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
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