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

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

Recorded live at KNID AgriFest in Enid from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth, Episode 501 launches Season 5 with a fast-paced crop check and a whole lot of agronomy banter.
Dave Deken sits down with Brian Arnall and Josh Lofton to talk January wheat realities: dry conditions, odd winter insect pressure, and early reports of wheat diseases showing up sooner than anyone wants.
They also hit canola concerns—like that purple color—and what to inspect right now (new leaves and crown health) as everyone looks ahead to green-up.

Next, it’s go-time thinking for topdress: why timing, weather, and surface conditions matter—especially when warm days, wind, and dew can increase nitrogen losses.
Then the conversation turns into a practical deep dive on plant physiology and decision-making: primordia (the “cells in waiting”), how early-season stress can differ from true deficiency, and why chasing genetic potential without respecting environmental limits can hurt ROI.
If you like your agronomy with real-world nuance (and a little friendly arguing), this one’s for you!

Top 10 takeaways

1. January crop scouting can be misleading—weather swings can make fields look great or “go backwards” fast.
2. Warm winter + dry stretch = unusual pest pressure, including armyworms in wheat.
3. Early disease reports (tan spot, rust, powdery mildew) mean don’t assume “it’s too early.”
4. For canola right now, focus on new leaves and crown—that’s your “are we okay today?” check.
5. Green-up moisture is the hinge point for both wheat tillering and canola recovery.
6. Topdress timing is a system problem (acres, co-op schedules) and a weather-loss problem (dew + warm + wind).
7. If conditions are right to lose N (dry soil + dew/humidity + wind), waiting can be the most profitable move.
8. A lot of management is about what’s happening inside the plant—primordia/cell division—before you ever see it.
9. Stress can be useful; deficiency is where you start giving away yield potential—context (stage/goal) matters.
10. The “right” program depends on your risk profile: protecting max yield vs protecting ROI on inputs.

Detailed timestamped rundown

00:00–01:15 — Welcome to Episode 501 + Season 5 vibes; shoutout to AgriFest and the Wheat Commission cinnamon-roll traffic.
01:16–01:55 — Introductions: Dave Deken with Dr. Brian Arnall and Dr. Josh Lofton; “we were arguing in our office earlier…”
01:46–02:10 — Recorded Jan 9, 2026 at the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth during AgriFest in Enid.
02:10–03:05 — Cinnamon roll banter + meeting listeners at the booth.
03:07–04:20 — Crop update headline: it’s January, it hasn’t rained, it feels like June; armyworms in wheat; disease confirmations in SW OK.
05:01–06:20 — Canola check: purple color mystery; focus on new leaves + crown health “right now.”
06:35–08:10 — “Magic windows” talk: green-up moisture is critical for canola and wheat tillering.
09:03–10:30 — Rooting + grazing: planting timing affects anchoring; some fields pull easier under cattle.
10:45–12:55 — Topdress season starts early for many; best efficiency late Jan–March; avoid warm/windy/dewy days that can increase N loss (they cite “blow off 15–25%”).
13:00–16:55 — What if winter doesn’t get cold? Daylength and growth timing; discussion on how wide the N window really is.
17:00–22:10 — OSU NPK blog topic: managing “primordia” (cells-in-prep), not just what you see aboveground.
22:10–25:20 — Corn example: by V6 you’ve set rows/potential kernels; stress/deficiency can reduce grain number.
28:50–41:10 — Main debate: stress vs deficiency, “leaf deficient but not the plant,” and Liebig’s Law barrel analogy.
44:20–48:10 — Genetic vs environmental potential, realized yield; precision vs accuracy; risk aversion (yield loss vs input cost).
49:40–50:17 — Wrap + resources at reddirtagronomy.com.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

Water is life—especially in the Oklahoma Panhandle. In this episode, the Red Dirt Agronomy team welcomes Dr. Sumit Sharma, OSU Extension’s irrigation specialist, for a wide-ranging discussion on how producers can stretch every drop.
From pre-watering to planting decisions, Sharma explains how irrigation science is helping producers navigate declining well capacities and unpredictable weather while maintaining strong yields.

The conversation also explores cotton and corn management, growing degree days, and the future of sustainable production in Oklahoma’s High Plains.
With insights on new technologies, the Master Irrigators program, and the resilience of prairie systems, this episode offers both practical advice and a hopeful look at how farmers can adapt without giving up on the land they love.

10 Takeaways

1. Efficient irrigation is key to sustaining Oklahoma Panhandle agriculture as wells decline.
2. Cotton can thrive with as little as 14 inches of irrigation when managed correctly.
3. Elevation impacts growing degree days, influencing which crops succeed.
4. Pre-watering is vital for establishing crops and managing weeds in sandy soils.
5. Short-maturity cotton varieties may improve harvest success before early freezes.
6. Data and technology (like soil moisture sensors) are transforming irrigation decisions.
7. Regenerative ag and cover crops are helping improve soil health under limited irrigation.
8. Pasture restoration is a long-term solution for lands losing water capacity.
9. The Master Irrigators Program offers farmers education, audits, and financial incentives to conserve water.
10. The Panhandle’s resilience—both ecological and cultural—shows that adaptation is possible even in drought-prone areas.

Timestamped Rundown

00:00–01:00 – Dave Deken opens Episode 426; sets up discussion on irrigation and underground water.
01:00–03:00 – Introductions: Dr. Brian Arnall, Dr. Josh Lofton, Dr. Raedan Sharry; light humor about breakfast and fieldwork.
03:30–05:00 – Dr. Sharma joins; recap of his background and move from the Panhandle to Stillwater.
05:00–07:00 – Overview of ongoing research: growing corn with limited water, regenerative agriculture, and cotton-water studies.
07:00–10:00 – Explanation of growing degree days (GDDs) and how elevation affects crop heat units in Oklahoma.
10:00–13:00 – Cotton challenges in high elevation areas; water use comparisons between cotton and corn.
13:00–17:00 – Discussion on cotton irrigation timing—why early stress can help root growth.
17:00–21:00 – Cotton varieties (Phytogen 205 vs. 411); balancing short vs. long maturity crops.
21:00–25:00 – GDD model reliability questioned; differences between Panhandle and southern climates.
25:00–29:00 – Deep dive on “pre-watering” in the Panhandle: how much, why, and when.
29:00–32:00 – Millet research and unexpected challenges (birds, pigweed, herbicide limits).
32:00–35:00 – Discussion on drought, soil loss, and reestablishing pasture for sustainability.
35:00–39:00 – Dr. Sharma details the Master Irrigators Program: training, incentives, and upcoming sessions in Altus.
39:00–40:30 – Closing remarks and links to RedDirtAgronomy.com.

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The cattle industry is riding high on prices—but running low on cows.
In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, joins the team to unpack how drought, market cycles, and global trade have shaped today’s record-setting beef economy.
Peel explains why herd numbers have fallen to their lowest level in 70 years, and why it could take until the end of the decade to rebuild.

From wheat pasture leases to feedlot margins, the discussion dives deep into how grain, forage, and feed costs influence decisions on the ranch.
The crew also explores producer strategies in a volatile market—from managing risk to making the call on heifer retention.
Whether you’re a cow-calf producer, stocker operator, or just watching the beef prices at the grocery store, this episode brings timely insight into the complex world of cattle markets.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. U.S. beef cow herd is at a 70-year low—the tightest supply in generations.
2. Cattle prices are at record highs, and analysts expect peaks through 2027.
3. Drought forced widespread liquidation, reducing herds beyond intended levels.
4. Herd rebuilding will be slow—likely taking the rest of the decade.
5. Feedlots benefit from cheap corn, extending feed periods to offset low supplies.
6. Beef demand remains strong, even with expensive retail prices and alternatives available.
7. Ground beef drives the U.S. beef market, making up nearly half of consumption.
8. Imports of lean beef add value to U.S. cattle by balancing fat and lean ratios.
9. Market volatility is a growing risk, making risk management crucial for producers.
10. New producers should proceed cautiously, leasing land or starting small before buying high-priced cattle.

Timestamps

00:00–04:00 – Opening and crop updates from Dr. Josh Lofton: best summer in years, but grain markets are low.
04:00–10:00 – Wheat planting delays, moisture variability, and forage conditions across Oklahoma.
10:00–12:00 – Crop quality nationwide and tie-in to cattle feed and grain prices.
12:00–14:00 – Introduction of Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Livestock Marketing Specialist.
14:00–17:00 – Record-high cattle prices amid record-low inventories.
17:00–20:00 – Feedlots thriving on cheap corn; stocker margins tightening.
20:00–24:00 – Drought’s impact on herd liquidation; slow path to rebuilding.
24:00–28:00 – Consumer beef demand remains strong despite high prices.
28:00–32:00 – Myths about government assistance for herd rebuilding.
32:00–37:00 – Drought cycles, herd age, and long-term herd quality.
37:00–42:00 – Political factors, trade issues, and market volatility.
42:00–47:00 – Ground beef’s crucial role and the importance of imports.
47:00–51:00 – Restaurant beef prices and consumer demand resilience.
51:00–53:00 – Practical advice for new landowners and market timing.

RedDirtAgronomy.com