Strip Till, Smart Tech, Soil Health Innovation - RDA 421
In this special on-the-road episode recorded at High Plains Journal Live in Wichita, Kansas, the Red Dirt Agronomy crew catches up with a true trailblazer in conservation and irrigation innovation: Ray Flickner of Flickner Innovation Farm. Ray shares his insights as a fifth-generation farmer operating 1,000 acres of mostly irrigated land north of Wichita. With a mix of humor and hard-earned experience, Ray dives into his unique crop rotation strategy, including how he juggles corn, soybeans, wheat, and cover crops in an area where livestock are scarce and water is precious. He breaks down his evolving philosophy on “living roots” versus traditional cover cropping and talks about managing moisture and weed control without sacrificing yield. The conversation takes a tech-forward turn as Ray introduces listeners to the Rain360—a revolutionary mobile drip irrigation system that maximizes efficiency in odd-shaped fields with limited water resources. From the challenges of strip tilling and subsurface drip to the practicalities of integrating new tech on a working farm, Ray’s transparent and practical approach offers a wealth of knowledge for producers across the Southern Plains. If you’ve ever wanted to hear how cutting-edge ideas are applied with boots-on-the-ground wisdom, this is the episode for you.
Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast · Ray Flickner, Josh Lofton Ph.D., Dave Deken, Raedan Sharry Ph.D., Brian Arnall Ph.D.
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Show Notes
This week’s Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast takes us to the heart of innovation in Kansas agriculture. We caught up with Ray Flickner at High Plains Journal Live, where he shared how his fifth-generation farm blends heritage with high-tech. From running three crops in two years to using cover crops for weed suppression and soil health, Ray’s flexible and moisture-conscious approach proves that success isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about adapting with intent.
The highlight? A deep dive into the Rain360 system—a mobile irrigation rig that’s helping Ray make the most of limited water across irregular fields. It’s not just talk; he’s cutting water use by 40% compared to local averages. If you're farming in the Southern Plains or just looking for fresh ideas, this episode delivers practical, tested insights you can take straight to the field.
Key Takeaways
- Ray Flickner farms 1,000 acres with a strong focus on irrigation efficiency and strip tilling.
- He operates with limited livestock in a region where integrating animals is logistically difficult.
- Ray uses wheat as a functional cover crop to maintain soil health and “living roots.”
- Cover crop termination timing is critical and must be adapted to seasonal moisture.
- Rain360 is a mobile, above-ground irrigation system designed for irregular fields and low water flow.
- The system can deliver both water and nutrients precisely where they’re needed.
- Subsurface drip irrigation has helped Ray reduce water usage by approximately 40%.
- Strategic use of irrigation timing and moisture sensors boosts efficiency.
- The farm serves as a demonstration site for innovative irrigation practices.
- Ray’s adaptive management style reflects a balance between innovation and practicality.
Timestamps
00:03:06 – Introduction to Ray Flickner and his background
00:04:25 – Ray’s family farm history and crop rotation strategy
00:07:04 – Strip tilling advantages and fertilizer placement
00:08:32 – Managing three crops in two years with limited moisture
00:10:58 – Cover crop strategies and moisture-driven termination decisions
00:14:41 – Installing and operating the Rain360 irrigation system
00:20:00 – Water efficiency challenges with limited aquifer access
00:26:49 – Beta testing setbacks and successes with new irrigation tech
00:30:26 – Subsurface drip irrigation’s impact on sustainability
00:31:47 – Closing thoughts and reflections on farming innovation
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