The World Wants Wheat And Oklahoma Delivers - RDA 420
The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast heads north to Wichita, Kansas, for a lively episode recorded at High Plains Journal Live. Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, shares timely insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the wheat industry today. From tackling diseases like wheat streak mosaic to expanding Oklahoma wheat’s global footprint, Mike breaks down how research and producer-driven support are making an impact. Listeners get an inside look at how OSU’s public wheat breeding program is leading the charge in developing varieties suited for grain, grazing, and improved human health. With topics like gluten sensitivities, end-use quality, and emerging international markets on the table, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone growing or baking with Oklahoma wheat.
Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast · Mike Schulte, Dave Deken, Raedan Sharry Ph.D., Brian Arnall Ph.D.
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Show Notes
This episode hits the road to Wichita, Kansas, where the Red Dirt Agronomy team joins High Plains Journal Live and connects with growers, ag researchers, and industry leaders from across Oklahoma and Kansas.
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte, joins the crew to share invaluable insights on wheat variety development, global markets, and the innovative ways Oklahoma State University's wheat breeding programs are shaping the future of the crop.
From dual-purpose wheat suited for both grain and grazing, to tackling issues like wheat streak mosaic virus, Mike explains how Oklahoma’s public wheat research and producer-led funding are creating solutions for modern farming challenges.
He also touches on exciting progress in high-fiber wheat development aimed at improving health outcomes, and how the commission balances wheat as a commodity and a specialized product.
If you're interested in market shifts, consumer trends, or how OSU is leading wheat innovation, this is a can't-miss conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma wheat breeders are releasing more varieties annually than most public programs nationwide.
- The "Breakthrough" variety is helping farmers manage wheat streak mosaic virus.
- OSU is the only U.S. institution actively breeding wheat for grazing-grain dual purpose.
- High-fiber wheat is being developed to tackle major health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
- U.S. wheat, including Oklahoma’s, is regaining global competitiveness thanks to favorable pricing.
- Mexico remains Oklahoma’s top wheat market, with Ecuador and Peru growing fast.
- The Commission supports clean-label initiatives by reducing gluten additives through better breeding.
- Over 60% of Oklahoma wheat is expected to enter the export market this year.
- Wheat marketing now focuses more on quality and end-use differentiation than in the past.
- Publicly funded wheat research enables innovation tailored to Oklahoma’s unique conditions.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro from the High Plains Journal Live event
00:57 – Meet Mike Schulte, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission
03:37 – Importance of showing up in Kansas: reaching more Oklahoma wheat producers
05:02 – Oklahoma Genetics wheat varieties and their adaptation ranges
06:15 – Breakthrough wheat for wheat streak mosaic virus control
07:54 – How the Commission’s mission evolved over 18 years
09:45 – Cleaner labels and gluten sensitivities: breeding better wheat
11:04 – Explaining wheat as a commodity vs. specialized crop
13:47 – Quality testing and how wheat samples are tracked
15:08 – International market expansion in Central and South America
17:07 – Why U.S. wheat is now competitive again globally
19:36 – Export vs. domestic usage percentages for Oklahoma wheat
22:16 – Grazing grain varieties and beef integration
25:08 – Public vs. private wheat research and OSU’s impact
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