Wheat's On Your Mind

When crop prices are down and input costs are still sky-high, how are farmers deciding what to plant? 
In this episode of Wheat’s on Your Mind, host Aaron Harries talks with Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist at CoBank, about the tough decisions producers are making right now. 
Tanner breaks down why wheat still plays a role in many rotations, even when margins are razor-thin. 
He also explains how export demand—especially from Mexico—is offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging outlook for grains.

From the impact of tariffs and fertilizer costs to the long-term future of wheat in drought-prone areas, Tanner offers insights that blend market analysis with on-the-ground understanding. 
You’ll also hear how Farm Credit lenders and co-ops are adapting, what global players like Russia and Australia mean for U.S. producers, and what financial warning signs are flashing as we head into 2026. 

It’s an episode full of clarity, context, and common sense for rural and ag-focused listeners.

Takeaways

1. CoBank serves as a major lender within the Farm Credit System, supporting both local credit associations and cooperatives.
2. Farmers are choosing crops based on the "least dirty shirt" principle—none are very profitable right now.
3. Tariffs and elevated input costs are squeezing farm margins despite lower commodity prices.
4. Wheat may gain ground in acreage due to lower production costs and available moisture.
5. Russia’s and Australia’s crop sizes heavily impact global wheat prices and U.S. acreage trends.
6. Mexican demand and rail logistics are driving strong wheat export performance.
7. Corn acreage saw surprising growth, but future USDA revisions are likely to reflect weather damage.
8. Lower irrigation capacity could boost small grains like triticale, rye, and wheat in the High Plains.
9. The livestock side of agriculture is faring well, while row crop farmers face mounting financial stress.
10. Co-ops benefit from higher volume harvests, but grain sorghum faces pricing and export challenges.

Timestamps

00:01 – Introduction to Tanner Ehmke and CoBank's mission
03:25 – Profitability decisions for Kansas crop producers
05:34 – Impact of input costs and tariffs on farmer choices
07:23 – Wheat acreage outlook and Russia's influence
09:36 – Fertilizer and input cost projections
11:24 – Export markets and Mexico's strategic importance
13:12 – Corn yield and acreage revisions
17:05 – Water scarcity and small grains potential
19:08 – Financial health of the ag economy and chapter 12 filings
24:44 – Co-ops and grain elevators: recovering from drought years
26:02 – Key economic indicators to watch: Fed, dollar, exports
27:37 – Where to find Tanner’s insights and subscribe to his newsletter

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Tritica Biosciences, a rural Kansas startup founded by Brandi and Dr. Chris Miller, is turning heads—and wheat germ—into revolutionary biotech. 
Backed by a $29 million grant from ARPA-H, their mission is to create shelf-stable, cell-free protein synthesis platforms using Kansas-grown wheat. 
Imagine insulin production powered by wheat embryos, all done on-site and without needing traditional bioreactors. It’s happening just east of Manhattan, Kansas.

What began in a 100-square-foot lab in a converted barn is now a scalable biotech enterprise with a 10,000+ square-foot facility, multiple partners, and global potential. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, the Millers explain the science, the story, and the significance behind their work. From food security to pharmaceuticals, this is a game-changing look at wheat’s future beyond the grain bin.

Key Takeaways

1. Tritica Biosciences uses wheat germ to power cell-free protein synthesis.
2. Their proprietary process maintains shelf-stable wheat embryos.
3. Applications range from insulin production to cosmetics and pet food.
4. The process requires no living cells and avoids traditional fermentation.
5. Their facility started in a garage and now spans 10,000+ square feet.
6. The process is sustainable—leftover wheat is still food-grade.
7. Kansas hard red winter wheat is a major part of their current research.
8. The project is funded by a $29M ARPA-H grant with 5 partners.
9. Their technology may lead to localized protein drug manufacturing.
10. Tritica is actively hiring and expanding their team and capabilities.

Timestamps

00:01 – Introduction and guest bios
02:04 – Founding story of Tritica Biosciences
03:27 – Building their facilities from the ground up
05:10 – Chris’s early work with wheat and Celiac research
06:36 – What is ARPA-H?
08:00 – The uniqueness of their wheat germ extraction process
10:17 – What is cell-free protein synthesis?
13:16 – Turning wheat germ into shelf-stable scientific material
15:06 – Pharmaceutical potential and real-world applications
19:11 – The role of wheat variety in protein synthesis
20:44 – Beyond pharma: cosmetics, pet food, and food industry possibilities
24:07 – Enzymes, APIs, and green chemistry
27:15 – Project goals, commercialization, and future scale-up
30:08 – Collaborations with AI-driven protein design
33:25 – How to follow their work and stay connected

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In the latest Wheat’s On Your Mind podcast, Aaron Harries chats with Anne Osborne, Executive Director of the National Wheat Foundation, about the value and impact of the National Wheat Yield Contest. 
Anne shares how the contest encourages U.S. wheat farmers to push for both higher yields and better quality, while also promoting innovation through tools like digital yield submissions. 
Whether you're in spring or winter wheat country, irrigated or dryland, there's a category for you—and the contest could even improve your long-term productivity.

Anne also gives us a look into the other initiatives driven by the National Wheat Foundation, from leadership development to on-farm education for congressional staff. 
She shares inspiring stories of Kansas farmers and how contest data is shaping best practices across the country. 
Tune in to learn how you can participate, what to expect, and why growing great wheat isn’t just possible—it’s happening now.

Takeaways

1. The National Wheat Yield Contest began in 2016 and now receives hundreds of entries annually.
2. The contest focuses on yield and quality, promoting sustainable wheat production.
3. A new “digital yield” category allows growers to submit data via precision ag tools.
4. Kansas has consistently performed well in the contest, with winners even during challenging years.
5. Growers must use new seed and be Kansas Wheat members to enter.
6. National winners are rewarded with a trip to the Commodity Classic and recognition.
7. Contest participation leads to long-term yield improvements—even 20 bu/ac increases.
8. The foundation supports education through leadership training and congressional outreach.
9. Data from the contest helps track trends like row spacing and variety performance.
10. Entering the contest helps growers innovate and share knowledge with others.
     

Timestamps:

00:01 – Introduction to Anne Osborne and her ag background
01:18 – What the National Wheat Foundation does
02:22 – Funding sources and history of the foundation
03:19 – Launch of the National Wheat Yield Contest
03:54 – Goals of the contest: yield, quality, and profitability
05:12 – Contest entry categories: spring/winter, irrigated/dryland, digital
06:10 – Entry process and requirements
07:49 – What winter wheat growers need to know before entering
08:50 – Incentives and benefits for participants
10:10 – Adding a quality component to the contest
12:03 – Regional surprises in grower practices (like no herbicides!)
14:00 – The digital yield category explained
16:11 – Kansas participation history and standout winners
18:05 – Sharing best practices and where to find contest data
20:11 – Row spacing and seeding trends from contest data
21:09 – Yield potential: where are we heading?
22:50 – Final encouragement to enter and try something new
23:20 – Other National Wheat Foundation programs: leadership, education, advocacy

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

This week on Wheat’s On Your Mind, we welcomed back Justin Gilpin and Dalton Henry for a robust roundtable on trade, tariffs, and the global wheat outlook. 
They unpacked why current U.S. wheat export numbers are encouraging—especially for hard red winter wheat—and discussed efforts to regain market traction in areas like South Africa and Southeast Asia. 
The team also reflected on how the U.S. is competing globally amid rising challenges from Russia and other exporters.

Dalton gave insight into new trade frameworks with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as how non-tariff barriers like weed seed protocols can pose silent threats to trade. 
Meanwhile, Justin emphasized the need for a long-term, national vision to support U.S. wheat exports and logistics. 
Whether it’s shipping infrastructure or trade policy, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping wheat’s future on the global stage.

Key Takeaways

1. Hard red winter wheat exports are rebounding thanks to low prices creating competitive advantages abroad.
2. South Africa and Southeast Asia are bright spots for U.S. wheat exports.
3. Russia remains the primary export competitor, particularly in African markets.
4. Retaliatory tariffs haven’t severely impacted wheat, unlike other commodities.
5. MOUs with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are helping establish long-term trade relationships.
6. China’s wheat import future remains unpredictable due to domestic production priorities.
7. Black Sea peace could stabilize markets, but Russia's wheat pricing strategies might shift.
8. Non-tariff barriers like weed seeds and diseases remain key hurdles, with growing focus on science-based solutions.
9. Japan’s regulators are visiting Kansas, showing strong institutional ties to U.S. wheat systems.
10. A national wheat strategy is needed to address logistics, infrastructure, and global competitiveness.

Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction and wheat export context
01:10 – Justin Gilpin on export strategy and market gains
03:17 – Global wheat competition: Russia, Australia, Ukraine
05:12 – Dalton Henry on tariffs and retaliatory trade dynamics\
07:11 – New purchase commitments from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam
09:32 – Discussion on China’s role and potential trade shifts
10:55 – Impacts of peace in the Black Sea region
16:01 – Tackling non-tariff trade barriers like phytosanitary regulations
24:20 – Japanese trade delegation and SPS concerns
27:14 – GMO wheat and Japan’s regulatory interests
28:28 – Farmer leadership and trade policy evolution
32:09 – US-flag vessel shipping and national infrastructure needs
36:41 – Call for a unified U.S. wheat export strategy

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this special episode, Aaron Harries speaks with renowned food historian Rachel Laudan about the deep roots of wheat in human civilization. 
Growing up on a farm near Stonehenge, Rachel’s unique background—combined with her expertise in history, science, and philosophy—provides a rich and thoughtful perspective on how wheat shaped the rise of empires, economies, and everyday life. 
Rachel unpacks how early humans learned to transform difficult, scratchy seeds into food, why processing grain was historically women's labor, and how wheat became the backbone of global nutrition and political power.

From ancient metates in Mesoamerica to the industrial roller mills of the 19th century, this conversation dives deep into the story of how wheat evolved from a wild seed to a symbol of civilization. 
Rachel also sheds light on the politics of white bread, the muscle power of grain grinders, and how wheat’s utility in food security shaped empires from Rome to modern America.

Key Takeaways

1. Early grain consumption dates back 20,000+ years—far before formal agriculture.
2. Processing grain into edible food required intense physical labor, mostly done by women.
3. Ancient civilizations relied on stored grain for year-round sustenance.
4. Gluten in wheat allowed for more diverse and appealing food products.
5. Wheat became a preferred grain in major empires due to its versatility and storability.
6. White bread historically symbolized wealth and status.
7. Industrial roller mills drastically reduced bread costs in the 1800s.
8. Governments worldwide encouraged wheat consumption for perceived health benefits.
9. Wheat has played a central role in food aid and international stability.
10. The importance of harvest and grain supply remains as vital today as ever.

Timestamps

00:01 – Introduction and Rachel's background
03:17 – Why Rachel focused on food history
05:41 – The challenges of early grain use
07:38 – Human labor behind grain processing
10:04 – Women's role in grain grinding
12:16 – Rise of wheat as the preferred grain
14:19 – Bread types across empires
17:41 – Wheat and political stability
21:44 – Industrialization and global wheat demand
22:53 – Wheat in food aid and global security
25:06 – Rewriting women’s history through food
26:21 – Personal memories of harvest season

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this special episode, Aaron Harries welcomes back David Schemm, newly reappointed State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. Schemm reflects on his goals from his first tenure and outlines his vision for his second, emphasizing efficiency, legacy, and adapting to evolving farm technologies. With boots-on-the-ground experience both as a farmer and policymaker, Schemm offers a unique perspective on bridging local farming needs with federal programs.

Listeners will hear firsthand how the FSA is adapting post-COVID, tackling workforce and technology challenges, and striving to improve program delivery statewide. Schemm shares valuable insights on underutilized FSA programs like TIP and Farm Storage Facility Loans, and unpacks potential impacts of the current farm bill discussions in Washington. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, this episode delivers practical takeaways you won't want to miss.

What You're Going To Learn

1. Schemm’s FSA leadership vision centers on enhancing production, embracing heritage, and establishing a legacy.
2. COVID tested agency resilience and reinforced the importance of flexibility and communication.
3. The FSA is focusing on increasing efficiency without sacrificing service quality to producers.
4. Modernization and technology use are key to serving younger, tech-savvy farmers.
5. The FSFL and TIP programs are valuable yet underutilized resources for producers.
6. The 2024 farm bill (or farm bill-lite) remains uncertain but critical for row crop stability.
7. Kansas FSA is emphasizing internal restructuring to address labor and program delivery issues.
8. Local participation via county committees is vital to ensuring producer representation.
9. Schemm brings both policy and practical farming experience to the role, shaping responsive leadership.
10. Beginning farmers can access loans and ownership support through tailored FSA programs.

Timestamps

00:12 – Introduction to David Schemm and his return to FSA
01:14 – Schemm’s farm vision and its influence on FSA leadership
04:51 – Lessons learned from COVID-19 and managing federal agency coordination
06:56 – Changes and challenges in this second term
08:47 – FSA modernization and behind-the-scenes efficiency efforts
14:31 – Loans for beginning farmers and credit access through FSA
15:52 – Farm bill status and what’s at stake for Kansas producers
20:35 – Climate-smart program updates and uncertainty
22:29 – Underutilized programs like TIP and FSFL explained
25:41 – Local engagement: FSA county committees and producer participation
29:30 – Closing remarks and contact information

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

The 2025 wheat growing season in Kansas will go down as one of the most challenging in recent memory, with widespread viral disease pressure affecting crops statewide. 
In the latest episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries is joined by Kansas State University experts Dr. Kelsey Andersen Onofre and Dr. Romulo Lollato to explain why and how this viral outbreak took hold. 
From the biological intricacies of the wheat curl mite to the nuances of symptom onset and misdiagnosis, they break down what really happened and why traditional solutions like fungicides didn’t work.

Farmers are encouraged to act early—well before planting—to mitigate these viruses. 
This means aggressively managing volunteer wheat, being mindful of green bridge hosts, and choosing wheat varieties with known resistance genes. 
Listeners will also learn how to send samples to the K-State Diagnostic Lab for accurate identification, which will help prevent another viral outbreak in 2026. 
This episode is a must-hear for producers and ag professionals looking to prepare effectively for the upcoming planting season.

10 Key Takeaways

1. The 2025 Kansas wheat crop faced extreme yield losses from a three-virus complex.
2. Wheat streak mosaic, triticum mosaic, and High Plains wheat mosaic can co-infect, worsening symptoms.
3. All three viruses are transmitted by the wheat curl mite, which survives both summer and winter.
4. Symptoms often appear in spring but result from fall infections.
5. Miticides and fungicides offer no effective control once symptoms appear.
6. Managing volunteer wheat post-harvest is critical to breaking the green bridge cycle.
7. Certain cropping practices (e.g., double-cropping, cover crops) exacerbate mite survival.
8. Resistance genes (e.g., Cmc4 and WSM2) help but are not bulletproof—temperature sensitivity and virus specificity matter.
9. Virus presence in seed is minimal but possible; primary spread is via mites.
10. Accurate diagnosis through Extension offices or K-State’s Diagnostic Lab is crucial.

Timelines

00:02 – Introduction to the viral disease crisis of the 2025 wheat crop
01:26 – Dr. Andersen Onofre explains the three-virus complex
02:46 – Impact of co-infections on yield loss
03:39 – Role of the wheat curl mite as the common vector
04:21 – Timing and misinterpretation of symptom emergence
06:17 – Biology and survival patterns of the wheat curl mite
08:39 – Weather conditions and unusual symptom expression in 2025
10:15 – Why late-season management is too late
12:55 – Fungicides and miticides: what doesn’t work
14:18 – What mites are doing post-harvest
16:19 – Volunteer wheat and cropping system challenges
18:02 – Green bridge hosts beyond volunteer wheat
22:28 – Variety resistance: current options and limitations
26:51 – Can the viruses be seed-transmitted?
28:07 – Redefining the green bridge kill window
30:14 – Submitting samples for accurate diagnosis
31:53 – Field symptoms and common misdiagnoses
34:36 – Wrap-up and resources

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Arron Harries and Justin Gilpin regroup after their insightful conversation with Senator Jerry Moran to unpack the latest in ag policy and harvest developments. With the recent reconciliation bill pushing key wins for Kansas agriculture—including improved crop insurance, better ARC/PLC guarantees, and funding boosts for wheat export programs—this episode offers clear, actionable updates for producers and stakeholders. They also touch on USDA’s revised harvest projections, which reflect a diverse year in the field thanks to disease pressure from wheat streak mosaic and late-season rains.

Listeners also get a broader view of U.S. wheat's role globally, with news of a promising new trade agreement with Indonesia and the ongoing strategic importance of food aid programs like Food for Peace. The episode wraps with a spirited discussion on how the industry can counter high-profile misinformation about bread. Whether you're wrapping up harvest or planning for fall planting, this episode delivers valuable insights and timely reminders to help keep wheat top of mind.

Takeaways:

1. The reconciliation bill delivered major wins for wheat farmers—especially in ARC/PLC and crop insurance.
2. Senate ag appropriations include significant funding for Food for Peace and wheat breeding programs.
3. Harvest variability is high this year, with some areas hit hard by wheat streak mosaic.
4. K-State’s wheat-free date guidance is key for managing wheat curl mite risks.
5. Fall wheat acreage might dip slightly due to market conditions and crop rotation factors.
6. Wheat straw is regaining importance for soil health and moisture retention.
7. A new multi-year trade agreement with Indonesia marks a positive step for U.S. wheat exports.
8. There is growing need for a National Wheat Strategy focused on competitiveness and food security.
9. Misinformation about wheat and bread needs unified industry response.
10. Wheat continues to be a global staple—supplying 1 in 5 human calories daily.

Timestamps:

00:10 – Recap of conversation with Senator Jerry Moran
01:43 – Breakdown of reconciliation bill highlights
03:37 – Senate ag appropriations: Food for Peace, McGovern-Dole
06:33 – Kansas wheat harvest report and USDA updates
08:35 – Disease pressure and K-State wheat-free dates
09:53 – Acreage forecasts and straw residue value
11:48 – Indonesia trade agreement and U.S. wheat exports
14:33 – National Wheat Strategy and Breadbasket Diplomacy
18:09 – Responding to anti-bread messaging (Joe Rogan discussion)
21:45 – The historical and dietary importance of wheat

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this special episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joins Justin Gilpin and host Arron Harries to dive into the latest developments affecting wheat producers and rural Kansans. 
The trio breaks down the July 4th reconciliation bill, including major wins for agriculture—particularly the updated reference prices in Title I of the Farm Bill and expanded crop insurance options for producers. 
Senator Moran provides an insider’s look at how the reconciliation process enabled faster action, while also discussing the long-term impact of the newly secured disaster relief funding and broader economic support for rural communities.

The conversation expands to cover national security, food aid, and export strategy, emphasizing the global importance of Kansas-grown wheat. 
Moran highlights programs like Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole, linking moral responsibility with economic benefit. 
From tariff negotiations to healthcare and rural hospital support, this episode blends ag policy and big-picture strategy in a way that's both practical and powerful for wheat growers and rural advocates.

Key Takeaways:

1. The reconciliation bill includes a “skinny” farm bill with updated Title I safety net provisions.
2. Reference prices for wheat have been raised to $6.35/bushel—an 85-cent increase.
3. Disaster relief and drought assistance are now available via USDA offices.
4. Farmers can reallocate base acres with a one-time option.
5. Tax code changes lock in favorable estate tax thresholds for rural producers.
6. Export programs and food aid initiatives remain central to market development.
7. U.S. Wheat Associates continue to broker international deals, like with Indonesia.
8. Agriculture is increasingly seen as a national security priority.
9. Kansas rural hospitals will benefit from nearly $6 billion in aid.
10. Research funding, including genomic wheat research, received a boost.

Timestamps:
00:40 – Introduction and Senator Moran’s role in ag policy
02:00 – Overview of the reconciliation bill and farm bill tie-ins
04:45 – Reconciliation vs. regular legislative process
06:30 – Reference price increases and crop insurance updates
09:10 – Drought disaster assistance and USDA rollout
11:30 – Rural tax benefits and estate tax provisions
13:15 – Ethanol, trade, and the importance of exports
16:00 – Food for Peace, McGovern-Dole, and global food aid
18:45 – Agriculture as national security and intelligence insights
21:10 – Funding for rural hospitals and broadband
23:00 – Wheat genetics and research investment updates
24:50 – What’s next: Skinny farm bill and future priorities

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries welcomes Dr. Joseph Awika, a globally respected food scientist and the new department head of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. 
From his early days in Kenya to directing cutting-edge research in Texas and now Kansas, Dr. Awika brings a unique perspective to advancing grain science. 
He shares how his work focuses on making grain-based foods healthier, why polyphenols are important, and what the upcoming Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will mean for students, the industry, and the future of food.

Listeners will also learn about the challenges of recruiting students into agricultural science, the merging of food science with grain science, and why industry collaboration is central to K-State’s future strategy. 
It’s an inspiring look into how one leader is reshaping an entire academic field from the ground up—literally.

1. Dr. Joseph Awika brings international and interdisciplinary experience to his new leadership role.
2. The new Global Center aims to enhance research, education, and industry collaboration in grain and food innovation.
3. Awika's research focuses on improving human health through enhanced grain components like polyphenols.
4. The new facility will house teaching labs, pilot plants, and spaces for food and pet food research.
5. K-State is consolidating food science under the grain science department to maximize synergy.
6. Student recruitment is expected to benefit from the modernized learning environment.
7. Four core research priorities include human health, sustainability, innovation, and biosecurity.
8. Pet food and animal health are significant growth areas for the department.
9. The new center aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the grain science industry.
10. Industry wants greater input into curriculum updates to match evolving job market needs.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Meet Dr. Joseph Awika and his path from Kenya to Kansas
01:33 – Academic career and research on grains and human health
04:40 – Construction updates on the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation
06:04 – What’s inside the new facility: labs, programs, and opportunities
08:07 – Why food science and grain science are joining forces
09:20 – Student recruitment challenges and opportunities
11:22 – Teaching philosophy and goals for the department
12:17 – Four research priorities: health, sustainability, innovation, and security
14:32 – Industry collaboration and the demand for trained professionals
16:00 – Final thoughts and contact information

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind