Wylie AgCast

Ethan Peal

Welcome to Wylie AgCast, your go-to podcast for everything agriculture, straight from the fields. Whether you're a farmer, ag business owner, or industry professional, we bring you the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping modern farming. Each episode dives into cutting-edge ag technology, sustainable practices, business strategies, and the manufacturing processes that keep the industry running. As a manufacturing company deeply rooted in agriculture, we take you behind the scenes to explore the equipment, technology, and people driving ag forward. If it's part of the ag world—we're talking about it. Stay ahead of the curve with Wylie AgCast—where agriculture meets innovation.

  1. Aug 10

    The "Apple" of Water Trailers? How We Innovate in a Red Ocean Market | Heath Houston | Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Industrial Sales Manager Heath Houston to discuss leadership, market strategy, and the future of industrial equipment. We dive deep into what it takes to step into a new role, honor a legacy, and leverage the power of strong relationships to drive growth. Heath breaks down the vision for Wylie's Industrial Department, the incredible versatility required for equipment to handle everything from disaster relief to oilfields, and why healthy competition actually makes us better. We also unpack what it takes to build from ground zero in a crowded "red ocean" market—including how to become the "Apple" of water trailers—alongside the tough business realities of knowing when to pivot, balancing market shifts with innovation, and staying relevant through continuous internal improvement. From building a quality team culture to looking ahead at what's next for the industry, Heath walks us through the strategic mindset needed to navigate changing markets and build a lasting business.  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Heath's New Role: Taking on a Legacy & Building Relationships 08:14 - Reimagining Wylie's Industrial Department 16:50 - Improving something Built to Last a Lifetime 20:09 - From Disaster Relief to Oilfields: Versatility in Industrial Equipment 22:07 - Why Competition Makes Us Better 26:10 - Starting from Scratch in a Red Ocean Market (The "Apple" of Water Trailers) 32:50 - Balancing Business Realities & Knowing When to Pivot 36:00 - Driving Innovation Through Market Shifts 41:09 - The Future of Wylie Industrial 44:33 - Building Quality Teams: Wylie Guys & Gals 46:00 - How to Stay Relevant in a Changing Industry 47:47 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Thanks For Watching! #industrial #business #WylieAgCast​​

    The "Apple" of Water Trailers? How We Innovate in a Red Ocean Market | Heath Houston | Wylie AgCast
  2. Jul 6

    The Reality of Ag Engineering: Designing for the Future with Michael Etheridge | Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Michael Etheridge to break down the grit, science, and strategy behind modern agricultural engineering. We dive deep into the reality of heavy equipment design, exploring the massive differences between industrial and ag sprayers, and why perfect concepts on a computer screen often face a harsh reality check out in the actual field. Michael shares critical insights on navigating strict DOT regulations without losing your creative edge, the vital role the NATM plays in driving industry standards, and how cutting-edge precision technology like spot spraying is quietly saving producers millions in chemical costs. We also look ahead at the controversial debate of standardization versus customization, and how AI is beginning to reshape the engineering landscape. From his early days grinding in the oilfields to helping shape some of the most robust equipment in the industry, Michael walks us through the ultimate dividing line between a good engineer and a great one, offering invaluable advice for the next generation of builders. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - How Michael Got His Start (Oilfields & Engineering) 11:31 - Why Perfect Designs Fail in the Real World 13:10 - Ag vs. Industrial: Why You Can't Build Them the Same 28:00 - The Underrated Tech Saving Millions in Chemical Costs 32:04 - How to Stay Creative While Following Strict DOT Rules 34:14 - Demystifying the NATM (And Why It Matters) 45:41 - Is AI Taking Over Ag Engineering? 48:30 - 3 Things That Make an Engineer Great 53:07 - The Next Big Debate: Standard Parts vs. Custom Builds 55:21 - Crucial Advice for New Engineers 1:03:22 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #engineering #WylieAgCast​​

    The Reality of Ag Engineering: Designing for the Future with Michael Etheridge | Wylie AgCast
  3. Jun 3

    How to Speed Up Your Fill Times and Stop Wasting Product: Behind the Yellow Handle | Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with the team at Banjo Liquid Handling Products, including Senior Application Engineer Aaron Reid, Senior Technical Sales Jason Clouser, and Regional Sales Manager Jake Danner—to dive into the liquid handling solutions that keep operations running smoother, safer, and more efficiently. From their roots as an American manufacturer to their presence across agricultural and industrial fields, this conversation goes "into the weeds" on the engineering precision and field performance that drive modern liquid handling. We explore the legacy of their iconic yellow-handle valve, the game-changing tech behind the M350 pump's FastFlow™ diffuser and patented tandem wet seal design, and the under-the-radar environmental and safety benefits of the Dry-Mate dry-disconnect series. We also look ahead at how Banjo is positioning itself for the next decade, tackling higher flow demands, industry regulations, and shifting distributor needs. More than anything, this episode is about legacy and precision—understanding how a commitment to durability, smart engineering, and intentional design translates directly to reduced downtime and maximum efficiency on the turnrow. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Jake's Backstory: Getting into Banjo 04:23 - How Banjo Became The Leader: The original Yellow Handle Origin 07:06 - Solving Problems & Creating Lasting Solutions: Pain Points 11:37 - M350 Pump Breakdown & Use Cases 21:55 - DryMate Series Technology and It's Solutions 31:35 - DryFit Technology: The Little Brother to DryMate 34:55 - Drone Spraying, Autonomous Farming & New Industry Trends 38:40 - New Projects, Longer Couplings & Customer Feedback 41:30 - Diving Into More Than Ag: Banjo's Other Products 46:06 - Temperature Regulation and Handing Extremes 50:00 - Banjo in The Future: What's to Come 54:00 - Final Thoughts & Outro Follow Banjo Liquid Handling: Website: https://www.banjocorp.com/banjo/?site=banjo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanjoCorporation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banjo_corporation?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banjo-liquid-handling-products/posts/?feedView=all Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #pumps #WylieAgCast​  @BanjoProducts ​

    How to Speed Up Your Fill Times and Stop Wasting Product: Behind the Yellow Handle | Wylie AgCast
  4. May 11

    Ag Mechanics & Precision Tech: Why Skilled Trades Are the Backbone of America with Kris Hiracheta

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with Kris Hiracheta, Ag Mechanics Instructor at Lorenzo ISD, to explore the world of agricultural education, welding, technical training, and the future of skilled trades in rural America. From growing up around farming and agriculture to shaping the next generation of students in the shop classroom, this conversation dives deep into the real impact of Ag Mechanics beyond the stereotype of "shop class." We also explore teaching different learning styles, using welding as both a technical skill and artistic outlet, the value of small-town communities, programs like the 13/14 Campus that help students earn college credit close to home, and what the future of agriculture could look like over the next 20 years. More than anything, this episode is about legacy — investing in students, preserving practical knowledge, and building something that lasts beyond the classroom.   Chapters:  00:00 - Intro 00:42 - From Farming to the Classroom: The Journey Into Ag Education 02:33 - The Most Rewarding Moments as an Ag Teacher 03:02 - What Ag Mechanics Actually Is (And Why It Matters) 04:01 - Auto-Steer, Precision Tech & Modern Agriculture Systems 05:14 - Welding Basics: Processes, Materials & Learning the Trade 07:21 - FFA, Certifications, Build-Offs & Ag Competitions 10:08 - Hydraulic Systems, Metals & Understanding Material Differences 15:33 - Opportunities at Lorenzo ISD & the Texas Regional Pathways Network 15:56 - AI in Ag Mechanics: Why Technology Won't Replace Skilled Trades 20:20 - How Farming Experience Builds Better Troubleshooting Skills 24:00 - Outside Projects, Student Interest & Adapting to Different Learning Styles 25:15 - Welding as Art: Sculptures, Creativity & Technical Skill 27:19 - The Current State of Agriculture & Challenges Facing Younger Generations 30:38 - Putting a Project Together from Start to Finish 36:05 - The 13/14 Campus: Helping Students Earn College Credit From Home 38:30 - The Future of Agriculture Over the Next 20 Years 39:42 - Family Farms, Student Impact & Leaving Behind a Legacy 42:32 - Small Communities & Their Lasting Influence 43:09 - Final Thoughts & Outro Follow Kris & Lorenzo ISD: Website: https://www.lorenzoisd.net Follow Lorenzo ISD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorenzoisd College Opportunities: https://www.lorenzoisd.net/page/scholarships https://www.lorenzoisd.net/page/P-TECH Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers   Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #mechanics #welding #WylieAgCast​

    Ag Mechanics & Precision Tech: Why Skilled Trades Are the Backbone of America with Kris Hiracheta
  5. Apr 7

    What's Really Going On In the Cotton Industry? (And What's Being Done) with CEO Kody Bessent | Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with Kody Bessent; CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, to talk about the current state of the cotton industry and the policies shaping its future. We break down what Plains Cotton Growers does, how ag policy is developed, and the role of PACs and industry leaders in driving real change. We dive into key legislation like House Bill 43, disaster relief programs, farm bridge assistance, and the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and how these efforts impact cotton prices, insurance, and producer stability. We also discuss major challenges facing the industry—from water issues in South Texas to infrastructure and market pressures—and how research, innovation, and policy are working together to move agriculture forward. Finally, we look ahead to the future of cotton, including technology, market projections, and why keeping cotton strong in Texas matters for the entire U.S. economy.   Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Kody Bessent's backstory and Texas agriculture roots 03:29 - From agriculture to politics and the Mac Thornberry internship 07:48 - Early career with High Plains Water District and entry into ag 09:50 - What Plains Cotton Growers does and its industry influence 11:40 - One Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on cotton prices and insurance 13:39 - How agricultural politics works with PACs and lobbying 15:00 - Texas House Bill 43 and farmer relief efforts 18:29 - Cotton industry recovery and disaster assistance programs 24:20 - Cotton infrastructure and rebuilding gins in Texas 26:20 - South Texas water crisis and Mexico's role 28:10 - Policy, research, and cotton breeding to prevent crop loss 30:24 - Financial relief, land grants, and farmer support 32:15 - Plains Cotton Growers Annual Meeting highlights 36:40 - Tax reform and its impact on farmers 39:00 - Organic vs conventional cotton and product quality 41:18 - Agricultural policy efforts in Washington DC 45:21 - Cotton industry outlook for 2026 48:06 - Technology shaping the future of cotton farming 49:00 - Why cotton in Texas matters to the US economy 50:35 - Final Thoughts & Outro   Follow PCG: Website - https://www.plainscotton.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/plainscottongrowers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/plainscottongrowers/ X - https://x.com/PCGNews?s=20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/plains-cotton-growers/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@plainscottongrowersinc.6855   Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #cotton #legislature #WylieAgCast #cottonindustry​

    What's Really Going On In the Cotton Industry? (And What's Being Done) with CEO Kody Bessent | Wylie AgCast
  6. Mar 2

    Crop Protection, GMO's & Managing Insect Ecosystems with Entomologist Dr. Suhas Vyavhare

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with Dr. Suhas Vyavhare, Extension Entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension based in Lubbock, Texas. From growing up around agriculture in India to serving producers across West Texas, Dr. Vyavhare brings a global perspective to one of agriculture's most misunderstood forces — insects. In this conversation, we break down what an Extension Entomologist actually does, the battle between beneficial and destructive insects, and how entomologists act as ecosystem managers in cotton and row crop environments. We dive into GMOs, gene editing, biologicals, pesticide chemistry, invasive species, and why extinction is not the solution when it comes to population control. We also explore current AgriLife research, risk mitigation for producers, and how better margins, not just better yields, shape modern agriculture. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - What Does an Extension Entomologist Actually Do? 01:30 - From Farming in India to West Texas Fields: Suhas' Journey 03:25 - Entomology 101: How Bugs Shape Agriculture 05:13 - Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs: Why We Actually NEED Insects 07:29 - Insecticides & Pesticides Explained 09:00 - Climate Change Invasions & How Entomologists Control Ecosystems 12:26 - Cotton Flea-hoppers, Bollworms & Row Crop Battles 14:20 - Population Control: Why Extinction Isn't the Answer 16:45 - GMOs, Gene Editing & Seedless Watermelons: What You Should Know 26:06 - Inside the Lubbock AgriLife Research Projects 27:50 - Wild Cotton & Perennials: Why Human Intervention Matters 32:00 - Biologicals, Organic Farming & Why Conventional Still Matters 36:28 - Texas A&M AgriLife: The Hidden Powerhouse Behind Ag Research 41:28 - Better Margins, Not Just Bigger Yields: Managing Risk in Agriculture 43:32 - Learning & Pursuing a career in Entomology 44:20 - Water Minerals, Field Research & The Future of A.I. in Ag 48:54 - Final Thoughts & Outro   Follow Dr. Suhas Vyavhare: Website - https://entomology.tamu.edu/people/vyavhare-suhas/ X - https://x.com/Dr_Suhas77?s=20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhas-vyavhare-613a4453/   Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers   Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #cotton #entomology #WylieAgCast

    Crop Protection, GMO's & Managing Insect Ecosystems with Entomologist Dr. Suhas Vyavhare
  7. Jan 13

    Inside Wylie Manufacturing: People Come First, with Stephen Rankin | The Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we go behind the scenes of Wylie Manufacturing with Vice President of Manufacturing & Operations Stephen Rankin. We break down manufacturing from the user's perspective, the engineering process behind Wylie equipment, and why building products that are "too good" has always been the standard. The conversation also covers supplying equipment for agriculture, municipalities, government agencies, and military applications, where quality and reliability matter most. We dive into supply chain challenges, precision technology advancements, and how Wylie is creating long-term career opportunities through partnerships with communities and schools. This episode offers an inside look at how Wylie builds equipment, develops people, and plans for the future. Chapters: 00:00 - ESOP, New Role, A New Season at Wylie 01:36 - From Texas Tech to Entrepreneurship: Stephen's Story 05:00 - Garden City, Kansas: The Chapter That Shaped the Leader 08:24 - Taking the Helm: Transitioning to Petersburg Manufacturing 10:37 - Engineering Through the Operator's Lens 15:50 - Built "Too Good": Why Quality Comes First 20:00 - Beyond Agriculture: Serving Municipalities, Government & Military 21:23 - Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in a Changing World 27:22 - Opening the Door: Careers and Opportunity for the Next Generation 29:00 - Partnering with Communities & Schools to Build the Future 34:18 - Precision Technology & the Next Wave of Innovation 37:34 - The Vision Ahead: Where Wylie Manufacturing Is Going 38:00 - More Than a Job: Wylie as a Career Path 40:57 - Customer First: Building a Company of Experts  42:22 - Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #manufacturing #career #WylieAgCast

    Inside Wylie Manufacturing: People Come First, with Stephen Rankin | The Wylie AgCast
  8. 12/08/2025

    TeeJet Technologies & A Masterclass in Application with Aaron Miller | The Wylie AgCast

    Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Regional Sales Manager for TeeJet Technologies, Mr. Aaron Miller. We break down the tech that's transforming modern agriculture, including ISOBUS electronics, PWM systems, TeeJet DynaJet, and emerging VISION plant-recognition technology designed to reduce chemical costs and boost accuracy. Aaron also shares insights on the award-winning FM9380 electromagnetic flow meter, application equipment differences, agronomy basics, and the science behind droplet size, nutrients, biologicals, and systemic vs. contact products. From growing up on a farm to helping shape some of the most advanced systems in agriculture, Aaron walks us through his knowledge of application equipment and the science that operates our farms! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:33 - Aaron Miller: Backstory, TeeJet involvement, early exposure to ag 08:49 - The Rise of ISOBUS & Modern Farm Electronics 11:34 - Field-to-Field → Acre-to-Acre → Plant-to-Plant 14:57 - Inside TeeJet DynaJet & Vision Technology 17:30 - FM9380 Award Winner — Why this Flow Meter Matters 21:44 - Understanding Application Equipment 23:40 - Deep Dive: Droplet size, biologicals, nutrients, systemic vs. contact 38:07 - Spraying Myths — Debunked 41:39 - Spray Tip Materials & Durability in the Field 48:22 - Utilizing TeeJet Sentry: Application Best Practices & Calibration 51:39 - Drone Spraying — The New Frontier 53:49 - Application Maintenance Rundown for Pek Efficiency 55:05 - Sneak Peek: TeeJet Products Coming 2026–27 57:16 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

    TeeJet Technologies & A Masterclass in Application with Aaron Miller | The Wylie AgCast

About

Welcome to Wylie AgCast, your go-to podcast for everything agriculture, straight from the fields. Whether you're a farmer, ag business owner, or industry professional, we bring you the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping modern farming. Each episode dives into cutting-edge ag technology, sustainable practices, business strategies, and the manufacturing processes that keep the industry running. As a manufacturing company deeply rooted in agriculture, we take you behind the scenes to explore the equipment, technology, and people driving ag forward. If it's part of the ag world—we're talking about it. Stay ahead of the curve with Wylie AgCast—where agriculture meets innovation.