Wheat's On Your Mind

Host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin sit down with Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, to discuss farm profitability, federal policy, and the value of farmers speaking for themselves. 
Raised on a Pennsylvania grain and cattle farm, Kieffer shares how military service and a career with Farm Bureau shaped his approach to representing wheat growers.
Recorded September 30, 2026, this conversation captures his perspective on the farm bill debate at that time. 
It also looks beyond legislation to the research, relationships, and demand-building efforts that support wheat’s future.

In this episode:
• Why Kieffer sees a completed farm bill as a source of certainty, even though it cannot solve every input-cost problem.
• How wheat organizations connect policy advocacy, export development, and grower education.
• Why regional wheat challenges make land-grant research and continued breeding investment so important.
• How biofuels and diversified cropping systems fit into Kansas wheat’s profitability conversation.
• What farmers can bring to a meeting with elected officials to make the economics of their operation clear.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00:00 — Opening: Why Wheat Needs a Farm Bill
00:00:24 — Introducing NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer
00:01:34 — Justin Gilpin Joins the Conversation
00:01:56 — Pennsylvania Farm Roots and Family Transition
00:02:44 — Scouting, Military Service, and September 11
00:04:31 — From Farm Bureau to Wheat Advocacy
00:07:43 — Careers That Started With Newspaper Ads
00:08:59 — NAWG’s Priorities: Growers, Growth, and Policy
00:13:13 — How Wheat Organizations Work Together
00:13:58 — Profitability, Export Programs, and Grower Education
00:17:31 — The Farm Bill Outlook at Recording
00:17:55 — Congressional Hurdles and Wheat Policy Priorities
00:21:50 — What Another Farm Bill Delay Could Mean
00:23:39 — Input Costs and Competing Commodity Priorities
00:24:01 — Food Security and Rural Prosperity
00:25:44 — The Challenge of Investing With Tight Margins
00:27:48 — Kansas Cropping Systems, Ethanol, and 45Z
00:29:06 — Why Wheat Needs Public Research
00:32:02 — Kansas Wheat Innovation Center and Research Leadership
00:32:49 — What Farmers Should Tell Elected Officials
00:33:10 — Bring Fuel Receipts and Crop Contracts
00:34:16 — Bridge Assistance and Building Political Relationships
00:36:42 — Closing Conversation
00:37:04 — Listener Questions and Episode Resources

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas wheat has a remarkable history, and 100 episodes of Wheat’s On Your Mind reveal how farmers, researchers, and industry leaders continue to shape its future.

Host Aaron Harries and producer Dave Deken celebrate the podcast's 100th episode by revisiting memorable conversations from four seasons of Kansas wheat storytelling. From the arrival of Turkey Red wheat and breakthroughs in wheat genetics to farm families rebuilding after devastating storms, this episode highlights the history, science, and resilience behind Kansas agriculture. Listeners will also hear how wheat producers are creating new markets for their grain and why international trade remains essential to the state's agricultural economy.

Key takeaways:

• Discover how Mennonite settlers, Turkey Red wheat, and changing milling technology influenced Kansas wheat production.
• Learn why researchers are working to increase wheat protein without sacrificing grain yield.
• Hear how a Kansas farm family survived a devastating tornado and experienced the strength of rural community support.
• Explore new opportunities for wheat through value-added products, including spirits produced from farm-grown grain.
• Understand why export markets, agricultural policy, and preserving wheat history matter to Kansas producers.

Detailed Timestamped Episode Rundown

This rundown follows the transcript and can be used as a guide for listeners, website chapters, or podcast show notes.

00:00–00:42 — Opening Highlights
The episode begins with a collection of memorable clips from past interviews.
Listeners hear comments about Kansas wheat exports, a farm family's experience during a devastating tornado, and a Kansas distillery using wheat in its products.
The opening establishes the breadth of the podcast's coverage, from global markets to personal stories and agricultural innovation.

00:42–01:27 — Celebrating 100 Episodes
Aaron Harries welcomes listeners to the 100th episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind.
He introduces Dave Deken, the producer responsible for recording and editing the program, and recognizes his contributions to the podcast.
Together, they begin reflecting on reaching 100 episodes and the experiences they have shared along the way.

