Wheat's On Your Mind

Fertilizer isn’t just an input—it’s a globally traded commodity with price signals driven by geopolitics, energy markets, and overseas demand. In this episode, Aaron Harries sits down with Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, to unpack why fertilizer markets can feel like “three-dimensional chess,” especially for wheat producers balancing tight margins.

Rosenbusch explains how global trade flows shift when conflict disrupts supply chains and when natural gas availability changes the economics of nitrogen production. The conversation dives into why the U.S. is relatively strong in nitrogen production yet still imports key products, why potash remains heavily import-dependent, and how global demand—especially major buyers—can set price direction. He also stresses that while producers can’t control what happens in Beijing or on the Black Sea, they can control efficiency: the 4R framework (right source, rate, time, place), variable-rate strategies, and emerging technologies that help fertilizer go further.

Top 10 takeaways

1. Fertilizer pricing is global—local conditions are only part of the story.
2. Natural gas is the “hidden driver” behind nitrogen availability and cost.
3. The U.S. is comparatively strong in nitrogen production, but still imports meaningful volumes depending on product/year.
4. Potash remains heavily import-dependent, with Canada as a major supplier.
5. Phosphate supply is shaped by both U.S. production and imports—don’t judge the market by domestic producers alone.
6. When geopolitics disrupt supply (or trade routes), “normal” supply/demand logic can break down fast.
7. China’s production choices can tighten global supply and move prices far from the Plains.
8. Big centralized buyers (like India, as discussed) can effectively set global benchmarks with massive purchases.
9. In tight-margin years, stewardship matters more: 4R practices + precision can be the best controllable lever.
10. Better, farmer-friendly market transparency (TFI and USDA resources) can reduce misinformation and improve decisions.

Timestamped Rundown

00:00–00:59 – Show intro; guest background and credentials. 
01:00–01:49 – What TFI is: representing the full fertilizer supply chain; advocacy + industry support. 
01:50–03:42 – Fertilizer as a globally traded commodity; U.S. is ~10% of global consumption; potash import dependence. 
03:43–06:09 – Russia–Ukraine ripple effects: sanctions, trade flow weirdness, and natural gas as the nitrogen bottleneck in Europe. 
06:10–08:20 – China’s influence: export changes, phosphate dominance, and competing demand (including industrial uses). 
08:21–11:34 – U.S. domestic production vs imports by nutrient: nitrogen, potash, phosphate; why “turning up production” isn’t simple. 
11:35–12:00 – New potash production mentions (Michigan/Utah/New Mexico developments). 
12:01–16:12 – Nitrogen imports and Trinidad connection; tariffs and why TFI focuses on facts, not “winners/losers.” 
16:13–17:38 – “Political chess”: fertilizer’s role in high-level diplomacy (as described by Rosenbusch). 
17:39–18:41 – Domestic production investment: what funding can/can’t do vs. true plant build costs; efficiency tech. 
18:42–21:41 – Grower reality: low commodity prices + rising inputs; corn acres as a big U.S. demand driver; focus on stewardship. 
21:42–23:31 – Global demand: India’s buying power and how non-U.S. crops can still move fertilizer markets. 
23:32–25:34 – New farmer-facing market info resource coming from TFI; call for better USDA fertilizer economist/input transparency. 
25:35–26:27 – Wrap-up; where to find episodes and how to contact the show.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Cindy Falk has spent 40 years helping Kansas Wheat connect with consumers through recipes, baking demonstrations, nutrition education, and the beloved Kansas Wheat recipe booklet tradition. In this episode, host Aaron Harries chats with Cindy about her upbringing on a Kansas farm, the “Speak for Wheat” spokesperson program she helped grow, and the behind-the-scenes work of answering baking questions (and busting myths) with a calm, science-first approach.

You’ll also hear how the Kansas Festival of Breads evolved into the National Festival of Breads, turning home bakers into wheat ambassadors through harvest tours, mill visits, and live baking events. As Cindy steps into retirement, she shares what she’ll miss, what she hopes to do next, and leaves listeners with a simple truth that sums up her career: “Bread is the stuff of life.”

Top 10 takeaways

1. Cindy’s career started with a single phone call in 1985—and turned into 40 years of consumer-facing wheat education.
2. The “Speak for Wheat” program became a major network of trained ambassadors, many rooted in farming and Extension-style education.
3. Kansas Wheat’s consumer work isn’t fluff—it’s a strategic use of checkoff dollars to build demand and trust.
4. Fad diets come in waves; Cindy’s approach was consistent: respond with science, not shouting.
5. The recipe booklet tradition is a powerful “leave-behind” tool that keeps Kansas wheat in home kitchens year after year.
6. The Festival of Breads didn’t just crown winners—it created ambassadors through hands-on wheat-to-flour experiences.
7. Meeting farmers matters: consumers at fairs and events want direct conversations with the people growing the crop.
8. School nutrition is a key battleground for grain education—whole grains and practical recipes help change menus.
9. Technology can help the mission: bread machines made baking approachable and boosted flour usage.
10. Cindy’s legacy is bigger than recipes—she helped protect the reputation of wheat foods during the toughest perception cycles.

