–17:00 – Record-high cattle prices amid record-low inventories.
17:00–20:00 – Feedlots thriving on cheap corn; stocker margins tightening.
20:00–24:00 – Drought’s impact on herd liquidation; slow path to rebuilding.
24:00–28:00 – Consumer beef demand remains strong despite high prices.
28:00–32:00 – Myths about government assistance for herd rebuilding.
32:00–37:00 – Drought cycles, herd age, and long-term herd quality.
37:00–42:00 – Political factors, trade issues, and market volatility.
42:00–47:00 – Ground beef’s crucial role and the importance of imports.
47:00–51:00 – Restaurant beef prices and consumer demand resilience.
51:00–53:00 – Practical advice for new landowners and market timing.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This week, the crew sits down with Jeff Wright of Oklahoma Foundation Seed to trace the wheat seed pipeline—from a few pounds in the breeder’s bag to the certified seed growers buy. 
Jeff opens the hood on a weather‑delayed harvest that still posted only ~5% sprout damage and a 56‑lb test weight on Orange Blossom, then tells the highway‑shoulder saga of backing a combine down I‑44 after a trailer failure. 
He explains the four certified seed classes (breeder → foundation → registered → certified), why purity matters, and how new tools—like fast‑cleaning plot combines and precision planters—help scale a 10–15 lb start into bushels, quicker. 
Agronomy nuggets abound: skip‑row/wide‑row, ~500k seeds/acre targets, and how partnerships from Hutchinson to Stillwater keep seed flowing across the Plains.

Top ten takeaways

1. The seed pipeline exists to protect purity—breeder → foundation → registered → certified—so farmers get exactly the genetics they expect.
2. Even in a rough year, Orange Blossom came off with ~5% sprout damage and 56‑lb test weight, underscoring how management and luck intersect.
3. Logistics are real: after losing two trailer wheels, Jeff literally backed a combine down I‑44 to keep harvest moving.
4. Modern gear speeds purity: a Kincaid research combine can be torn down and cleaned in about 1–1.5 hours(often right in the field).
5. Tiny starts can scale fast: planting 10–15 lb with a research planter can produce bushels the next year and accelerate releases like Scab Striker.
6. Low‑pop, wide/skip‑row wheat works—Jeff often targets ~500,000 seeds/acre and still harvests competitive yields.
7. Trait licensing shapes access: certain lines (e.g., DoubleStop, Strad, CoAXium) are certified‑seed‑only or under special contracts.
8. Cross‑state coordination matters: OSU and K‑State swap seed and use Hutchinson, KS, as a hand‑off to serve customers on both sides of the line.
9. Cold storage and national germplasm archives keep legacy varieties alive for future breeding and rescue.
10. The future’s colorful (literally): purple wheats, higher‑fiber lines, and other innovations are on the horizon.
     

Timestamps:

00:00–00:18 — Sponsor: Oklahoma Wheat Commission; “feeding the world while growing the future.”
00:19–01:20 — Show open, Ep. 424; “lots of wheat going in the ground across the Great Plains.”
01:21–02:16 — Team roll call: Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Raedan Sharry; booth banter.
02:25–03:38 — Meet Jeff Wright, manager of Oklahoma Foundation Seed; recorded at High Plains Journal Live (Wichita).
03:39–04:52 — Harvest chaos: cutting delays; “lost two wheels” off the trailer; backed a combine down I‑44 to solve it.
04:53–06:10 — What Foundation Seed does: maintain purity, scale new releases, and handle more than wheat (barley, oats, rye, peanuts, mung beans, forage grasses).
06:11–08:14 — Weather impact: a late cut still tested ~5% sprout damage and 56 lb test weight on Orange Blossom; theory on staying consistently wet.
08:15–12:26 — Jeff’s 18‑year arc (since 2007): from F2 gleaners and all‑day cleanouts to better logistics and later planting windows.
12:27–15:06 — Launching varieties faster: from Duster’s slow start to handling 15–10 lb starts across many lines.
15:07–17:22 — Research planter tactics: planting ~25 lb over ~2 acres (80 bu the next year) and 15 lb over ~2 acres (later “Scab Striker” at ~90 bu).
18:13–19:32 — Equipment leap: Kincaid seed‑production combine (clean in ~1–1.5 hours in the field) and a small 10‑ft header plot machine (30 minutes, one person).
20:09–21:11 — Seed classes explained: breeder → foundation → registered → certified; most OSU lines can be saved farm‑to‑farm, with traited exceptions (e.g., DoubleStop, Strad, some CoAXium).
21:53–24:26 — How other states do it; crop mixes; Kansas heavy in wheat, Missouri soybeans, Georgia peanuts.
24:37–26:06 — Coordination with K‑State and Kansas Wheat Alliance; swap seed and use Hutchinson as a distribution point.
26:46–28:06 — Facilities: moved into a new building in 2018; goal to hard‑install cleaning equipment (retire the portable setup).
28:36–29:46 — Agronomy: ~500k seeds/acre can still push yield; which plant types handle wider rows/skip rows best (good tillering, wide leaves).
30:09–33:05 — When varieties fade: carryover strategy, hauling to the elevator, and keeping small lots in cold storage; national germplasm backup.
34:33–35:24 — What’s next: purple wheats, high‑fiber lines, and more CoAXium—“exciting changes ahead.”|
36:00–37:30 — Why producer partnerships matter; wrap and contact info