01:27–02:33 — Four Seasons of Kansas Wheat Conversations
Dave explains that the milestone came to his attention while working on improvements to the podcast website.
He reflects on the remarkable range of guests interviewed over four seasons, including U.S. senators, scientists studying the wheat genome, breeders, producers, and international agricultural representatives.
Aaron explains that the variety of interviews reflects the enormous scope of the wheat industry.

02:33–03:46 — Turkey Red Wheat and the Mennonite Legacy
Aaron remembers one of his favorite conversations, an interview with Glenn Ediger about Mennonite settlers and the introduction of Turkey Red wheat.
The historical discussion explains how hard winter wheat required changes in milling technology.
Traditional millstones used for softer wheat were not ideally suited to processing hard winter wheat. The development of steel roller milling helped make the grain more practical for flour production.
Aaron considers this a foundational story for understanding the Kansas wheat industry.

03:46–05:12 — From Wheat History to Modern Biotechnology
The conversation moves from agricultural history to modern wheat research.
Aaron and Dave discuss how wheat science has advanced, including work taking place at universities and in the private sector.
Aaron explains that one of the podcast's important responsibilities is translating highly technical research into information the broader agricultural community can understand.

05:12–06:04 — Improving Wheat Protein Without Sacrificing Yield
A previously recorded conversation with wheat researcher Mary Guttieri Ph.D. highlights an important challenge in wheat breeding.
She describes her work with emmer-derived wheat materials and explains that her goal is to produce commercially competitive yields while improving grain protein.
She discusses previous work with a grain protein concentration gene that increased protein by approximately 0.7 percentage points but resulted in a grain yield reduction of about 3%.
The example illustrates why improvements in wheat quality must be evaluated alongside their effects on yield.

06:04–06:46 — A Golden Age of Wheat Research
Aaron compares modern wheat genetics to working with the basic building blocks of a Lego set.
Researchers are learning how individual genetic components influence the performance and characteristics of wheat.
He expresses optimism about the possibilities for future breakthroughs and describes the current period as an exciting time for wheat research.
Aaron also encourages listeners to suggest topics and guests for future programs.

06:46–07:35 — Farm Families and Agricultural Traditions
Dave highlights the importance of conversations with everyday Kansas wheat producers.
Aaron discusses wheat as a family tradition, with farms and agricultural knowledge passing from generation to generation.
These interviews preserve the history of family operations and reveal how farming practices, relationships, and lessons change over time.

07:35–09:58 — The Wood Family's Tornado Survival Story
The hosts revisit a particularly emotional conversation with Ken and Deb Wood.
Their farm near Chapman, Kansas, was devastated by a tornado.
Ken recalls trying to reach the farm, navigating blocked roads, and ultimately finding Deb safe.
The family describes the shock of seeing the destruction and the assistance they received from emergency responders and neighbors.
Aaron and Dave reflect on the strength of rural communities and the willingness of agricultural families to help one another during difficult circumstances.

09:58–11:43 — Beyond Flour: New Uses for Kansas Wheat
The conversation turns to industrial and value-added uses for wheat.
Aaron and Dave revisit an interview with Hayes Kelman of Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City, Kansas.
Kelman explains that the distillery uses grains grown on the farm to produce its spirits.
The discussion includes a vodka made with 100% wheat and a bourbon using 51% corn and 49% wheat.
The interview provides an example of how farmers can participate in businesses that transform agricultural commodities into finished products.

11:43–12:12 — Innovation Starts With Farmers
Aaron connects the Boot Hill Distillery story to the larger importance of innovation in agriculture.
He explains that innovation is not limited to research laboratories or universities.
Farmers regularly develop new ideas, products, and approaches that create opportunities for their operations.

12:12–13:06 — Senator Jerry Moran on Agricultural Trade
Aaron and Dave discuss the value of bringing policymakers onto the podcast.
A previously recorded clip features U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran discussing the importance of global markets to Kansas.
Moran describes Kansas as an export-dependent state and explains that wheat, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy all contribute to an economy connected to customers beyond its borders.
The conversation reinforces why international market access matters to agricultural producers.

