We talk with Dr Brett Carver, wheat breeder at Oklahoma State University, about the unique challenges of the 2024 wheat crop in the southern Great Plains. The early and severe outbreak of stripe rust disease, which Carver calls the "worst" he's seen, sets the stage for a candid conversation about the complexities of wheat breeding.

Despite the significant disease pressure, some areas achieved remarkable yields. Carver also reflects on how this challenging season offers valuable insights for the breeding program, describing it as a "gift" for identifying varieties with allseason resistance to stripe rust.

The need for fusarium head blight resistance and the potential role of a newly released scab-resistant line

"Butler's Gold" variety's early maturity and its significance for double-cropping systems

Breeding targets, including harder wheat kernels with improved gluten and higher fiber content for health-conscious consumers

Efforts to increase the fiber content of milled wheat flour and changing consumer perceptions toward wheat

The timing of grazing for dual-purpose wheat and the potential for dedicated dual-purpose varieties

Breeding for disease resistance beyond stripe rust, such as Septoria nodorum

(00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guests, focusing on wheat research and variety development.

(00:38) - Harvest updates: impressive yields in some areas, while others suffered due to weather conditions.

(02:46) - The impact of timely planting on crop success, with corn and soybeans benefiting from early starts.

(04:20) - The challenges of weather conditions, and how they influenced wheat harvest.

(06:07) - The importance of fungicide applications and their impact on wheat yields.

(09:16) - January and February decisions on nitrogen applications and their outcomes in 2024.

(11:14) - Recall of previous challenging years for wheat, including 2012 and 2015, and the lessons learned.

(13:21) - The unique challenges of 2024, with both stripe and leaf rusts affecting wheat crops.

(15:07) - The need for wheat varieties with improved disease resistance, and the role of breeding.

(17:28) - The value of challenging years like 2024 for wheat breeding programs and future planning.

(19:30) - The benefits of diverse cropping and their impact on wheat variety determination.

(22:02) - The release of a new scab-resistant wheat variety and the potential for increased fusarium.

(24:21) - The role of cropping systems in determining future wheat varieties and their characteristics.

(27:00) - The success of short-season wheat in changing growers' approaches to rotations.

(29:13) -The accidental discovery of Butler's Gold, a short-season wheat variety, and its impact.

(31:13) - Strategies for managing late spring freezes and their influence on wheat maturity.

(33:12) - The potential for a new dual-purpose wheat variety, focusing on grazing ability.

(35:38) - The issue of determining the optimal grazing period for wheat and the need for precision.

(37:08) - Future plans for wheat breeding, including focusing on beyond-the-fence qualities.

(39:41) - The potential for breeding high-yielding, high-quality wheat with improved fiber content.

(42:32) - Conclusion and thanks to the guests, leaving the audience with a positive outlook.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

NAWG's Role: Keeff Feltty discussed NAWG's involvement in legislative and regulatory matters affecting agriculture, including the Farm Bill and EPA regulations. They advocate for wheat growers' interests and fight against detrimental policies.

Quality Focus: RJ Parrish emphasized the importance of quality wheat production. He believes Oklahoma has the potential to be the "Mercedes-Benz of wheat" by promoting its high-quality grain, which can command premium prices in domestic and international markets.

Research and Innovation: Both guests highlighted the significance of research and innovation in wheat production. Keef mentioned the potential game-changer of the new "Aux-Wheat" variety developed at Oklahoma State University, which could eliminate the need for chemical additives in bread.

International Markets: RJ shared his experiences from wheat quality tours in Africa, where he interacted with millers and end-users. He stressed the importance of understanding their needs and promoting the quality of U.S. wheat to capture these markets.

Sustainable Practices: RJ discussed his no-till operation and the benefits of using stabilizers and precision fertilizer application. He believes these practices not only improve quality but also enhance efficiency and sustainability.


(00:00:02) Welcome to the podcast

(00:00:37) Introduction to the episode's guests and topics

(00:01:37) Introduction of the panel members

(00:02:46) Conversation with Keeff Felty, National Association of Wheat Growers president

(00:05:01) Keeff's responsibilities as president of NAWG

(00:06:07) Oklahoma's representation within NAWG over the years

(00:07:02) Keeff's farming operation in Jackson County

(00:08:19) Changes in farming practices over the years

(00:09:26) Educating legislators on agricultural issues

(00:10:01) Working with legislators from non-agricultural districts

(00:11:23) A recent legislative success for wheat growers

(00:13:55) Integrating cotton into wheat rotations

(00:15:28) New wheat genetics and traits

(00:17:01) Variety selection for Keith's operation

(00:19:20) The Lugert-Altus Irrigation District

(00:22:14) Irrigated wheat vs. cotton in the district

(00:25:01) Water delivery system in the district

(00:28:03) Roles of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association and Oklahoma Wheat Commission

(00:31:06) Break for headset switch

(00:31:47) Conversation with RJ Parrish, Oklahoma Wheat Commission representative

(00:32:00) RJ's role with the Wheat Commission

(00:32:32) RJ's farming operation

(00:33:04) Double-cropping soybeans after wheat

(00:34:17) RJ's involvement with the Wheat Commission

(00:34:29) Impact of wheat checkoff dollars

(00:35:35) Importance of wheat quality

(00:37:09) Interacting with international millers

(00:39:01) Focusing on quality on RJ's farm

(00:41:01) Considering a fertilizer spreader for corn

(00:41:48) Stripper headers for double-cropping

(00:43:35) Marketing and storing wheat for quality premiums

(00:44:25) Community focus on wheat quality

(00:45:12) Decline of anhydrous ammonia use

(00:46:04) Excitement about the new Aux wheat variety

(00:46:46) Importance of research for the Wheat Commission

(00:48:18) Weed science research at OSU

(00:49:03) Closing remarks

RedDirtAgronomy.com

Here are the podcast timestamps with brief descriptions:

(00:00:02) Introduction and welcome to the podcast episode

(00:00:33) Reminder about the website and introduction of the guests

(00:01:02) Introduction of Dr. Brian Arnall

(00:01:06) Humorous exchange about gnats and historic sites

(00:01:28) Introduction of Dr. Josh Lofton

(00:01:51) Brent Rendel introduces himself and the location

(00:02:25) Banter about Brent and Zack Rendel's appearances

(00:03:08) Discussion of Brent's early involvement with green seeker technology

(00:04:03) Mention of the diverse crop rotation at the Rendel farm

(00:04:25) Recollection of filming video at the Rendel farm years ago

(00:05:59) Importance of on-farm research for the Rendel operation

(00:10:19) Reasons why more farmers don't do on-farm research

(00:13:03) Discussion about learning from mistakes in on-farm research

(00:15:01) Perspective on failing and learning in on-farm research

(00:17:17) Potential opportunities with the new government protocols and strip-tilling

(00:19:28) Value of field days for growers involved in research

(00:22:04) Judging the local community's interest in research through field days

(00:24:08) Inquiry about the Rendel family's history of progressive farming

(00:26:43) Discussion of the family's mining history in the area

(00:27:45) Future directions for on-farm research at the Rendel farm

(00:30:22) Potential benefits of autonomous farming with smaller equipment

(00:36:51) Neighbors' reactions to the Rendel's on-farm research efforts

(00:38:40) Closing remarks and clarification about the Rendel's role in introducing pests

(00:40:49) Final thanks and appreciation for the conversation

RedDirtAgronomy.com

We had the privilege of visiting the Rendell Farm in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, where we sat down with Brian Pugh, the OSU Northeast Area Agronomist. Brian's insights into forage management and wheat production were truly enlightening

We speak with Dr. Amanda Silva, OSU Extension Small Grain Specialist, for a comprehensive wrap-up of the 2024 wheat season. Dr. Silva will share her insights from her extensive travels across the state, discussing the challenges and successes of this year's crop. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that shaped the wheat harvest and what lessons can be learned for future growing seasons.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

• Livestock as Performance Indicators: Dr. Phillips discussed the importance of using livestock as performance indicators for forage management strategies. By measuring animal weight gain, we can evaluate the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
• Nutrient Cycling Approach: Emphasizing a "one health ecosystem" approach, Dr. Phillips plans to study the nitrogen cycle from soil to plant, animal, and back to soil, including measuring animal waste.
• Long-term Rotation Study: A massive 8.5-acre experiment is underway to study the impact of varying rotations, tillage practices, and nutrient application timings on double-crop systems. This "living lab" will provide insights for years to come.
• Farmer-Centric Experimentation: Drawing from his international experience, Dr. Phillips advocates for a farmer-centric approach, where researchers facilitate on-farm experimentation and learn from growers' perspectives.
• Connecting Researchers: Dr. Phillips' work in Africa focused on building networks and communities among researchers, enabling them to share knowledge, collaborate, and secure funding for impactful projects.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

(00:00) Introduction and background on Ashley Faris, Ph.D.

(03:49) Discussion on the success of managing the sugarcane aphid

(06:46) When raising money makes sense for pest management research

(09:58) The power of small teams in tackling pest issues

(13:55) Defining success and goals for pest management

(17:08) Playing "infinite games" in life and pest management

(20:11) Challenges of starting a business vs. staying in business with pest management

(22:13) Lessons from 25 years in business for pest management

(27:28) Venture scale vs. bootstrapping approaches in pest management

(30:30) Choosing the right path for your business in pest management

(33:19) The "Shape Up" framework for pest management

(37:59) The drawback of making promises in pest management

(39:56) Adopting a new way of working in pest management

(41:36) The two-week cooldown period in pest management

(43:53) Trusting intuition and gut in pest management decisions

(46:41) Creating a gut-driven culture in pest management

(49:44) What Ashley looks for in new hires for pest management

(56:19) Advice on making changes and adapting in pest management

(01:00:06) Why Dr. Faris’ changed her mind about in pest management

(01:02:33) Planning in 6-week stretches and figuring it out as you go in pest management

(01:06:43) Being proud of the work you do in pest management

(01:09:05) Dr. Faris’ thoughts on why work should not feel like war in pest management

(01:11:31) Advice for starting a bootstrapped business in pest management

(01:14:33) Being at peace with the worst that can happen in pest management

(01:15:42) The benefits of bootstrapping in pest management

(01:19:11) The value of constraints in business for pest management

(01:22:00) Dr. Faris’ philosophy: "Just keep making great shit" in pest management

(01:23:19) Once, 37signals's new line of software products for pest management

(01:26:33) The philosophy behind Once for pest management

(01:35:47) Closing thoughts on pest management

(01:37:23) Lightning round on pest management

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The Dirt Road Dietitian Website

RedDirtAgronomy.com