Wheat, Fiber, and the Food Pyramid

Wheat, Fiber, and the Food Pyramid

Wheat is being pulled into bigger national conversations about dietary guidelines, school meals and ultra-processed foods. In this episode, Aaron Harries talks with Erin Ball, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation, and Leah Johnston, director of nutrition strategies and communications with Wildhive Strategic Communications. They explain how the grain foods industry is responding to changing nutrition guidance, why wheat’s fiber and nutrient contributions matter, and how farmers can help tell a clearer story about wheat’s role in healthy, practical diets. Key takeaways: * Wheat contributes fiber, plant protein, B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients that are often overlooked. * Grain foods advocates are watching how new dietary guidance could affect school meals, food costs and student acceptance. * The ultra-processed food debate is complicated, and Ball says the science is still unsettled. * Johnston argues the wheat message should focus on nutrition, real meals and consumer relevance—not defensiveness. * Farmers can help by explaining that wheat is a plant-based food that supports better diet quality. 00:00–01:10 — Aaron Harries opens the episode and introduces guests Erin Ball of the Grain Foods Foundation and Leah Johnston of Wildhive Strategic Communications. 01:10–03:44 — Erin explains the Grain Foods Foundation’s mission, its origins during the Atkins-era carbohydrate backlash, and its shift toward investing in nutrition science and consumer communications. 03:44–05:21 — Leah gives the elevator pitch for wheat nutrition, calling wheat an overlooked nutritional powerhouse because of fiber, plant protein, vitamins, minerals and enrichment benefits. 05:21–09:30 — Erin discusses the new dietary guidance and “inverted food pyramid” concern, including research being developed to model nutrition and cost impacts. 09:30–12:22 — Leah explains the communications challenge: rather than arguing with a federal visual, grain foods advocates need to reframe the conversation around real meals, practical benefits and consumer choices. 12:22–16:52 — Erin describes school meal concerns, including cost, cafeteria equipment limitations, student acceptance and the risk of overly limiting grain servings. 16:52–18:19 — Justin Gilpin thanks Erin and Leah, praises the Grain Foods Foundation’s work and raises the issue of ultra-processed foods. 18:19–22:42 — Erin digs into the UPF debate, saying the science is unsettled, definitions remain difficult and the conversation should return to nutrients of concern such as added sugar, sodium and saturated fat. 22:42–24:36 — Leah adds that processing level alone does not tell the full nutrition story and points to research looking at nutrient-dense “healthy grains,” including both whole and refined grain foods. 24:37–28:43 — Erin offers advice for wheat farmers: start with the basics, explain that wheat is a plant, lean into wheat’s plant-based protein story and show how grain foods help people eat more balanced meals. 28:43–29:31 — Aaron closes the episode and directs listeners to subscribe and find past episodes at Wheat’s On Your Mind. Kansas Wheat [kswheat.com] WheatsOnYorMind.com [WheatsOnYouMind.com]

