Dive into the wheat world this summer with the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast

Whether it’s cutting in the combine, driving truck or rolling along in the tractor, Kansas producers can catch up on the latest wheat industry news with the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast from Kansas Wheat. 

“If you are looking for educational and entertaining coverage, check out ‘Wheat’s on Your Mind,’” said Aaron Harries, podcast host and Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “We’re showcasing wheat stories for an array of audiences from across the supply chain, providing perspectives on how the wheat industry has grown, what the world of wheat looks like today and the future of wheat in Kansas.” 

In Episode 1 and Episode 2 — One in a Brazillion, Harries sits down with one of the most recognizable voices in Kansas wheat-related meetings — Dr. Romulo Lollato, associate professor of wheat and forage production at Kansas State University. The pair chats about Lollato’s childhood in Brazil, where his passion for extension work really took hold and how he ended up at Oklahoma State then eventually here at K-State. 

Episode 3 — Creating a Powerhouse: Jagger Wheat with Dr. Rollin Sears features the wheat breeder responsible for one of the most prolific wheat varieties — Jagger. Learn how the variety came to be, as Sears walks through the history of K-State wheat breeding. 

Speaking of wheat breeding, Episode 4 — Yield vs. Protein: Breeding For Both, features a pair of wheat geneticists — Dr. Mary Guttieri, research geneticist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, and Dr. Allan Fritz, head of wheat breeding at Kansas State University. The dynamic duo team up to explain how yield and protein duke it out and what wheat breeders are doing today to create a variety that’ll reverse that. 

Following the thread of K-State research, K-State College of Agriculture Dean, Dr. Ernie Minton, joins Episode 5 — Ernie Minton: The Land Grant Revamp to give listeners the rundown on what the plan for the future of K-State College of Agriculture looks like, including all the new, updated buildings in the works.

Taking a mental trip across the globe, Episode 6 — Aussie Wheat? He’s Your Guy - Guy Allen sits down with Harries to discuss Australian wheat production, marketing and trading. Together, they compare production between U.S. and Australia and discuss agricultural issues of the land down under. 

Continuing to follow how wheat flows around the world, Episode 7 — This Little Grain Went to the Market: Wheat Trade with Dalton Henry has the Vice President of Policy for U.S. Wheat Associates joining the podcast to discuss trade policy — the technicalities and the practical impacts of policy. 

The podcast would be remiss not to talk about the weather this year. Take a look back at the past few dry years in Episode 8 — How ‘bout this weather? With Christopher Redman. The Kansas Meosnet network manager gives his perspective on how the current weather patterns came to be — and you can rate his predictions for this summer and fall. 

And as the Kansas wheat harvest kicks off, Episode 9 — More than just an estimate with Dave Green, Wheat Quality Council, sheds light on the history of U.S. wheat and why quality has only been cast in the spotlight more and more. 

Kansas Wheat will be promoting individual episodes on the organization’s social media channels, but listeners should subscribe so they don’t miss any of the excitement. Listeners can tune in wherever they listen to podcasts, including Apple or Spotify. Or check out the podcast’s website at wheatsonyourmind.com.

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Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat