We discussed the current state of wheat crops in Oklahoma and the exciting new wheat variety, "Orange Blossom," developed by OSU's Wheat Improvement Team. Dr. Carver's insights into wheat breeding and genetics are particularly enlightening, especially regarding the balance between innovation and practical application for farmers.

Oklahoma Crop Conditions: The fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels have created a mixed bag for wheat crops across Oklahoma. Some areas are showing decent growth, while others are struggling due to early freezes.
It's crucial for farmers to monitor their fields closely and adjust management practices accordingly to mitigate stress and optimize growth.

Introducing "Orange Blossom": Dr. Carver introduced the new wheat variety, "Orange Blossom," which is inspired by the successful "Double Stop" variety.
This new variety aims to maintain high yield potential while offering herbicide tolerance, making it a valuable option for farmers seeking improved weed control.

Advancements in Wheat Breeding: The use of DNA markers and double haploids has significantly accelerated the wheat breeding process.
These techniques allow for more efficient and effective development of new varieties, ensuring that farmers have access to the best possible genetics.

Market Potential of Hybrid Wheat: We discussed the potential market for hybrid wheat and the challenges associated with its adoption.
Dr. Carver emphasized that significant yield improvements are necessary to encourage farmers to transition from traditional varieties to hybrids, highlighting the importance of economic viability in agricultural innovation.

Importance of Certified Seed: The conversation underscored the benefits of using certified seed to ensure genetic purity and maximize yield potential.
Investing in certified seed can provide farmers with a reliable source of high-quality genetics, leading to improved crop performance and profitability.

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Wheat production has evolved dramatically since the 1960s. New seed technologies and farming practices have transformed yields and quality. Embracing change is key to thriving in Oklahoma's agriculture.

What We Learned From Our Chat With Don:

- The transition from older wheat varieties to newer ones has significantly improved yield and quality.
- Precision farming techniques, such as auto-steering and section control, have transformed wheat farming efficiency.
- Don's seed cleaning business illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit within agriculture, stemming from a personal need.
- Community ties and educational contributions play a vital role in the agricultural sector.
- Shifts to no-till farming practices have become standard, promoting sustainability in wheat production.
Don's experiences as a football referee provide a unique perspective on community involvement and resilience.

Wheat Varieties

Don discussed the transition from older wheat varieties like Newton and Triumph 64 to newer ones such as Double Stop and High Cotton. This shift has led to notable improvements in both yield and quality, showcasing the importance of innovation in agriculture.

Technological Advancements

The introduction of precision farming techniques, including auto-steering and section control, has revolutionized wheat farming. These advancements allow farmers to operate more efficiently, reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Seed Cleaning Business

Don's venture into seed cleaning began with a personal need and grew into a successful business. His story illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives many in the agricultural sector, highlighting how personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions.

Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Don shared anecdotes about community events, such as waffle parties, that strengthen relationships among local farmers. This sense of community is vital in agriculture, fostering collaboration and support.

Important Quote from Don Schieber

"I don't like making money off of other people's disasters." - Don Schieber reflecting on global wheat markets.

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In this episode, we talked with Jerry May about:

The Evolution of Precision Agriculture: Explore the shift from basic soil sampling to advanced data collection and analysis.

Custom Farming Services: Understand the rise of custom planting and application services in response to high equipment costs and an aging farmer demographic.

Crop Rotation and Diversification: Learn about the benefits of diverse crop rotations, including winter canola and cotton, to enhance yields and manage risks.

Hear from Jerry May, founder of May Precision Ag, as he shares his journey from working with John Deere to establishing a successful custom farming business. We also discuss how market dynamics, such as cattle prices and wheat production, influence farmers' decisions.

Key takeaways include:

The average age of U.S. farmers is around 71 years, driving the trend towards custom farming services.

Wheat yields can increase by 15-20% when rotated with winter canola.

Don't miss out on this informative episode! If you find value in our discussions, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more insights on agriculture and farming practices. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more resources mentioned in this episode, check out our website.

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We discuss the significance of crop insurance in managing risks associated with unpredictable weather and market fluctuations, highlighting the need for farmers to stay informed about policy changes and deadlines.

What we learned from Bambi of Sidwell Insurance:
- Crop insurance is essential for sustaining agricultural operations and stabilizing food prices amidst unpredictable conditions.
- The insurance landscape has evolved, with more crops covered and increased complexity in policy procedures.
- A strong relationship with crop insurance agents and the FSA is crucial for effectively navigating programs and deadlines.
- Understanding written agreements is vital for crops not typically covered by standard insurance.
- Proactive engagement with insurance agents can help farmers stay ahead of changing agricultural policies.
- Misconceptions about "farming for insurance" are addressed, emphasizing that good management leads to better insurance outcomes.

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Strategic Farming: The necessity of treating farming as a business, focusing on long-term planning and risk management.

Crop Rotation: The benefits of a diverse cropping system to enhance soil health and yield.

Market Awareness: The importance of prioritizing agronomic factors and weather conditions over short-term market fluctuations.

Community Engagement: The role of educating landlords and fostering community connections to support sustainable practices.

Mental Health in Agriculture: The emotional challenges of farm transitions and the need for creative outlets to manage stress.

The Joneses emphasize that farming should be treated as a business. This approach involves long-term planning and effective risk management to ensure sustainability and profitability. They highlight that the margins in farming are too thin to operate without a solid business strategy.

Implementing a diverse cropping system is vital for improving soil health and reducing reliance on single crops. The Joneses advocate for a five-crop rotation system, which includes canola, wheat, grain sorghum, soybeans, and corn, to enhance overall yield and sustainability.

While market prices can influence farming decisions, the Joneses stress the importance of focusing on agronomic factors and weather conditions. They believe that understanding these elements is crucial for making informed decisions that benefit the farm in the long run.

Karen highlights the significance of educating landlords and fostering community connections. By building relationships within the community, farmers can support sustainable practices and create a network that benefits everyone involved in agriculture.

The emotional challenges of transitioning farm management can be daunting. Karen shares her experiences discussing mental health with fellow farmers, emphasizing the need for creative outlets, such as sewing, to manage stress and maintain well-being in the agricultural sector.

Rod Jones stated, "You have to treat farming like a business; the margins are too thin to do otherwise." This quote encapsulates the essence of their message about the importance of a business-oriented approach to farming.

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Dr. Sharry Had A Lot To Say

• The transition from academic knowledge to practical application is crucial for success in graduate programs.
• Building relationships with faculty and peers enhances the graduate school experience and fosters mentorship.
• Engaging in hands-on learning through research projects early on is invaluable for developing relevant skills.
• Humorous anecdotes, like a combine mishap during harvest, highlight the unpredictable nature of fieldwork.
• Grit is essential for navigating the challenges of graduate education and achieving long-term goals.
• Reevaluating tillage practices in light of nutrient stratification can spark important discussions in agronomy.
• Prospective students should seek out research opportunities to build relationships and gain practical experience.

- The critical transition from academic knowledge to practical application in agronomy.
- The importance of building relationships and mentorship in graduate programs.
- The invaluable role of hands-on learning and early research engagement.
- The unpredictable nature of fieldwork and the camaraderie it fosters.
- The significance of grit and perseverance in achieving long-term goals.

The transition from academic knowledge to practical application is crucial for success in agronomy. Master’s programs focus on teaching how to conduct science, while PhD programs emphasize applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This distinction shapes how students approach their studies and research.

Building relationships with faculty and peers is essential for success in graduate programs. Mentorship plays a significant role in guiding students through their academic journey, providing support and insights that can make a substantial difference in their experience.

Practical experience in the field is invaluable. Engaging in research projects early on allows students to gain relevant skills and knowledge, preparing them for the challenges they will face in their careers.

Raiden shared a humorous anecdote about a combine mishap during harvest, illustrating the unpredictable nature of fieldwork. Such experiences foster camaraderie among team members and highlight the importance of adaptability in research.

Grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is emphasized as a critical trait for success in graduate school. Students must cultivate this quality to navigate the challenges they encounter along their academic journey.

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Sign up for December's conference at WinterCropsSchool.com.

You can also find information on our website, RedDirtAgronomy.com.

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