Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast Brian Arnall Ph.D., Dave Deken, Jason Warren Ph.D., Josh Lofton Ph.D.

Brent and Zack Rendel are award-winning growers from Ottawa County, Oklahoma, who have been hosting research on their farm since the early 2000s. In our conversation, we explore the evolution of on-farm research and the Rendel family's progressive approach to agriculture.

The value of making big mistakes to drive meaningful progress
How on-farm research has become easier with modern technology
The Rendel family's legacy of trying new crops, like being among the first to plant soybeans in eastern Oklahoma
Brent's interest in exploring autonomous farming with small, nimble equipment
Zack's perspective on focusing on the agronomic basics before chasing complex rabbit holes
The mixed reactions from neighbors to their on-farm research efforts
Clearing the record on who brought chinch bugs and stink bugs to Oklahoma (spoiler: it wasn't them)

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 had a lot of great information about forage production and crops across the eastern side of Oklahoma.
We also got an overall picture of the Oklahoma wheat crop from Dr. Amanda Silva who is the Extension Small Grains Specialist for Oklahoma State University.

"We're putting out fertilizer to grow beef. Grass is the middleman."
Oklahoma State University's Dr. Steve Phillips shares how his experience working with soil nutrients around the world can help producers in the southern Great Plains

Ashley Ferris is the new Oklahoma State University Extension Cropping Entomologist. She previously worked on the Sugarcane Aphid project at Texas A&M's Corpus Christi research station, focusing on natural enemies in the grain sorghum system. In our conversation, we explore the insect pressures impacting Oklahoma's cropping systems. Specifically:

Her interest in monitoring stink bugs in soybeans and evaluating economic thresholds

The importance of vigilance and communication with growers about emerging pest issues

Leveraging natural enemies like parasitoids and predators for pest management

Challenges with pests like chinch bugs, whose nymphs can cause damage unseen

Improving scouting techniques and search image patterns for identifying insects

Using predator presence as an indicator of pest presence in a crop

Exploring the Intersection of Agriculture and Nutrition with Sherry Glazier, the Dirt Road Dietitian
Sherry Glazier, known affectionately as the Dirt Road Dietitian, brings a unique perspective to the table, combining her deep roots in rural Oklahoma agriculture with her professional expertise in dietetics.

With years of experience working in hospitals and collaborating with the beef council, Sherry has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between the agricultural world and the field of nutrition.
Her mission is to educate consumers and future dietitians about where their food comes from and debunk common misconceptions surrounding agriculture and dietary practices.
In our conversation, we uncover the critical role of agriculture in ensuring a nutritious and sustainable food supply.
Specifically, we discuss:
- The importance of connecting dietetic professionals and consumers with the agricultural origins of their food
- Sherry's efforts in organizing farm tours for dietitians and dietetic interns to foster a deeper understanding of food production
- Challenges and misconceptions surrounding agricultural practices and their impact on nutrition
- Strategies for making healthier food choices accessible and convenient, even in rural settings
- The evolving science of nutrition and the need for a foundational understanding of nutritional knowledge
- Addressing the public's concerns about food safety and security in the United States compared to other countries
- The role of social media in spreading awareness and educating the public about agriculture and nutrition

Join us as we traverse the dirt roads of Oklahoma with Sherry Glazier, gaining invaluable insights into the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and nutrition and learning how we can make informed choices about the food we eat and how it's produced.

We talked with Wes Lee about the Oklahoma Mesonet and what it has meant to the citizens of Oklahoma, ag producers, and scientists for the past 30 years, and also why it is respected by so many across the United States.

Can you imagine an Oklahoma where you can know how much water is available BOTH above and below the ground? Dr. Paul Weckler tells us what the Hydronet will mean to Oklahoma's water future.