In Episode 412 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, the team is joined by Mark Hodges, Executive Director of Oklahoma Genetics Inc., for a deep dive into the vital link between OSU wheat research and Oklahoma producers. 
With decades of experience in both academia and the private sector, Mark outlines how OGI ensures OSU’s cutting-edge wheat varieties reach producers and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The episode highlights the impact of Dr. Brett Carver’s nationally and internationally recognized breeding work, the growing emphasis on quality traits, and the importance of adapting to Oklahoma’s diverse wheat production environments. 
Listeners will gain insight into how public breeding programs like OSU’s can compete with private industry while delivering real-world value to producers both in Oklahoma and beyond.
 

10 Takeaways

1. OGI plays a vital role in connecting OSU wheat research to producers through variety promotion and licensing.
2. Dr. Brett Carver’s leadership has transformed OSU’s wheat breeding into an internationally respected program.
3. Quality traits like milling and baking performance are increasingly important in wheat breeding.
4. OSU wheat varieties dominate Oklahoma’s planting landscape, covering around 70% of acreage.
5. The breeding program incorporates feedback from both producers and end users, including millers and bakers.
6. OGI reinvests its revenues into OSU’s research programs, supporting long-term innovation.
7. Wheat production strategies vary across Oklahoma, from dryland to irrigated and forage-focused systems.
8. New varieties are developed with specific markets and applications in mind, not just general use.
9. Oklahoma wheat has a global footprint, with exports reaching markets across multiple continents.
10. The future of wheat breeding is bright, with continued innovation tailored to producer profitability.

00:00 – Welcome and intro to the episode’s focus
02:00 – Meet Mark Hodges, Executive Director of OGI
04:00 – The critical role of Dr. Brett Carver in wheat breeding
06:30 – How OGI supports OSU’s wheat program
08:00 – Industry-driven improvements in variety development
10:00 – Adapting to Oklahoma’s diverse wheat-growing conditions
13:00 – The dominance of OSU-bred varieties in Oklahoma fields
17:00 – The rising importance of specialty traits and end-user feedback
20:00 – Success in Texas and beyond
23:00 – Looking ahead: The future of OGI and wheat breeding

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This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy podcast, the "Doctor's of Dirt, & Everything That Grows From It" talk about the southwest corner of the state—where the cotton fields stretch wide and the water’s been mighty scarce. 
Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, and Dave Deken catch up with Maxwell Smith, the IPM specialist working boots-on-the-ground in Altus. 
Maxwell breaks down the unique challenges of farming cotton in a region where irrigation depends on the Lake Lugert-Altus canal system—and where just a few inches of water can make or break your season.

They talk through the nuts and bolts of the irrigation setup, why cotton works (when it works), and what’s pushing some farmers to roll the dice on dryland corn. 
You’ll also hear why herbicide resistance is bringing back “old-school” weed control, how new cotton trait tech like ThriveOn is changing early-season insect control, and what the future looks like for peanuts in Caddo County. 
If you grow cotton, peanuts, or anything under hot skies and dry dirt, this episode's got your name on it.

[00:00–02:00] Max Smith on Altus, cotton, and canal-fed irrigation

[03:00–06:00] Allocation math, irrigation upgrades, and lining the ditches

[06:30–10:30] Cotton economics, price drops, and crop-switching trends

[11:00–16:00] IPM 101: Bugs, weeds, and managing the early season

[16:30–20:00] Trait tech: What’s working, what’s not, and what’s next

[20:30–24:00] Rotation talk: Corn, cotton, and keeping weeds guessing

[24:30–29:00] Peanuts in Oklahoma: acreage trends, water woes, and weeds

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Get ready for a boots-on-the-ground update straight from the Oklahoma wheat fields! Dave Deken, Dr. Brian Arnall, and Dr. Raedan Sharry sit down with Dr. Amanda Silva at the Chickasha Research Station to talk all things wheat — from field day opportunities, intensive and traditional management strategies, to the latest on planting dates, nitrogen management, and the importance of first hollow stem timing. 
They dive into how small changes in management can make or break a wheat crop, especially after a rollercoaster weather year.

Hear the latest research insights, the real-world challenges facing Oklahoma wheat growers this season, and how producers are using tools like text updates to stay informed. 
Whether you’re in the tractor, scouting fields, or planning for next season, this episode is packed with practical knowledge, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way.

Timestamps for the Episode

00:00 – Welcome from Chickasha Research Station and intro to field day insights
00:39 – Dr. Arnall: Why field days matter for producers and researchers
01:49 – Dr. Silva: Learning from producers and adjusting research
02:07 – Discussing wheat varieties and intensive vs. traditional management
03:51 – Stripe rust impacts and the power of fungicide management
06:04 – Making fungicide decisions in stressed wheat crops
08:06 – Current wheat conditions across Oklahoma
10:57 – Planting struggles and recovery after heavy rains
12:20 – Weed challenges and herbicide timing issues
13:32 – Planting date research: Extending the season into December
14:56 – Seeding rate findings and adjusting nitrogen management
20:39 – Yield surprises from delayed planting dates
22:23 – First Hollow Stem timing and management strategies
26:44 – New text alert system for Oklahoma wheat producers
30:15 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

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This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, we dig into an exciting alternative crop with real potential for Southern Plains producers—camelina. Host Dave Deken is joined by Amanda Duvall and the Red Dirt dream team—Dr. Josh Lofton and Dr. Raedan Sharry—for an eye-opening discussion on how camelina is reshaping crop rotation conversations. From its weed control benefits and wide planting window to its growing market in sustainable aviation fuel, this oilseed crop is gaining serious ground.

Whether you're battling failed wheat acres, chasing new income streams, or simply exploring agronomic flexibility, camelina might just be your new go-to. Amanda breaks down the crop's adaptability to various tillage systems, its drought tolerance, and how it integrates with grazing and cover crop strategies. With harvesting before wheat and low input requirements, it’s a crop that offers profitability without complexity.

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Join us as we explore Jessica’s inspiring journey from eastern Oklahoma to becoming an integral part of a diversified farming operation in the northwest. 
She shares her experience transitioning from the wetter, more humid climate of eastern Oklahoma to the drier conditions of the west, adapting to new challenges in soil health, crop insurance trends, and unpredictable weather patterns. 
With deep roots in agriculture, Jessica and her husband, Clint, have grown their operation while raising a family that values hard work and the land.

We also dive into the benefits of no-till farming, how soil conservation plays a key role in long-term sustainability, and what it takes to balance farming, family, and a career in crop insurance. 
Jessica reflects on her time at the assessor’s office, where she gained valuable insights into her new community in Major County. Plus, we reminisce about our days working together at OSU under Dr. Karen Hickman. 

Don’t miss Jessica’s take on the power of networking among producers and how changing weather patterns continue to shape the future of agriculture in Oklahoma.

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Connecting Dietitians with Agriculture: Sherri organizes tours for dietitians to farms and feed yards, providing firsthand experience of agricultural practices. This helps them understand the full lifecycle of food production.

These tours give dietitians confidence in recommending products because they've seen how they're produced. It's about telling the true story of agriculture and nutrition.

Addressing Fears and Misconceptions: Sherri creates a safe environment for dietitians to ask questions about agriculture, no matter how basic they may seem. This open dialogue is crucial for dispelling myths and building trust.

By addressing concerns head-on, Sherri helps bridge the gap between agriculture and nutrition, fostering a more informed perspective among health professionals.

The Humanization of Agriculture: Meeting the people behind the food makes a significant impact. When dietitians connect with farmers and ranchers, they see the human element, making agriculture more approachable.

This personal connection helps to counteract negative perceptions of "big ag" and industrial farming, highlighting the dedication and care that goes into food production.

Building Confidence in Food Recommendations: After participating in Sherri's tours, dietitians report a significant increase in their confidence in recommending products like beef. This is due to the positive experiences and education they receive.

Providing dietitians with accurate information and firsthand experiences empowers them to make informed recommendations, benefiting both their clients and the agricultural community.

Sustainable Nutrition for Farmers and Ranchers: Sherri works with farmers and ranchers to improve their long-term health through personalized nutrition coaching. She understands their unique challenges, such as long hours and limited access to grocery stores.

By focusing on sustainable, long-term solutions rather than restrictive diets, Sherri helps her clients make healthier choices that fit their lifestyles, enabling them to enjoy a better quality of life.

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What We Learned In This Episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast

The Importance of Delivery Points: Producers need accessible locations to deliver diverse products like white wheat, mung beans, and sesame. Without these nearby delivery points, it's unrealistic to expect them to participate in niche markets.

Having accessible delivery points is crucial for producers, especially for specialty crops. Producers need a place to deliver their products quickly and efficiently during harvest.

Bridging the Gap Between Agriculture and Food: One of the biggest challenges is connecting production agriculture with the food industry. Farmers think in bulk, but the food business requires consistent supply and specific standards.

Bridging the gap between agriculture and the food industry involves addressing differences in how each operates. Farmers typically deal in bulk, while the food industry needs a consistent, year-round supply that meets specific safety and quality standards.

The Role of Infrastructure: Infrastructure, especially cold storage, is critical for family farms building direct-to-consumer beef programs. The lack of available infrastructure in rural areas is a significant bottleneck.

Infrastructure, particularly cold storage, is essential for family farms aiming to sell beef directly to consumers. The scarcity of such infrastructure in rural areas poses a major challenge.

The Consumer's Growing Interest: Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from and are seeking cleaner ingredients. This trend presents an opportunity for local and regional food systems.

