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

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

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

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

This episode hits the road to Wichita, Kansas, where the Red Dirt Agronomy team joins High Plains Journal Live and connects with growers, ag researchers, and industry leaders from across Oklahoma and Kansas.
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte, joins the crew to share invaluable insights on wheat variety development, global markets, and the innovative ways Oklahoma State University's wheat breeding programs are shaping the future of the crop.

From dual-purpose wheat suited for both grain and grazing, to tackling issues like wheat streak mosaic virus, Mike explains how Oklahoma’s public wheat research and producer-led funding are creating solutions for modern farming challenges.
He also touches on exciting progress in high-fiber wheat development aimed at improving health outcomes, and how the commission balances wheat as a commodity and a specialized product.
If you're interested in market shifts, consumer trends, or how OSU is leading wheat innovation, this is a can't-miss conversation.

Key Takeaways

1. Oklahoma wheat breeders are releasing more varieties annually than most public programs nationwide.
2. The "Breakthrough" variety is helping farmers manage wheat streak mosaic virus.
3. OSU is the only U.S. institution actively breeding wheat for grazing-grain dual purpose.
4. High-fiber wheat is being developed to tackle major health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
5. U.S. wheat, including Oklahoma’s, is regaining global competitiveness thanks to favorable pricing.
6. Mexico remains Oklahoma’s top wheat market, with Ecuador and Peru growing fast.
7. The Commission supports clean-label initiatives by reducing gluten additives through better breeding.
8. Over 60% of Oklahoma wheat is expected to enter the export market this year.
9. Wheat marketing now focuses more on quality and end-use differentiation than in the past.
10. Publicly funded wheat research enables innovation tailored to Oklahoma’s unique conditions.
    

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro from the High Plains Journal Live event
00:57 – Meet Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission
03:37 – Importance of showing up in Kansas: reaching more Oklahoma wheat producers
05:02 – Oklahoma Genetics wheat varieties and their adaptation ranges
06:15 – Breakthrough wheat for wheat streak mosaic virus control
07:54 – How the Commission’s mission evolved over 18 years
09:45 – Cleaner labels and gluten sensitivities: breeding better wheat
11:04 – Explaining wheat as a commodity vs. specialized crop
13:47 – Quality testing and how wheat samples are tracked
15:08 – International market expansion in Central and South America
17:07 – Why U.S. wheat is now competitive again globally
19:36 – Export vs. domestic usage percentages for Oklahoma wheat
22:16 – Grazing grain varieties and beef integration
25:08 – Public vs. private wheat research and OSU’s impact

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast team traveled to Wichita for High Plains Journal Live, where they sat down with Dr. Shannon Ferrell of Oklahoma State University. In this lively conversation,
Dr. Ferrell dives deep into the realities of farm succession planning, from the traditional “farm kid vs. city kid” dilemma to the increasingly common “no heirs returning” challenge.
He explains how recent legislative changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” affect payment limits for LLCs, estate tax exemptions, and spousal portability—critical details for farm families planning their future.

The discussion also turns toward energy, with a look at the booming solar industry, the economics of battery storage, and what the phase-out of renewable tax credits might mean for rural Oklahoma.
Dr. Ferrell offers a bold proposal for modernizing transmission easement compensation, encouraging landowner participation in much-needed infrastructure projects.
Whether you’re thinking about passing down your farm or eyeing new opportunities in renewable energy, this episode is packed with insights you can use.


Key Takeaways

1. Farm transition planning is shifting from farm kid vs. city kid challenges to situations where no heirs return to the operation.
2. LLCs can now receive combined payment limits for partners, removing a barrier to certain succession structures.
3. Estate tax exemption rises to $15M per individual in 2026, with spousal portability ensuring up to $30M passes tax-free.
4. Gift tax exclusions allow $19,000 per person annually without impacting the unified credit.
5. Renewable energy development in Oklahoma remains strong despite upcoming tax credit phase-outs.
6. Solar power costs have plummeted globally, with innovative uses emerging.
7. Battery storage is now economically viable, making renewable power dispatchable.
8. Phase-out of federal tax credits may alter investment patterns but likely won’t halt projects.
9. Transmission easement models may need modernization to include ongoing revenue for landowners.
10. Distributed generation could reduce long-distance transmission needs, but grid resilience still requires infrastructure expansion.

00:00 – Live from High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, KS
02:00 – Introducing the Dream Team of Dirt
03:15 – Dr. Shannon Ferrell’s summer speaking tour highlights
04:39 – Farm succession planning: Farm kid vs. city kid dilemma
06:32 – No heirs returning: options for farm asset transitions
08:14 – “One Big Beautiful Bill” and changes to payment limits for LLCs
09:14 – Estate tax updates and spousal portability explained
13:49 – Gift tax rules and unified credit in farm succession
15:15 – Tax provisions that impact transition planning
15:46 – Renewable energy development: wind, solar, and batteries
18:08 – Phase-out of renewable energy tax credits and industry impacts
20:36 – Battery storage economics and dispatchable power
22:15 – Tariffs, supply chains, and domestic manufacturing for energy tech
25:18 – Transmission easements and incentivizing landowners
27:38 – Distributed generation and grid resilience
28:21 – Wrapping up the Summer Ferrell Tour

RedDirtAgronomy.com

In this episode of Red Dirt Agronomy, the team sits down with Casey Hentges, host of Oklahoma Gardening, to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary.
From its humble beginnings with live OETA broadcasts to its reach of millions globally via YouTube, Oklahoma Gardening has become a staple in the horticulture community.
Casey shares her unique journey through horticultural landscapes—commercial, educational, and nonprofit—ultimately leading to her ten-year tenure as the longest-running host of the show.
She reflects on the evolution of gardening communication, the importance of adapting content for new audiences, and her dedication to showcasing Oklahoma’s diverse horticultural practices.

Listeners will also hear about the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep Oklahoma Gardening fresh, fun, and science-based, including recreating classic segments and addressing common myths, such as the use of vinegar as an herbicide.
Casey highlights how the show navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, kept community engagement alive, and launched initiatives like "Plant a Row" to support local food banks.
Plus, they’re giving away a tiller and releasing a co-branded Eskimo Joe’s shirt to mark the 50th anniversary. It's a fun, informative episode that honors the past while looking ahead to the future of gardening education in Oklahoma.

10 Key Takeaways

1. Oklahoma Gardening celebrates 50 years of horticultural education.
2. Casey Hentges is the longest-running host in the show's history.
3. The show maintains freshness by blending classic segments with new content.
4. It prioritizes science-based gardening advice over trending myths.
5. COVID-19 prompted innovative backyard filming and remote collaboration.
6. Gardening interest surged during the pandemic.
7. They conducted 96-plot Bermuda grass removal demonstrations.
8. The show reaches 3–4 million global views annually on YouTube.
9. Initiatives like “Plant a Row” encourage community food donations.
10. A limited-edition Eskimo Joe’s x Oklahoma Gardening shirt supports the show and student farm.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro and upcoming Highland Journal Live Event
07:17 – Welcoming Casey Hentges
10:13 – Casey’s journey from OSU grad to TV host
17:47 – Oklahoma Gardening’s 50th Anniversary celebration
22:35 – Staying fresh with recurring garden topics
24:50 – Addressing gardening myths and misinformation
26:59 – Bermuda grass removal trials
34:30 – COVID adaptations and new outreach strategies
42:07 – Global reach and viewer demographics
45:00 – Plant a Row campaign and tiller giveaway
46:42 – Eskimo Joe’s co-branded shirt launch

RedDirtAgronomy.com