In Episode 412 of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, the team is joined by Mark Hodges, Executive Director of Oklahoma Genetics Inc., for a deep dive into the vital link between OSU wheat research and Oklahoma producers.
With decades of experience in both academia and the private sector, Mark outlines how OGI ensures OSU’s cutting-edge wheat varieties reach producers and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The episode highlights the impact of Dr. Brett Carver’s nationally and internationally recognized breeding work, the growing emphasis on quality traits, and the importance of adapting to Oklahoma’s diverse wheat production environments.
Listeners will gain insight into how public breeding programs like OSU’s can compete with private industry while delivering real-world value to producers both in Oklahoma and beyond.

10 Takeaways

1. OGI plays a vital role in connecting OSU wheat research to producers through variety promotion and licensing.
2. Dr. Brett Carver’s leadership has transformed OSU’s wheat breeding into an internationally respected program.
3. Quality traits like milling and baking performance are increasingly important in wheat breeding.
4. OSU wheat varieties dominate Oklahoma’s planting landscape, covering around 70% of acreage.
5. The breeding program incorporates feedback from both producers and end users, including millers and bakers.
6. OGI reinvests its revenues into OSU’s research programs, supporting long-term innovation.
7. Wheat production strategies vary across Oklahoma, from dryland to irrigated and forage-focused systems.
8. New varieties are developed with specific markets and applications in mind, not just general use.
9. Oklahoma wheat has a global footprint, with exports reaching markets across multiple continents.
10. The future of wheat breeding is bright, with continued innovation tailored to producer profitability.

00:00 – Welcome and intro to the episode’s focus
02:00 – Meet Mark Hodges, Executive Director of OGI
04:00 – The critical role of Dr. Brett Carver in wheat breeding
06:30 – How OGI supports OSU’s wheat program
08:00 – Industry-driven improvements in variety development
10:00 – Adapting to Oklahoma’s diverse wheat-growing conditions
13:00 – The dominance of OSU-bred varieties in Oklahoma fields
17:00 – The rising importance of specialty traits and end-user feedback
20:00 – Success in Texas and beyond
23:00 – Looking ahead: The future of OGI and wheat breeding

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