Consumers are showing more interest in the origins of their food and are actively seeking cleaner, healthier options. This growing awareness creates a significant opportunity for local and regional agriculture.

The Franchisable Ecosystem Model: The model Brady is developing—small ecosystems with post-farm infrastructure, delivery points, and value-added processing—can be replicated across the country.

Brady's approach of creating small, localized ecosystems with essential infrastructure can be scaled and replicated nationwide. This model supports local agriculture by adding value to specialty crops.

The Need for Risk Management: Managing risk is crucial, especially with specialty crops that lack traditional futures contracts. Hedging through contracts with the next point in the supply chain is essential.

Effective risk management is vital, particularly for specialty crops without established futures contracts. Securing contracts further down the supply chain helps mitigate potential losses.

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We discussed the current state of wheat crops in Oklahoma and the exciting new wheat variety, "Orange Blossom," developed by OSU's Wheat Improvement Team. Dr. Carver's insights into wheat breeding and genetics are particularly enlightening, especially regarding the balance between innovation and practical application for farmers.

Oklahoma Crop Conditions: The fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels have created a mixed bag for wheat crops across Oklahoma. Some areas are showing decent growth, while others are struggling due to early freezes.
It's crucial for farmers to monitor their fields closely and adjust management practices accordingly to mitigate stress and optimize growth.

Introducing "Orange Blossom": Dr. Carver introduced the new wheat variety, "Orange Blossom," which is inspired by the successful "Double Stop" variety.
This new variety aims to maintain high yield potential while offering herbicide tolerance, making it a valuable option for farmers seeking improved weed control.

Advancements in Wheat Breeding: The use of DNA markers and double haploids has significantly accelerated the wheat breeding process.
These techniques allow for more efficient and effective development of new varieties, ensuring that farmers have access to the best possible genetics.

Market Potential of Hybrid Wheat: We discussed the potential market for hybrid wheat and the challenges associated with its adoption.
Dr. Carver emphasized that significant yield improvements are necessary to encourage farmers to transition from traditional varieties to hybrids, highlighting the importance of economic viability in agricultural innovation.

Importance of Certified Seed: The conversation underscored the benefits of using certified seed to ensure genetic purity and maximize yield potential.
Investing in certified seed can provide farmers with a reliable source of high-quality genetics, leading to improved crop performance and profitability.

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Wheat production has evolved dramatically since the 1960s. New seed technologies and farming practices have transformed yields and quality. Embracing change is key to thriving in Oklahoma's agriculture.

What We Learned From Our Chat With Don:

- The transition from older wheat varieties to newer ones has significantly improved yield and quality.
- Precision farming techniques, such as auto-steering and section control, have transformed wheat farming efficiency.
- Don's seed cleaning business illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit within agriculture, stemming from a personal need.
- Community ties and educational contributions play a vital role in the agricultural sector.
- Shifts to no-till farming practices have become standard, promoting sustainability in wheat production.
Don's experiences as a football referee provide a unique perspective on community involvement and resilience.

Wheat Varieties

Don discussed the transition from older wheat varieties like Newton and Triumph 64 to newer ones such as Double Stop and High Cotton. This shift has led to notable improvements in both yield and quality, showcasing the importance of innovation in agriculture.

Technological Advancements

The introduction of precision farming techniques, including auto-steering and section control, has revolutionized wheat farming. These advancements allow farmers to operate more efficiently, reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Seed Cleaning Business

Don's venture into seed cleaning began with a personal need and grew into a successful business. His story illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives many in the agricultural sector, highlighting how personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions.

Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Don shared anecdotes about community events, such as waffle parties, that strengthen relationships among local farmers. This sense of community is vital in agriculture, fostering collaboration and support.

Important Quote from Don Schieber

"I don't like making money off of other people's disasters." - Don Schieber reflecting on global wheat markets.

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In this episode, we talked with Jerry May about:

The Evolution of Precision Agriculture: Explore the shift from basic soil sampling to advanced data collection and analysis.

Custom Farming Services: Understand the rise of custom planting and application services in response to high equipment costs and an aging farmer demographic.

Crop Rotation and Diversification: Learn about the benefits of diverse crop rotations, including winter canola and cotton, to enhance yields and manage risks.

Hear from Jerry May, founder of May Precision Ag, as he shares his journey from working with John Deere to establishing a successful custom farming business. We also discuss how market dynamics, such as cattle prices and wheat production, influence farmers' decisions.

Key takeaways include:

The average age of U.S. farmers is around 71 years, driving the trend towards custom farming services.

Wheat yields can increase by 15-20% when rotated with winter canola.

Don't miss out on this informative episode! If you find value in our discussions, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more insights on agriculture and farming practices. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more resources mentioned in this episode, check out our website.

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