The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast hits the road for Episode 419, recorded live at High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, Kansas. Host Dave Deken and the “Dream Team of Dirt” welcome Dr. Shannon Ferrell from Oklahoma State University to discuss farm transition planning, the impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on agriculture, renewable energy trends, and the future of transmission infrastructure. From farm kid vs. city kid succession challenges to tax code updates, Dr. Ferrell delivers timely insights for farm families navigating big asset decisions. The conversation also explores the explosive growth of solar energy, the economics of battery storage, and the looming phase-out of renewable energy tax credits. Dr. Ferrell offers a forward-looking perspective on transmission easements, encouraging policies that incentivize landowners to host infrastructure. It’s a lively, informative episode full of practical takeaways, expert commentary, and just the right amount of humor from the road.

This week on Red Dirt Agronomy, we dig into the legacy of Oklahoma Gardening with its beloved host, Casey Hentges. Celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, Casey walks us through her unique career path, shares what it’s like to helm one of Oklahoma’s most enduring TV programs, and discusses how the team keeps gardening advice timely, practical, and grounded in science. From Bermuda grass trials to battling backyard myths, Casey’s passion for education shines through. She also reflects on how the show pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue growing with its audience and highlights community efforts, such as the "Plant a Row" campaign, which helps put fresh produce in local food banks. Don’t miss details about their tiller giveaway, commemorative Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, and how Oklahoma Gardening continues to bloom for future generations of green thumbs.

In Episode 417 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, the team catches up on Oklahoma’s adventurous 2025 wheat season. Despite extreme weather conditions, parts of the state delivered impressive yields, thanks in large part to strategic crop management and resilient wheat varieties. Dr. Amanda Silva shares early insights from variety trials and discusses how planting date and population are impacting productivity. Listeners also learn about a new, hands-on sorghum field event slated for July 29 near Dacoma, Oklahoma. This unique experience encourages growers and agronomy professionals to get into the field, break down plants, and learn practical scouting techniques. Whether you're managing wheat, sorghum, or cotton, this episode is full of timely advice and practical takeaways for Oklahoma's producers.

As summer tees off in Oklahoma, Episode 416 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast dives into the turf beneath our feet with Dr. Charles Fontanier, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science at Oklahoma State University. This episode is a must-listen for golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, and homeowners alike as we explore OSU's impactful turfgrass breeding program. Dr. Fontanier breaks down the unique challenges of growing Bermuda grass in Oklahoma’s transition zone, tackling issues from winterkill to drought stress and the science behind high-performance sports fields. From the development of elite turf varieties like Latitude 36, NorthBridge, and Tahoma 31, to innovative strategies for traffic tolerance, shade management, and even NFL-grade sod transport, this episode showcases OSU’s role in revolutionizing the turfgrass industry. You will learn about how these grasses are selected, tested, and distributed—and why turfgrass management is about much more than keeping it green.

In this episode of Red Dirt Agronomy, we welcome Dr. Jayson Lusk, Vice President and Dean of Agricultural Programs at Oklahoma State University, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving role of agriculture in higher education and the broader community. Dr. Lusk shares his journey from faculty member to administrator, offering a candid look at what motivates him to lead and what it takes to align OSU’s ag mission with the real-world needs of Oklahoma producers. From major investments in off-campus research sites to innovative ideas for beef and data-driven agriculture, Dr. Lusk outlines a vision that balances tradition with forward-thinking strategy. He also discusses the importance of faculty engagement, the challenge of measuring extension success, and why connecting with producers and the public remains at the heart of OSU's work.

This week on Red Dirt Agronomy, the spotlight is on Oklahoma cotton. Dr. Jenny Dudak joins the podcast to share her expertise on what growers can expect this season—from wet weather challenges to pest pressure from thrips. With many fields in flux and soil conditions far from ideal, Dr. Dudak and the team discuss the importance of timely weed control, residual herbicide strategies, and scouting to protect fragile cotton seedlings. The episode also explores how emerging technologies and smarter management practices—like skip-row patterns and targeted planting dates—can improve sustainability for cotton producers. As corn makes temporary inroads into traditional cotton regions, the conversation turns toward the future of Oklahoma’s cotton infrastructure. It's a candid and timely discussion that highlights both the complexity and promise of managing crops under tough conditions.

Join us for a big announce ment about a program coming in August, 2025! The Red Dirt Agronomy crew dives into the challenges Oklahoma producers are facing during an unusually wet spring. From delayed planting and washed-out pre-emergent herbicides to concerns over replanting decisions and crop development, the crew unpacks what this weather means for wheat, sorghum, soybeans, cotton, and corn across the state. Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Brian Arnall, and Dr. Raeden Sharry offer timely updates and practical advice for managing weed pressure, evaluating replant potential, and making nutrient decisions under tight windows. Then, the episode takes a global turn as the team welcomes Dr. Tieneke Trotter, a visiting researcher from Central Queensland University in Australia. Dr. Trotter shares insights into her work with sesame as an emerging crop, the unique challenges of farming in northern Australia, and her efforts to revitalize crop judging competitions to inspire the next generation of agronomists. She also reflects on her family's experience living in Stillwater and the shared challenges and innovations that connect agricultural communities across continents.

In this episode, the RDA guys dive into the essential pipeline connecting wheat research to producers, with Executive Director Mark Hodges of Oklahoma Genetics Inc. He explains how OGI collaborates with Oklahoma State University to get top-tier wheat varieties into the hands of growers.

In this Red Dirt Agronomy episode, the team is joined by Maxwell Smith, Southwest Area Cotton Extension IPM Specialist, who provides a comprehensive look at cotton and peanut production in Oklahoma’s southwestern corner. From drought-stricken irrigation districts to the slow resurgence of lake levels, Smith explains how farmers are making the best of what nature and infrastructure allow. You'll learn about ongoing efforts to modernize irrigation, the strategic shift to corn in response to economic pressures, and the critical role of pest and weed management in these systems. Smith also provides an overview of Bt trait technologies, including the promising new ThriveOn technology that targets early-season pests like thrips. The discussion touches on peanut production, which is seeing slight growth despite challenges from weeds and water availability. This episode serves as a thorough update on southwest Oklahoma's cropping systems and what’s ahead for 2025.

Oklahoma wheat producers faced no shortage of challenges this year — from drought-stressed fields to sudden rains that shifted planting strategies overnight. In this live episode, researchers share how small management tweaks, like adjusting fungicide timing or reevaluating planting dates, can mean the difference between a struggling field and a successful harvest. With real-world examples and expert advice, it’s a deep dive into the intersection of science and survival on the Great Plains. You'll hear how intensive wheat management trials are changing recommendations, how the latest nitrogen research is overturning old assumptions, and why first hollow stem timing remains a critical decision point for dual-purpose wheat systems. Plus, find out how Oklahoma’s new wheat text update service is keeping farmers connected to the latest info when it matters most.

Camelina is quickly emerging as a flexible, resilient alternative for producers looking to diversify rotations beyond wheat and canola. As a member of the Brassica family, this oilseed crop offers exceptional adaptability to various soil types and tillage practices, making it a strong fit for the Southern Great Plains. With planting windows that span fall and spring, camelina provides producers with a safety net when wheat planting is delayed or fails altogether. Plus, its early harvest timing means it's out of the field before wheat comes off, freeing up time and equipment. What makes camelina even more compelling is its guaranteed market—thanks to Shell Oils, which processes camelina into sustainable aviation fuel. For growers, that means peace of mind and profit potential in a volatile market. With its small seed size, minimal input needs, and in-season agronomic support, camelina delivers a smart, sustainable solution for building a more flexible and future-ready cropping system.

We talked with Jessica Wilcox, focusing on her experiences in agriculture, crop insurance, and transitioning from eastern Oklahoma to western Oklahoma to farm with her husband, Clint. Don’t miss Jessica’s take on the power of networking among producers and how changing weather patterns continue to shape the future of agriculture in Oklahoma.

Dietitian Sheri Glazier talks about the importance of humanizing agriculture for better understanding. We talked with Sheri, the Dirt Road Dietitian, about connecting agriculture and nutrition. Many people are disconnected from where their food comes from, leading to misconceptions and a lack of trust. See how Sheri is bridging that gap!

Brady Sidwell of Sidwell Strategies discussed creating more apparent paths for consumers from farm to fork, particularly in northern Oklahoma. Brady's insights into integrating agriculture from the production level all the way to consumer access are incredibly valuable. We learned a lot about the importance of infrastructure and innovative business models in making local food systems thrive.

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

We had the pleasure of speaking with Don Schieber, a seasoned wheat producer from Kay County, Oklahoma, on Episode 404 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast. Don's journey through the wheat industry is not only inspiring but also highlights the significant advancements in farming practices over the decades. I found his insights on the evolution of wheat production and the importance of community ties particularly enlightening.

In this episode, we welcome Jerry May, founder of May Precision Ag and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. Jerry transitioned from working with John Deere to establishing his own custom farming business, focusing on soil sampling and precision agriculture. His journey exemplifies the shift towards data-driven farming practices and the importance of adapting to market dynamics.

Podcast Description Guest Introduction In this episode, we explore the critical role of crop insurance in agriculture with Bambi Sidwell of Sidwell Insurance. Bambi brings extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the importance of risk management for farmers, particularly in Oklahoma. She guides us through the evolving landscape of agricultural policies and the necessity for farmers to maintain strong relationships with their insurance agents to navigate complexities effectively.

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Rodney Jones, an agricultural economist and educator, alongside Karen Eifert Jones, a dedicated farmer and advocate for women in agriculture. Together, they share their extensive experiences in farming and teaching, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices and the challenges of transitioning farm management to the next generation.

We discuss the experiences and challenges of graduate school in agronomy, focusing on the transition from academic knowledge to practical application, the significance of mentorship, and the dynamics of fieldwork.