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Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast

Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast

By: Brian Arnall Ph.D. Dave Deken Josh Lofton Ph.D.
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About this listen

 The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast is your source for in-depth discussions on agronomy explicitly tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains. Hosted by a team of university experts, this podcast dives into soil health, crop production, pest management, and innovative farming practices, all with a regional focus. Whether you're a seasoned agronomist, a dedicated farmer, or simply passionate about agriculture in the Red Dirt region, this podcast offers practical advice, expert insights, and the latest research to help you thrive in your field. Tune in and stay connected to the heart of agronomy in the Southern Great Plains.2026 - Ag Now Media LLC Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • How Farmers Keep A Seat At The Table - RDA 505

    How Farmers Keep A Seat At The Table - RDA 505
    Feb 10 2026

    Recorded live from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at the 2026 KNID AgriFest in Enid, the crew sits down with Jeff Hickman—farmer, longtime ag association leader, Oklahoma higher-education regent, and former Oklahoma House Speaker—for a grounded conversation on where agriculture is headed and why local involvement still matters.

    Jeff breaks down how ag organizations stay viable in an era of consolidation, why multiple commodity groups working together amplify agriculture’s voice, and how public policy and regulation increasingly shape day-to-day farm decisions. The discussion also hits consumer trust, social media misinformation (and how AI can muddy the waters), and why agriculture has to keep educating an audience that forgets fast.

    They close with what Jeff sees coming next—trade uncertainty, the need for a dependable farm policy, and the importance of building relationships with candidates before they’re elected. Practical, candid, and very Oklahoma.

    Ten Takeaways

    1. Ag organizations are stronger together—shared support can keep smaller groups viable and influential.
    2. Regulation is often the real battlefield, sometimes more than legislation.
    3. Fewer rural/ag lawmakers means ag has to work harder to be understood in policy rooms.
    4. Producer involvement doesn’t have to be huge—membership alone helps fund representation and benefits.
    5. Markets can disappear even after great yields, driving tough planting decisions (sorghum example).
    6. Wheat is in a strategy moment: “What’s our thing?” like corn has ethanol—new uses/value streams matter.
    7. Consumer curiosity is a double-edged sword—interest is good, misinformation is rampant.
    8. AI can accelerate fake “credible” ag narratives, raising the stakes for trusted education.
    9. Rural issues resonate when you connect the dots (health care access, metro revenue, statewide economy).
    10. Election years are relationship years—don’t wait until after someone wins to introduce agriculture.

    Detailed Timestamped Rundown

    00:00–01:44 — Episode open, setting: Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at KNID AgriFest (Enid); introductions.
    01:45–03:35 — Jeff Hickman joins; “many hats” across OK ag organizations and higher ed.
    03:36–04:44 — Why shared management/back-office support keeps smaller ag groups viable and strengthens ag’s voice.
    04:45–06:53 — Policy reality: more dependence on public policy + regulations; increased focus on agencies/administration.
    07:03–08:52 — Jeff’s background: journalism/OU roles, media work, farm roots; “planting and harvest were my vacations.”
    09:12–12:44 — Political pendulum swings; how DC trends show up in statehouses; fewer rural/ag-connected legislators.
    12:45–15:54 — Consumer interest: good and hard; difficulty finding truth; misinformation and AI concerns; supply chain lessons.
    15:55–18:29 — Global factors hitting ag (tariffs, shipping routes, even piracy) through a real-world retail/cotton example.
    18:30–20:55 — Benefits/challenges of representing many groups; why having a strong government affairs team matters.
    21:14–23:59 — What growers are facing: crop choice risk, markets disappearing, wheat’s future “what’s our thing?”; value of membership (and CFAP example).
    24:00–27:33 — How to get more producers involved in leadership/politics; timing, family/team approach, candidate mentorship.
    28:13–32:50 — Translating rural needs for urban lawmakers (rural hospitals example); rural dollars fueling metro projects.33:26–36:31 — Next 6–9 months: trade unresolved, farm bill/farm policy stability, election-year urgency—build relationships now.
    36:32–38:11 — Wrap-up, thanks, and where to find resources.

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    38 mins
  • Nitrogen Know-How From A Teen Agronomist - RDA 504

    Nitrogen Know-How From A Teen Agronomist - RDA 504
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, we’re joined by 16-year-old Brayden Arnall, who recently won the National FFA Agriscience Award. This episode isn’t just about a student project—it’s a story of curiosity turned passion, and a father-son bet that led to a national title. Brayden walks us through his award-winning research on nitrogen stabilizers, tillage practices, and ammonia volatilization, breaking down complex science in an engaging and relatable way. Co-hosts Dr. Brian Arnall and Dave Deken, along with guest host Dr. Paul Weckler, offer commentary on the broader impact of youth agricultural programs like FFA and 4-H in Oklahoma and beyond.Listeners will hear about Brayden's methodology, the surprising results from his controlled barn experiments, and how these findings could influence farming practices. Plus, he gives a sneak peek into his next project on winter wheat growth and irrigation. Whether you're a researcher, educator, student, or just someone who appreciates the next generation of ag leaders, this episode is packed with inspiration, science, and Oklahoma charm.Top 10 Key TakeawaysBraden Arnall won the National FFA Agriscience Fair with a project on nitrogen stabilizers and tillage.His experiment showed that no-till plots had more ammonia volatilization losses than tilled ones.Anvol was the most effective nitrogen stabilizer in reducing nitrogen loss.Braden began his agriscience journey in middle school, building on skills from 4-H.His project used controlled PVC-tube environments and ammonia detection tools.He’s now researching irrigation impacts on winter wheat and nitrogen use.Youth participation in agriscience is strong in Oklahoma, especially Stillwater.Braden’s early exposure to research is guiding his career toward agronomy.The family’s tradition of “5-minute science” helped Braden understand college-level concepts early.The episode emphasizes the value of mentorship and community in ag education.Major Discussion Timestamps00:00–00:02 – Episode setup: the “father-son bet,” Brayden’s national win, and where to find info.00:01–00:02 – Plug: upcoming recording at the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference (Feb. 13).00:02–00:04 – On location at KNID AgriFest (Enid); Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth + the cinnamon roll/bread scene.00:04–00:07 – Brian explains the “promise” and Brayden’s path: early success, then winning nationals + spotlight presentation.00:07–00:10 – Dr. Paul Weckler joins; why Agriscience matters for STEM ag careers; what Agriscience competition is.00:10–00:11 – 4-H speaking background and why it gave Brayden confidence in FFA.00:11–00:16 – The research: nitrogen stabilizers, tilled vs no-till, ammonia volatilization + nitrate leachate; how the measurements were taken.00:16–00:18 – Age check (Brayden is 16) + “five-minute science” mentoring and learning the nitrogen cycle.00:18–00:21 – Agriscience momentum in Stillwater; youth research examples; workforce need in ag engineering/ag systems tech.00:21–00:25 – Brayden’s new project: rainfed vs irrigated winter wheat response with stabilizers; real-world Oklahoma weather challenges.00:25–00:27 – Undergrad research opportunities + how early research can feed future grad students.00:27–00:29 – Media moment: Brayden featured on “Is This a Great State or What?”00:28–00:31 – What’s next: chapter officer run, public speaking, possible land judging; speech topic See & Spray.00:30–00:32 – Dr. Weckler’s perspective: computer vision roots and how today’s tech builds on earlier work.00:30–00:32 – Staying active in both 4-H and FFA; what each teaches.00:32–00:33 – Wrap + thanks + where to connect. RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    33 mins
  • Hands in the Dirt, Minds on the Future - RDA 503

    Hands in the Dirt, Minds on the Future - RDA 503
    Jan 27 2026

    In this heartfelt and energizing episode of Red Dirt Agronomy, the team sits down with Dr. Kent Martin at the 2026 KNID AgriFest in Enid.
    Kent, now a full-time faculty member at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, shares how he's bringing real-world agronomy into the classroom.
    From digging soil pits to counting plant populations, his classes give students practical, hands-on experiences that prepare them to think critically and act confidently in their agricultural careers.
    His teaching philosophy—bridging theory and application—stems from his years of experience as a farmer, consultant, and Extension professional.

    The conversation also dives into leadership development, highlighting the importance of rural voices in community and national arenas.
    Kent shares stories from his time on the Sorghum Commission and US Grains Council, emphasizing that sometimes the most impactful insights come from simply telling your story.
    Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode offers powerful reminders about the importance of mentorship, service, and authenticity in agriculture.
    It’s a tribute to the value of showing up—on campus, in the field, or at the Capitol.

    10 Takeaways

    1. Dr. Kent Martin now teaches agronomy full-time at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.
    2. His teaching style is rooted in hands-on, field-based learning to bridge theory with practice.
    3. Martin emphasizes the value of students seeing and experiencing agronomy firsthand.
    4. The podcast highlights the similarity between Extension and teaching in terms of impact and approach.
    5. Leadership is not just about being in front—it includes being a supportive, informed voice behind the scenes.
    6. Participation in national sorghum and grain organizations can lead to unexpected influence.
    7. Farmers should consider stepping into advocacy roles—your story matters.
    8. Teaching is a long game—seeing students “get it” is a powerful reward.
    9. Mentorship and passing on leadership are recurring themes across all guests.
    10. The Red Dirt Agronomy team encourages rural leaders to take time off the farm for personal and community growth.

    Timestamps

    0:22 – Introduction to KNID AgriFest 2026 and Dr. Kent Martin
    2:18 – Dr. Martin’s new role at Northwestern Oklahoma State University
    6:16 – Field-based learning and teaching agronomy by doing
    10:07 – From Kansas State Extension to Oklahoma classrooms
    13:02 – Comparing Extension work with academic teaching
    20:31 – Serving on sorghum and grain boards nationally
    24:03 – Recognizing and nurturing future leaders
    33:45 – Stories of mentoring students into leadership
    42:11 – Encouraging rural voices in policy and community service
    46:42 – Why authenticity matters in agricultural leadership
    47:30 – Final reflections and call to support rural communities

    RedDirtAgronomy.com
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    48 mins
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