Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast

After a dry start to the season, June rain and cooler weather have changed the outlook for Oklahoma summer crops. In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, Dave Deken checks in with Brian Arnall, Ph.D., and Josh Lofton, Ph.D., on soybean size, corn pollination, sorghum development, double crop decisions after early wheat harvest, forage needs, and where fertility dollars may make the most sense right now. Josh explains why smaller soybean and sorghum plants may not be a bad thing in Oklahoma dryland systems, especially if July turns hot and dry. Brian walks through nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, lime, and fertilizer market considerations, then shares observations from a recent agronomy trip to Brazil. The group also previews the Chickasha Summer Crop Demo Day, a hands-on OSU Extension event focused on scouting, soil pits, spray nozzles, nitrate testing, summer crops, and practical field decisions.

In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, the crew sits down with OSU forage specialist Brian Pugh at the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference to talk pasture recovery, forage management, and what cattle producers need to rethink in today’s market. The discussion covers why many operations are still stocked for a low-input era that no longer exists, how native and introduced forages recover differently, and why pasture should be managed with the same attention producers give a crop. From resting native grasses after July 10 to rebuilding bermudagrass with fertility, weed control, and reduced pressure, this episode is packed with practical advice for producers trying to balance cattle prices, input costs, and long-term pasture productivity.

When wheat weeds start outrunning the old game plan, what should producers change first? In this episode of Red Dirt Agronomy, the crew sits down with Oklahoma State University’s Liberty Galvin at AgriFest in Enid to talk about what is actually working right now in wheat weed control. From pre-emergent herbicides and burndown programs to delayed planting and variety selection, this episode digs into the choices that can make herbicides work better instead of harder. The conversation also goes beyond spray recommendations and into weed biology, seedbanks, no-till challenges, competitive canopies, and even fire as a possible post-harvest tool. It is a practical, Oklahoma-focused discussion for producers trying to keep wheat clean, protect yield, and think more strategically about long-term weed management.

Flies, ticks, and parasites can quietly drain cattle performance—and your checkbook. From the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference in Stillwater, the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast crew sits down with Oklahoma State University Extension livestock entomology and parasitology specialist Jonathan Cammack to talk real-world pest pressure. The conversation covers horn flies and why they stress cattle, the latest screwworm concerns and how fast infestations can start, plus the invasive Asian longhorned tick now found in Oklahoma and why its “asexual” reproduction can make numbers explode. Producers will leave with a simple theme: steady observation, smart prevention, and fast action beat panic every time.

Recorded in the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at KNID AgriFest in Enid, the Red Dirt Agronomy crew welcomes Jeff Hickman—producer and ag association leader with deep experience in state and national policy—to talk about what’s next for rural Oklahoma agriculture. Jeff explains why commodity and industry groups matter more than ever, how they keep small organizations viable, and why regulations can shape agriculture just as much as legislation. The conversation covers trade, farm policy, consumer perceptions, and why grower engagement—sometimes as simple as joining an association—helps protect your operation while you’re busy running it. RedDirtAgronomy.com

In this special on-the-road episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, we catch up with Dr. Kent Martin at the 2026 KNID AgriFest in Enid, Oklahoma. Recently joining Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Kent brings his deep well of experience—from farming and crop consulting to academic and national leadership roles. He shares insights into his hands-on teaching approach, the importance of agronomy education, and how students benefit from real-world exposure to soils, crops, and decision-making processes. This episode is more than just a conversation—it's a heartfelt look into the evolving role of agricultural educators, the challenges of transitioning into the classroom, and the enduring importance of mentorship and leadership development in rural communities. The crew also dives into stories about past students, the power of seeing students grow into leaders, and why growers and professionals at all levels should step up and share their voice. Whether you’re checking cattle in the cold or sitting down with coffee, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Episode 501 kicks off Red Dirt Agronomy’s fifth season with a live, laugh-out-loud “around the table” conversation from KNID AgriFest in Enid—right next to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission’s famous cinnamon rolls. The crew shares what they’re seeing across Oklahoma: a dry stretch, unseasonably warm conditions, and some surprising reports like armyworms running in wheat and early disease confirmations (tan spot, rust, powdery mildew) in the southwest. From there, the “doctors of dirt” dig into practical management: what canola and wheat should look like right now, why green-up moisture matters, and how to think about wheat topdress timing without donating nitrogen to the wind—especially on dry soil with dew/humidity and warm, breezy days. Then the episode turns into a masterclass debate: managing the plant you don’t see (primordia), how early stress differs from true deficiency, and why the “right” decision depends on your goal (forage vs grain) and your risk tolerance (yield loss vs input cost).

In this episode, the Red Dirt Agronomy guys sit down with Dr. Sumit Sharma, Oklahoma State University’s irrigation specialist, to talk about one of the most pressing challenges in western agriculture: how to grow more with less water. From managing well capacity and cotton maturity to restoring pastures and using technology smarter, this episode digs into practical, research-backed ways to keep rural Oklahoma farming sustainably.

How does wheat seed get from a breeder’s handful to the certified sacks you load at planting? Jeff Wright, manager of Oklahoma Foundation Seed, walks us through the pipeline—breeder → foundation → registered → certified—and the obsessive cleaning, paperwork, and logistics required to keep varieties pure. He recounts a chaotic harvest season that still yielded ~5% sprout damage and 56‑lb test weight on a key field, plus the roadside reality of backing a combine down I‑44 after a trailer failure. We also look at the tech leap from old gleaners that took all day to clean to a Kincaid research combine you can tear down and clean in about an hour. Then we get practical: launching lines from 10–15 pounds with a research planter, using wide-row/skip-row patterns, and targeting ~500,000 seeds/acre without compromising yield. Jeff shares how Foundation Seed coordinates with K‑State, what happens when a variety fades, why OSU keeps small lots in cold storage, and a quick peek at what’s brewing in the Wheat Improvement Team—purple wheats, higher fiber, CoAXium trait lines, and more. Recorded live at High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, this episode is a nuts‑and‑bolts tour of the seed system that feeds the Plains.

What if you could take the long, slow process of wheat breeding—and cut it in half? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the fascinating world of double haploid technology, a game-changing tool that’s helping breeders create pure, stable wheat lines faster than ever. You’ll hear how techniques like corn pollination, speed breeding, and controlled-environment growth are reshaping the way we develop new crop varieties—and why that matters to producers around the world. To help unpack all this, we’re joined by Dusti Gallagher, CEO of Heartland Plant Innovations, who breaks down the science in a way that’s both accessible and compelling. Dusti explains how these tools—while not genetically modified—still deliver the kind of precision and efficiency once thought impossible in traditional breeding. From accelerating yield and disease resistance traits to managing the rollout of HB4 wheat, the first deregulated biotech trait in the U.S., this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of wheat.

The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast heads north to Wichita, Kansas, for a lively episode recorded at High Plains Journal Live. Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, shares timely insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the wheat industry today. From tackling diseases like wheat streak mosaic to expanding Oklahoma wheat’s global footprint, Mike breaks down how research and producer-driven support are making an impact. Listeners get an inside look at how OSU’s public wheat breeding program is leading the charge in developing varieties suited for grain, grazing, and improved human health. With topics like gluten sensitivities, end-use quality, and emerging international markets on the table, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone growing or baking with Oklahoma wheat.

This week on Red Dirt Agronomy, we dig into the legacy of Oklahoma Gardening with its beloved host, Casey Hentges. Celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, Casey walks us through her unique career path, shares what it’s like to helm one of Oklahoma’s most enduring TV programs, and discusses how the team keeps gardening advice timely, practical, and grounded in science. From Bermuda grass trials to battling backyard myths, Casey’s passion for education shines through. She also reflects on how the show pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue growing with its audience and highlights community efforts, such as the "Plant a Row" campaign, which helps put fresh produce in local food banks. Don’t miss details about their tiller giveaway, commemorative Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, and how Oklahoma Gardening continues to bloom for future generations of green thumbs.

As summer tees off in Oklahoma, Episode 416 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast dives into the turf beneath our feet with Dr. Charles Fontanier, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science at Oklahoma State University. This episode is a must-listen for golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, and homeowners alike as we explore OSU's impactful turfgrass breeding program. Dr. Fontanier breaks down the unique challenges of growing Bermuda grass in Oklahoma’s transition zone, tackling issues from winterkill to drought stress and the science behind high-performance sports fields. From the development of elite turf varieties like Latitude 36, NorthBridge, and Tahoma 31, to innovative strategies for traffic tolerance, shade management, and even NFL-grade sod transport, this episode showcases OSU’s role in revolutionizing the turfgrass industry. You will learn about how these grasses are selected, tested, and distributed—and why turfgrass management is about much more than keeping it green.