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