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, we bring you a wheat-packed episode from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita with Aaron Harries of Kansas Wheat. 
Aaron takes us on an incredible journey through the world of wheat in Kansas, including how railroads and immigrant farmers have shaped today’s production, and how cutting-edge research is transforming breeding programs. 
He explains how tools like double haploids and gene editing are speeding up wheat variety development—and why the next decade may be the “golden age” of wheat research.

We also dive into Kansas Wheat’s education and outreach programs. From the targeted insights of Wheat Rx to the economic arguments behind “Beyond the Value of the Grain,” Aaron outlines a comprehensive strategy to support producers and inform decision-makers. 
Add in the pressing threat of wheat streak mosaic virus and how “Fight the Mite” is helping growers combat it, and you've got an episode that’s as informative as it is essential for wheat growers across the Southern Plains.

Key Takeaways

1. Kansas Wheat is at the forefront of modern wheat research, embracing tech like double haploids and gene editing.
2. The Wheat Rx program is transforming how growers receive agronomic prescriptions for varieties.
3. “Beyond the Value of the Grain” highlights the agronomic benefits of wheat in rotations.
4. The “Fight the Mite” campaign is helping fight wheat streak mosaic virus via strategic management.
5. Kansas Wheat’s checkoff program funds research based on farmer priorities.
6. Grazing systems and volunteer wheat require a balance of economic opportunity and disease management.
7. There’s growing collaboration between Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado wheat researchers.
8. GMO wheat could soon help address viral diseases, but market readiness remains an issue.
9. Educating consumers on the health value of wheat is an ongoing challenge, particularly in light of social media myths.
10. Wheat is still vital to food systems—and its importance must be championed through research, outreach, and innovation.
     

Timestamps

00:01:58 – Live from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita
00:02:54 – What's on Your Mind podcast and wheat history
00:06:02 – Aaron’s role with Kansas Wheat and wheat research funding
00:07:38 – Double haploids and advances in wheat breeding
00:12:11 – Wheat Rx program and future of precision agronomy
00:14:16 – “Beyond the Value of the Grain” campaign
00:18:43 – “Fight the Mite” and wheat streak mosaic virus education
00:24:09 – Changes in Kansas Wheat and grower attitudes
00:27:02 – Collaboration across states and universities
00:33:08 – GMO wheat, new markets, and trade outlook
00:36:15 – Educating the public and combating misinformation
00:40:46 – The impact of social media and future outreach

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy podcast, the crew sits down with Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations, to explore how cutting-edge breeding tools are transforming wheat genetics. 
From her Oklahoma upbringing to her role in driving biotech advancement in Kansas, Dusti shares the story of how HPI is helping breeders produce better wheat—faster. 
Using double haploid technology, her team can deliver pure, stable genetic lines in just a year, dramatically reducing development timelines.

Dusti also introduces us to HB4 wheat, the first biotech wheat trait deregulated in the U.S., boasting drought tolerance and herbicide resistance. 
With a strong focus on science-backed innovation and a respect for producers’ concerns about biotech, Dusti and HPI are helping bridge the gap between advanced research and on-farm value. 
Whether you're a grower or just fascinated by crop science, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

1. Double-haploid technology significantly reduces breeding time—often by half.
2. HPI specializes in creating pure wheat lines using early-generation F1 seeds.
3. The corn pollination method is used to initiate the double haploid process.
4. This method ensures genetic consistency without genetic modification.
5. Wheat breeding is catching up to crops like corn in the use of advanced biotech tools.
6. HPI supports both public and private breeding programs across the U.S. and internationally.
7. Speed breeding techniques and environmental controls enhance breeding efficiency.
8. Dusti Gallagher has deep roots in ag policy and wheat industry development.
9. HB4 wheat introduces herbicide resistance and drought tolerance through biotech.
10. HPI is positioning itself to manage biotech traits safely and transparently.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome and High Plains Journal Live intro
00:42 – Meet Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations
03:02 – What is double haploid technology?
06:20 – How HPI cuts wheat breeding timelines in half
08:22 – Speed breeding, single seed descent, and environmental control
10:14 – Who HPI works with and what crops they support
12:38 – Genetic complexity of wheat and challenges in breeding
14:26 – GMO vs. double haploid breeding – clearing up confusion
16:48 – Collaborating with breeders like Brett Carver
18:19 – Dusti’s journey from OSU to HPI
21:03 – Is hybrid wheat finally here?
22:09 – HB4 wheat: The first deregulated biotech trait in U.S. wheat
24:34 – What’s next for biotech in wheat breeding

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This week’s Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast takes us to the heart of innovation in Kansas agriculture. We caught up with Ray Flickner at High Plains Journal Live, where he shared how his fifth-generation farm blends heritage with high-tech. From running three crops in two years to using cover crops for weed suppression and soil health, Ray’s flexible and moisture-conscious approach proves that success isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about adapting with intent.

The highlight? A deep dive into the Rain360 system—a mobile irrigation rig that’s helping Ray make the most of limited water across irregular fields. It’s not just talk; he’s cutting water use by 40% compared to local averages. If you're farming in the Southern Plains or just looking for fresh ideas, this episode delivers practical, tested insights you can take straight to the field.

Key Takeaways 

1. Ray Flickner farms 1,000 acres with a strong focus on irrigation efficiency and strip tilling.
2. He operates with limited livestock in a region where integrating animals is logistically difficult.
3. Ray uses wheat as a functional cover crop to maintain soil health and “living roots.”
4. Cover crop termination timing is critical and must be adapted to seasonal moisture.
5. Rain360 is a mobile, above-ground irrigation system designed for irregular fields and low water flow.
6. The system can deliver both water and nutrients precisely where they’re needed.
7. Subsurface drip irrigation has helped Ray reduce water usage by approximately 40%.
8. Strategic use of irrigation timing and moisture sensors boosts efficiency.
9. The farm serves as a demonstration site for innovative irrigation practices.
10. Ray’s adaptive management style reflects a balance between innovation and practicality.

Timestamps

00:03:06 – Introduction to Ray Flickner and his background
00:04:25 – Ray’s family farm history and crop rotation strategy
00:07:04 – Strip tilling advantages and fertilizer placement
00:08:32 – Managing three crops in two years with limited moisture
00:10:58 – Cover crop strategies and moisture-driven termination decisions
00:14:41 – Installing and operating the Rain360 irrigation system
00:20:00 – Water efficiency challenges with limited aquifer access
00:26:49 – Beta testing setbacks and successes with new irrigation tech
00:30:26 – Subsurface drip irrigation’s impact on sustainability
00:31:47 – Closing thoughts and reflections on farming innovation

RedDirtAgronomy.com

This episode hits the road to Wichita, Kansas, where the Red Dirt Agronomy team joins High Plains Journal Live and connects with growers, ag researchers, and industry leaders from across Oklahoma and Kansas. 
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte, joins the crew to share invaluable insights on wheat variety development, global markets, and the innovative ways Oklahoma State University's wheat breeding programs are shaping the future of the crop.

From dual-purpose wheat suited for both grain and grazing, to tackling issues like wheat streak mosaic virus, Mike explains how Oklahoma’s public wheat research and producer-led funding are creating solutions for modern farming challenges. 
He also touches on exciting progress in high-fiber wheat development aimed at improving health outcomes, and how the commission balances wheat as a commodity and a specialized product. 
If you're interested in market shifts, consumer trends, or how OSU is leading wheat innovation, this is a can't-miss conversation.

Key Takeaways

1. Oklahoma wheat breeders are releasing more varieties annually than most public programs nationwide.
2. The "Breakthrough" variety is helping farmers manage wheat streak mosaic virus.
3. OSU is the only U.S. institution actively breeding wheat for grazing-grain dual purpose.
4. High-fiber wheat is being developed to tackle major health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
5. U.S. wheat, including Oklahoma’s, is regaining global competitiveness thanks to favorable pricing.
6. Mexico remains Oklahoma’s top wheat market, with Ecuador and Peru growing fast.
7. The Commission supports clean-label initiatives by reducing gluten additives through better breeding.
8. Over 60% of Oklahoma wheat is expected to enter the export market this year.
9. Wheat marketing now focuses more on quality and end-use differentiation than in the past.
10. Publicly funded wheat research enables innovation tailored to Oklahoma’s unique conditions.
     

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro from the High Plains Journal Live event
00:57 – Meet Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission
03:37 – Importance of showing up in Kansas: reaching more Oklahoma wheat producers
05:02 – Oklahoma Genetics wheat varieties and their adaptation ranges
06:15 – Breakthrough wheat for wheat streak mosaic virus control
07:54 – How the Commission’s mission evolved over 18 years
09:45 – Cleaner labels and gluten sensitivities: breeding better wheat
11:04 – Explaining wheat as a commodity vs. specialized crop
13:47 – Quality testing and how wheat samples are tracked
15:08 – International market expansion in Central and South America
17:07 – Why U.S. wheat is now competitive again globally
19:36 – Export vs. domestic usage percentages for Oklahoma wheat
22:16 – Grazing grain varieties and beef integration
25:08 – Public vs. private wheat research and OSU’s impact

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast team traveled to Wichita for High Plains Journal Live, where they sat down with Dr. Shannon Ferrell of Oklahoma State University. In this lively conversation, 
Dr. Ferrell dives deep into the realities of farm succession planning, from the traditional “farm kid vs. city kid” dilemma to the increasingly common “no heirs returning” challenge. 
He explains how recent legislative changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” affect payment limits for LLCs, estate tax exemptions, and spousal portability—critical details for farm families planning their future.

The discussion also turns toward energy, with a look at the booming solar industry, the economics of battery storage, and what the phase-out of renewable tax credits might mean for rural Oklahoma. 
Dr. Ferrell offers a bold proposal for modernizing transmission easement compensation, encouraging landowner participation in much-needed infrastructure projects. 
Whether you’re thinking about passing down your farm or eyeing new opportunities in renewable energy, this episode is packed with insights you can use.


Key Takeaways

1. Farm transition planning is shifting from farm kid vs. city kid challenges to situations where no heirs return to the operation.
2. LLCs can now receive combined payment limits for partners, removing a barrier to certain succession structures.
3. Estate tax exemption rises to $15M per individual in 2026, with spousal portability ensuring up to $30M passes tax-free.
4. Gift tax exclusions allow $19,000 per person annually without impacting the unified credit.
5. Renewable energy development in Oklahoma remains strong despite upcoming tax credit phase-outs.
6. Solar power costs have plummeted globally, with innovative uses emerging.
7. Battery storage is now economically viable, making renewable power dispatchable.
8. Phase-out of federal tax credits may alter investment patterns but likely won’t halt projects.
9. Transmission easement models may need modernization to include ongoing revenue for landowners.
10. Distributed generation could reduce long-distance transmission needs, but grid resilience still requires infrastructure expansion.

00:00 – Live from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, KS
02:00 – Introducing the Dream Team of Dirt
03:15 – Dr. Shannon Ferrell’s summer speaking tour highlights
04:39 – Farm succession planning: Farm kid vs. city kid dilemma
06:32 – No heirs returning: options for farm asset transitions
08:14 – “One Big Beautiful Bill” and changes to payment limits for LLCs
09:14 – Estate tax updates and spousal portability explained
13:49 – Gift tax rules and unified credit in farm succession
15:15 – Tax provisions that impact transition planning
15:46 – Renewable energy development: wind, solar, and batteries
18:08 – Phase-out of renewable energy tax credits and industry impacts
20:36 – Battery storage economics and dispatchable power
22:15 – Tariffs, supply chains, and domestic manufacturing for energy tech
25:18 – Transmission easements and incentivizing landowners
27:38 – Distributed generation and grid resilience
28:21 – Wrapping up the Summer Ferrell Tour

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