13:06–13:58 — Preserving the History of Kansas Agriculture
Aaron explains that the podcast serves an additional purpose beyond providing industry information.
It is becoming a historical archive.
He recalls interviewing former Grain and Feed Association leader Tom Tunnell and explains how recorded conversations preserve experiences that future generations might otherwise never hear.
The podcast provides a way to document personal experiences, industry knowledge, and agricultural history digitally.

13:58–15:08 — Dream Guests for the Next 100 Episodes
Dave asks Aaron whom he would most like to interview in future episodes.
Aaron mentions historical figures he wishes he could have interviewed, including Norman Borlaug, associated with the Green Revolution, and former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.
He also expresses interest in interviewing farmers who have experienced many decades of wheat harvests.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue featuring influential agricultural leaders and individuals who can help tell wheat's story to broader audiences.

15:08–15:59 — A Searchable Archive of 100 Episodes
Dave explains that listeners can find previous episodes through wheatsonyourmind.com.
The website allows audiences to search the archive for particular subjects and conversations.
The hosts reflect on their partnership and express enthusiasm about continuing the podcast.

15:59–16:20 — Closing and Listener Invitation
Aaron thanks Dave for his work and encourages listeners to share the podcast.
He invites listeners to suggest future subjects or submit questions for guests by emailing [email protected].
The episode concludes with the podcast's closing music.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

A quieter wheat market doesn’t mean the opportunities—or risks—have disappeared.

Mike O’Dea of StoneX joins host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin to examine where wheat prices could go next. They discuss the correction in Kansas City futures, Black Sea shipping disruptions, global wheat demand, milling-quality supplies and why basis may strengthen before futures make their next major move. O’Dea also explains what improved Southern Plains moisture, potential acreage increases and a developing El Niño could mean for wheat producers.

Key takeaways:

• Black Sea shipping remains a major source of uncertainty, even as Russian and Ukrainian wheat continues reaching world markets.
• Hard wheat basis could strengthen as farmer selling slows and mill demand increases.
• Improved moisture could encourage more wheat planting—but strong corn economics may limit harvested wheat acres.
• Global demand and production in Europe, South America, China and India could become increasingly important moving toward spring.

• Forward contracts and options can help producers protect opportunities, but Southern Plains production risk remains an important consideration.

  Detailed Timestamped Rundown

  00:00 – El Niño and the long-range weather outlook
  Mike O’Dea opens with an optimistic comparison to the late 1990s, when U.S. wheat yields were strong, while noting today’s wheat acreage is considerably smaller.
  00:23 – Wheat market outlook
  Aaron Harries introduces O’Dea and asks where the wheat market stands following continued volatility.
  01:12 – Futures correction and Black Sea exports
  O’Dea explains why the pullback in Kansas City futures did not surprise him. Russian and Ukrainian exports remain central to the global wheat outlook.
  02:24 – Global demand and European wheat
  The conversation shifts to weak demand, European cash values and the possibility that demand strengthens during the winter.
  04:00 – Basis, spreads and futures
  O’Dea argues that basis and spreads may lead the next move in hard wheat before flat futures prices respond.
  05:00 – Rain and wheat acreage
  Major precipitation across Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado improves the production outlook. O’Dea estimates hard wheat acres could rise about 5%, while soft wheat acreage could increase more.
  06:25 – Hard wheat balance sheets
  Reduced exports and increased spring wheat use make the old-crop hard wheat balance sheet look relatively loose.
  07:47 – “Black Sea fatigue”
  O’Dea describes how markets have become less responsive to repeated Black Sea headlines and discusses speculative fund positions.
  09:10 – Could KC wheat see fireworks?
  Market spreads still leave room for volatility, but O’Dea stresses that futures are often the last piece to move.
  09:27 – Farmers largely stop selling
  O’Dea estimates a large share of the Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado crop has already been bought, leaving fewer natural sellers on another rally.
  10:26 – Milling-quality wheat supplies
  The group examines hard red winter wheat, spring wheat and Canadian quality. Kansas produced good-quality wheat, although total bushels were limited.
  12:33 – Spring basis opportunities
  O’Dea explains why tightening farmer ownership and stronger mill demand could support hard wheat basis during the spring.
  13:24 – Export opportunities
  Potential non-Black Sea demand could improve the U.S. export picture, while French wheat is already moving into markets such as Yemen.
  14:07 – Middle East and China demand
  Middle Eastern buying and China’s potential need for blending wheat become important wild cards.
  16:03 – South America and El Niño
  Poorer Brazilian quality, Argentina’s crop and the developing El Niño pattern could alter global trade and production.
  17:50 – Why 1997–99 matters
  O’Dea points to strong historical U.S. yields during those years as an encouraging weather comparison.
  18:03 – Kansas planting and moisture
  Gilpin discusses slow planting, strong seed demand and replenished soil moisture following recent rains.
  19:23 – Producers captured the rally
  O’Dea says farmers did a good job taking advantage of higher July wheat pricing opportunities.
  19:36 – Input costs and wheat versus corn
  Higher diesel and other costs reinforce the need to evaluate total return per acre. Better moisture could also encourage some producers to switch intended wheat acres to corn.
  20:07 – Forward pricing in the Southern Plains
  The discussion turns to production risk and why dryland Southern Plains growers are often hesitant to forward contract too much production.
  20:55 – Options and risk management
  O’Dea discusses puts, calls and other strategies that can offer price protection without committing too much uncertain production.
  21:38 – Regional differences in farmer selling
  Soft wheat, spring wheat and soft white wheat growers behave differently because of storage, cropping systems and local basis.
  22:20 – Watch commercial buying
  O’Dea identifies commercial positions as an important indicator. A shift toward commercial buying can provide an early clue that the market is changing.
  23:00 – Closing thoughts
  Harries and Gilpin thank O’Dea and close the episode.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

After a brutal wheat harvest and another difficult year for farm economics, why keep planting wheat? For northwest Kansas farmer Mike McClellan, part of the answer is simple: wheat still has a job to do.

McClellan farms in Rooks and Graham counties and serves on the Kansas Wheat Commission and U.S. Wheat Associates boards. He joins Aaron Harries to discuss how his operation has changed since he returned to the farm in 1994, when roughly 80% of its crop acres were wheat, compared with about 20% today.

The conversation also looks beyond McClellan Farms. Mike explains what he has learned about international wheat markets, why export development matters to Kansas producers, how wheat quality affects customers and why passing a farm to the next generation can be especially difficult during years when the economics simply don't work.

Key takeaways:

• McClellan Farms has shifted from roughly 80% wheat acres in 1994 to about 20% in recent years as rotations have diversified.
• Wheat remains important for crop rotation and residue, even when it isn't the most profitable crop on its own.
• The 2026 crop fell far enough below expectations that McClellan had to buy out some forward contracts.
• Serving with U.S. Wheat Associates changed McClellan's view of the value of developing long-term relationships with overseas wheat customers.
• Farm succession becomes harder when several difficult years make it challenging to bring the next generation into an ownership position.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00–01:20 — Meet Mike McClellan
Aaron introduces Plainville farmer and Kansas Wheat Commissioner Mike McClellan. The cold open recalls McClellan’s memorable introduction to the Commission: a contentious meeting over Innovation Center construction costs followed by a groundbreaking at his second meeting.
01:20–03:03 — A family tradition of agricultural leadership
McClellan discusses his father Bob’s involvement with the Kansas Wheat Commission and conservation organizations. Mike later followed him onto the Rooks County Conservation Board.
03:03–04:19 — His mother and the Wheat Hearts
The family’s wheat connection included Mike’s mother, Jo Eva, and her involvement with the Kansas Wheat Hearts. Mike recalls her bread baking — particularly a memorable cheese bread recipe.
04:19–05:25 — More than a century on the land
McClellan discusses the family farm’s history, including property dating to around 1906 and his grandfather’s work as a stonemason.
05:25–06:16 — A wheat harvest worth forgetting
The conversation moves to farming in Rooks and Graham counties and the difficult 2026 harvest. McClellan says he contracted what he thought would be roughly one-third of expected production but ultimately had to buy out some contracts.
06:16–07:24 — From 80% wheat to 20%
When McClellan returned in 1994, he estimates approximately 80% of the operation’s crop acres were wheat. Today it is around 20%, with corn, milo and soybeans incorporated into the rotation. Summer fallow has largely disappeared from the operation.
07:24–08:44 — Why experiment with spring wheat?
McClellan explains that spring wheat offered another way to work wheat stubble into the rotation ahead of fall crops. Although he doesn't necessarily consider spring wheat profitable by itself, its rotational value matters. He has also found markets that sometimes paid a premium over winter wheat.
08:44–10:07 — Joining the Kansas Wheat Commission
McClellan explains why community involvement and his father’s example eventually led him to the Commission in 2011.
10:07–12:07 — Betting on the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center
McClellan recalls joining the board just as construction costs for the Innovation Center became a contentious issue. By his second meeting, he was holding a shovel at the groundbreaking.
12:07–14:01 — Why wheat export promotion matters
One of McClellan’s biggest changes in perspective involved international marketing. Initially skeptical of the money directed toward U.S. Wheat Associates, he came to see overseas market development as an important investment for Kansas producers.
14:01–16:23 — Learning from the global wheat industry
His U.S. Wheat Associates involvement introduced McClellan to farmers producing different wheat classes and to customers around the world. He explains that overseas customers value U.S. wheat quality, although price remains central to purchasing decisions.
16:23–17:48 — Wheat doesn't stop at the elevator
McClellan says many farmers don't spend much time thinking about where their grain ultimately goes. The conversation turns to connecting production decisions with end-user quality requirements.
17:48–18:31 — Growing quality, not just choosing it
McClellan points to K-State's Wheat Rx work as helping producers understand that quality isn't determined by variety alone; crop management matters, too.
18:31–19:14 — When the farm numbers don't work
McClellan describes the pressure created when average yields, production costs and available forward-contract prices don't show a profit.
19:14–21:09 — The difficult mathematics of farm succession
Approaching 65, McClellan is considering his own transition. His nephew Cade handles much of the production work, and Mike wants to help him acquire ownership. Several difficult farming years, however, have made building that equity position harder.
21:09–21:59 — Remembering the 2026 crop
McClellan reflects on what his father might have thought of the season, including weak wheat stands and severe weed problems where the crop failed to develop enough canopy.
21:59–22:41 — Staying the course
Despite the difficult year, McClellan expects his wheat acreage to increase somewhat because of rotation needs. Wheat stubble is needed again on ground that has been planted to fall crops for several years.
22:41–23:07 — Closing
Aaron wraps the conversation and provides contact information for Wheat’s On Your Mind.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Getting more wheat from limited water may depend less on finding one breakthrough and more on improving the entire farming system.

Australian farming systems agronomist John Kirkegaard Ph.D. joins K-State wheat and forage Extension specialist Romulo Lollato Ph.D. to discuss what Kansas and Australian wheat producers can learn from each other. They explore farmer-led research, water-use efficiency, fallow management, strategic tillage, crop rotations and the new Profitable Wheat Frontier Network being developed to test ideas with Kansas growers under real-world field conditions.

Key takeaways:

• Australian research shows how soil improvement, rotations, fallow weed control and crop management can work together to improve water-use efficiency.
• Strategic tillage and deep soil amelioration have produced substantial yield responses on certain problematic Australian soils while remaining part of predominantly no-till systems.
• Better summer fallow management helped Australian growers store roughly 2 additional inches of soil moisture and plant about three weeks earlier.
• Involving growers and crop consultants from the beginning can accelerate research adoption because producers help identify the problems and test practical solutions.
• K-State’s Profitable Wheat Frontier Network aims to use on-farm research, precision agriculture and producer knowledge to identify ways Kansas farmers can increase wheat yield and profit.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00–02:09 — Introduction and guests
Aaron Harries introduces John Kirkegaard Ph.D., an Australian farming systems agronomist and Fulbright Distinguished Chair visiting K-State, and Romulo Lollato Ph.D., K-State wheat and forage Extension specialist.
02:09–03:52 — Why an Australian wheat scientist came to Kansas
Kirkegaard explains the similarities between Australian wheat country and the Great Plains, particularly variable weather and production risk, and describes the international collaboration that brought him to Kansas.
03:52–06:48 — Lollato’s Australian sabbatical
Lollato explains his nearly five-month stay in Australia and how the collaboration grew from relationships developed through the international Wheat Initiative.
06:48–12:13 — Australian Wheat 101
Kirkegaard explains Australia’s wheat calendar, hard white spring wheat production, export orientation, rainfall limitations, rotations, large farm sizes, no-till production and the importance of measuring yield relative to rainfall.
12:14–17:32 — Putting growers inside the research process
Lollato identifies one of his biggest Australian takeaways: growers and consultants help define research problems and develop solutions from the beginning rather than simply receiving recommendations afterward.
17:32–20:28 — Australia’s Extension alternative
Kirkegaard describes the shift from government Extension toward private agricultural consultants. He estimates 70% to 80% of Australian grain farmers now work with an adviser of some kind.
20:28–25:28 — Strategic tillage challenges no-till assumptions
The discussion turns to deep soil amelioration. Researchers, engineers and growers developed specialized approaches for restrictive sandy soils. Kirkegaard says yield increases of roughly 30% to 40% can make treatments economically attractive when benefits persist five to six years.
25:28–27:05 — Could similar opportunities exist in Kansas?
Lollato discusses Kansas soil constraints and the search for interventions that could improve water capture and crop productivity.
27:05–31:48 — The Australian water-efficiency experiment
Kirkegaard describes a major grower-led initiative designed to increase water-use efficiency by 10% in five years. Instead of focusing solely on the wheat plant, participants investigated soil, rotations, fallow and crop management.
30:17–31:48 — Two more inches of stored water
Strong summer weed control and residue management helped growers enter the growing season with about 40 millimeters — roughly 2 inches — of additional stored moisture. Planting subsequently shifted about three weeks earlier, and Kirkegaard says the investment in strict summer weed control paid 15-to-1 in that project.
31:48–32:23 — “Incremental transformation”
Lollato and Kirkegaard explain how small improvements can compound: conserve water first, adjust planting, select an appropriate cultivar, then adjust fertility to support greater yield potential.
32:23–36:23 — Why farmer-led research gets adopted
Kirkegaard describes grower groups, research funding, crop simulation modeling and the importance of farmers testing their own ideas rather than simply receiving recommendations.
36:23–40:47 — Kansas’ Profitable Wheat Frontier Network
Lollato introduces plans to work directly with Kansas growers using commercial equipment, soil and leaf samples, yield maps, satellite imagery, drones and other precision-agriculture tools. The goal is greater yield, resource efficiency and profit.
40:47–44:01 — An Australian’s view of Kansas weather
Kirkegaard reflects on Kansas humidity and extraordinary temperature variability, along with drought and freeze damage observed during the 2026 crop.
44:01–45:27 — What Australia can learn from Kansas
Kirkegaard praises the Wheat Quality Tour and Kansas’ integration of producers, researchers, millers, buyers, food companies and other parts of the wheat value chain.
45:27–46:18 — A season built for studying extremes
Lollato notes that Kirkegaard came to study climate extremes and encountered drought, freeze, hail and flooding. Harries recalls Manhattan moving from about 10°F to 98°F in six days.
46:18–47:13 — Closing
The guests reflect on continued Kansas-Australia collaboration, and Harries directs listeners to Wheat’s On Your Mind and Kansas Wheat.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Bread remains a cornerstone of the American food system, but declining consumption and changing consumer attitudes could have consequences all the way back to the wheat farm.

Josh Sosland, president of Sosland Publishing Company and editor of Milling & Baking News, joins Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin to examine what more than a century of milling and baking history says about today’s wheat-demand challenge. They discuss declining bread consumption, consumer misinformation, GLP-1 medications, the MAHA movement, the unsuccessful Bread Basket Checkoff effort and why Sosland believes science alone won't be enough to change consumer behavior. The conversation also explores whether Kansas wheat promotion should put greater emphasis on domestic demand alongside traditional export-market development.

Key takeaways:

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00 — Why bread consumption matters

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

The 2026 wheat season showed just how quickly a promising crop can become a test of every management decision a producer makes.

Host Aaron Harries sits down with K-State wheat and forages specialist Romulo Lollato Ph.D., CSIRO farming systems agronomist John Kirkegaard Ph.D. and Dave Deken for a roundtable on the 2026 Kansas and Oklahoma wheat crop. They trace the season from strong fall establishment through drought, unusual heat, freeze damage, hail and harvest rain, then look at the management lessons producers can carry into the next crop. The conversation covers rainfall timing, planting date, grazing, variety selection, wheat genetics, nitrogen management and the value of building more flexibility into wheat systems.

Key takeaways:

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00 – Cold open — Lollato, Kirkegaard and Deken preview the episode’s central question: what management choices still work when weather pushes a wheat crop to its limits?
00:26 – The 2026 wheat roundtable begins — Aaron Harries introduces the guests and frames the season as an unusually widespread disaster for hard red winter wheat across the Central and Southern Plains.
03:03 – Kansas starts with “hope and despair” — Lollato describes excellent fall establishment, favorable moisture and warm temperatures that created large, well-tillered plants heading into winter.
04:32 – Warm weather becomes a liability — Winter turns dry while temperatures remain above normal. Wheat continues growing and consuming water that will be badly needed later in the spring.
06:00 – Drought and freeze damage stack up — March and April bring dry conditions, rapid crop development and damaging freezes. Later hail adds another layer of yield loss.
08:00 – Rain finally arrives—at harvest — May rainfall comes too late to rescue much of the crop, and subsequent wet conditions prolong harvest in parts of Kansas.
09:22 – Oklahoma’s highly variable crop — Deken describes enormous field-to-field and county-to-county variation, with some producers choosing to keep cattle grazing poor-looking wheat.
11:29 – Heat, low yields and an early harvest — Oklahoma experiences February heat, disappointing yields in several regions and a harvest roughly two weeks ahead of normal.
13:03 – An Australian view of Kansas wheat — Kirkegaard recounts seeing drought and freeze damage firsthand during the Wheat Quality Tour and compares Great Plains conditions with Australian production.
16:25 – Livestock as an “exit option” — Australia’s wheat-sheep systems illustrate how grazing, hay and dual-purpose wheat can create alternatives when grain yield potential deteriorates.
17:35 – Managing risk without the same insurance system — Kirkegaard explains how Australian growers rely more heavily on management flexibility, stored moisture, early sowing and alternative crop uses.
20:08 – Moisture, planting date and variety — Deken shares an Oklahoma perspective that moisture is the first limitation, followed by planting date and then variety selection.
21:24 – Breeding for system resilience — Kirkegaard discusses wheat designed around flexibility: long coleoptiles for deep planting, awnless wheat suited for hay and vigorous short-season wheat.
23:09 – Modern genetics show their value — Harries and Lollato discuss plants recovering from primary-tiller freeze damage and the remarkable ability of wheat to compensate.
23:58 – What could two inches of rain do? — Lollato explains how strategically timed rainfall can dramatically raise yield potential in a water-limited environment.
25:15 – Turning a bad year into better decisions — Research plots allow scientists to study which management practices performed best under the same stresses producers experienced.
26:00 – Smarter nitrogen decisions — Lollato describes research using current conditions and historical weather outcomes to estimate yield potential before major nitrogen investments are made.
27:35 – One more weather threat: tornadoes — The group adds some humor to a season that seemingly delivered every possible weather hazard.
29:02 – El Niño and global weather risk — The discussion shifts to seasonal forecasting, Australia’s El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole signals, and how forecasts can affect fertilizer purchasing and crop decisions.
32:19 – Are Oklahoma growers coming back? — Deken says most producers he spoke with planned to plant wheat again despite the difficult crop.
33:49 – Why wheat remains in Kansas rotations — Lollato explains wheat’s value beyond grain, including residue, soil-moisture conservation, weed management, rotational diversity and grazing flexibility.
35:29 – Closing thoughts — The panel finishes its post-mortem on 2026 and looks ahead to another wheat season.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

America's story cannot be told without agriculture—and few people understand that story better than historian and author Douglas Hurt.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Hurt joins Aaron Harries to explore how farming helped build the nation. From colonial wheat production and westward expansion to the Homestead Act, land-grant universities, the Dust Bowl, conservation programs, global trade, and today's farm economy, the conversation connects history directly to the challenges facing modern producers.

Key takeaways

Timestamped Episode Rundown

00:00 – Introduction and Douglas Hurt's perspective on the lasting impact of the Dust Bowl and conservation.
00:42 – Douglas Hurt's background, Kansas roots, and career studying agricultural history.
02:52 – Why agriculture is central to understanding American history.
04:10 – Farmer independence and the growing federal role in agriculture.
06:57 – Early history of wheat in colonial America.
08:20 – The Homestead Act and settlement of the Great Plains.
10:30 – The Morrill Act and the creation of land-grant universities.
11:51 – Transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
13:59 – Turkey Red wheat and its impact on Kansas.
15:21 – Railroads, exports, and the rise of global grain markets.
16:56 – The Dust Bowl, conservation, and the Soil Conservation Service.
21:08 – The Soviet grain deals, Earl Butz, and the 1980s farm crisis.
23:29 – Agriculture's role during the Civil War and wartime economies.
28:05 – Lessons for today's policymakers and producers.
29:58 – Looking ahead: the future of American agriculture.
32:14 – Douglas Hurt's latest books and closing thoughts.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

A smaller hard red winter wheat crop will test whether last year’s export buyers were chasing price or choosing lasting value. 

Brian Liedl, vice president of overseas operations for U.S. Wheat Associates, joins Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin to explain how strong 2025/26 wheat exports changed the outlook for Mexico, Nigeria, Indonesia, and other important markets. They discuss why U.S. wheat quality, technical support and customer relationships matter even more in a higher-priced year, along with what tighter HRW supplies, Russian competition and growing global demand could mean for Kansas farmers.

Key takeaways:

Detailed timestamped rundown:

00:00 – International market-development strategy

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Federal farm programs are changing, and Kansas wheat producers need to know what those changes could mean at the county office, in the crop insurance conversation and on the farm.

In this episode, Aaron Harries talks with Richard Fordyce, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, and David Schemm, Kansas FSA State Executive Director, about USDA reorganization, FSA modernization and the push to make farm program delivery faster and less paper-heavy. They discuss One Farmer, One File, modernized acreage reporting, coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA, trade opportunities, input costs and the current mood across farm country.

Key takeaways:

Timestamped rundown

00:00–01:54 — Opening clips introduce the themes of USDA reorganization, reducing bottlenecks and improving service from the federal level down to county offices.
01:54–05:18 — Richard Fordyce shares his background as a Missouri farmer, former Missouri Director of Agriculture and former FSA Administrator, including how his family farm continues operating while he serves in a Senate-confirmed role.
05:18–10:21 — Fordyce explains how farm experience shapes government leadership, especially when balancing congressional intent, USDA leadership, stakeholder input and farmer-first decision making. David Schemm adds that Fordyce brings the “heart of a farmer” to the role.
10:21–11:32 — The discussion turns to why farm background matters when explaining programs to producers and making discretionary decisions.
11:32–13:20 — Schemm discusses the workload and producer impact tied to new farm program changes, including base acre allocation and implementation work by FSA staff.
13:20–15:15 — Fordyce addresses USDA reorganization and restructuring, saying the goal is to reduce bottlenecks, improve response time and keep service closer to farmers.
15:15–16:40 — Schemm introduces technology modernization by comparing old and new tractors, arguing that FSA needs 21st-century tools to serve 21st-century producers.
16:40–22:10 — Fordyce gives a detailed explanation of One Farmer, One File, including form consolidation, IT modernization, shared data access, data security, interactive mapping and future precision ag integration.
22:10–23:03 — Schemm says FSA is finally getting “auto steer on our tractor,” emphasizing the excitement among employees and the importance of county-office-level understanding.
23:03–25:57 — Fordyce explains how better coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA could help serve farmers more efficiently, while also highlighting RMA’s work on crop insurance products.
25:57–27:38 — Schemm discusses the current mood in farm country: tough economics, high inputs and market pressure, but also optimism tied to trade and better times ahead.
27:38–29:46 — Fordyce closes with thoughts on farm budgets, domestic nitrogen production, trade deals and keeping agriculture on the table in international negotiations.
29:46–30:28 — Aaron closes by directing listeners to Farmers.gov and thanking Fordyce and Schemm for joining the show.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind