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

We had the honor of hosting Dr. Kim Anderson, who is retiring after nearly 45 years of dedicated service in Kentucky and Oklahoma.
Dr. Anderson's insights into agricultural economics, particularly his innovative marketing strategies and teaching methods, have been invaluable.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brett Carver, the wheat breeder at Oklahoma State University.
The focus of our discussion is the remarkable 2024 wheat crop in Oklahoma.
Why was it so remarkable? Well, let me tell you. This crop faced some exceptional challenges.

We learn how Oklahoma wheat is represented nationally and globally.
We talked with Jackson County's Keeff Felty (President of the National Association of Wheat Growers) and Garfield County's RJ Parrish (Oklahoma Wheat Commission) about navigating policy, wheat quality, and innovation.

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