Wheat's On Your Mind

GPS interference in wartime Ukraine offers a stark reminder of how much modern farming depends on technology—and what happens when that technology fails.

Host Aaron Harries visits with fifth-generation Moundridge, Kansas, farmer Ray Flickner about his January 2026 trip to Ukraine, where large, technologically advanced farms face GPS jamming, air-raid alerts and grain export challenges. Back in Kansas, Flickner explains how the Flickner Innovation Farm works with Kansas State University and NASA Acres to study irrigation efficiency, soil health, satellite imagery and precision agriculture. From subsurface drip irrigation and autonomous 360 RAIN equipment to grain protein mapping and targeted herbicide applications, the conversation explores which technologies could help farmers make better decisions—and where important limitations remain.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how GPS jamming in Ukraine disrupts precision farming equipment and raises questions about agricultural technology dependence.
• Compare subsurface drip irrigation, center pivots and autonomous irrigation systems for fields with limited water or unusual layouts.
• Understand how wheat fits into a corn-wheat-soybean rotation designed to keep living roots in the ground and increase cropping opportunities.
• Discover how NASA satellite imagery and soil moisture sensors are being evaluated for irrigation management, evapotranspiration and crop quality mapping.
• Hear why field testing, weed escapes and economic returns matter before producers commit to new precision agriculture technology.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Farming and GPS Disruptions
01:40 – Kansas Wheat Roots and Ukrainian Heritage
03:01 – The Flickner Family Farm and Crop Rotations
06:05 – Flickner Innovation Farm and Water Conservation
10:05 – New Irrigation Technology and Water Efficiency
13:47 – Precision Spraying and Weed Management
15:27 – NASA Research, Satellites and Precision Agriculture
19:23 – Using Satellite Data for Irrigation Decisions
22:07 – Ray’s Farming Trip to Ukraine
24:34 – Large Ukrainian Farms and Wartime Challenges
25:12 – GPS Jamming and Farming During War
27:03 – Ukrainian Crops, Wheat Exports and Grain Transportation
29:03 – War Damage and Risks to Farmers
31:17 – Food Security and Connections Between Farmers
33:29 – Global Lessons and Appreciating Kansas Agriculture
35:03 – Closing Thoughts

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin sit down with Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, to discuss farm profitability, federal policy, and the value of farmers speaking for themselves.
Raised on a Pennsylvania grain and cattle farm, Kieffer shares how military service and a career with Farm Bureau shaped his approach to representing wheat growers.
Recorded September 30, 2026, this conversation captures his perspective on the farm bill debate at that time.
It also looks beyond legislation to the research, relationships, and demand-building efforts that support wheat’s future.

In this episode:
• Why Kieffer sees a completed farm bill as a source of certainty, even though it cannot solve every input-cost problem.
• How wheat organizations connect policy advocacy, export development, and grower education.
• Why regional wheat challenges make land-grant research and continued breeding investment so important.
• How biofuels and diversified cropping systems fit into Kansas wheat’s profitability conversation.
• What farmers can bring to a meeting with elected officials to make the economics of their operation clear.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00:00 — Opening: Why Wheat Needs a Farm Bill
00:00:24 — Introducing NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer
00:01:34 — Justin Gilpin Joins the Conversation
00:01:56 — Pennsylvania Farm Roots and Family Transition
00:02:44 — Scouting, Military Service, and September 11
00:04:31 — From Farm Bureau to Wheat Advocacy
00:07:43 — Careers That Started With Newspaper Ads
00:08:59 — NAWG’s Priorities: Growers, Growth, and Policy
00:13:13 — How Wheat Organizations Work Together
00:13:58 — Profitability, Export Programs, and Grower Education
00:17:31 — The Farm Bill Outlook at Recording
00:17:55 — Congressional Hurdles and Wheat Policy Priorities
00:21:50 — What Another Farm Bill Delay Could Mean
00:23:39 — Input Costs and Competing Commodity Priorities
00:24:01 — Food Security and Rural Prosperity
00:25:44 — The Challenge of Investing With Tight Margins
00:27:48 — Kansas Cropping Systems, Ethanol, and 45Z
00:29:06 — Why Wheat Needs Public Research
00:32:02 — Kansas Wheat Innovation Center and Research Leadership
00:32:49 — What Farmers Should Tell Elected Officials
00:33:10 — Bring Fuel Receipts and Crop Contracts
00:34:16 — Bridge Assistance and Building Political Relationships
00:36:42 — Closing Conversation
00:37:04 — Listener Questions and Episode Resources

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas Wheat: 100 Episodes, Lessons That Last

Kansas wheat has a remarkable history, and 100 episodes of Wheat’s On Your Mind reveal how farmers, researchers, and industry leaders continue to shape its future.

Host Aaron Harries and producer Dave Deken celebrate the podcast's 100th episode by revisiting memorable conversations from four seasons of Kansas wheat storytelling. From the arrival of Turkey Red wheat and breakthroughs in wheat genetics to farm families rebuilding after devastating storms, this episode highlights the history, science, and resilience behind Kansas agriculture. Listeners will also hear how wheat producers are creating new markets for their grain and why international trade remains essential to the state's agricultural economy.

Key takeaways:

• Discover how Mennonite settlers, Turkey Red wheat, and changing milling technology influenced Kansas wheat production.
• Learn why researchers are working to increase wheat protein without sacrificing grain yield.
• Hear how a Kansas farm family survived a devastating tornado and experienced the strength of rural community support.
• Explore new opportunities for wheat through value-added products, including spirits produced from farm-grown grain.
• Understand why export markets, agricultural policy, and preserving wheat history matter to Kansas producers.

Detailed Timestamped Episode Rundown

This rundown follows the transcript and can be used as a guide for listeners, website chapters, or podcast show notes.

00:00–00:42 — Opening Highlights
The episode begins with a collection of memorable clips from past interviews.
Listeners hear comments about Kansas wheat exports, a farm family's experience during a devastating tornado, and a Kansas distillery using wheat in its products.
The opening establishes the breadth of the podcast's coverage, from global markets to personal stories and agricultural innovation.

00:42–01:27 — Celebrating 100 Episodes
Aaron Harries welcomes listeners to the 100th episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind.
He introduces Dave Deken, the producer responsible for recording and editing the program, and recognizes his contributions to the podcast.
Together, they begin reflecting on reaching 100 episodes and the experiences they have shared along the way.

01:27–02:33 — Four Seasons of Kansas Wheat Conversations
Dave explains that the milestone came to his attention while working on improvements to the podcast website.
He reflects on the remarkable range of guests interviewed over four seasons, including U.S. senators, scientists studying the wheat genome, breeders, producers, and international agricultural representatives.
Aaron explains that the variety of interviews reflects the enormous scope of the wheat industry.

02:33–03:46 — Turkey Red Wheat and the Mennonite Legacy
Aaron remembers one of his favorite conversations, an interview with Glenn Ediger about Mennonite settlers and the introduction of Turkey Red wheat.
The historical discussion explains how hard winter wheat required changes in milling technology.
Traditional millstones used for softer wheat were not ideally suited to processing hard winter wheat. The development of steel roller milling helped make the grain more practical for flour production.
Aaron considers this a foundational story for understanding the Kansas wheat industry.

03:46–05:12 — From Wheat History to Modern Biotechnology
The conversation moves from agricultural history to modern wheat research.
Aaron and Dave discuss how wheat science has advanced, including work taking place at universities and in the private sector.
Aaron explains that one of the podcast's important responsibilities is translating highly technical research into information the broader agricultural community can understand.

05:12–06:04 — Improving Wheat Protein Without Sacrificing Yield
A previously recorded conversation with wheat researcher Mary Guttieri Ph.D. highlights an important challenge in wheat breeding.
She describes her work with emmer-derived wheat materials and explains that her goal is to produce commercially competitive yields while improving grain protein.
She discusses previous work with a grain protein concentration gene that increased protein by approximately 0.7 percentage points but resulted in a grain yield reduction of about 3%.
The example illustrates why improvements in wheat quality must be evaluated alongside their effects on yield.

06:04–06:46 — A Golden Age of Wheat Research
Aaron compares modern wheat genetics to working with the basic building blocks of a Lego set.
Researchers are learning how individual genetic components influence the performance and characteristics of wheat.
He expresses optimism about the possibilities for future breakthroughs and describes the current period as an exciting time for wheat research.
Aaron also encourages listeners to suggest topics and guests for future programs.

06:46–07:35 — Farm Families and Agricultural Traditions
Dave highlights the importance of conversations with everyday Kansas wheat producers.
Aaron discusses wheat as a family tradition, with farms and agricultural knowledge passing from generation to generation.
These interviews preserve the history of family operations and reveal how farming practices, relationships, and lessons change over time.

07:35–09:58 — The Wood Family's Tornado Survival Story
The hosts revisit a particularly emotional conversation with Ken and Deb Wood.
Their farm near Chapman, Kansas, was devastated by a tornado.
Ken recalls trying to reach the farm, navigating blocked roads, and ultimately finding Deb safe.
The family describes the shock of seeing the destruction and the assistance they received from emergency responders and neighbors.
Aaron and Dave reflect on the strength of rural communities and the willingness of agricultural families to help one another during difficult circumstances.

09:58–11:43 — Beyond Flour: New Uses for Kansas Wheat
The conversation turns to industrial and value-added uses for wheat.
Aaron and Dave revisit an interview with Hayes Kelman of Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City, Kansas.
Kelman explains that the distillery uses grains grown on the farm to produce its spirits.
The discussion includes a vodka made with 100% wheat and a bourbon using 51% corn and 49% wheat.
The interview provides an example of how farmers can participate in businesses that transform agricultural commodities into finished products.

11:43–12:12 — Innovation Starts With Farmers
Aaron connects the Boot Hill Distillery story to the larger importance of innovation in agriculture.
He explains that innovation is not limited to research laboratories or universities.
Farmers regularly develop new ideas, products, and approaches that create opportunities for their operations.

12:12–13:06 — Senator Jerry Moran on Agricultural Trade
Aaron and Dave discuss the value of bringing policymakers onto the podcast.
A previously recorded clip features U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran discussing the importance of global markets to Kansas.
Moran describes Kansas as an export-dependent state and explains that wheat, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy all contribute to an economy connected to customers beyond its borders.
The conversation reinforces why international market access matters to agricultural producers.

13:06–13:58 — Preserving the History of Kansas Agriculture
Aaron explains that the podcast serves an additional purpose beyond providing industry information.
It is becoming a historical archive.
He recalls interviewing former Grain and Feed Association leader Tom Tunnell and explains how recorded conversations preserve experiences that future generations might otherwise never hear.
The podcast provides a way to document personal experiences, industry knowledge, and agricultural history digitally.

13:58–15:08 — Dream Guests for the Next 100 Episodes
Dave asks Aaron whom he would most like to interview in future episodes.
Aaron mentions historical figures he wishes he could have interviewed, including Norman Borlaug, associated with the Green Revolution, and former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.
He also expresses interest in interviewing farmers who have experienced many decades of wheat harvests.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue featuring influential agricultural leaders and individuals who can help tell wheat's story to broader audiences.

15:08–15:59 — A Searchable Archive of 100 Episodes
Dave explains that listeners can find previous episodes through wheatsonyourmind.com.
The website allows audiences to search the archive for particular subjects and conversations.
The hosts reflect on their partnership and express enthusiasm about continuing the podcast.

15:59–16:20 — Closing and Listener Invitation
Aaron thanks Dave for his work and encourages listeners to share the podcast.
He invites listeners to suggest future subjects or submit questions for guests by emailing kswheat@kswheat.com.
The episode concludes with the podcast's closing music.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

A quieter wheat market doesn’t mean the opportunities—or risks—have disappeared.

Mike O’Dea of StoneX joins host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin to examine where wheat prices could go next. They discuss the correction in Kansas City futures, Black Sea shipping disruptions, global wheat demand, milling-quality supplies and why basis may strengthen before futures make their next major move. O’Dea also explains what improved Southern Plains moisture, potential acreage increases and a developing El Niño could mean for wheat producers.

Key takeaways:

• Black Sea shipping remains a major source of uncertainty, even as Russian and Ukrainian wheat continues reaching world markets.
• Hard wheat basis could strengthen as farmer selling slows and mill demand increases.
• Improved moisture could encourage more wheat planting—but strong corn economics may limit harvested wheat acres.
• Global demand and production in Europe, South America, China and India could become increasingly important moving toward spring.
•

Forward contracts and options can help producers protect opportunities, but Southern Plains production risk remains an important consideration.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00 – El Niño and the long-range weather outlook
Mike O’Dea opens with an optimistic comparison to the late 1990s, when U.S. wheat yields were strong, while noting today’s wheat acreage is considerably smaller.
00:23 – Wheat market outlook
Aaron Harries introduces O’Dea and asks where the wheat market stands following continued volatility.
01:12 – Futures correction and Black Sea exports
O’Dea explains why the pullback in Kansas City futures did not surprise him. Russian and Ukrainian exports remain central to the global wheat outlook.
02:24 – Global demand and European wheat
The conversation shifts to weak demand, European cash values and the possibility that demand strengthens during the winter.
04:00 – Basis, spreads and futures
O’Dea argues that basis and spreads may lead the next move in hard wheat before flat futures prices respond.
05:00 – Rain and wheat acreage
Major precipitation across Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado improves the production outlook. O’Dea estimates hard wheat acres could rise about 5%, while soft wheat acreage could increase more.
06:25 – Hard wheat balance sheets
Reduced exports and increased spring wheat use make the old-crop hard wheat balance sheet look relatively loose.
07:47 – “Black Sea fatigue”
O’Dea describes how markets have become less responsive to repeated Black Sea headlines and discusses speculative fund positions.
09:10 – Could KC wheat see fireworks?
Market spreads still leave room for volatility, but O’Dea stresses that futures are often the last piece to move.
09:27 – Farmers largely stop selling
O’Dea estimates a large share of the Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado crop has already been bought, leaving fewer natural sellers on another rally.
10:26 – Milling-quality wheat supplies
The group examines hard red winter wheat, spring wheat and Canadian quality. Kansas produced good-quality wheat, although total bushels were limited.
12:33 – Spring basis opportunities
O’Dea explains why tightening farmer ownership and stronger mill demand could support hard wheat basis during the spring.
13:24 – Export opportunities
Potential non-Black Sea demand could improve the U.S. export picture, while French wheat is already moving into markets such as Yemen.
14:07 – Middle East and China demand
Middle Eastern buying and China’s potential need for blending wheat become important wild cards.
16:03 – South America and El Niño
Poorer Brazilian quality, Argentina’s crop and the developing El Niño pattern could alter global trade and production.
17:50 – Why 1997–99 matters
O’Dea points to strong historical U.S. yields during those years as an encouraging weather comparison.
18:03 – Kansas planting and moisture
Gilpin discusses slow planting, strong seed demand and replenished soil moisture following recent rains.
19:23 – Producers captured the rally
O’Dea says farmers did a good job taking advantage of higher July wheat pricing opportunities.
19:36 – Input costs and wheat versus corn
Higher diesel and other costs reinforce the need to evaluate total return per acre. Better moisture could also encourage some producers to switch intended wheat acres to corn.
20:07 – Forward pricing in the Southern Plains
The discussion turns to production risk and why dryland Southern Plains growers are often hesitant to forward contract too much production.
20:55 – Options and risk management
O’Dea discusses puts, calls and other strategies that can offer price protection without committing too much uncertain production.
21:38 – Regional differences in farmer selling
Soft wheat, spring wheat and soft white wheat growers behave differently because of storage, cropping systems and local basis.
22:20 – Watch commercial buying
O’Dea identifies commercial positions as an important indicator. A shift toward commercial buying can provide an early clue that the market is changing.
23:00 – Closing thoughts
Harries and Gilpin thank O’Dea and close the episode.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

After a brutal wheat harvest and another difficult year for farm economics, why keep planting wheat? For northwest Kansas farmer Mike McClellan, part of the answer is simple: wheat still has a job to do.

McClellan farms in Rooks and Graham counties and serves on the Kansas Wheat Commission and U.S. Wheat Associates boards. He joins Aaron Harries to discuss how his operation has changed since he returned to the farm in 1994, when roughly 80% of its crop acres were wheat, compared with about 20% today.

The conversation also looks beyond McClellan Farms. Mike explains what he has learned about international wheat markets, why export development matters to Kansas producers, how wheat quality affects customers and why passing a farm to the next generation can be especially difficult during years when the economics simply don't work.

Key takeaways:

• McClellan Farms has shifted from roughly 80% wheat acres in 1994 to about 20% in recent years as rotations have diversified.
• Wheat remains important for crop rotation and residue, even when it isn't the most profitable crop on its own.
• The 2026 crop fell far enough below expectations that McClellan had to buy out some forward contracts.
• Serving with U.S. Wheat Associates changed McClellan's view of the value of developing long-term relationships with overseas wheat customers.
• Farm succession becomes harder when several difficult years make it challenging to bring the next generation into an ownership position.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00–01:20 — Meet Mike McClellan
Aaron introduces Plainville farmer and Kansas Wheat Commissioner Mike McClellan. The cold open recalls McClellan’s memorable introduction to the Commission: a contentious meeting over Innovation Center construction costs followed by a groundbreaking at his second meeting.
01:20–03:03 — A family tradition of agricultural leadership
McClellan discusses his father Bob’s involvement with the Kansas Wheat Commission and conservation organizations. Mike later followed him onto the Rooks County Conservation Board.
03:03–04:19 — His mother and the Wheat Hearts
The family’s wheat connection included Mike’s mother, Jo Eva, and her involvement with the Kansas Wheat Hearts. Mike recalls her bread baking — particularly a memorable cheese bread recipe.
04:19–05:25 — More than a century on the land
McClellan discusses the family farm’s history, including property dating to around 1906 and his grandfather’s work as a stonemason.
05:25–06:16 — A wheat harvest worth forgetting
The conversation moves to farming in Rooks and Graham counties and the difficult 2026 harvest. McClellan says he contracted what he thought would be roughly one-third of expected production but ultimately had to buy out some contracts.
06:16–07:24 — From 80% wheat to 20%
When McClellan returned in 1994, he estimates approximately 80% of the operation’s crop acres were wheat. Today it is around 20%, with corn, milo and soybeans incorporated into the rotation. Summer fallow has largely disappeared from the operation.
07:24–08:44 — Why experiment with spring wheat?
McClellan explains that spring wheat offered another way to work wheat stubble into the rotation ahead of fall crops. Although he doesn't necessarily consider spring wheat profitable by itself, its rotational value matters. He has also found markets that sometimes paid a premium over winter wheat.
08:44–10:07 — Joining the Kansas Wheat Commission
McClellan explains why community involvement and his father’s example eventually led him to the Commission in 2011.
10:07–12:07 — Betting on the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center
McClellan recalls joining the board just as construction costs for the Innovation Center became a contentious issue. By his second meeting, he was holding a shovel at the groundbreaking.
12:07–14:01 — Why wheat export promotion matters
One of McClellan’s biggest changes in perspective involved international marketing. Initially skeptical of the money directed toward U.S. Wheat Associates, he came to see overseas market development as an important investment for Kansas producers.
14:01–16:23 — Learning from the global wheat industry
His U.S. Wheat Associates involvement introduced McClellan to farmers producing different wheat classes and to customers around the world. He explains that overseas customers value U.S. wheat quality, although price remains central to purchasing decisions.
16:23–17:48 — Wheat doesn't stop at the elevator
McClellan says many farmers don't spend much time thinking about where their grain ultimately goes. The conversation turns to connecting production decisions with end-user quality requirements.
17:48–18:31 — Growing quality, not just choosing it
McClellan points to K-State's Wheat Rx work as helping producers understand that quality isn't determined by variety alone; crop management matters, too.
18:31–19:14 — When the farm numbers don't work
McClellan describes the pressure created when average yields, production costs and available forward-contract prices don't show a profit.
19:14–21:09 — The difficult mathematics of farm succession
Approaching 65, McClellan is considering his own transition. His nephew Cade handles much of the production work, and Mike wants to help him acquire ownership. Several difficult farming years, however, have made building that equity position harder.
21:09–21:59 — Remembering the 2026 crop
McClellan reflects on what his father might have thought of the season, including weak wheat stands and severe weed problems where the crop failed to develop enough canopy.
21:59–22:41 — Staying the course
Despite the difficult year, McClellan expects his wheat acreage to increase somewhat because of rotation needs. Wheat stubble is needed again on ground that has been planted to fall crops for several years.
22:41–23:07 — Closing
Aaron wraps the conversation and provides contact information for Wheat’s On Your Mind.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Getting more wheat from limited water may depend less on finding one breakthrough and more on improving the entire farming system.

Australian farming systems agronomist John Kirkegaard Ph.D. joins K-State wheat and forage Extension specialist Romulo Lollato Ph.D. to discuss what Kansas and Australian wheat producers can learn from each other. They explore farmer-led research, water-use efficiency, fallow management, strategic tillage, crop rotations and the new Profitable Wheat Frontier Network being developed to test ideas with Kansas growers under real-world field conditions.

Key takeaways:

• Australian research shows how soil improvement, rotations, fallow weed control and crop management can work together to improve water-use efficiency.
• Strategic tillage and deep soil amelioration have produced substantial yield responses on certain problematic Australian soils while remaining part of predominantly no-till systems.
• Better summer fallow management helped Australian growers store roughly 2 additional inches of soil moisture and plant about three weeks earlier.
• Involving growers and crop consultants from the beginning can accelerate research adoption because producers help identify the problems and test practical solutions.
• K-State’s Profitable Wheat Frontier Network aims to use on-farm research, precision agriculture and producer knowledge to identify ways Kansas farmers can increase wheat yield and profit.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00–02:09 — Introduction and guests
Aaron Harries introduces John Kirkegaard Ph.D., an Australian farming systems agronomist and Fulbright Distinguished Chair visiting K-State, and Romulo Lollato Ph.D., K-State wheat and forage Extension specialist.
02:09–03:52 — Why an Australian wheat scientist came to Kansas
Kirkegaard explains the similarities between Australian wheat country and the Great Plains, particularly variable weather and production risk, and describes the international collaboration that brought him to Kansas.
03:52–06:48 — Lollato’s Australian sabbatical
Lollato explains his nearly five-month stay in Australia and how the collaboration grew from relationships developed through the international Wheat Initiative.
06:48–12:13 — Australian Wheat 101
Kirkegaard explains Australia’s wheat calendar, hard white spring wheat production, export orientation, rainfall limitations, rotations, large farm sizes, no-till production and the importance of measuring yield relative to rainfall.
12:14–17:32 — Putting growers inside the research process
Lollato identifies one of his biggest Australian takeaways: growers and consultants help define research problems and develop solutions from the beginning rather than simply receiving recommendations afterward.
17:32–20:28 — Australia’s Extension alternative
Kirkegaard describes the shift from government Extension toward private agricultural consultants. He estimates 70% to 80% of Australian grain farmers now work with an adviser of some kind.
20:28–25:28 — Strategic tillage challenges no-till assumptions
The discussion turns to deep soil amelioration. Researchers, engineers and growers developed specialized approaches for restrictive sandy soils. Kirkegaard says yield increases of roughly 30% to 40% can make treatments economically attractive when benefits persist five to six years.
25:28–27:05 — Could similar opportunities exist in Kansas?
Lollato discusses Kansas soil constraints and the search for interventions that could improve water capture and crop productivity.
27:05–31:48 — The Australian water-efficiency experiment
Kirkegaard describes a major grower-led initiative designed to increase water-use efficiency by 10% in five years. Instead of focusing solely on the wheat plant, participants investigated soil, rotations, fallow and crop management.
30:17–31:48 — Two more inches of stored water
Strong summer weed control and residue management helped growers enter the growing season with about 40 millimeters — roughly 2 inches — of additional stored moisture. Planting subsequently shifted about three weeks earlier, and Kirkegaard says the investment in strict summer weed control paid 15-to-1 in that project.
31:48–32:23 — “Incremental transformation”
Lollato and Kirkegaard explain how small improvements can compound: conserve water first, adjust planting, select an appropriate cultivar, then adjust fertility to support greater yield potential.
32:23–36:23 — Why farmer-led research gets adopted
Kirkegaard describes grower groups, research funding, crop simulation modeling and the importance of farmers testing their own ideas rather than simply receiving recommendations.
36:23–40:47 — Kansas’ Profitable Wheat Frontier Network
Lollato introduces plans to work directly with Kansas growers using commercial equipment, soil and leaf samples, yield maps, satellite imagery, drones and other precision-agriculture tools. The goal is greater yield, resource efficiency and profit.
40:47–44:01 — An Australian’s view of Kansas weather
Kirkegaard reflects on Kansas humidity and extraordinary temperature variability, along with drought and freeze damage observed during the 2026 crop.
44:01–45:27 — What Australia can learn from Kansas
Kirkegaard praises the Wheat Quality Tour and Kansas’ integration of producers, researchers, millers, buyers, food companies and other parts of the wheat value chain.
45:27–46:18 — A season built for studying extremes
Lollato notes that Kirkegaard came to study climate extremes and encountered drought, freeze, hail and flooding. Harries recalls Manhattan moving from about 10°F to 98°F in six days.
46:18–47:13 — Closing
The guests reflect on continued Kansas-Australia collaboration, and Harries directs listeners to Wheat’s On Your Mind and Kansas Wheat.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Bread remains a cornerstone of the American food system, but declining consumption and changing consumer attitudes could have consequences all the way back to the wheat farm.

Josh Sosland, president of Sosland Publishing Company and editor of Milling & Baking News, joins Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin to examine what more than a century of milling and baking history says about today’s wheat-demand challenge. They discuss declining bread consumption, consumer misinformation, GLP-1 medications, the MAHA movement, the unsuccessful Bread Basket Checkoff effort and why Sosland believes science alone won't be enough to change consumer behavior. The conversation also explores whether Kansas wheat promotion should put greater emphasis on domestic demand alongside traditional export-market development.

Key takeaways:

• Declining bread consumption isn't new, but recent trends have made the challenge more concerning.
• Research can counter misinformation about grain foods, but changing consumer behavior also requires emotional connection.
• Meaningful consumer promotion requires resources on a much larger scale than many current efforts.
• Domestic wheat demand has traditionally been viewed as static, while grower promotion concentrated heavily on export growth.
• Changing global competition and more specialized domestic markets could create new opportunities for Kansas wheat producers.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00 — Why bread consumption matters
Josh Sosland opens with the central problem: concerns about Americans not eating enough bread aren't new, but consumption numbers over the past four or five years have become particularly concerning. History also suggests ordinary industry initiatives may not be enough to reverse the trend.
00:40 — Introducing Josh Sosland
Aaron introduces Sosland as president of Sosland Publishing Company and editor of Milling & Baking News.
01:08 — A century of milling and baking journalism
Sosland recounts how his grandfather and two brothers founded Southwestern Miller. The publication emerged as commercial baking expanded and Southwestern millers sought recognition for the bread-making quality of Kansas and Southern Plains wheat.
03:43 — Hard red winter wheat's rise
The discussion connects the publication's origins with the growth of hard red winter wheat production and its transition from primarily household flour toward commercial bread flour.
04:15 — The Great Grain Robbery
Justin introduces one of the remarkable stories in Sosland history: the company's reporting on massive Soviet grain purchases in the early 1970s.
05:06 — Secret Soviet purchases and inflation
Sosland explains how Soviet buyers quietly purchased enormous amounts of U.S. wheat and corn without initially revealing the full scale of their activity. The resulting market disruption became intertwined with the inflationary pressures of the era.
07:09 — “John Smith” and an industry scoop
Sosland tells the story of a mysterious caller identifying himself as John Smith and providing Morton Sosland with Soviet grain-purchase figures that eventually proved accurate.
08:19 — Sosland Publishing today
The conversation covers the company's portfolio, including World Grain, Bake, Baking & Snack, Pet Food Processing, Milling & Baking News and Food Business News.
09:06 — Print versus digital publishing
Sosland explains why print remains important to part of the industry's readership while digital consumption continues growing.
09:48 — Bread consumption's century-old problem
Drawing from decades of archival work, Sosland says concerns about inadequate bread consumption appear repeatedly throughout industry history.
10:59 — Why today's numbers are different
Recent consumption trends are especially concerning. Sosland's lesson from history is that “business as usual” is unlikely to create the scale of change needed.
11:33 — What happened to the Bread Basket Checkoff?
The discussion examines the proposed wheat-flour-foods checkoff. Sosland describes concerns over government involvement, assessment structures and disagreement within the baking sector.
14:03 — What wheat lost without the checkoff
Justin discusses the potential value of having substantial, coordinated resources for consumer communication—particularly as grain foods face new headwinds.
15:32 — Different boats, same rough water
Sosland examines the different approaches taken by grower and baking organizations and argues that organizational separation hasn't eliminated the fundamental challenges facing grain foods.
16:16 — GLP-1 medications enter the equation
Sosland says he initially thought the effects of GLP-1 medications on food consumption might be overstated. He now believes their influence can't be ignored, although he doesn't rank them as the industry's biggest challenge.
17:44 — Winning minds versus winning hearts
This is the episode's central strategic discussion. Sosland credits the Grain Foods Foundation and Grain Foods Research Institute with doing important work to counter myths, but says the industry has a much bigger gap in creating emotional connections with consumers.
18:37 — Why facts aren't enough
Sosland uses an insight from the investment world to illustrate how people make decisions emotionally as well as logically. Correcting misinformation may therefore be necessary without being sufficient.
21:17 — The scale of investment required
A $100,000 initiative may be meaningful for an association, Sosland says, but the larger challenge requires millions of dollars when companies are losing billions in market share.
22:33 — What successful promotion looks like
The conversation turns to commodity promotion and checkoff examples, including industries where coordinated resources and messaging have helped increase consumption.
23:34 — Grapefruit as a warning
Sosland offers grapefruit as a cautionary example of a food once considered a household staple whose consumption dramatically declined. His point: staples can't assume consumers will always be there.
24:05 — MAHA and ultra-processed foods
The hosts address the MAHA movement and criticism of ultra-processed foods. Sosland discusses the power of emotionally compelling food messages and their potential to alter consumer behavior.
25:44 — Consumers still love wheat foods
Despite negative perceptions surrounding bread, Sosland points to pizza, Uncrustables and quality baguettes as examples of wheat-based products that continue to resonate strongly with consumers.
26:40 — Should growers rethink promotion spending?
Sosland turns the interview around and asks whether grower organizations have the right balance between international promotion and domestic-market investment.
26:59 — Why wheat invested overseas
Justin explains that U.S. domestic wheat use has traditionally been considered “static demand.” Export promotion therefore offered an apparent opportunity to add incremental demand and value at the farm gate.
28:00 — New opportunities in domestic wheat
Changing export competition and increasingly specialized domestic relationships may give farmers opportunities to create value through particular varieties, management practices and end-use characteristics.
30:36 — The wheat marketplace has changed
Sosland argues that strategies developed decades ago reflected a very different competitive environment. U.S. wheat now faces additional global competitors while competing domestically with other commodities and foods.
31:28 — Why Kansas invested in exports
Justin traces the Kansas Wheat Commission's history to 1957 and explains how postwar reconstruction and government-dominated international grain buying shaped producer investment in overseas market development.
32:43 — Closing thoughts
The episode concludes with the recognition that wheat is in a period of transition and that producer leaders are actively discussing how promotion and market development should evolve.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

The 2026 wheat season showed just how quickly a promising crop can become a test of every management decision a producer makes.

Host Aaron Harries sits down with K-State wheat and forages specialist Romulo Lollato Ph.D., CSIRO farming systems agronomist John Kirkegaard Ph.D. and Dave Deken for a roundtable on the 2026 Kansas and Oklahoma wheat crop. They trace the season from strong fall establishment through drought, unusual heat, freeze damage, hail and harvest rain, then look at the management lessons producers can carry into the next crop. The conversation covers rainfall timing, planting date, grazing, variety selection, wheat genetics, nitrogen management and the value of building more flexibility into wheat systems.

Key takeaways:

• Warm fall conditions built strong stands but also contributed to greater water use before spring.
• In a water-limited wheat crop, a small amount of rain at the right growth stage can have an outsized impact on yield potential.
• Early planting and dual-purpose wheat can create additional grazing and management options when grain production becomes less attractive.
• Modern wheat genetics helped damaged plants compensate through secondary tillers and maintain usable grain quality.
• Nitrogen, variety and other input decisions should reflect changing yield potential instead of assuming the crop established in fall is the crop that will reach harvest.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00 – Cold open — Lollato, Kirkegaard and Deken preview the episode’s central question: what management choices still work when weather pushes a wheat crop to its limits?
00:26 – The 2026 wheat roundtable begins — Aaron Harries introduces the guests and frames the season as an unusually widespread disaster for hard red winter wheat across the Central and Southern Plains.
03:03 – Kansas starts with “hope and despair” — Lollato describes excellent fall establishment, favorable moisture and warm temperatures that created large, well-tillered plants heading into winter.
04:32 – Warm weather becomes a liability — Winter turns dry while temperatures remain above normal. Wheat continues growing and consuming water that will be badly needed later in the spring.
06:00 – Drought and freeze damage stack up — March and April bring dry conditions, rapid crop development and damaging freezes. Later hail adds another layer of yield loss.
08:00 – Rain finally arrives—at harvest — May rainfall comes too late to rescue much of the crop, and subsequent wet conditions prolong harvest in parts of Kansas.
09:22 – Oklahoma’s highly variable crop — Deken describes enormous field-to-field and county-to-county variation, with some producers choosing to keep cattle grazing poor-looking wheat.
11:29 – Heat, low yields and an early harvest — Oklahoma experiences February heat, disappointing yields in several regions and a harvest roughly two weeks ahead of normal.
13:03 – An Australian view of Kansas wheat — Kirkegaard recounts seeing drought and freeze damage firsthand during the Wheat Quality Tour and compares Great Plains conditions with Australian production.
16:25 – Livestock as an “exit option” — Australia’s wheat-sheep systems illustrate how grazing, hay and dual-purpose wheat can create alternatives when grain yield potential deteriorates.
17:35 – Managing risk without the same insurance system — Kirkegaard explains how Australian growers rely more heavily on management flexibility, stored moisture, early sowing and alternative crop uses.
20:08 – Moisture, planting date and variety — Deken shares an Oklahoma perspective that moisture is the first limitation, followed by planting date and then variety selection.
21:24 – Breeding for system resilience — Kirkegaard discusses wheat designed around flexibility: long coleoptiles for deep planting, awnless wheat suited for hay and vigorous short-season wheat.
23:09 – Modern genetics show their value — Harries and Lollato discuss plants recovering from primary-tiller freeze damage and the remarkable ability of wheat to compensate.
23:58 – What could two inches of rain do? — Lollato explains how strategically timed rainfall can dramatically raise yield potential in a water-limited environment.
25:15 – Turning a bad year into better decisions — Research plots allow scientists to study which management practices performed best under the same stresses producers experienced.
26:00 – Smarter nitrogen decisions — Lollato describes research using current conditions and historical weather outcomes to estimate yield potential before major nitrogen investments are made.
27:35 – One more weather threat: tornadoes — The group adds some humor to a season that seemingly delivered every possible weather hazard.
29:02 – El Niño and global weather risk — The discussion shifts to seasonal forecasting, Australia’s El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole signals, and how forecasts can affect fertilizer purchasing and crop decisions.
32:19 – Are Oklahoma growers coming back? — Deken says most producers he spoke with planned to plant wheat again despite the difficult crop.
33:49 – Why wheat remains in Kansas rotations — Lollato explains wheat’s value beyond grain, including residue, soil-moisture conservation, weed management, rotational diversity and grazing flexibility.
35:29 – Closing thoughts — The panel finishes its post-mortem on 2026 and looks ahead to another wheat season.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

America's story cannot be told without agriculture—and few people understand that story better than historian and author Douglas Hurt.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Hurt joins Aaron Harries to explore how farming helped build the nation. From colonial wheat production and westward expansion to the Homestead Act, land-grant universities, the Dust Bowl, conservation programs, global trade, and today's farm economy, the conversation connects history directly to the challenges facing modern producers.

Key takeaways

• Why agriculture drove American economic growth and expansion
• How railroads transformed wheat into a global commodity
• The lasting impact of the Homestead and Morrill Acts
• How Turkey Red wheat changed Kansas agriculture
• Why the Dust Bowl permanently reshaped conservation policy
• Lessons from the 1970s boom and 1980s farm crisis
• Agriculture's role during the Civil War and other conflicts
• Why global markets still create opportunities and risks
• The importance of research, Extension, and land-grant universities
• What history suggests about the future of American farming

Timestamped Episode Rundown

00:00 – Introduction and Douglas Hurt's perspective on the lasting impact of the Dust Bowl and conservation.
00:42 – Douglas Hurt's background, Kansas roots, and career studying agricultural history.
02:52 – Why agriculture is central to understanding American history.
04:10 – Farmer independence and the growing federal role in agriculture.
06:57 – Early history of wheat in colonial America.
08:20 – The Homestead Act and settlement of the Great Plains.
10:30 – The Morrill Act and the creation of land-grant universities.
11:51 – Transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
13:59 – Turkey Red wheat and its impact on Kansas.
15:21 – Railroads, exports, and the rise of global grain markets.
16:56 – The Dust Bowl, conservation, and the Soil Conservation Service.
21:08 – The Soviet grain deals, Earl Butz, and the 1980s farm crisis.
23:29 – Agriculture's role during the Civil War and wartime economies.
28:05 – Lessons for today's policymakers and producers.
29:58 – Looking ahead: the future of American agriculture.
32:14 – Douglas Hurt's latest books and closing thoughts.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

A smaller hard red winter wheat crop will test whether last year’s export buyers were chasing price or choosing lasting value.

Brian Liedl, vice president of overseas operations for U.S. Wheat Associates, joins Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin to explain how strong 2025/26 wheat exports changed the outlook for Mexico, Nigeria, Indonesia, and other important markets. They discuss why U.S. wheat quality, technical support and customer relationships matter even more in a higher-priced year, along with what tighter HRW supplies, Russian competition and growing global demand could mean for Kansas farmers.

Key takeaways:

• Customer retention will be a major priority as U.S. wheat prices rise.
• Mexico remains the leading destination for U.S. wheat and a vital HRW market.
• Nigeria and Indonesia offer growth opportunities when U.S. wheat can demonstrate better milling and baking value.
• Technical support helps overseas millers look beyond the lowest-priced wheat.
• Strong global consumption provides reasons for long-term optimism despite intense export competition.

Detailed timestamped rundown:

00:00 – International market-development strategy
Brian Liedl describes his goal of visiting U.S. Wheat Associates offices, meeting overseas staff and reviewing how producer resources are deployed.
00:31 – Introduction to the episode
Aaron Harries introduces Wheat’s On Your Mind, the show’s sponsoring organizations and Liedl’s new leadership role.
01:46 – From the trading pit to U.S. Wheat Associates
Liedl recalls beginning at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange before moving into hedging, wheat merchandising, logistics and international grain trading.
03:12 – A strong year for U.S. wheat exports
The group discusses the combination of a large, high-quality U.S. crop, competitive prices and decades of overseas market development.
04:44 – Why buyers value U.S. wheat
Liedl explains how quality, technical service, baking assistance and dependable customer relationships strengthen the reputation of U.S. wheat.
05:39 – Moving from commercial trading to market development
Justin Gilpin and Liedl discuss the difference between selling wheat commercially and representing the interests of wheat producers.
07:39 – Coordinating U.S. Wheat’s overseas network
Liedl talks about traveling to international offices, meeting staff and aligning market-development strategies.
08:48 – Mexico, USMCA and Nigeria
The conversation turns to Mexico’s importance as a core U.S. wheat customer and Nigeria’s potential as a growing, quality-conscious swing market.
11:39 – Opportunities in Southeast Asia
Liedl discusses Indonesia, the Philippines and other Asian destinations where technical support has helped U.S. wheat establish a valuable niche.
13:20 – Moving the buyer conversation beyond price
Relationships matter, but price remains central. Liedl explains how U.S. Wheat helps customers evaluate margins, product quality and consumer loyalty.
15:20 – The long-term global wheat demand story
Despite major production growth in Russia and other exporting countries, global consumption has remained strong enough to absorb additional supplies.
18:33 – Selling value during a smaller HRW crop
Liedl outlines the milling, protein, moisture and baking characteristics that support the value proposition for Kansas and Southern Plains wheat.
20:18 – Retaining customers and testing new blends
The group discusses customer retention in Mexico, Venezuela, Nigeria, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, including possible HRW-HRS blending strategies.
22:25 – Russian wheat competition and higher costs
Liedl explains why Russia will remain a major competitor but may be less willing to aggressively lower prices as production and energy costs increase.
24:07 – Farmer profitability as the guiding goal
The episode closes with Liedl discussing his remaining overseas office visits and emphasizing that producer profitability must remain the industry’s “north star.”
25:20 – Closing and subscription reminder

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Federal farm programs are changing, and Kansas wheat producers need to know what those changes could mean at the county office, in the crop insurance conversation and on the farm.

In this episode, Aaron Harries talks with Richard Fordyce, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, and David Schemm, Kansas FSA State Executive Director, about USDA reorganization, FSA modernization and the push to make farm program delivery faster and less paper-heavy. They discuss One Farmer, One File, modernized acreage reporting, coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA, trade opportunities, input costs and the current mood across farm country.

Key takeaways:

• USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation reorganization is aimed at reducing bottlenecks and improving service delivery, while Fordyce says county and state FSA office operations should continue serving producers.
• One Farmer, One File could eventually connect FSA, NRCS, RMA and crop insurance information in a more useful way for producers and staff.
• Acreage reporting may move from paper maps and manual entry toward interactive maps, phone-based reporting and, eventually, precision ag data imports.
• Crop insurance remains a key risk-management tool, with RMA focused on improving products and looking for better options in underserved crop areas.
• Despite tight margins, high inputs and market stress, the guests point to trade, domestic fertilizer production and farm program improvements as reasons for cautious optimism.

Timestamped rundown

00:00–01:54 — Opening clips introduce the themes of USDA reorganization, reducing bottlenecks and improving service from the federal level down to county offices.
01:54–05:18 — Richard Fordyce shares his background as a Missouri farmer, former Missouri Director of Agriculture and former FSA Administrator, including how his family farm continues operating while he serves in a Senate-confirmed role.
05:18–10:21 — Fordyce explains how farm experience shapes government leadership, especially when balancing congressional intent, USDA leadership, stakeholder input and farmer-first decision making. David Schemm adds that Fordyce brings the “heart of a farmer” to the role.
10:21–11:32 — The discussion turns to why farm background matters when explaining programs to producers and making discretionary decisions.
11:32–13:20 — Schemm discusses the workload and producer impact tied to new farm program changes, including base acre allocation and implementation work by FSA staff.
13:20–15:15 — Fordyce addresses USDA reorganization and restructuring, saying the goal is to reduce bottlenecks, improve response time and keep service closer to farmers.
15:15–16:40 — Schemm introduces technology modernization by comparing old and new tractors, arguing that FSA needs 21st-century tools to serve 21st-century producers.
16:40–22:10 — Fordyce gives a detailed explanation of One Farmer, One File, including form consolidation, IT modernization, shared data access, data security, interactive mapping and future precision ag integration.
22:10–23:03 — Schemm says FSA is finally getting “auto steer on our tractor,” emphasizing the excitement among employees and the importance of county-office-level understanding.
23:03–25:57 — Fordyce explains how better coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA could help serve farmers more efficiently, while also highlighting RMA’s work on crop insurance products.
25:57–27:38 — Schemm discusses the current mood in farm country: tough economics, high inputs and market pressure, but also optimism tied to trade and better times ahead.
27:38–29:46 — Fordyce closes with thoughts on farm budgets, domestic nitrogen production, trade deals and keeping agriculture on the table in international negotiations.
29:46–30:28 — Aaron closes by directing listeners to Farmers.gov and thanking Fordyce and Schemm for joining the show.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Kansas wheat farmers are facing a mixed harvest, fragile margins, and fertilizer markets that are finally easing but still hard to pencil.

Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin are joined by Mike O’Dea and Josh Linville of StoneX for a wide-ranging market discussion on Kansas harvest progress, hard red winter wheat quality, export competitiveness, fertilizer prices, and crop-input security. They cover what low yields and variable protein may mean for basis, why U.S. wheat is finding new export opportunity, and how producers can think through nitrogen purchases with so much uncertainty still in the market.

Key takeaways:

• Kansas harvest started early, stalled with rain and humidity, and is showing wide differences in yield and protein.
• Hard red winter wheat has become more competitive in some export channels, including Mexico.
• Lower urea prices are helpful, but weak grain prices still make fertilizer decisions difficult.
• Buying fertilizer in layers may help spread risk in a confusing market.
• U.S. food security depends heavily on imported crop inputs, especially nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

Timestamped rundown

00:00 — Opening clips
Mike O’Dea previews wheat export competitiveness, while Josh Linville frames the fertilizer market: prices are down, but grain prices are still painful.
00:24 — Episode introduction
Aaron Harries introduces the StoneX roundtable with Mike O’Dea, Josh Linville, and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin.
00:42 — An unusual Kansas harvest
The group discusses an early harvest start, test cutting before Memorial Day, delays from rain and humidity, and combines beginning to roll statewide.
01:54 — Field reports on yield and quality
O’Dea shares early Kansas harvest observations, including low protein in parts of central and southern Kansas, stronger numbers farther west, and wide yield variation.
03:00 — USDA numbers and crop size expectations
The conversation turns to harvested acres, USDA yield adjustments, and the possibility of a hard red winter wheat crop around the 490-million- to 500-million-bushel range.
04:14 — Wheat spreads and production history
The group discusses Kansas City-Chicago relationships and compares the current hard red winter wheat situation with previous drought-impacted years.
05:41 — Export competitiveness returns
O’Dea explains how lower Kansas City futures have made U.S. wheat more competitive in some channels, including Mexico, while Black Sea and French values remain key comparisons.
06:33 — Nigeria and global buyers
Gilpin notes recent conversations with a Nigerian trade group and how quickly U.S. wheat competitiveness has changed in just a few weeks.
07:33 — Europe, Russia, and global wheat quality
O’Dea outlines possible quality concerns in southern Russia, heat risk in Western Europe, and the importance of milling versus feed wheat spreads later in the year.
08:18 — Minneapolis wheat contract changes
The discussion shifts to spring wheat, Minneapolis contract changes, and how those changes could affect futures, basis, and spreads.
09:38 — Spring wheat tour outlook
The Wheat Quality Council spring wheat tour is highlighted as a useful event to watch, especially with attention on spring wheat quality.
10:30 — Urea prices fall sharply
Linville explains that NOLA urea has dropped hard from recent highs, but weak grain prices still make the fertilizer-to-grain ratio difficult for producers.
12:23 — Nitrogen demand destruction
Linville says global nitrogen demand likely has been trimmed by a few percentage points, which can still represent a major tonnage shift worldwide.
13:37 — Fertilizer buying advice
The key advice: keep communicating with suppliers, follow both fertilizer and grain prices, and consider buying fertilizer in layers.
15:11 — Crop inputs and food security
The group discusses how U.S. food security depends on imported fertilizer and why that reality is drawing more attention from policymakers.
16:49 — Nitrogen, phosphate, and potash strategy
Linville argues for more domestic nitrogen production, stronger long-term phosphate relationships with allies, and maintaining strong potash trade with Canada.
20:23 — Final wheat market outlook
O’Dea says wheat futures may stay rangebound without a new production or quality problem, but he believes short-term lows may be in.
21:31 — Closing
The episode wraps with thanks to StoneX and a reminder to subscribe and share the podcast.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

A farmer-owned wheat, milling, and bakery project in Goodland could change how Kansas wheat reaches the grocery shelf.

In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Brian Linin and Alan Townsend, co-founders of Golden Waves Grain, about their plan to receive wheat directly from farmer-owners, mill it into flour, and bake it into bread in one integrated facility. They explain how the model could create new value for wheat producers, strengthen rural jobs, improve traceability, and deliver fresher bread through a different grocery distribution system.

Top 10 takeaways

• Golden Waves Grain wants to close the gap between wheat farmers and bread consumers. The project would receive wheat, mill flour, and bake bread in one Goodland facility.
• The model is farmer-owned in part. Producer shares include a delivery commitment, giving farmers both an investment role and a grain-supply role.
• The facility only needs a portion of local wheat production. The guests say the project would use about 2 million bushels a year, while Sherman County produces far more than that.
• The payoff for farmers is both ownership and premium opportunity. Producer investors would receive above-local-market premiums tied to their delivery commitments.
• Distribution is central to the business case. The project aims to reduce costs by delivering bread through a warehouse distribution model rather than the traditional bread-truck system.
• Freshness is part of the product story. Lennon emphasizes using fresh wheat and fresh flour rather than grain and flour that have been stored for long periods.
• The bread process matters. The team is focused on sponge-and-dough baking, a slower method they believe can improve flavor, texture, and eating quality.
• Traceability could help farmers tell their story. Consumers may be able to connect the bread back to the farmer-owners who grew the wheat.
• The project could be a major rural economic driver. Lennon says the plant is projected to create 141 jobs in the Goodland area.
• Golden Waves Grain could create new wheat-quality feedback loops. Townsend says the plant may help identify wheat varieties and production practices that perform best in milling and baking.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00–01:52 — Opening and guest introductions
Aaron Harries introduces Brian Linin and Alan Townsend of Golden Waves Grain, a Goodland-based project built around growing wheat, milling it, and baking it into bread in one place.
01:52–04:08 — The Golden Waves Grain elevator pitch
Brian explains the plan: farmer-owners deliver wheat, the facility mills it into flour, and the flour is immediately baked into bread and buns. He outlines the scale, including two bread lines and distribution through Associated Wholesale Grocers.
04:08–06:49 — How the idea started
Alan traces the concept back to 2020 and his experience with 21st Century Bean Processing, a farmer-delivery, value-added model that inspired the wheat project. He also explains how partners including Tony Adams, Dave Owen, Brian Linin, and others came together.
06:49–11:07 — Farmer ownership and capital structure
Brian describes the producer-share model, delivery commitments, wheat premiums, strategic investors, equity raise, bank financing, projected construction cost, and hoped-for timeline to begin baking bread by January 2028.
11:07–13:34 — Why the distribution model matters
Alan explains how the project is designed around reducing costs in the supply chain, especially by moving bread through warehouse distribution instead of the traditional bread-truck model.
13:34–14:52 — Why no one has done this before
Alan says one of the hardest parts is organizing producers around a new value-added wheat model. He compares the future potential of Golden Waves Grain to how the bean company evolved over time.
14:52–18:18 — Product quality and fresh bread
Brian explains why the team believes the bread itself will stand out: fresh wheat, fresh flour, sponge-and-dough fermentation, and a focus on eating experience rather than simply shaving pennies from production cost.
18:18–20:02 — Whole wheat, mids, and byproducts
Alan and Brian discuss mill byproducts and how adding more whole wheat flour into bread formulas could keep more of the wheat kernel in food products rather than sending it out as feed.
20:02–21:16 — Traceability and farmer identity
Alan describes the consumer-facing story: farmers are proud of what they grow, and this project could make them the face behind the bread.
21:16–23:40 — Rural community impact and water realities
Brian and Alan talk about Goodland, job creation, the loss of past rural industries, the Ogallala Aquifer, dryland wheat, and why value-added wheat matters for the long-term future of western Kansas.
23:40–25:44 — Jobs and workforce model
Brian says the project is projected to create 141 jobs and explains the planned shift structure, with 12-hour shifts that could help attract workers from a broader region.
25:44–27:45 — What success looks like
Brian defines success as a profitable, efficient plant that is a reliable bread supplier and a top workplace. Alan adds that success includes making farmers more sophisticated about wheat varieties, baking quality, and production practices.
27:45–28:45 — Kansas support and local companies
The guests discuss support from the state of Kansas and the use of Kansas-based or regional companies involved in construction, milling, flour handling, and bakery systems.
28:45–30:36 — How to learn more
Brian directs interested farmers and investors to Golden Waves Grain’s website, and Aaron closes the episode.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Wheat is being pulled into bigger national conversations about dietary guidelines, school meals and ultra-processed foods.

In this episode, Aaron Harries talks with Erin Ball, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation, and Leah Johnston, director of nutrition strategies and communications with Wildhive Strategic Communications. They explain how the grain foods industry is responding to changing nutrition guidance, why wheat’s fiber and nutrient contributions matter, and how farmers can help tell a clearer story about wheat’s role in healthy, practical diets.

Key takeaways:

• Wheat contributes fiber, plant protein, B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients that are often overlooked.
• Grain foods advocates are watching how new dietary guidance could affect school meals, food costs and student acceptance.
• The ultra-processed food debate is complicated, and Ball says the science is still unsettled.
• Johnston argues the wheat message should focus on nutrition, real meals and consumer relevance—not defensiveness.
• Farmers can help by explaining that wheat is a plant-based food that supports better diet quality.

00:00–01:10 — Aaron Harries opens the episode and introduces guests Erin Ball of the Grain Foods Foundation and Leah Johnston of Wildhive Strategic Communications.

01:10–03:44 — Erin explains the Grain Foods Foundation’s mission, its origins during the Atkins-era carbohydrate backlash, and its shift toward investing in nutrition science and consumer communications.

03:44–05:21 — Leah gives the elevator pitch for wheat nutrition, calling wheat an overlooked nutritional powerhouse because of fiber, plant protein, vitamins, minerals and enrichment benefits.

05:21–09:30 — Erin discusses the new dietary guidance and “inverted food pyramid” concern, including research being developed to model nutrition and cost impacts.

09:30–12:22 — Leah explains the communications challenge: rather than arguing with a federal visual, grain foods advocates need to reframe the conversation around real meals, practical benefits and consumer choices.

12:22–16:52 — Erin describes school meal concerns, including cost, cafeteria equipment limitations, student acceptance and the risk of overly limiting grain servings.

16:52–18:19 — Justin Gilpin thanks Erin and Leah, praises the Grain Foods Foundation’s work and raises the issue of ultra-processed foods.

18:19–22:42 — Erin digs into the UPF debate, saying the science is unsettled, definitions remain difficult and the conversation should return to nutrients of concern such as added sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

22:42–24:36 — Leah adds that processing level alone does not tell the full nutrition story and points to research looking at nutrient-dense “healthy grains,” including both whole and refined grain foods.

24:37–28:43 — Erin offers advice for wheat farmers: start with the basics, explain that wheat is a plant, lean into wheat’s plant-based protein story and show how grain foods help people eat more balanced meals.

28:43–29:31 — Aaron closes the episode and directs listeners to subscribe and find past episodes at Wheat’s On Your Mind.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Kansas wheat producers have several farm program changes to keep on their radar, from higher wheat reference prices to 2026 ARC/PLC elections, new base acre opportunities and disaster relief payments.

In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with David Schemm, state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Kansas, about how USDA is implementing recent farm program changes and what Kansas producers should watch next. Schemm explains why the updated wheat reference price matters, how 2025 ARC/PLC payments differ from the 2026 election process and why landowners should watch their mail for base acre notices. He also covers Farmer Bridge Assistance, Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments, farmers.gov tools and how Kansas FSA is thinking about staffing and service in a time of low commodity prices and high input costs.

A key message for producers: stay connected with your county FSA office, make sure landowners are aware of base acre communications and get familiar with farmers.gov for faster access to records, forms and program information.

Key takeaways:

• The 2025 ARC/PLC process is different from 2026, when producers will need to make an annual election.
• New base acre opportunities are tied to the land, so landowners and tenant farmers need to communicate.
• Subsequent crop situations may require a decision about which crop receives updated base acres.
• Disaster relief and bridge assistance programs are moving quickly, so producers should check with their county FSA office.
• Farmers.gov and login.gov can help producers access records, acreage reports and other USDA tools online.

Timestamped Rundown

00:00 — Opening clip from David Schemm about tight timelines for producers reviewing base acres.
00:12 — Aaron Harries introduces the episode and identifies Schemm as state executive director for USDA Farm Service Agency in Kansas.
00:57 — The conversation opens with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for Kansas farmers.
01:16 — Schemm explains the importance of the updated statutory reference price, especially for ARC and PLC payments.
02:23 — Schemm reflects on past farm bill testimony and his long-running push for a higher wheat reference price.
03:07 — Aaron notes the new $6.35 wheat reference price and connects it to high input costs.
03:44 — Schemm explains that 2025 ARC/PLC payments are handled differently, while 2026 will require producers to make an election.
04:40 — Discussion of why ARC/PLC payments are delayed until the marketing year average can be finalized.
05:50 — Aaron shifts to new base acres and asks about eligibility and process.
06:07 — Schemm explains FSA’s review of 2019–2023 planted acres and the national process for allocating available base acres.
07:30 — Schemm explains that 30 million additional base acres nationwide will likely be prorated because demand exceeds available acres.
08:30 — Discussion turns to Kansas cropping changes, especially in western Kansas where acreage has intensified beyond old wheat-fallow systems.
09:30 — Schemm says landowners should begin watching for base acre notices around the June 1 timeframe mentioned in the episode.
10:05 — He explains that notices are expected to be structured around opting out, because the default assumption is that eligible acres would be added.
10:20 — Schemm explains the “subsequent crop” issue, where landowners may need to choose between wheat acres and a later crop planted in the same crop year.
11:42 — Aaron emphasizes the need for tenants to communicate with absentee landowners.
12:31 — Schemm clarifies that this process is about adding base acres, not reallocating existing base acres.
13:08 — The conversation moves to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and how quickly payments were delivered.
14:28 — Aaron asks about the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Stage Two assistance for 2023 and 2024 losses.
15:20 — Schemm explains the SDRP top-up payment, Stage Two focus on shallow and quality losses and possible documentation needs.
16:30 — Schemm notes Kansas was heavily affected by 2023 and 2024 drought losses.
17:00 — Aaron shifts to technology, including “one farmer, one file,” farmers.gov and coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA.
17:19 — Schemm describes USDA’s modernization push and how login.gov and farmers.gov can reduce trips to the FSA office.
19:15 — Schemm shares an example of a producer pulling FSA-578 acreage records online and sending them directly to a crop insurance agent.
21:00 — Aaron asks how technology connects to USDA reorganization and Kansas FSA staffing.
21:25 — Schemm discusses retirements, staffing needs, workload tools and hiring efforts for county offices, county executive director trainees and farm loan officer trainees.
25:58 — Aaron asks why it is important for farmers to stay in touch with FSA offices during low commodity prices and high input costs.
26:13 — Schemm encourages producers to stay connected because farm program changes, CRP opportunities and new tools are continuing to roll out.
28:40 — Aaron encourages listeners to bookmark farmers.gov.
29:06 — Schemm closes by emphasizing USDA’s focus on serving producers and encouraging farmers to contact county offices or use farmers.gov.
29:58 — Aaron wraps the episode and directs listeners to wheatsonyourmind.com, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Kansas wheat producers are heading into harvest with drought, freeze injury, possible abandonment, and seed supply questions all on the table. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, and Bryson Haverkamp, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Alliance, about what they are hearing from the field, how newer wheat varieties are holding up, and why growers should start seed conversations earlier than usual.

The discussion also covers wheat streak mosaic virus, the Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour, K-State wheat field days, experimental varieties in the pipeline, and the importance of the next K-State wheat breeder. For producers, the practical message is clear: scout carefully, pay attention to variety performance under stress, talk with seed dealers now, and stay plugged into research and Extension updates before fall planting.

Key takeaways:

• Drought and late freeze injury are pressuring hard red winter wheat across Kansas and the broader Southern Plains.
• Seed supply could tighten in some areas, so producers should contact local seed dealers and certified seed producers early.
• Newer varieties including Providence, Bill Snyder, Territory, KS Homestead CL+, KS Tradition and KS Flintlock are worth watching in stressed fields.
• Wheat streak mosaic virus may not be the main yield story this year, but it remains a major long-term threat.
• K-State field days and the Wheat Quality Council tour give producers a chance to compare varieties and understand regional crop risk before harvest.

Timestamped rundown

00:00–00:35 — Opening and setup
Aaron Harries introduces Justin Gilpin of Kansas Wheat and Bryson Haverkamp of the Kansas Wheat Alliance for a timely roundtable ahead of a difficult Kansas wheat harvest.
00:35–02:26 — A difficult crop year takes shape
Justin explains how drought, warm winter conditions and late freeze events have changed the outlook for the crop. Unlike 2023, the stress is not limited to western Kansas; it stretches across a larger hard red winter wheat region.
02:26–04:06 — Variety performance under stress
Bryson shares what Kansas Wheat Alliance is hearing from seed producers and breeders. He notes that Providence, Bill Snyder, Territory, KS Homestead CL+, KS Tradition and KS Flintlock are showing promising performance in tough conditions.
04:06–05:44 — Wheat streak is still a major threat
The group discusses wheat streak mosaic virus, triticum mosaic virus and high plains virus. Even if drought and freeze are the dominant issues this year, Justin stresses that virus pressure remains a serious long-term challenge for breeders, researchers and producers.
05:44–07:24 — Seed supply and fall planning
Bryson explains that seed supply concerns are growing in the Southern Plains and beginning to surface in Kansas. His recommendation to farmers is practical: contact local seed dealers and certified seed producers early so growers can secure preferred varieties and help dealers gauge demand.
07:24–09:19 — Wheat Tour expectations
Justin and Aaron discuss the Wheat Quality Council tour, USDA crop estimates, scouting for freeze damage, disease and abandonment. The key issue may not be only yield per acre, but how many acres are actually harvested.
09:19–12:39 — Why the Wheat Tour matters
Justin explains the history and value of the Wheat Quality Council tour. Beyond the crop estimate, the tour connects millers, bakers, breeders, farmers and industry leaders directly with Kansas wheat fields and rural communities.
12:39–14:14 — Field days and Extension resources
Bryson encourages farmers to attend K-State and county Extension wheat field days. These events give producers a chance to see varieties, talk with specialists and compare how wheat is handling local stress.
14:14–15:50 — New experimental lines to watch
The group discusses upcoming and experimental wheat lines, including KS Tradition, KS Flintlock, KS150167-17, 21H36 and 22HD158. Bryson points to these as part of the ongoing variety pipeline.
15:50–16:52 — Breeding progress in a tough year
Justin and Bryson emphasize the value of continued investment in public wheat breeding. Even in a hard production year, the survival and performance of some fields show the progress being made in genetics.
16:52–20:56 — The next K-State wheat breeder
The conversation turns to Alan Fritz’s retirement and the search for the next K-State wheat breeder. Justin compares the role to hiring a head coach because the wheat breeder touches research, Extension, farmers, industry partners and the future of Kansas wheat.
20:56–22:05 — Breeders as the face of wheat
Bryson and Justin note that wheat breeders are often the people farmers see at field days, even though those appearances go beyond their formal job descriptions. That producer connection remains essential.
22:05–23:23 — Final message to farmers
Justin closes by acknowledging the tough production and economic environment. He emphasizes the importance of export relationships, farm safety net tools and continued advocacy for producers and rural communities.
23:23–23:53 — Closing
Aaron thanks Justin and Bryson and directs listeners to previous episodes at Wheat’s On Your Mind.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Maryland wheat farmers juggle humidity, disease pressure, poultry markets, and tighter nutrient rules, yet Jason Scott says there is still room to raise strong wheat and make smart management decisions.

In this episode, Aaron Harries visits with Jason Scott, a sixth-generation farmer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore who grows soft red winter wheat alongside corn, soybeans, malted barley, and sweet corn.
Scott breaks down the Mid-Atlantic production calendar, explains how mandatory nutrient management affects fertilizer timing and recordkeeping, and shares how local poultry demand, flour mills, export markets, and variety selection all shape the economics of wheat in his region.
For Kansas listeners, it is a useful look at what changes when wheat is grown in a humid environment with tougher regulation and a very different end-use market.

Key takeaways:

• Maryland wheat is typically planted in mid-October and harvested by mid-June, which helps open the door for earlier, better double-crop soybeans.
• Mandatory nutrient management plans and audits shape fertilizer decisions, but Scott says growers have still found ways to improve yields.
• Much of the local grain economy revolves around the chicken industry, affecting where wheat, corn, soybeans, and manure all move.
• Export promotion still matters to growers whose wheat is mostly consumed domestically because stronger demand lifts the whole wheat market.
• Disease pressure, especially scab, remains one of the biggest drivers in wheat variety selection.

Detailed Rundown

00:00:00 - Opening and guest intro
Aaron Harries introduces Jason Scott, a sixth-generation farmer from Hurlock, Maryland, and outlines his farm, leadership roles, and work with U.S. Wheat Associates.
00:00:58 - Where Jason farms
Scott explains where his farm sits on the Delmarva Peninsula, between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, and why he considers the region Mid-Atlantic rather than New England.
00:01:43 - Climate and disease pressure
He describes a humid, rainy production environment where both northern and southern crop diseases can show up, making the region a unique place for agronomic challenges.
00:03:23 - Wheat calendar in Maryland
Scott walks through the soft red winter wheat season: mid-October planting, winter dormancy, spring fertilizer timing, and mid-June harvest, with a strong push to finish in time for double-crop soybeans.
00:05:24 - Nutrient management rules
He details Maryland’s long-running nutrient management system, including yield-based nitrogen limits, required plans, annual reporting, and the reality of on-farm audits.
00:07:24 - Yield expectations and cropping strategy
Scott says his farm averages around 90 bushels per acre on wheat and has improved performance by placing wheat on better ground while shifting barley onto sandier acres.
00:08:16 - Where the wheat and barley go
Barley is contracted to a Delaware craft malter when it makes grade, while wheat is split between the poultry industry and flour mills in southeastern Pennsylvania.
00:09:45 - Chicken manure as fertility
The conversation turns to poultry litter, which Scott describes as valuable, locally produced fertilizer even as it remains part of a larger environmental debate in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
00:11:04 - Corn, soybeans, and specialty markets
Scott explains that most local corn goes into the chicken industry, while his soybeans often go to a nearby crush plant, with Plenish high oleic beans earning an identity-preserved premium.
00:12:10 - Farm history, land values, and irrigation
He reflects on century-farm history, sharecropping roots, high land prices, urban pressure, and the major yield difference irrigation makes on sandy soils.
00:15:36 - Public education and policy engagement
Scott talks about speaking with garden clubs, educating urban neighbors, and pushing back on legislation shaped by people with limited understanding of modern crop production.
00:18:08 - Why export work still matters
Drawing on his U.S. Wheat Associates experience, Scott explains why export development helps all wheat classes, even when most Maryland wheat stays in domestic channels.
00:20:20 - Mexico travel story
He shares a side story about being stranded in Puerto Vallarta during cartel-related unrest and flight disruptions, and credits Corteva/Pioneer for getting the group home safely.
00:23:22 - Variety choices and disease management
Scott says Maryland growers rely heavily on private wheat varieties, with scab tolerance and disease package carrying major weight in seed decisions.
00:25:06 - Wrap-up
Aaron closes by thanking Scott for sharing a Mid-Atlantic perspective on wheat production, markets, and advocacy.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Hybrid wheat has long been one of agriculture’s biggest “what ifs.”
In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries talks with Dan Wiersma of Corteva about why that may finally be changing — and why Kansas is expected to be the epicenter of the company’s planned hard red winter wheat launch in fall 2027.

Wiersma breaks down the science in plain language, from hybrid vigor and wheat genetics to Corteva’s non-GMO nuclear male sterility system and color-sorting process for seed production.
He also explains what farmers will care about most: yield, risk, grain quality, pricing, and whether hybrid wheat will fit current management systems.
With early products showing a reported 10 percent yield advantage — and up to 20 percent in water-limited environments — this conversation offers a first look at a technology that could reshape wheat production in the years ahead.

Top 10 takeaways

• Corteva is targeting fall 2027 for an initial hard red winter hybrid wheat launch, with Kansas positioned as the center of that rollout.
• Dan Wiersma says hybrid wheat matters because wheat has lagged behind crops like corn in innovation for decades.
• The biggest historical barrier has been economical seed production, not just breeding.
• Corteva’s system uses non-GMO nuclear male sterility, which the company says became possible after the wheat genome was published in 2018.
• The process relies on a color-based seed sorting system to separate sterile and maintainer seed.
• Wiersma says the first commercial products are showing a consistent 10 percent yield advantage.
• In water-limited environments, he says the yield edge can rise to 20 percent over leading competitive varieties.
• Corteva expects hybrid wheat to fit into current production systems without requiring major management changes at launch.
• Pricing will matter, and Wiersma acknowledges farmers will compare hybrid wheat against the long tradition of saving wheat seed.
• Grower interest is high, but so is skepticism — especially around price, quality, and real-world performance on their own farms.

Timestamped rundown

00:00–01:06 — Aaron Harries opens the episode, introduces Wheat’s On Your Mind, and gives Dan Wiersma’s background from UW–Madison to Corteva’s global wheat leadership role.
01:15–02:58 — Wiersma explains his job: connecting science, breeding, seed production, marketing, and farmer trust around hybrid wheat.
03:16–04:22 — He lays out the commercial target: a small-scale hard red winter wheat launch in fall 2027, with Kansas as the epicenter.
04:40–05:41 — Wiersma frames hybrid vigor as the “holy grail” of breeding and explains why wheat has remained overwhelmingly non-hybrid.
05:42–07:39 — He dives into wheat biology, including its hexaploid genome, self-pollination, and why older sterility systems struggled economically. He says the 2018 wheat genome publication helped unlock a new approach.
07:40–09:09 — This is the most technical part of the episode: Wiersma explains Corteva’s nuclear male sterility system, blue seed marker, and color sorting process used to produce hybrid seed.
09:16–09:41 — Aaron zeroes in on the core problem: cost. Wiersma agrees and says wheat seed production also has to stay regionally close to where it will be planted.
09:50–11:19 — The headline performance segment: Wiersma says advanced products show about a 10 percent yield bump, with bigger advantages in tougher, water-limited environments.
11:25–12:28 — He outlines the path to launch: parent seed is in the ground, hybrid seed production fields follow, and commercial sale is planned for fall 2027.
12:28–13:22 — Wiersma says the initial rollout will move through the Pioneer brand and dealer network, backed by agronomic support.
13:22–15:03 — Pricing discussion: hybrid wheat will cost more to produce, but Corteva says pricing will be built around farmer value and long-term adoption.
15:03–16:03 — Wiersma shares early farmer reaction: strong interest, but also healthy skepticism about cost, grain quality, and whether the system pencils out.
16:03–16:58 — Looking backward, he reflects on how far wheat management has come through fungicides, plant growth regulators, fertility management, and yield-focused tools.
16:58–17:56 — Looking ahead, he says hybrid wheat is the main leap right now, but future opportunities include disease resistance, nitrogen efficiency, water use efficiency, and potentially stronger grain quality.
17:56–18:35 — Wiersma confirms public breeding programs and universities remain important collaborators in wheat germplasm and science.
18:35–19:32 — Farmers’ practical question gets answered: Corteva does not expect growers to need major management changes to plant hybrid wheat, though studies continue on seeding rates and fertility.
19:33–20:09 — Aaron asks about current resources. Wiersma says there is nothing substantial in print yet, but training, education, and marketing materials are being developed.
20:09–20:41 — The episode closes with a teaser to revisit the story as rollout gets closer.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Mike Spier, the new president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, joins Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin to talk about the relationships, strategy, and boots-on-the-ground work behind U.S. wheat exports. Spier shares how his career took him from the West Coast grain trade to overseas posts in Egypt, the Philippines, and Singapore, and how those experiences shaped his view of global wheat demand, trade shifts, and customer trust.

The conversation covers strong hard red winter wheat export sales, the rise of private flour mills in markets like Egypt and Indonesia, new opportunities in places such as Bangladesh and Latin America, and how added USDA export promotion funding can help U.S. Wheat Associates expand staff, technical support, and market development. It is a timely look at why long-term relationships, farmer voices, and smart investment still matter in an increasingly competitive global wheat market.

Top 10 takeaways

• Mike Spier brings deep overseas and merchandising experience into the top U.S. Wheat Associates role.
• U.S. Wheat’s long-term relationships remain one of its biggest competitive advantages.
• Global wheat trade has shifted from government buying toward privatized milling and more technical engagement.
• Hard red winter wheat has been a major driver of improved export sales this marketing year.
• Increased USDA promotion funding gives U.S. Wheat room to expand staff and try more ambitious market-development efforts.
• Bangladesh stands out as a meaningful growth market for U.S. wheat. U.S. Wheat publicly announced a multiyear 700,000-metric-ton annual commitment.
• Consumer-facing campaigns may become more important as wheat misinformation spreads online.
• Logistics still matter: freight, rail competition, and landed cost all shape whether U.S. wheat wins business.
• Sustainability matters to buyers, but wheat customers often want credible data before they want formal certification.
• Farmer voices are still powerful in export markets because customers trust firsthand production perspectives.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:02–00:46
Aaron Harries opens the episode, introduces Wheat’s On Your Mind, and welcomes Mike Spier, newly installed president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, with Justin Gilpin joining the conversation.
00:46–01:55
Spier outlines his career path: starting in the grain trade, joining U.S. Wheat Associates in Portland, and later serving in overseas offices including Cairo, Manila, and Singapore.
01:55–02:44
He reflects on how overseas work was never the original plan, but became a defining part of his career and his passion for representing U.S. wheat farmers abroad.
02:44–03:09
Spier notes that U.S. Wheat Associates has 13 overseas offices and three U.S. offices: Portland, Arlington, and Manhattan. U.S. Wheat’s staff directory confirms Mike Spier as president and CEO and lists those major offices.
02:57–03:12
The group highlights milestone anniversaries for the Tokyo and Taipei offices, underscoring the long-term relationships U.S. Wheat has built with overseas customers.
03:12–05:22
Justin asks about mentors who shaped Spier’s career. Spier points to John Odes and Dick Prower as especially influential in teaching him both wheat marketing and the realities of working overseas.
05:22–07:25
The conversation turns to the changing global wheat trade. Spier explains how markets such as Egypt and Indonesia shifted from government buying toward privatized milling systems, creating more need for technical training and relationship-based market development.
07:25–09:13
Spier shares his early priorities as CEO: strengthen relationships, expand exports and market share, drive innovation, improve producer outreach, and make better use of new USDA funding.
09:13–10:55
He details staffing changes, including new technical and consulting roles in Brazil, Italy, Casablanca, Singapore, Mexico City, and the Philippines, plus communications support. U.S. Wheat’s current public materials and staff directory reflect the organization’s global structure and leadership team.
10:55–12:59
The group discusses misinformation about wheat and consumer perception. Spier says U.S. Wheat is looking at more consumption-focused campaigns in key markets, building on work in the Philippines and exploring similar efforts elsewhere.
12:59–14:31
Spier says export sales are up year over year, with hard red winter wheat accounting for much of the improvement, even as competition intensifies from Argentina, Canada, Australia, and Russia.
14:31–15:33
They talk about wheat’s diversified customer base and how that gives the industry resilience compared with commodities that depend heavily on just a few markets.
15:13–16:18
Spier credits grower groups and wheat organizations for advocating increased MAP and FMD funding, and says the additional support will allow more activity, more innovation, and more strategic risk-taking overseas. USDA’s export market development programs continue to underpin cooperator efforts, while U.S. Wheat has said recent agreements and outreach are helping expand demand.
16:18–18:14
The discussion shifts to emerging opportunities, including aquaculture feed in Central and South America and the Bangladesh market. U.S. Wheat announced a Bangladesh commitment of 700,000 metric tons annually, aligning with what Spier describes in the episode.
18:14–20:21
Logistics comes into focus, including ocean freight, landed price, and rail competition. Justin raises concerns about freight and transportation costs that ultimately hit wheat farmers’ returns.
20:21–21:45
They address sustainability. Spier says wheat buyers generally want science-based information more than formal certification, though some customers do require more detailed documentation.
21:45–23:49
The value of farmer leadership takes center stage. Spier explains why hearing directly from growers makes a stronger impression on customers than hearing the same message only from staff.
23:49–24:53
Spier recaps a recent trip to Washington, D.C., saying he came away encouraged by support for U.S. wheat farmers and by momentum around programs like Food for Peace.
24:53–25:54
The episode closes with optimism about the year ahead, an invitation to future U.S. Wheat meetings in Manhattan, and a brief salute to retiring Kansas wheat leader Cindy Falk.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University

Global conflict is colliding with farm economics in this episode of Wheat’s on Your Mind. Host Aaron Harries is joined by Mike O’Dea, risk management consultant at StoneX, and Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at StoneX, to unpack the fast-moving fallout from the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Together, they explain why wheat prices were already moving higher before the latest geopolitical shock, how crude oil is adding fresh volatility, and why current rallies may create marketing opportunities for producers.

The discussion also explores the fertilizer side of the equation in detail. Linville explains how much of the world’s urea and phosphate trade depends on the Middle East, why the spring import window matters so much for U.S. growers, and how delayed buying patterns could worsen supply problems. O’Dea connects those fertilizer risks back to wheat production, protein, corn acres, and broader crop competition, offering listeners a grounded look at how global events can quickly reshape decisions at the farm gate.

Top 10 takeaways

• Wheat was already rallying before the Iran conflict due to fund short covering, and crude oil volatility added another layer of support.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global fertilizer trade, especially urea.
• This is landing at the worst possible time for U.S. growers because April is the key fertilizer import arrival month.
• Fertilizer risk is broader than nitrogen; phosphate supplies are also vulnerable because several major suppliers are constrained.
• Higher fertilizer prices could reduce application rates, trim yields, and create protein concerns in wheat.
• Delayed fertilizer buying by farmers, retailers, and distributors may worsen spring bottlenecks.
• Even if the conflict eases quickly, logistics and manufacturing delays mean supply chains will not normalize overnight.
• Grain rallies tied to fear can reverse quickly, which is why O’Dea frames this as a pricing opportunity rather than a guaranteed long-term bull market.
• Crop acreage decisions could shift as producers weigh fertilizer costs, corn demand, soybean oil strength, and competition from canola and pulses.
• The episode makes a strong case for more U.S. fertilizer production capacity, though cost and mineral access remain major barriers.

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00–00:15 — Disclaimer
The episode opens with a reminder that it was recorded on March 11, 2026, and that market conditions may have changed since then.
00:16–01:05 — Episode setup
Aaron Harries introduces the show and guests Mike O’Dea and Josh Linville of StoneX, framing the conversation around grain markets, fertilizer markets, and uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict.
01:06–03:36 — Why wheat was already moving higher
O’Dea explains wheat had been rallying before the conflict due to fund short covering and seasonal tendencies. He notes crude oil volatility then added more upward pressure, even though wheat fundamentals still look bearish.
03:37–05:02 — Strait of Hormuz and fertilizer shock
Linville says the closure of the Strait is a major threat because such a large share of global urea exports and significant phosphate trade move through that region. He outlines sharp fertilizer price increases and stresses that this is not just a nitrogen problem.
05:03–05:53 — Why timing matters for U.S. imports
Linville highlights that April is the biggest arrival month for fertilizer imports into the U.S., and even if product were available immediately, shipping lead times mean deliveries would still lag well into April.
06:02–07:48 — China, Russia, Europe, and global supply distortions
The conversation turns to China’s export restrictions, Russia’s shifting fertilizer flows, and Europe’s reduced production capacity after losing access to cheaper Russian gas. The result is a much tighter and more politicized global fertilizer market.
07:49–09:20 — What high nitrogen prices could mean for wheat
Aaron asks how fertilizer costs and availability could affect wheat production globally. O’Dea says lower application rates could trim yields and create quality concerns, especially around protein.
09:21–10:08 — Will farmers delay or cut applications?
O’Dea says it is still early to know, but Linville adds that poor farm finances and delayed purchasing have already created a fragile just-in-time supply situation.
10:08–12:36 — Domestic production and North American options
Linville argues the situation should be a wake-up call for more domestic nitrogen production. He says the U.S. has gas, demand, and strong environmental standards, but new plants are costly and slow to build. He also explains why phosphate is harder to solve due to rock supply constraints.
12:37–14:57 — If the war ends quickly, how fast do markets react?
O’Dea says grain markets can correct fast when fear subsides, though logistics take longer to normalize. He also discusses funds turning net long in wheat and how hard assets may be attracting money.
15:07–16:34 — Why fertilizer may not stay cheap even after a reopening
Linville says a reopening of vessel traffic could trigger an immediate selloff, but the structural supply gap would remain. He expects the U.S. spring price floor has likely been raised regardless.
16:35–17:51 — Acre shifts and competition between crops
O’Dea says higher fertilizer costs and shifting margins could keep support under corn while also forcing a fight for acres among corn, beans, canola, pulses, and other specialty crops.
17:52–19:21 — What StoneX does for customers
The guests close by explaining StoneX’s role in risk management, fertilizer market education, and helping farmers and agribusinesses think beyond flat price toward margin and value relationships.
19:21–end — Wrap-up
Aaron thanks the guests and directs listeners to email Kansas Wheat with questions and find previous episodes online.

Kansas Wheat
Wheats On Your Mind

Kansas State University