This week on Wheat’s on Your Mind, Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joins Aaron Harries for a fall field update from across the state. From planting progress and long-awaited rains to export momentum and the impacts of the government shutdown, the conversation digs into what’s really driving Kansas agriculture this season. Plus, hear the story behind the KS Bill Snyder wheat variety and how Kansas research is shaping the future of wheat worldwide.

Kansas’ top agricultural leaders join forces on this special episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind. CEOs from Kansas Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, and Sorghum share how checkoffs work, how they collaborate across commodities, and how Kansas farmers are punching above their weight in markets, policy, and research. It’s a rare round-table full of insights from the people driving Kansas agriculture forward.

Tough choices, tighter margins, and wheat in the middle. In this episode of Wheat’s on Your Mind, Aaron Harries sits down with Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist for Grains and Oilseeds at CoBank, to unpack what’s really driving the decisions farmers are making this fall. From sky-high input costs to struggling grain prices, farmers are asking: Which crop loses the least money right now? Tanner brings both sharp economic insight and firsthand farming experience to the table as he breaks down the current market pressures. The conversation covers it all—why wheat acres could dip, how exports to Mexico are one of the few bright spots, and what’s happening with fertilizer prices and tariffs. Tanner also explains how the financial health of agricultural operations is shifting rapidly, what the numbers reveal about Chapter 12 filings, and why farm credit lenders are becoming cautious. It’s an honest, practical look at the state of grain farming, told in plain terms for those making the decisions every day.

In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries sits down with Brandy and Dr. Chris Miller, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Tritica Biosciences. Based near Manhattan, Kansas, their precision biotechnology startup is revolutionizing how wheat germ is used—especially in the realm of cell-free protein synthesis. From humble beginnings in a barnhouse lab to a $29 million ARPA-H-backed project, the Millers share their inspiring entrepreneurial journey and explain how Kansas wheat is playing a surprising role in pharmaceutical development. Listeners will hear how Tritica Biosciences is turning wheat germ into a platform for creating proteins like insulin—right on site and without the need for traditional fermentation. This episode dives deep into wheat science, biotechnology, and the future of rural innovation, all while keeping things relatable for producers, processors, and ag-minded audiences. Whether you're in the lab or out in the field, this is a story that proves the power of wheat goes far beyond the bread aisle.

In this episode of Wheat's On Your Mind, Aaron Harries is joined by Anne Osborne, Executive Director of the National Wheat Foundation, to explore the National Wheat Yield Contest and its impact on productivity, profitability, and innovation in U.S. wheat farming. Celebrating its 10th year, the contest now includes digital yield submissions and a focus on both high yield and quality. Anne shares insights on how Kansas growers can enter, what strategies have led to past wins, and how the contest’s data is shaping future best practices across the wheat belt. Whether you're aiming to compete or simply improve your crop, this episode delivers timely guidance and motivation.

This week on Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries sits down with two familiar voices—Justin Gilpin from Kansas Wheat and Dalton Henry of U.S. Wheat Associates—for a frank and timely discussion on the state of wheat trade. With wheat prices low and global competition heating up, the conversation covers everything from rising exports of hard red winter wheat to shifting relationships with key buyers like China, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. They also dig into the behind-the-scenes work that’s keeping U.S. wheat in the game—from tackling non-tariff barriers to navigating complex shipping rules and trade negotiations. Whether it’s potential peace in the Black Sea, tariff impacts, or how the U.S. can reclaim ground in overseas markets, this episode lays out the big picture and the fine print. If you grow wheat, ship it, sell it, or just want to understand the forces shaping your market, this one’s for you.

Food historian and author Rachel Laudan shares how wheat played a key role in developing civilizations and empires across the world.

David Schemm has been appointed state executive director of the Kansas Farm Service Agency for the second time under a Trump administration. David shares his goals for his second term in this position and updates us some important programs and policy updates.

K-State Extension experts Kelsey Andersen Onofre and Romul Lollato break down the virus outbreak that negatively affected the yields and quality of the 2025 wheat crop in Kansas. They break down some of the myths surrounding options to control the diseases and share important information to prevent a recurrence in 2026.

Following the discussion with Senator Moran, Justin and Aaron dive further into the details of the reconciliation bill, provide an update on the wheat harvest in Kansas and share some thoughts on a recent bread commentary by podcaster Joe Rogan.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joins Aaron and Justin on this episode to discuss the farm-bill related components of the reconciliation bill signed by the President on July 4th.

On this episode, get to know Dr. Joseph Awika, the new department head for Grain Science and Industry at K-State. Dr. Awika gives a progress update of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, which is currently under construction on campus. He also briefs us on the Food Science Institute, which will be in the new center.

Justin Gilpin drops in during a whirlwind Kansas wheat harvest to share what he’s seeing in the fields and hearing from farmers. He and Aaron Harries talk about everything from wild weather to wheat sales in places like South America, Africa, and Asia. It’s a quick but wide-ranging chat that shows how local harvests connect to global markets and policy decisions.

Lyle Friesen has been a custom harvester for almost 50 years. He's seen a lot and has stories to share. On this episode, Aaron interviews Lyle as he is getting ready to head south for the start of the 2025 wheat harvest season.

Meet Ben Brown, a rising star in the world of agricultural economics with ties to Kansas State University. Ben tells us about the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri. He and Aaron visit about the farm economy, farm policy, tariffs, and much more.

Peter Laudeman from U.S. Wheat Associates and Justin Gilpin with Kansas Wheat recently took a food aid learning expedition to Africa. They tell us about the different U.S. food aid programs, and how they saw those programs in action. Peter and Justin discuss the recent restructuring of USAID and what that means for the future of wheat donations from the U.S. Also, hear their first-hand accounts of a refugee camp.

AM radio listeners living in or traveling through Kansas have no doubt dialed in AM 550 to hear The Voice of The Plains, KFRM. Station co-owner and manager Kyle Bauer takes us behind the scenes of one of the largest farm radio stations in the country. Hear about the history, evolution and unique operating style of KFRM. Kyle also provides his perspective on modern farm radio and explains the battle to keep access to AM radio in American vehicles.

Jane DeMarchi, the president of the North American Millers' Association is the guest on this episode. Jane updates us on the current state of the wheat milling industry including consumer trends and food safety issues. She also shares NAMA'S policy priorities for the farm bill and provides perspective on the possibility of moving into the GMO wheat era.

Most farmers are familiar with the checklist of things that make a wheat variety good – high yield, good protein, disease resistance, drought tolerance and many more. But the list is much longer for K-State wheat breeder Allan Fritz. On this episode, Allan visits with Aaron about some tools and targets within his breeding program that you might not have heard about. He explains (in simple language for Aaron) genetic gain, rapid-cycling, genomic modeling, high protein, high fiber, durum wheat, high water absorption, sharp root tips and much more.

This important episode covers farmer mental health. Alicia Boor with K-State’s Stress and Resiliency Team talks about the unique stressors farmers face and the stigma associated with mental health. Alicia mentions that seeking help in rural areas isn’t as difficult as it may have been in the past. Listen for some potentially life-saving information.