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