Cattle prices are at record highs, but the U.S. cow herd is at a 70-year low. In this episode, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Dr. Derrell Peel breaks down what’s behind the tight supply, how drought shaped the market, and why it may take the rest of the decade to rebuild. From cheap corn to expensive beef, hear why producers are walking a fine line between opportunity and caution.

How does wheat seed get from a breeder’s handful to the certified sacks you load at planting? Jeff Wright, manager of Oklahoma Foundation Seed, walks us through the pipeline—breeder → foundation → registered → certified—and the obsessive cleaning, paperwork, and logistics required to keep varieties pure. He recounts a chaotic harvest season that still yielded ~5% sprout damage and 56‑lb test weight on a key field, plus the roadside reality of backing a combine down I‑44 after a trailer failure. We also look at the tech leap from old gleaners that took all day to clean to a Kincaid research combine you can tear down and clean in about an hour. Then we get practical: launching lines from 10–15 pounds with a research planter, using wide-row/skip-row patterns, and targeting ~500,000 seeds/acre without compromising yield. Jeff shares how Foundation Seed coordinates with K‑State, what happens when a variety fades, why OSU keeps small lots in cold storage, and a quick peek at what’s brewing in the Wheat Improvement Team—purple wheats, higher fiber, CoAXium trait lines, and more. Recorded live at High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, this episode is a nuts‑and‑bolts tour of the seed system that feeds the Plains.

In this episode, the Red Dirt Agronomy team hits the road to High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, Kansas, and sits down with Aaron Harries, Vice President of Research and Operations for Kansas Wheat. Aaron delves into the history and future of wheat in the Central Plains, offering fascinating insights into wheat’s role in shaping communities, the evolution of breeding programs, and the strategic innovations underway to secure wheat’s place in modern agriculture. From railroads and Mennonite settlers to double-haploid breeding and gene editing, it’s a wide-ranging and enlightening conversation. Aaron also shares how Kansas Wheat is educating stakeholders through programs like Wheat Rx, advocating for crop system benefits with the "Beyond the Value of the Grain" campaign, and tackling threats like wheat streak mosaic virus with the "Fight the Mite" initiative. Whether you're a wheat producer, ag educator, or just fascinated by crop science and rural resilience, this episode is packed with knowledge, humor, and forward-thinking. Tune in for the past, present, and future of wheat in one compelling conversation.

What if you could take the long, slow process of wheat breeding—and cut it in half? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the fascinating world of double haploid technology, a game-changing tool that’s helping breeders create pure, stable wheat lines faster than ever. You’ll hear how techniques like corn pollination, speed breeding, and controlled-environment growth are reshaping the way we develop new crop varieties—and why that matters to producers around the world. To help unpack all this, we’re joined by Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations, who breaks down the science in a way that’s both accessible and compelling. Dusti explains how these tools—while not genetically modified—still deliver the kind of precision and efficiency once thought impossible in traditional breeding. From accelerating yield and disease resistance traits to managing the rollout of HB4 wheat, the first deregulated biotech trait in the U.S., this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of wheat.

In this special on-the-road episode recorded at High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, Kansas, the Red Dirt Agronomy crew catches up with a true trailblazer in conservation and irrigation innovation: Ray Flickner of Flickner Innovation Farm. Ray shares his insights as a fifth-generation farmer operating 1,000 acres of mostly irrigated land north of Wichita. With a mix of humor and hard-earned experience, Ray dives into his unique crop rotation strategy, including how he juggles corn, soybeans, wheat, and cover crops in an area where livestock are scarce and water is precious. He breaks down his evolving philosophy on “living roots” versus traditional cover cropping and talks about managing moisture and weed control without sacrificing yield. The conversation takes a tech-forward turn as Ray introduces listeners to the Rain360—a revolutionary mobile drip irrigation system that maximizes efficiency in odd-shaped fields with limited water resources. From the challenges of strip tilling and subsurface drip to the practicalities of integrating new tech on a working farm, Ray’s transparent and practical approach offers a wealth of knowledge for producers across the Southern Plains. If you’ve ever wanted to hear how cutting-edge ideas are applied with boots-on-the-ground wisdom, this is the episode for you.

The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast heads north to Wichita, Kansas, for a lively episode recorded at High Plains Journal Live. Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, shares timely insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the wheat industry today. From tackling diseases like wheat streak mosaic to expanding Oklahoma wheat’s global footprint, Mike breaks down how research and producer-driven support are making an impact. Listeners get an inside look at how OSU’s public wheat breeding program is leading the charge in developing varieties suited for grain, grazing, and improved human health. With topics like gluten sensitivities, end-use quality, and emerging international markets on the table, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone growing or baking with Oklahoma wheat.

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.