Timestamped Rundown

00:01–01:20 — Aaron Harries opens the show, introduces guest Cindy Falk and her 40-year Kansas Wheat career.
01:20–03:16 — Cindy’s upbringing near Laclede, Kansas, farm life, and where her love of baking began.
03:16–03:49 — Family today and travel (including lots of miles to see grandkids).
03:58–05:48 — The 1985 phone call that changed everything: joining “Speak for Wheat,” growth of the spokesperson program, and who those spokespersons are.
06:00–07:07 — Early demos (Kansas State Fair “Neat Wheat Treats”), audiences served, and the “all of the above” message: production + baking + nutrition.
07:11–10:09 — Wheat Foods Council involvement and why domestic marketing matters; emphasizing science-based communication.
10:25–12:20 — Festival of Breads origins in Kansas, commissioners pushing for a national contest, and what made it unique.
12:36–15:16 — The “big years”: hundreds of entries, testing in the kitchen, harvest tours, mill/elevator stops, and large public events (thousands attending).
15:16–16:58 — Kansas State Fair booth strategy: consumers want to talk directly to wheat farmers.
16:58–19:37 — Diet trends through the decades: low-fat era, anti-carb, gluten concerns; responding with facts and research.
18:30–19:25 — School foodservice work and whole grains; outreach tools (including gluten messaging).
19:51–20:30 — The Kansas Wheat recipe booklets: long-running tradition and wide distribution.
21:00–23:01 — Bread machines arrive; Cindy becomes the go-to resource; flour sales benefit.
23:25–24:51 — What she’ll miss: people, organizations, tours, the test kitchen, food styling/photography, international visitors.
24:51–26:12 — Retirement plans: grandkids, community teaching, preservation, travel—and closing line: “Bread is the stuff of life.”

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Brian Walker didn’t start in a corner office—he started six weeks out of high school as a “sample jockey” in a flour mill, learning the business from union millers, lab mentors, and long days when the mill ran. More than 45 years later, his career spans Seaboard, Cargill, Ardent Mills, and Miller Milling—and he’s seen the milling industry transform through consolidation, shifting competition, and changing norms around sharing crop-quality information.

In this episode, Brian connects the dots from farm to flour to finished bread: how high-speed bakeries increased stress on dough performance, how ingredient/tool changes (like moving away from potassium bromate and toward enzymes) affected quality, why varieties and disease resistance became even more critical, and how “extended shelf life” reshaped the bread supply chain (and consumer expectations). He closes with practical career advice: work hard, get involved, and show up—because wheat is a people business.

Top 10 takeaways

1. A milling career can start “anywhere” — curiosity + work ethic can take you global.
2. Consolidation didn’t just change ownership—it changed how openly companies shared crop-quality insights.
3. Bread used to be a shorter-shelf-life, local-distribution product; technology stretched time and distance.
4. Extended shelf life improved softness longevity—but introduced tradeoffs (like needing stronger mold control and perceived flavor shifts).
5. “Stale returns” shaped the old bread economy—and their decline reshaped retail bread systems.
6. High-speed bakeries put new stress on dough—raising the premium on protein functionality, not just protein percent.
7. Ingredient/tool shifts (especially moving away from potassium bromate) rippled all the way back into wheat breeding priorities.
8. Varieties can change the game: Brian points to Karl (and later Glenn) as stabilizers in tough quality eras.
9. Disease + food safety issues (like scab/vomitoxin) forced the industry to treat “quality” as a full supply-chain responsibility.
10. The Wheat Quality Council and crop tours matter because they put real wheat in real hands—building shared understanding fast.

Timestamped Rundown

00:00–00:41 — Welcome + guest intro: Brian Walker’s 45+ years in flour milling.
00:54–02:55 — First job: from pumping gas to mill lab “sample jockey,” long weeks, export-era flour packing memories (including heavy jute bags).
03:12–04:05 — Seaboard context + early exposure to wheat classes and baking in the lab; opportunity expands.
04:05–06:20 — Mentors and mill culture: learning the mill, lab rules, problem-solving mindset, baking fundamentals.
06:20–10:17 — Consolidation era: Cargill/Seaboard as a turning point; why openness about crop quality tightened as competition rose.
10:17–12:18 — What consumers saw in the 80s–90s: many bakeries/brands, shorter shelf life, fierce competition.
12:18–13:35 — 90s “eat right” messaging + folic acid fortification era; growth and capacity expansion.
13:35–16:34 — Early 2000s shocks: low-carb trend + extended shelf life technology reshapes bakeries, distribution, and flavor perceptions.
16:34–18:35 — “Stale returns” explained + why day-old bread stores faded.
19:02–24:25 — Farmer connection: high-speed baking raises quality demands; bromate goes away; varieties like Karl and Glenn help stabilize performance amid disease/food safety issues.
24:25–30:27 — Testing tools: NIR impact, farinograph/mixograph talk, and why loaf volume is still “where the rubber hits the road.”
30:55–37:29 — Giving back: Wheat Quality Council “best kept secret,” National Wheat Foundation work, quality + yield contest efforts, and overseas consulting with millers worldwide.
37:32–39:25 — Career advice: work hard, get involved, show up in-person—wheat is a people business.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

2025 didn’t fit in a neat box for Kansas wheat farmers—it was “variability,” from a dry start to long stretches of wet weather that stretched harvest timelines and narrowed fieldwork windows. 
Kansas Wheat Commission Chair Derek Sawyer and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers President Chris Tanner join host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin to break down the year’s biggest storylines: how wheat checkoff dollars are invested, what advocacy work is happening in Topeka and Washington, and what’s changing in domestic and international markets.

On the market side, the conversation highlights both bright spots and headwinds—strong export pace and renewed market activity, alongside big global wheat crops pressuring prices. 
The group also digs into one of the most important agronomic storylines of the year: widespread wheat streak mosaic virus pressure reaching farther across Kansas than many are used to seeing, and what that means for volunteer control, “green bridge” conversations, and variety development. 
Looking to 2026, their focus stays on profitability—maximizing trade opportunities, doubling down on research and the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, and building an environment where family farms can thrive, not just survive.

Top 10 takeaways

1. 2025 was defined by “variability,” and weather stretched fieldwork windows in parts of Kansas.
2. Some operations faced brutal wheat economics, including acres not worth harvesting.
3. The wheat checkoff’s core mission is profitability, largely through research, breeding, and market development.
4. Advocacy priorities stay centered on tax, regulation, and transportation, so wheat producers have a strong voice in Topeka and D.C.
5. Kansas saw a meaningful production rebound (per the conversation), but global supply still pressured prices.
6. Overseas customers keep emphasizing quality and consistency—and relationships matter as much as bushels.
7. Wheat streak mosaic virus was a statewide storyline, raising urgency around volunteer control and variety resistance.
8. The “green bridge” problem is getting harder, especially with tighter rotations, no-till, and cover crops.
9. Input-cost discipline is the profitability lever farmers can control when market prices aren’t.
10. 2026 focus: move bushels, fund research, expand markets, and push for conditions where family farms can thrive.

Detailed Timestamps

00:00:01 – 00:01:10 | Welcome + who’s at the table
Aaron Harries introduces the episode, the two Kansas wheat organizations, and guests Derek Sawyer, Chris Tanner, and Justin Gilpin.

00:01:10 – 00:03:19 | What the Kansas Wheat Commission does
Derek explains checkoff stewardship (two cents per bushel) and priority investments: breeding, production education (including WheatRx), and domestic/international market development.

00:03:19 – 00:04:05 | What Kansas Association of Wheat Growers does
Chris lays out the advocacy mission in Topeka and Washington, focused on tax, regulatory, and transportation policy.

00:04:05 – 00:07:19 | “Crop report” reality check: central vs. northwest Kansas
Derek calls 2025 “variability”—dry start then very wet; harvest dragged out, field days were limited. Chris shares a tough year: the first time he left half the wheat crop unharvested due to poor yield conditions.

00:07:19 – 00:10:40 | Statewide crop + market picture
Justin recaps the whirlwind year—organizational transitions, policy attention, and a statewide crop around ~51 bu/acre and ~350M bushels, plus exports running at one of the strongest paces in more than a decade (per the discussion).

00:10:40 – 00:12:20 | What overseas customers say they want
Derek shares the repeated message from international buyers: U.S. wheat’s quality and consistency matter, and relationships need maintained.

00:12:20 – 00:15:01 | Policy roller coaster + “farm bill” conversation
Chris outlines active issues (USAID/Food for Peace, USMCA review, Snake River dams, rail merger concerns). Derek notes more funding opportunities for international market access efforts, while Chris emphasizes the desire for longer-term certainty.

00:15:01 – 00:20:57 | Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) + the green bridge problem
The group flags 2025 as a widespread WSMV year, discusses volunteer control, changing production systems (no-till/double-crop/cover crops), and the need for genetic resistance. Derek also previews the coming conversation around GM traits (including HB4 mentioned in the episode).

00:21:04 – 00:23:00 | Input costs + fertility decisions
Derek and Chris talk about profitability being driven by controlling input costs, and how some growers are delaying fertilizer decisions amid volatility.

00:23:00 – 00:26:05 | Exports and trade outlook
Justin points to new/renewed relationships and specific bright spots (agreements and follow-through in key markets; Nigeria’s return; caution about over-reliance on inconsistent buyers).

00:26:05 – 00:29:01 | Kansas leadership at the national level
Discussion of leadership transitions and Kansas farmers moving through national officer rotations—plus why it matters for wheat’s future.

00:29:01 – 00:34:30 | 2026 resolutions + closing reflections
“Maximize opportunity” is the theme: keep markets moving, invest in research and breeding programs, and aim for an environment where family farms can thrive.

00:34:30 – 00:34:53 | Where to learn more
Contact and where to find past episodes.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Private meteorologist and climatologist Brian Bledsoe joins Wheat’s On Your Mind to reflect on the surprising weather turns of 2025 and what Kansas wheat producers should be watching as 2026 approaches. 
With a strong soil moisture profile and a well-established crop across much of the state, Bledsoe explains why early-season dryness may not spell disaster — especially as global weather patterns begin to pivot.

The conversation dives deep into La Niña and El Niño transitions, historical analog years, polar vortex risks, and long-term climate oscillations shaping agriculture in the High Plains. 
Bledsoe also shares insight on private weather services, AI-driven forecasting, and why communication — not just data — is critical for helping farmers make confident decisions in an unpredictable weather future.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. Seasonal forecasts must be revisited as conditions change.
2. 2025 shifted wetter due to unexpected Pacific temperature patterns.
3. Kansas wheat enters 2026 with a strong soil moisture profile.
4. La Niña is fading, with El Niño likely developing later in 2026.
5. March may trend dry, but April moisture looks promising.
6. Historical analog years suggest spring moisture rebounds are common.
7. Polar vortex outbreaks remain a risk during La Niña winters.
8. Long-term climate cycles matter more than single-year trends.
9. AI enhances forecasting, but experience and communication remain key.
10. Private weather services are growing as producers seek tailored insight.

Timestamped Rundown

00:01– 01:07 — Show open + guest intro
Aaron introduces the podcast, Brian Bledsoe’s background, and the episode focus (2025 recap + 2026 preview).

01:08 – 04:14 — What stood out in 2025 (and why forecasts pivoted)
Brian explains how conditions looked dry, then flipped in April; discusses why adapting forecasts matters and how Pacific temps shifted the outcome.

04:15 – 06:04 — What Brian is watching now (ENSO / La Niña status)
He clarifies how La Niña/El Niño messaging gets oversimplified, then lays out where La Niña stands now and when it fades.

06:05 – 07:45 — When La Niña/El Niño matters most + 2023 example
Brian explains typical timing/impacts and points to 2023 as a recent “pivot year” with sharp Kansas contrasts and hail/water patterns.

07:46 – 10:17 — Analogs: how he uses “history” to forecast
Defines analogs, lists the six key analog years (1951, 1965, 1972, 2002, 2009, 2023), and what they suggest for March temps and precipitation.

10:18 – 13:45 — Jan–Apr outlook for Kansas wheat (profile, dryness, then April wetter)
Full soil profile as “bridge,” western KS higher dry risk early, lingering La Niña signal, then optimism for a wetter April and better May/June odds; “drought begets drought / wet begets wet.”

13:46 – 17:10 — Polar vortex / extreme cold risk
Why La Niña patterns can unlock Arctic air; notes cold mostly staying NE so far; warns about warm winter stretches pushing wheat growth and moisture use; “shouldn’t be 70 on Christmas.”

17:11 – 21:09 — Shifting seasons + climate context + PDO deep dive
Brian’s perspective on climate variability, then explains the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), why the ’90s were “golden,” and why the last ~27 years have been more drought-prone/challenging.

21:10 – 25:02 — CO₂, cropping systems, dryline movement, and moisture recycling
Discusses politicization/disinformation, then the role of dry soils vs wet soils, vegetation/corn transpiration, and why the dryline’s behavior depends heavily on pattern + soil moisture feedbacks.

25:03 – 28:04 — AI in forecasting + ECMWF vs U.S. model investment
AI can improve accuracy, but human interpretation/communication remains key; praises ECMWF as gold standard; criticizes U.S. R&D cuts.

28:05 – 29:11 — Brian’s services + where to find him
How he works with producers; points to his site and contact methods.

29:12 – 30:58 — Growth of private weather + NWS cuts + radar needs
Explains why private sector is growing, impacts of staffing/funding reductions, and the need to modernize radar coverage for severe weather warnings.

30:59 – 31:32 — Wrap + listener contact info
Aaron thanks Brian and shares the email + where to find past episodes.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh taught generations of farmers, students and elected officials how to think about “alternatives and consequences” in agricultural policy—and he did it with a cigar, a squeaky voice and a room full of laughter. 
In this episode, host Aaron Harries visits with Jay Armstrong of Armstrong Farms and Dana Woodbury, executive director of the Barry Flinchbaugh Center for Ag and Food Policy, about the man behind the legend and the new center created to carry his work into the future. 
Jay shares road‑trip stories from his days as Flinchbaugh’s first teaching assistant and explains how their research and statewide meetings helped Kansas voters pass the constitutional change that moved farmland to use‑value appraisal, protecting farmers on the urban fringe.

Dana walks through the mission of the Flinchbaugh Center: engaging students, convening stakeholders, and bringing policymakers the straight facts on complex issues like property taxes, ag labor and water. 
You’ll hear how the inaugural Flinchbaugh Forum packed a room with more than 200 people hungry for honest conversation, how a new grant is helping involve western Kansas high school students in Ogallala aquifer discussions, and how the Flinchbaugh Fellows program is building a pipeline of Kansas‑trained policy staff for both Topeka and Washington, D.C. 
The episode closes with a look at the Center’s growing partnership with Kansas State University and how grassroots support can help keep Barry’s purple‑bleeding legacy alive for the next generation of rural leaders.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. Barry Flinchbaugh’s impact was personal and practical.
   Jay’s stories show a professor who could scare you on day one, then turn into a lifelong mentor, road‑trip partner and advocate for farmers and students.
2. The Flinchbaugh Center is about people, not just data.
   Dana emphasizes that the Center’s core job is to convene stakeholders, sort out what’s really true, and carry those voices—and their analysis of alternatives and consequences—to policymakers.
3. Kansas’ use‑value property tax reform is a textbook example of Barry’s model.
   Research, objective extension education, mobilized farm and commodity groups, and then a constitutional amendment campaign protected farmers from being taxed off the land on the urban fringe.
4. The Center is building a student pipeline into ag policy.
   Through the Flinchbaugh Fellows program, K‑State students intern with Kansas ag organizations and then in Washington, D.C., meeting alumni working in policy and seeing how Congress actually functions.
5. Western Kansas water and the Ogallala are priority issues.
   Supported by a Patterson Family Foundation grant, the Center is convening western Kansas high school students and local stakeholders to talk about Ogallala aquifer policy, self‑regulation and long‑term water security.
6. Rural voices still want straight talk and facts.
   The inaugural Flinchbaugh Forum drew more than 200 attendees who said they were hungry for fact‑based discussion and “the truth” about big issues affecting agriculture.
7. Issue selection is deliberate and collaborative.
   The Center uses calls with industry and policy leaders, a policy council and a board that includes former U.S. Ag Secretaries and a former Senate Ag Committee chair to pick issues where education can still move the needle.
8. Barry’s teaching continues through recorded lectures and archives.
   COVID‑era videos of his final classes and boxes of papers at K‑State will keep his voice and frameworks like “Kings and Kingmakers” alive for new generations of students and fellows.
9. Kansas State University is a central partner.
   The Flinchbaugh Chair (Dr. Jennifer Ifft), the College of Agriculture dean and K‑State’s Office of Engagement are all actively involved in the Center’s work, tying it to the land‑grant mission.
10. The Center’s future depends on grassroots and partner support.
    Early funding from the Flinchbaugh family and a few key donors is now being expanded through a matching campaign, grants and partnerships with groups like Kansas Wheat and other commodity organizations.

Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome and introductions
Aaron opens the show, introduces Wheat’s On Your Mind, and sets up the conversation around the Barry Flinchbaugh Center.
Bios for guests: Jay Armstrong (Armstrong Farms, longtime Kansas Wheat leader and former Flinchbaugh teaching assistant) and Dana Woodbury (executive director of the Flinchbaugh Center, Garden City business background and prior agribusiness communications work).

[02:00] Who was Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh?
Jay tells the story of taking Barry’s class in 1972, being the Farm Bureau president’s son, and Barry calling him out on day one—cigar, squeaky voice and all.
He describes becoming Barry’s first teaching assistant and, unofficially, his driver because “you didn’t want to ride with Barry.”

[06:00] Learning on the road with Barry
Jay recalls traveling Kansas for multi‑county extension meetings, long car conversations, and Barry’s blend of bark and deep compassion.
Stories from Barry’s Pennsylvania Dutch roots, his time as a county extension agent back east, and even a mafia‑linked family trying to donate to 4‑H.

[09:30] Humor, taxes and building trust with farmers
Jay explains how Barry tackled hot‑button issues like property taxes using the “three‑legged stool” of income, sales, and property taxes.
Barry would ask producers what their biggest problem was, then challenge them—earning credibility by telling the truth instead of pandering.

[13:00] Dana’s connection and Barry’s legacy dreams
Dana shares how Barry literally burst through the second door by her desk in grad school and later helped her make policy connections after graduation.
Jay talks about Barry’s wish for an endowed chair and eventually a policy center that would mirror similar work in other regions while focusing on the Midwest.

[17:30] Why a policy center mattered for Kansas farmers
Jay walks through the land‑use appraisal story: research on property taxes on the rural‑urban fringe, an extension bulletin, a statewide education tour, and farm groups taking the issue to policymakers and voters.
That process led to a constitutional amendment that protected farmers by moving to use‑value appraisal—a model Jay hopes the Center can replicate for today’s issues like water.

[22:00] Mission and vision of the Flinchbaugh Center
Dana gives the “elevator pitch”: the Center focuses on student engagement, stakeholder‑driven policy analysis, and getting clear, non‑partisan information to decision‑makers.
It’s not a data factory; the emphasis is on bringing affected groups together, sorting fact from noise, and examining policy alternatives and consequences in Barry’s tradition.

[26:00] Flinchbaugh Forum and youth water project
Dana recaps the inaugural Flinchbaugh Forum, where more than 200 people packed a room looking for honest conversation about ag issues.
She outlines the Patterson Family Foundation‑funded project on the Ogallala aquifer that will convene cohorts of western Kansas high school students, connect them with local stakeholders, and elevate youth voices in water discussions.

[31:00] Inside the Flinchbaugh Fellows program
Dana explains how the fellows program pairs K‑State students with Kansas ag organizations in the spring and D.C. internships in the summer to see how policy really gets made—or stalled.
Students meet former Flinchbaugh students working in policy, build networks, and often rethink their own career paths in ag policy.

[36:30] Why the Fellows matter to Kansas agriculture
Jay notes that too often Kansas lawmakers’ ag staff come from outside the state; the fellows program builds a homegrown pool of talent.
Having “Flinchbaugh Fellow” on a résumé signals real policy experience and a shared foundation in Barry’s style of straight‑talking analysis.

[40:00] Choosing issues and staying ahead of politics
Dana describes the Center’s issue‑selection process: calls with 12–15 industry and policy leaders, review by a policy council, then deeper vetting by the board.
Jay stresses the importance of getting to issues early—before they become so partisan that education is impossible—using ag labor as an example of an issue that’s already too politicized.

[44:00] Ogallala as a model for national work
The board includes national leaders like former Ag Secretaries Mike Johanns and Dan Glickman and former Senator Pat Roberts, giving the Center a national reach even as it starts with a regional Ogallala project.
Jay hopes the Ogallala work becomes a template for how other aquifer regions can bring multiple water users together to craft workable policy.

[47:00] Preserving Barry’s voice and K‑State partnership
Jay and Dana talk about Barry’s papers housed at the K‑State library and the treasure trove of lecture notes and correspondence they hope to mine. COVID‑era recordings of Barry’s final semester of classes are now used to orient fellows to concepts like “Kings and Kingmakers” and “alternatives and consequences.”
They highlight deep ties with Kansas State University: the Flinchbaugh chair held by Dr. Jennifer Ifft, the College of Agriculture dean and K‑State engagement staff serving on the board.

[51:00] Funding, grassroots support and closing thoughts
Dana outlines the $95,000 matching campaign funded by the Flinchbaugh family, future grant pursuits, and potential partnerships with groups like Kansas Wheat.
Jay reflects on Barry’s advice about needing money, kingmaker support and the right staff—and says they’ve found the right person in Dana.
Aaron wraps up, promising to post the Flinchbaugh Center website and reminding listeners they can find past episodes at wheatsonyourmind.com or on Apple and Spotify.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Farmer cooperatives built much of the grain marketing and input-delivery system that Kansas farmers rely on today—but what does that system look like now, and where is it headed? 
In this episode, host Aaron Harries sits down with Brian Briggeman, director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center at Kansas State University, to trace the cooperative story from railroad dominance and the Capper-Volstead Act all the way to today’s era of consolidation and creative new structures. 
Brian explains how farmer-owned co-ops use scale to negotiate better prices, provide agronomy services and energy, and keep profits and property taxes anchored in rural communities.

The conversation also tackles the tough questions directors and managers face: how to judge cooperative financial health, when to shed non-core services like tire shops, and how to invest in “speed and space” while still paying patronage and retiring equity. 
Brian breaks down the Kansas merger landscape, the importance of director education, and the pressures of drought, big crops with limited carry, and intense online price competition. 
Looking ahead, he highlights the impact of the Section 199A(g) tax deduction, the need for stronger trade policy to open markets for Kansas grain, and the growing challenge of finding operational labor—from truck drivers to elevator staff—in rural America.


Top ten takeaways

1. Farmer co-ops exist to restore market power. They were created so farmers could pool resources, negotiate better prices and serve as a “competitive yardstick” against more concentrated players like railroads and large buyers.
2. The Capper-Volstead Act is foundational. It provides limited antitrust exemptions that make it legal for farmers to jointly market their products through cooperatives—without being treated as colluding under Sherman antitrust law.
3. Kansas has far fewer co-ops, but bigger ones. The state went from 364 co-ops in 1952 to about 54 today, reflecting consolidation, scale economies and the need to attract and retain management talent.
4. Retiring managers often trigger merger decisions. Many modern mergers start when a long-tenured general manager announces retirement, forcing boards to weigh hiring new leadership versus partnering or merging with neighboring co-ops.
5. New structures help share talent and risk. Models like Alliance Ag and Grain’s management LLC or marketing alliances such as CoMark and Equity Alliance CEA let local co-ops retain ownership while sharing top-level talent and gaining scale in grain marketing.
6. Co-op health is about more than patronage. Boards and lenders look at cash flow, liquidity and working capital, alongside patronage and equity redemption, to judge whether the co-op can weather droughts, price swings and changing markets.
7. “Speed and space” still matter. Investing in faster dumping and more storage capacity remains a critical way co-ops provide value to farmers—especially when big crops meet limited export or domestic demand.
8. Loyalty is changing, but relationships still count. With smartphones and online bids, farmers can comparison-shop easily, yet co-ops can still win by being a trusted adviser, offering services, risk management and local knowledge—not just price.
9. Labor is a looming constraint. From truck drivers to elevator operators, co-ops are struggling to fill operational roles, making immigration and H-2A reform important policy issues for the cooperative system.
10. Policy wins like Section 199A(g) matter. The permanent tax deduction can support higher cash patronage, more timely equity redemptions, and needed capital investments—benefiting both co-ops and their farmer-members.
     

Segment Time Stamps

00:01 – 01:01 – Intro to Wheat’s On Your Mind and guest bio for K-State ag economist Brian Briggeman, including his background with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and role as director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center.

01:02 – 03:36 – What the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center is, why it was created during turbulent times in the 1980s, and how it supports co-ops through research and education. Explanation of who Arthur Capper was and how the Capper-Volstead Act gives limited antitrust exemptions to agricultural cooperatives.

03:36 – 08:14 – History and purpose of farmer co-ops: farmers banding together against railroad power, pooling acres for better prices, and using co-ops as a “competitive yardstick.” Discussion of grain, agronomy, energy, risk management and the deep community role of co-ops as employers, taxpayers and sponsors of local events.

08:14 – 13:18 – The merger trend in Kansas: from 364 co-ops in 1952 to 54 today. How retirements of long-time managers often trigger merger talks, with examples like Alliance Ag and Grain, Kansas and Farmers Cooperative of Cheney, and SEK Co-op with single-location co-ops in Yates Center.

13:18 – 16:32 – Different structural models: management LLCs like Alliance Ag and Grain, plus grain marketing alliances such as CoMark and Equity Alliance CEA. Emphasis on using these structures to access talent and economies of scale.

16:32 – 19:28 – Board education and director development. The role of the Kansas Cooperative Council and the Capper Center in new director training, strategy sessions and helping farmer-directors oversee multi-million-dollar businesses while improving their own farm management skills.

19:28 – 23:06 – How co-ops manage input price volatility and grain market risk: securing supply, matching inventory to farmer contracts and dealing with drought-driven low bushels versus big crops with limited carry. Focus on access to global markets and the importance of basis and spreads.

23:06 – 27:43 – Measuring co-op financial health: cash flow, liquidity, working capital, patronage, equity retirement and capital investment in “speed and space.” How co-ops decide whether to keep non-core services like tire shops and farm stores versus focusing on grain and inputs.

27:43 – 31:22 – Co-op loyalty and competition in an online world: more bids at farmers’ fingertips and pressure to shop around. Discussion of how co-ops can still win by being a trusted advisor and building relationships rather than always being the cheapest.

31:22 – 34:53 – Policy and outlook: the Section 199A(g) tax deduction becoming permanent law and how it supports patronage, equity retirement and CapEx. Importance of trade policy and export markets for revenue, and workforce challenges driving calls for immigration and H-2A reforms.

34:53 – end – The challenge of leadership transition and institutional knowledge as long-time managers retire, along with the need to adapt past practices to a rapidly changing co-op and ag economy. Closing appreciation of the cooperative model as a uniquely American way to strengthen rural communities.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Senior Director of Advocacy at Kansas Farm Bureau—and sixth-generation producer—Ryan Flickner sits down with Aaron Harries to talk policy that actually touches the farm gate. From the Farm Bill stalemate and year-round E15 to trade philosophy and the real cost of inputs, Ryan shares how Kansas “punches above its weight” and why coalitions beat hot takes every time. He also lays out why protein’s a bright spot while row crops are tight, and how policy predictability drives long-term investment on the farm.

Then we get practical: rural apprenticeships that retain good hands, domestic well realities and water rights, and field-level innovation at Flickner Farms—from subsurface drip to 360 Rain and NASA’s FIAT project for identifying high-protein wheat zones. It’s a candid, Kansas-first look at risk, resilience, and the tools that help rural families keep farming.

Top 10 takeaways

1. Kansas still gets heard in DC by bringing facts from real producers—and by building coalitions over perfection.
2. Omnibus culture stalls ag wins like year-round E15; regular order would move practical items faster.
3. 2018 Farm Bill was historic for votes, but extensions since then show how gridlock risks “dairy cliff” moments.
4. Farm policy may need to be “revolutionary,” not just evolutionary—re-examining ARC/PLC, savings accounts, and tax policy’s role.
5. Trade reality: focus on America’s comparative advantage and diversified buyers; consumers drive outcomes.
6. Economy right now: row crops tight on inputs; protein sector healthier thanks to low herd and steady demand.
7. High Plains risk is different—frequent, shallower losses vs. rare, massive hits in other regions—so safety nets must reflect that.
8. Workforce wins: Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program helps train/retain talent and grow services (e.g., moving to commercial applicator).
9. Water is the community linchpin: domestic well quality/rights matter as much as irrigation; awareness and testing are key.
10. On-farm innovation pays: subsurface drip, 360 Rain, and NASA FIAT can target high-protein wheat and conserve water.

Timestamps
00:01–00:38 | Intro & guest bio — Host intro, Kansas Wheat sponsors; guest: Ryan Flickner, KFB Senior Director of Advocacy and sixth-generation farmer.
01:04–03:18 | From DC staffer to advocate — What changes when you move from being asked to making the ask: relationships, directness, coalition-building.
03:19–06:16 | Kansas delegation & media era — Why Kansas still “punches above our weight,” and how social media/AI changed the information game
06:17–09:28 | Grassroots then vs. now — Standing on “shoulders of giants,” omnibus bills, and the example of year-round E15 getting stuck.
08:10–09:38 | 2018 Farm Bill context — 86–87 Senate votes; why regular order matters; extensions and “dairy cliff.”
09:38–12:15 | Future of farm policy — Evolutionary vs. revolutionary; ARC/PLC limits; farm savings accounts; role of tax policy.
12:16–16:18 | Trade philosophy & “land the plane” — Free/fair trade, America’s comparative advantage, consumer market power, demographics.
21:24–23:49 | Farm economy snapshot — Row crops tight on inputs; cattle strong on low herd + steady demand; optimism on sowing wheat.
25:40–27:49 | High Plains risk explained — Loss patterns vs. Corn Belt; why Kansas producers plan for shallow, frequent hits.
28:05–31:06 | Labor & apprenticeships — Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program, moving trainees to certified applicators, building retention.
31:19–33:27 | Statehouse outlook — Compressed session; budgets; water will remain central.
32:43–35:40 | Water literacy & quality — Tuttle dredging; household wells; nitrate/TDS surprises; senior rights for domestic wells.
35:40–36:47 | Rural viability warning — Domestic well losses add up; implications for keeping people on the land.
37:07–39:24 | Flickner Innovation Farm — 151 years, subsurface drip since 2001, 360 Rain units, irrigation at ~60% of county average.
39:24–41:47 | NASA FIAT & high-pro wheat mapping; wrap — Using satellite imagery to segregate premium protein; closing thanks.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin sits down with Aaron Harries for a fast-paced, wide-ranging update on the state’s fall harvest and planting season. They cover it all — from field conditions and the importance of fall rains to how flexible winter wheat planting decisions can help farmers manage risk in a volatile market. Justin also shares insights on the ripple effects of the federal government shutdown on agriculture, from export data to USDA research activity.

The episode also celebrates the story behind the new KS Bill Snyder wheat variety — a tribute to legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder and a symbol of Kansas innovation and rural pride. Hear how Kansas leadership is influencing national wheat policy, how U.S. exports are finding fresh markets in Nigeria and Asia, and why global trade ties matter for every farmer in the heartland.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. Kansas wheat planting is roughly 80% complete, with strong progress in the west and slower movement in wetter areas of the state.
2. Upcoming rains are critical for helping the new wheat crop emerge and thrive.
3. Wheat acreage remains stable around 7.4 million acres statewide.
4. Winter wheat’s flexibility helps farmers manage input costs during uncertain economic times.
5. Improved moisture could bring back opportunities for grazing cattle on wheat this fall.
6. K-State researchers are hard at work planting experimental plots for the next generation of Kansas wheat varieties.
7. The KS Bill Snyder wheat variety celebrates Kansas pride and agricultural excellence.
8. The government shutdown is halting USDA reports, funding, and research access, adding uncertainty for farmers.
9. U.S. wheat exports are up, with Nigeria surpassing Mexico as the top buyer of hard red winter wheat.
10. Kansas continues to lead nationally through strong participation in US Wheat Associates, NAWG, and industry advocacy.

Timestamps
0:00–2:00 — Fall Weather and Harvest
Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin open with an update on Kansas’s long-awaited fall weather and how it’s affecting harvest and planting progress across the state.

2:00–5:00 — Planting Progress
Justin estimates around 80% of Kansas wheat is planted. South-central Kansas has lagged due to wet fields, while western Kansas is right on track.

5:00–7:30 — Importance of Rainfall
Farmers are watching closely for upcoming rain that could be critical for wheat emergence and early tillering.

7:30–10:00 — Acreage Outlook
Gilpin expects Kansas wheat acres to hold steady near 7.4 million, similar to last year, despite low prices and market uncertainty.

10:00–13:00 — Wheat’s Flexibility
Aaron highlights the flexibility of winter wheat—especially valuable in a tight economy—since farmers can delay some fertilizer decisions.

13:00–16:00 — Grazing Opportunities
Moisture levels may allow cattle to graze on wheat pastures this fall, something that hasn’t been possible in recent years.

16:00–20:00 — Research and Planting at K-State
Aaron shares that K-State wheat breeders, including Dr. Allan Fritz, are busy planting research plots—important work for developing future wheat varieties.

20:00–25:00 — The KS Bill Snyder Variety
The conversation shifts to the KS Bill Snyder wheat, named after legendary K-State football coach Bill Snyder. They discuss the variety’s success and the on-field recognition ceremony at a K-State football game.

25:00–33:00 — Government Shutdown Impacts
Justin discusses how the federal government shutdown is disrupting USDA reports, research operations, and foreign ag funding programs.

33:00–38:00 — Wheat Exports and Markets
Despite challenges, U.S. wheat exports are performing well. Nigeria now leads Mexico in U.S. hard red winter wheat purchases—a major milestone.

38:00–44:00 — Global Competition
Global wheat production increases in Australia and Argentina could pressure prices. The U.S. must maintain and grow its export relationships.

44:00–48:00 — Leadership and Industry Meetings
Kansas growers prepare for the upcoming US Wheat Associates and NAWG meetings, where leadership transitions and trade strategy will be discussed.

48:00–52:00 — Rail Merger Concerns
Justin raises concerns about the potential Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger and what consolidation could mean for rural freight costs.

52:00–55:00 — Export Goals and Market Outlook
Optimism remains for rebuilding U.S. wheat exports to the one-billion-bushel mark, emphasizing long-term trade relationships.

55:00–End — Closing Thoughts
Aaron wraps up with appreciation for Kansas leadership and reminds listeners how to contact Kansas Wheat with feedback or questions.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this special round-table edition of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries welcomes the CEOs of Kansas Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, and Sorghum — Justin Gilpin, Josh Roe, Caleb Little, and Adam York. 
Together, they unpack how Kansas’ checkoff and grower associations function, where the dollars go, and how their unified efforts help strengthen markets, research, and advocacy for farmers across the state.

From tackling low commodity prices to building new international markets and investing in next-generation crop research, these leaders share candid perspectives on what’s working — and what’s keeping them up at night. 
They also discuss Kansas’ leadership in sustainability, the farm bill’s slow rollout, and how farmers are adapting to water and policy challenges. 
It’s an insider’s look at how collaboration keeps Kansas agriculture resilient, relevant, and rooted in the future.

Top Ten Takeaways

1. Kansas commodity groups work closely together because most Kansas farmers grow multiple crops.
2. Checkoff funds support research, market development, and promotion — not lobbying.
3. Kansas agriculture “punches above its weight” nationally due to strong relationships in DC and collaboration across commodities.
4. Biofuel and renewable aviation fuel policy highlight how Kansas’ unique climate and infrastructure create opportunities.
5. China’s trade slowdown has hit sorghum and soybeans hard, but diversification into new export markets is paying off.
6. Domestic processing growth, such as new soybean crush plants, is improving local basis and farmer profitability.
7. Food aid and humanitarian programs could help move surplus commodities while supporting global needs.
8. Kansas research leadership at K-State continues to deliver real solutions, from pest control to drought resilience.
9. Farmers want markets, not aid, but short-term relief may be needed until 2026 farm bill changes take effect.
10. Water quantity and quality remain long-term challenges that require a united, Kansas-based approach.

Timestamps

00:00–03:20 – Introduction of all four Kansas commodity CEOs; overview of checkoff and grower associations.
03:21–07:47 – Each group explains how their state and national checkoffs work and what farmer dollars fund.
07:48–12:04 – Discussion on collaboration across commodities and how Kansas’ diversification strengthens farmers.
12:05–18:08 – How Kansas differs from “I-states” in climate, policy, and biofuel strategy.
18:09–21:52 – Unique Kansas advantages in global markets and export promotion via K-State’s International Grains Program.
21:53–34:20 – Commodity market updates: sorghum exports to China, soybean crush expansion, corn surpluses, wheat prices.
34:21–38:08 – Food aid programs and how humanitarian exports can help move Kansas grain.
38:09–40:31 – Farm bill delays, potential aid, and short-term challenges for Kansas farmers.
40:32–51:24 – Research investments across K-State: sorghum improvement, wheat innovation, corn pest studies.
51:25–55:05 – Water issues and policy engagement: balancing conservation with agricultural needs.
55:06–End – Closing thoughts on cooperation, advocacy, and Kansas’ agricultural legacy.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind