Episodi

  • Oklahoma Wheat: Research, Markets, & Rural Life - RDA 502

    Oklahoma Wheat: Research, Markets, & Rural Life - RDA 502
    Jan 20 2026
    Episode 502 takes you straight to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at the AgriFest in Enid—where the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls is basically a tractor beam for farmers. Dave Deken and Dr. Brian Arnall sit down with Kay County wheat producer Tom Cannon, now a new Oklahoma Wheat Commission board member, to pull back the curtain on what “checkoff dollars” actually do. Tom shares the producer-side view of how funds support wheat research (better varieties, better quality, better management), expand export demand (he notes about half of Oklahoma wheat is headed overseas), and build ag literacy through hands-on education.The conversation hits home on why wheat still matters in modern rotations—especially after drought and wind reminded everyone what bare ground can do. From no-till residue and moisture protection to the “wheat + cotton” tag-team, Tom makes the case that wheat is the foundational crop that holds systems (and small towns) together. And just for fun: you’ll also hear about the “drone posse” concept—proof that Oklahoma agriculture is equal parts tradition, grit, and innovation.Top 10 takeawaysOklahoma winter wheat is a cornerstone crop economically and agronomically—and it still moves the needle statewide.Checkoff dollars are meant to act like a “marketing + research engine” for producers who are busy producing.Export market development is a major lever because a huge share of wheat demand is outside the local elevator.Producer education about checkoffs matters—refund requests signal a communication gap (Tom estimates ~6–8% refunded).Wheat’s residue is “soil armor” in Oklahoma—helping reduce erosion, slow evaporation, and improve water capture.No-till isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it system; it rewards deeper management—and wheat often anchors that system.Wheat and cotton can complement each other well in rotation, especially when you manage residue and planting windows.Research isn’t just yield—quality traits (protein management, fiber work) protect demand and create new value opportunities.Wheat success ripples through rural economies: equipment, parts, groceries, schools—everyone feels good crop years.Leadership in ag often starts the same way: somebody asks you to step up… and you decide to say yes.Timestamped Rundown00:00–00:01 — Dave opens Episode 502; Oklahoma wheat scale and value context; tees up the topic.00:01–01:52 — Intro of Brian Arnall Ph.D.; episode recorded at the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at KNID AgriFest (Jan. 10, 2026).02:05–04:07 — On-location banter: the bread/cinnamon roll operation, on-site oven, “follow your nose” traffic pattern.04:10–05:23 — Call-back to Tom’s earlier appearance (mental health); stigma fading; “it’s okay to talk.”05:47–07:52 — Tom’s path to the Wheat Commission board; why producer feedback matters; “their money” must be used wisely.07:52–11:59 — What the Commission does: promote wheat locally + worldwide; support OSU research; board debate + shared intent.12:01–13:35 — Export emphasis; Tom notes ~50% of production exported; “what would markets be without it?”13:35–16:52 — Research examples: nitrogen timing/protein, quality improvements, fiber-enriched wheat; surprise: refund requests (Tom estimates ~6–8%).17:07–17:55 — Why checkoffs exist: producers aren’t “marketing departments,” commissions fill that role.18:00–21:25 — Wheat acres + rotations; drought lessons; wheat residue and soil protection; no-till adoption in Kay County.21:25–24:45 — Cotton + wheat synergy; residue realities; why wheat after cotton works; harvest/header/residue discussion.24:46–26:29 — Logistics: drill “following the picker,” gin/trucking systems to clear fields fast for planting.26:29–28:49 — “Drone posse” business model; co-op fleet idea; custom work potential (moving north during fungicide season).28:53–30:06 — Public-facing work: baking events, wheat quality promotion, school coloring books/education.30:06–33:47 — Wheat’s ripple effect on rural towns (dealerships, stores, services); extra cents per bushel matters locally; OSU’s role.34:17–35:58 — Upcoming advocacy: Wheat Day at the Capitol, Ag Day, DC visits; educating policymakers about food production.36:00–36:51 — Wrap-up and where to connect with the show. RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    37 min
  • The Big Debate: Stress vs. Deficiency In Crops - RDA 501

    The Big Debate: Stress vs. Deficiency In Crops - RDA 501
    Jan 13 2026

    Recorded live at KNID AgriFest in Enid from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth, Episode 501 launches Season 5 with a fast-paced crop check and a whole lot of agronomy banter.
    Dave Deken sits down with Brian Arnall and Josh Lofton to talk January wheat realities: dry conditions, odd winter insect pressure, and early reports of wheat diseases showing up sooner than anyone wants.
    They also hit canola concerns—like that purple color—and what to inspect right now (new leaves and crown health) as everyone looks ahead to green-up.

    Next, it’s go-time thinking for topdress: why timing, weather, and surface conditions matter—especially when warm days, wind, and dew can increase nitrogen losses.
    Then the conversation turns into a practical deep dive on plant physiology and decision-making: primordia (the “cells in waiting”), how early-season stress can differ from true deficiency, and why chasing genetic potential without respecting environmental limits can hurt ROI.
    If you like your agronomy with real-world nuance (and a little friendly arguing), this one’s for you!

    Top 10 takeaways

    1. January crop scouting can be misleading—weather swings can make fields look great or “go backwards” fast.
    2. Warm winter + dry stretch = unusual pest pressure, including armyworms in wheat.
    3. Early disease reports (tan spot, rust, powdery mildew) mean don’t assume “it’s too early.”
    4. For canola right now, focus on new leaves and crown—that’s your “are we okay today?” check.
    5. Green-up moisture is the hinge point for both wheat tillering and canola recovery.
    6. Topdress timing is a system problem (acres, co-op schedules) and a weather-loss problem (dew + warm + wind).
    7. If conditions are right to lose N (dry soil + dew/humidity + wind), waiting can be the most profitable move.
    8. A lot of management is about what’s happening inside the plant—primordia/cell division—before you ever see it.
    9. Stress can be useful; deficiency is where you start giving away yield potential—context (stage/goal) matters.
    10. The “right” program depends on your risk profile: protecting max yield vs protecting ROI on inputs.

    Detailed timestamped rundown

    00:00–01:15 — Welcome to Episode 501 + Season 5 vibes; shoutout to AgriFest and the Wheat Commission cinnamon-roll traffic.
    01:16–01:55 — Introductions: Dave Deken with Dr. Brian Arnall and Dr. Josh Lofton; “we were arguing in our office earlier…”
    01:46–02:10 — Recorded Jan 9, 2026 at the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth during AgriFest in Enid.
    02:10–03:05 — Cinnamon roll banter + meeting listeners at the booth.
    03:07–04:20 — Crop update headline: it’s January, it hasn’t rained, it feels like June; armyworms in wheat; disease confirmations in SW OK.
    05:01–06:20 — Canola check: purple color mystery; focus on new leaves + crown health “right now.”
    06:35–08:10 — “Magic windows” talk: green-up moisture is critical for canola and wheat tillering.
    09:03–10:30 — Rooting + grazing: planting timing affects anchoring; some fields pull easier under cattle.
    10:45–12:55 — Topdress season starts early for many; best efficiency late Jan–March; avoid warm/windy/dewy days that can increase N loss (they cite “blow off 15–25%”).
    13:00–16:55 — What if winter doesn’t get cold? Daylength and growth timing; discussion on how wide the N window really is.
    17:00–22:10 — OSU NPK blog topic: managing “primordia” (cells-in-prep), not just what you see aboveground.
    22:10–25:20 — Corn example: by V6 you’ve set rows/potential kernels; stress/deficiency can reduce grain number.
    28:50–41:10 — Main debate: stress vs deficiency, “leaf deficient but not the plant,” and Liebig’s Law barrel analogy.
    44:20–48:10 — Genetic vs environmental potential, realized yield; precision vs accuracy; risk aversion (yield loss vs input cost).
    49:40–50:17 — Wrap + resources at reddirtagronomy.com.

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    50 min
  • Growing Agronomists, Not Just Crops - RDA 427

    Growing Agronomists, Not Just Crops - RDA 427
    Nov 19 2025
    This episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast features Dr. Beatrix Haggard, an associate professor in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, whose teaching mission is to make sure students know what plant they’re looking at—and how it works. Dr. Haggard walks us through her journey from FFA land judging in Texas to soil science at Tarleton State and LSU, to a regional soil fertility role in the Louisiana Delta, and finally to a teaching-heavy, tenure-track position at OSU. Along the way, she explains how those experiences shape how she teaches, from intro plant science to senior seminar, crop judging, and soil morphology.The crew also explores major shifts in today’s student body and how they change the way agronomy is taught. They discuss students working full-time jobs while in school, the rise of pre-vet and ag business majors, the growing number of non-traditional and out-of-state students (from California to New York and Indiana), and why judging teams and hands-on greenhouse work are powerful ways to build confidence and real-world skills. If you care about who will be scouting your fields, writing your recs, and leading your ag businesses in 10–20 years, this episode is a great look at how OSU is training that next generation.Top 10 takeawaysTeaching-focused, tenure-track agronomy roles are rare—and powerful.Dr. Haggard holds an 85% teaching appointment at a land-grant university, which she describes as a “unicorn” compared to more common research-heavy roles. That lets her invest deeply in core plant and soil courses that hundreds of students pass through every year.Intro plant science at OSU is huge and foundational.Plant 1213 serves ~600 students a year, mostly freshmen, and often becomes their first exposure to plant science, agronomy and OSU’s ag culture. What happens in that class heavily influences which majors students choose—and whether they ever consider crops or soils.College is about “learning how to learn,” not just memorizing content.Dr. Haggard uses her own career—soil scientist turned crop teacher—to show students that the real value of college is learning how to tackle new subjects and roles. If she can go from soil formation to crop growth stages on the job, they can pivot in their careers too.Judging teams teach life skills: travel, teamwork and resilience.Beyond plant and seed ID, crops and soils judging expose students to long trips, new regions and tight-quarters team dynamics. For some, it’s their first time crossing the Mississippi River or even flying. Dr. Haggard jokes it’s a successful trip if everyone is still talking on the way home.Today’s students juggle far more than class.Many students work full time, commute home on weekends and carry heavy concurrent credit loads from high school. That changes how instructors design assignments and study expectations—“go to the library all weekend” doesn’t match many students’ realities anymore.OSU agronomy is no longer just rural Oklahoma farm kids.The department now attracts students from California, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, New York and beyond, plus metro and suburban areas like Edmond and Oklahoma City. Many arrive with little or no farm background, which reshapes how faculty introduce basic equipment and practices.Ag majors are fluid—pre-vet and ag business are big destinations.Dr. Haggard sees many students start in animal science or pre-vet and then migrate to ag business, economics or plant/soil majors once they experience different classes and discover where their interests really lie. Flexibility in degree paths is key.Plain language and memory tricks matter in technical fields.Rather than keeping content “unattainable,” Dr. Haggard leans on layman’s terms and memorable phrases like “all cats manage kittens ammonium naturally” to help students retain complex ideas such as the lyotropic series in soil chemistry. Those small tools make a big difference for freshmen.Extension and classroom teaching are two sides of the same coin.Josh points out that he loves teaching the same agronomic concepts to two very different audiences: landowners and consultants on the extension side, and students in the classroom. The goals and depth differ, but both are about helping people apply agronomy in real life.Stable, passionate teachers anchor a department.Brian notes how important it is for a department to have long-term, high-quality teachers in core classes. With Dr. Haggard and Dr. Abbott, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences has a consistent foundation for teaching the “fundamentals” to every student who comes through the program. Segment Timestamps00:00–02:00 – Opening & introductions02:00–06:30 – What Dr. Haggard teaches at OSU06:30–11:30 – Her path into soils and agronomy11:30–15:30 – First “real” job & learning crops on the fly15:30–19:30 – Why she loves teaching19:30–24:30 – Building...
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    37 min
  • Digging Deeper: Rethinking Irrigation In A New Era - RDA 426

    Digging Deeper: Rethinking Irrigation In A New Era - RDA 426
    Nov 4 2025

    Water is life—especially in the Oklahoma Panhandle. In this episode, the Red Dirt Agronomy team welcomes Dr. Sumit Sharma, OSU Extension’s irrigation specialist, for a wide-ranging discussion on how producers can stretch every drop.
    From pre-watering to planting decisions, Sharma explains how irrigation science is helping producers navigate declining well capacities and unpredictable weather while maintaining strong yields.

    The conversation also explores cotton and corn management, growing degree days, and the future of sustainable production in Oklahoma’s High Plains.
    With insights on new technologies, the Master Irrigators program, and the resilience of prairie systems, this episode offers both practical advice and a hopeful look at how farmers can adapt without giving up on the land they love.

    10 Takeaways

    1. Efficient irrigation is key to sustaining Oklahoma Panhandle agriculture as wells decline.
    2. Cotton can thrive with as little as 14 inches of irrigation when managed correctly.
    3. Elevation impacts growing degree days, influencing which crops succeed.
    4. Pre-watering is vital for establishing crops and managing weeds in sandy soils.
    5. Short-maturity cotton varieties may improve harvest success before early freezes.
    6. Data and technology (like soil moisture sensors) are transforming irrigation decisions.
    7. Regenerative ag and cover crops are helping improve soil health under limited irrigation.
    8. Pasture restoration is a long-term solution for lands losing water capacity.
    9. The Master Irrigators Program offers farmers education, audits, and financial incentives to conserve water.
    10. The Panhandle’s resilience—both ecological and cultural—shows that adaptation is possible even in drought-prone areas.

    Timestamped Rundown

    00:00–01:00 – Dave Deken opens Episode 426; sets up discussion on irrigation and underground water.
    01:00–03:00 – Introductions: Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Raedan Sharry; light humor about breakfast and fieldwork.
    03:30–05:00 – Dr. Sharma joins; recap of his background and move from the Panhandle to Stillwater.
    05:00–07:00 – Overview of ongoing research: growing corn with limited water, regenerative agriculture, and cotton-water studies.
    07:00–10:00 – Explanation of growing degree days (GDDs) and how elevation affects crop heat units in Oklahoma.
    10:00–13:00 – Cotton challenges in high elevation areas; water use comparisons between cotton and corn.
    13:00–17:00 – Discussion on cotton irrigation timing—why early stress can help root growth.
    17:00–21:00 – Cotton varieties (Phytogen 205 vs. 411); balancing short vs. long maturity crops.
    21:00–25:00 – GDD model reliability questioned; differences between Panhandle and southern climates.
    25:00–29:00 – Deep dive on “pre-watering” in the Panhandle: how much, why, and when.
    29:00–32:00 – Millet research and unexpected challenges (birds, pigweed, herbicide limits).
    32:00–35:00 – Discussion on drought, soil loss, and reestablishing pasture for sustainability.
    35:00–39:00 – Dr. Sharma details the Master Irrigators Program: training, incentives, and upcoming sessions in Altus.
    39:00–40:30 – Closing remarks and links to RedDirtAgronomy.com.

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    41 min
  • Purity, Progress, and the Power of Good Seed - RDA 424

    Purity, Progress, and the Power of Good Seed - RDA 424
    Oct 8 2025
    This week, the crew sits down with Jeff Wright of Oklahoma Foundation Seed to trace the wheat seed pipeline—from a few pounds in the breeder’s bag to the certified seed growers buy. Jeff opens the hood on a weather‑delayed harvest that still posted only ~5% sprout damage and a 56‑lb test weight on Orange Blossom, then tells the highway‑shoulder saga of backing a combine down I‑44 after a trailer failure. He explains the four certified seed classes (breeder → foundation → registered → certified), why purity matters, and how new tools—like fast‑cleaning plot combines and precision planters—help scale a 10–15 lb start into bushels, quicker. Agronomy nuggets abound: skip‑row/wide‑row, ~500k seeds/acre targets, and how partnerships from Hutchinson to Stillwater keep seed flowing across the Plains.Top ten takeawaysThe seed pipeline exists to protect purity—breeder → foundation → registered → certified—so farmers get exactly the genetics they expect.Even in a rough year, Orange Blossom came off with ~5% sprout damage and 56‑lb test weight, underscoring how management and luck intersect.Logistics are real: after losing two trailer wheels, Jeff literally backed a combine down I‑44 to keep harvest moving.Modern gear speeds purity: a Kincaid research combine can be torn down and cleaned in about 1–1.5 hours(often right in the field).Tiny starts can scale fast: planting 10–15 lb with a research planter can produce bushels the next year and accelerate releases like Scab Striker.Low‑pop, wide/skip‑row wheat works—Jeff often targets ~500,000 seeds/acre and still harvests competitive yields.Trait licensing shapes access: certain lines (e.g., DoubleStop, Strad, CoAXium) are certified‑seed‑only or under special contracts.Cross‑state coordination matters: OSU and K‑State swap seed and use Hutchinson, KS, as a hand‑off to serve customers on both sides of the line.Cold storage and national germplasm archives keep legacy varieties alive for future breeding and rescue.The future’s colorful (literally): purple wheats, higher‑fiber lines, and other innovations are on the horizon. Timestamps:00:00–00:18 — Sponsor: Oklahoma Wheat Commission; “feeding the world while growing the future.”00:19–01:20 — Show open, Ep. 424; “lots of wheat going in the ground across the Great Plains.”01:21–02:16 — Team roll call: Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Raedan Sharry; booth banter.02:25–03:38 — Meet Jeff Wright, manager of Oklahoma Foundation Seed; recorded at High Plains Journal Live (Wichita).03:39–04:52 — Harvest chaos: cutting delays; “lost two wheels” off the trailer; backed a combine down I‑44 to solve it.04:53–06:10 — What Foundation Seed does: maintain purity, scale new releases, and handle more than wheat (barley, oats, rye, peanuts, mung beans, forage grasses).06:11–08:14 — Weather impact: a late cut still tested ~5% sprout damage and 56 lb test weight on Orange Blossom; theory on staying consistently wet.08:15–12:26 — Jeff’s 18‑year arc (since 2007): from F2 gleaners and all‑day cleanouts to better logistics and later planting windows.12:27–15:06 — Launching varieties faster: from Duster’s slow start to handling 15–10 lb starts across many lines.15:07–17:22 — Research planter tactics: planting ~25 lb over ~2 acres (80 bu the next year) and 15 lb over ~2 acres (later “Scab Striker” at ~90 bu).18:13–19:32 — Equipment leap: Kincaid seed‑production combine (clean in ~1–1.5 hours in the field) and a small 10‑ft header plot machine (30 minutes, one person).20:09–21:11 — Seed classes explained: breeder → foundation → registered → certified; most OSU lines can be saved farm‑to‑farm, with traited exceptions (e.g., DoubleStop, Strad, some CoAXium).21:53–24:26 — How other states do it; crop mixes; Kansas heavy in wheat, Missouri soybeans, Georgia peanuts.24:37–26:06 — Coordination with K‑State and Kansas Wheat Alliance; swap seed and use Hutchinson as a distribution point.26:46–28:06 — Facilities: moved into a new building in 2018; goal to hard‑install cleaning equipment (retire the portable setup).28:36–29:46 — Agronomy: ~500k seeds/acre can still push yield; which plant types handle wider rows/skip rows best (good tillering, wide leaves).30:09–33:05 — When varieties fade: carryover strategy, hauling to the elevator, and keeping small lots in cold storage; national germplasm backup.34:33–35:24 — What’s next: purple wheats, high‑fiber lines, and more CoAXium—“exciting changes ahead.”|36:00–37:30 — Why producer partnerships matter; wrap and contact info RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    38 min
  • Sowing Innovation: The Future of Kansas Wheat - RDA 423

    Sowing Innovation: The Future of Kansas Wheat - RDA 423
    Sep 9 2025

    This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, we bring you a wheat-packed episode from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita with Aaron Harries of Kansas Wheat.
    Aaron takes us on an incredible journey through the world of wheat in Kansas, including how railroads and immigrant farmers have shaped today’s production, and how cutting-edge research is transforming breeding programs.
    He explains how tools like double haploids and gene editing are speeding up wheat variety development—and why the next decade may be the “golden age” of wheat research.

    We also dive into Kansas Wheat’s education and outreach programs. From the targeted insights of Wheat Rx to the economic arguments behind “Beyond the Value of the Grain,” Aaron outlines a comprehensive strategy to support producers and inform decision-makers.
    Add in the pressing threat of wheat streak mosaic virus and how “Fight the Mite” is helping growers combat it, and you've got an episode that’s as informative as it is essential for wheat growers across the Southern Plains.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kansas Wheat is at the forefront of modern wheat research, embracing tech like double haploids and gene editing.
    2. The Wheat Rx program is transforming how growers receive agronomic prescriptions for varieties.
    3. “Beyond the Value of the Grain” highlights the agronomic benefits of wheat in rotations.
    4. The “Fight the Mite” campaign is helping fight wheat streak mosaic virus via strategic management.
    5. Kansas Wheat’s checkoff program funds research based on farmer priorities.
    6. Grazing systems and volunteer wheat require a balance of economic opportunity and disease management.
    7. There’s growing collaboration between Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado wheat researchers.
    8. GMO wheat could soon help address viral diseases, but market readiness remains an issue.
    9. Educating consumers on the health value of wheat is an ongoing challenge, particularly in light of social media myths.
    10. Wheat is still vital to food systems—and its importance must be championed through research, outreach, and innovation.

    Timestamps

    00:01:58 – Live from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita
    00:02:54 – What's on Your Mind podcast and wheat history
    00:06:02 – Aaron’s role with Kansas Wheat and wheat research funding
    00:07:38 – Double haploids and advances in wheat breeding
    00:12:11 – Wheat Rx program and future of precision agronomy
    00:14:16 – “Beyond the Value of the Grain” campaign
    00:18:43 – “Fight the Mite” and wheat streak mosaic virus education
    00:24:09 – Changes in Kansas Wheat and grower attitudes
    00:27:02 – Collaboration across states and universities
    00:33:08 – GMO wheat, new markets, and trade outlook
    00:36:15 – Educating the public and combating misinformation
    00:40:46 – The impact of social media and future outreach

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    42 min
  • How Wheat is Getting Smarter & Faster to Market - RDA 422

    How Wheat is Getting Smarter & Faster to Market - RDA 422
    Sep 3 2025

    This week on the Red Dirt Agronomy podcast, the crew sits down with Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations, to explore how cutting-edge breeding tools are transforming wheat genetics.
    From her Oklahoma upbringing to her role in driving biotech advancement in Kansas, Dusti shares the story of how HPI is helping breeders produce better wheat—faster.
    Using double haploid technology, her team can deliver pure, stable genetic lines in just a year, dramatically reducing development timelines.

    Dusti also introduces us to HB4 wheat, the first biotech wheat trait deregulated in the U.S., boasting drought tolerance and herbicide resistance.
    With a strong focus on science-backed innovation and a respect for producers’ concerns about biotech, Dusti and HPI are helping bridge the gap between advanced research and on-farm value.
    Whether you're a grower or just fascinated by crop science, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Double-haploid technology significantly reduces breeding time—often by half.
    2. HPI specializes in creating pure wheat lines using early-generation F1 seeds.
    3. The corn pollination method is used to initiate the double haploid process.
    4. This method ensures genetic consistency without genetic modification.
    5. Wheat breeding is catching up to crops like corn in the use of advanced biotech tools.
    6. HPI supports both public and private breeding programs across the U.S. and internationally.
    7. Speed breeding techniques and environmental controls enhance breeding efficiency.
    8. Dusti Gallagher has deep roots in ag policy and wheat industry development.
    9. HB4 wheat introduces herbicide resistance and drought tolerance through biotech.
    10. HPI is positioning itself to manage biotech traits safely and transparently.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Welcome and High Plains Journal Live intro
    00:42 – Meet Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations
    03:02 – What is double haploid technology?
    06:20 – How HPI cuts wheat breeding timelines in half
    08:22 – Speed breeding, single seed descent, and environmental control
    10:14 – Who HPI works with and what crops they support
    12:38 – Genetic complexity of wheat and challenges in breeding
    14:26 – GMO vs. double haploid breeding – clearing up confusion
    16:48 – Collaborating with breeders like Brett Carver
    18:19 – Dusti’s journey from OSU to HPI
    21:03 – Is hybrid wheat finally here?
    22:09 – HB4 wheat: The first deregulated biotech trait in U.S. wheat
    24:34 – What’s next for biotech in wheat breeding

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    25 min
  • Strip Till, Smart Tech, Soil Health Innovation - RDA 421

    Strip Till, Smart Tech, Soil Health Innovation - RDA 421
    Aug 26 2025

    This week’s Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast takes us to the heart of innovation in Kansas agriculture. We caught up with Ray Flickner at High Plains Journal Live, where he shared how his fifth-generation farm blends heritage with high-tech. From running three crops in two years to using cover crops for weed suppression and soil health, Ray’s flexible and moisture-conscious approach proves that success isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about adapting with intent.

    The highlight? A deep dive into the Rain360 system—a mobile irrigation rig that’s helping Ray make the most of limited water across irregular fields. It’s not just talk; he’s cutting water use by 40% compared to local averages. If you're farming in the Southern Plains or just looking for fresh ideas, this episode delivers practical, tested insights you can take straight to the field.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ray Flickner farms 1,000 acres with a strong focus on irrigation efficiency and strip tilling.
    2. He operates with limited livestock in a region where integrating animals is logistically difficult.
    3. Ray uses wheat as a functional cover crop to maintain soil health and “living roots.”
    4. Cover crop termination timing is critical and must be adapted to seasonal moisture.
    5. Rain360 is a mobile, above-ground irrigation system designed for irregular fields and low water flow.
    6. The system can deliver both water and nutrients precisely where they’re needed.
    7. Subsurface drip irrigation has helped Ray reduce water usage by approximately 40%.
    8. Strategic use of irrigation timing and moisture sensors boosts efficiency.
    9. The farm serves as a demonstration site for innovative irrigation practices.
    10. Ray’s adaptive management style reflects a balance between innovation and practicality.

    Timestamps

    00:03:06 – Introduction to Ray Flickner and his background
    00:04:25 – Ray’s family farm history and crop rotation strategy
    00:07:04 – Strip tilling advantages and fertilizer placement
    00:08:32 – Managing three crops in two years with limited moisture
    00:10:58 – Cover crop strategies and moisture-driven termination decisions
    00:14:41 – Installing and operating the Rain360 irrigation system
    00:20:00 – Water efficiency challenges with limited aquifer access
    00:26:49 – Beta testing setbacks and successes with new irrigation tech
    00:30:26 – Subsurface drip irrigation’s impact on sustainability
    00:31:47 – Closing thoughts and reflections on farming innovation

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    33 min