Farm Program Changes Kansas Farmers Need

Kansas wheat producers have several farm program changes to keep on their radar, from higher wheat reference prices to 2026 ARC/PLC elections, new base acre opportunities and disaster relief payments. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with David Schemm, state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Kansas, about how USDA is implementing recent farm program changes and what Kansas producers should watch next. Schemm explains why the updated wheat reference price matters, how 2025 ARC/PLC payments differ from the 2026 election process and why landowners should watch their mail for base acre notices. He also covers Farmer Bridge Assistance, Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments, farmers.gov tools and how Kansas FSA is thinking about staffing and service in a time of low commodity prices and high input costs. A key message for producers: stay connected with your county FSA office, make sure landowners are aware of base acre communications and get familiar with farmers.gov for faster access to records, forms and program information. Key takeaways: * The 2025 ARC/PLC process is different from 2026, when producers will need to make an annual election. * New base acre opportunities are tied to the land, so landowners and tenant farmers need to communicate. * Subsequent crop situations may require a decision about which crop receives updated base acres. * Disaster relief and bridge assistance programs are moving quickly, so producers should check with their county FSA office. * Farmers.gov and login.gov can help producers access records, acreage reports and other USDA tools online. Timestamped Rundown 00:00 — Opening clip from David Schemm about tight timelines for producers reviewing base acres. 00:12 — Aaron Harries introduces the episode and identifies Schemm as state executive director for USDA Farm Service Agency in Kansas. 00:57 — The conversation opens with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for Kansas farmers. 01:16 — Schemm explains the importance of the updated statutory reference price, especially for ARC and PLC payments. 02:23 — Schemm reflects on past farm bill testimony and his long-running push for a higher wheat reference price. 03:07 — Aaron notes the new $6.35 wheat reference price and connects it to high input costs. 03:44 — Schemm explains that 2025 ARC/PLC payments are handled differently, while 2026 will require producers to make an election. 04:40 — Discussion of why ARC/PLC payments are delayed until the marketing year average can be finalized. 05:50 — Aaron shifts to new base acres and asks about eligibility and process. 06:07 — Schemm explains FSA’s review of 2019–2023 planted acres and the national process for allocating available base acres. 07:30 — Schemm explains that 30 million additional base acres nationwide will likely be prorated because demand exceeds available acres. 08:30 — Discussion turns to Kansas cropping changes, especially in western Kansas where acreage has intensified beyond old wheat-fallow systems. 09:30 — Schemm says landowners should begin watching for base acre notices around the June 1 timeframe mentioned in the episode. 10:05 — He explains that notices are expected to be structured around opting out, because the default assumption is that eligible acres would be added. 10:20 — Schemm explains the “subsequent crop” issue, where landowners may need to choose between wheat acres and a later crop planted in the same crop year. 11:42 — Aaron emphasizes the need for tenants to communicate with absentee landowners. 12:31 — Schemm clarifies that this process is about adding base acres, not reallocating existing base acres. 13:08 — The conversation moves to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and how quickly payments were delivered. 14:28 — Aaron asks about the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Stage Two assistance for 2023 and 2024 losses. 15:20 — Schemm explains the SDRP top-up payment, Stage Two focus on shallow and quality losses and possible documentation needs. 16:30 — Schemm notes Kansas was heavily affected by 2023 and 2024 drought losses. 17:00 — Aaron shifts to technology, including “one farmer, one file,” farmers.gov and coordination between FSA, NRCS and RMA. 17:19 — Schemm describes USDA’s modernization push and how login.gov and farmers.gov can reduce trips to the FSA office. 19:15 — Schemm shares an example of a producer pulling FSA-578 acreage records online and sending them directly to a crop insurance agent. 21:00 — Aaron asks how technology connects to USDA reorganization and Kansas FSA staffing. 21:25 — Schemm discusses retirements, staffing needs, workload tools and hiring efforts for county offices, county executive director trainees and farm loan officer trainees. 25:58 — Aaron asks why it is important for farmers to stay in touch with FSA offices during low commodity prices and high input costs. 26:13 — Schemm encourages producers to stay connected because farm program changes, CRP opportunities and new tools are continuing to roll out. 28:40 — Aaron encourages listeners to bookmark farmers.gov. 29:06 — Schemm closes by emphasizing USDA’s focus on serving producers and encouraging farmers to contact county offices or use farmers.gov. 29:58 — Aaron wraps the episode and directs listeners to wheatsonyourmind.com, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Kansas Wheat [kswheat.com] WheatsOnYorMind.com [WheatsOnYouMind.com]

Drought Tests Kansas Wheat Genetics

Kansas wheat producers are heading into harvest with drought, freeze injury, possible abandonment, and seed supply questions all on the table. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, and Bryson Haverkamp, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Alliance, about what they are hearing from the field, how newer wheat varieties are holding up, and why growers should start seed conversations earlier than usual.  The discussion also covers wheat streak mosaic virus, the Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour, K-State wheat field days, experimental varieties in the pipeline, and the importance of the next K-State wheat breeder. For producers, the practical message is clear: scout carefully, pay attention to variety performance under stress, talk with seed dealers now, and stay plugged into research and Extension updates before fall planting. Key takeaways: * Drought and late freeze injury are pressuring hard red winter wheat across Kansas and the broader Southern Plains. * Seed supply could tighten in some areas, so producers should contact local seed dealers and certified seed producers early. * Newer varieties including Providence, Bill Snyder, Territory, KS Homestead CL+, KS Tradition and KS Flintlock are worth watching in stressed fields. * Wheat streak mosaic virus may not be the main yield story this year, but it remains a major long-term threat. * K-State field days and the Wheat Quality Council tour give producers a chance to compare varieties and understand regional crop risk before harvest. Timestamped rundown 00:00–00:35 — Opening and setup Aaron Harries introduces Justin Gilpin of Kansas Wheat and Bryson Haverkamp of the Kansas Wheat Alliance for a timely roundtable ahead of a difficult Kansas wheat harvest. 00:35–02:26 — A difficult crop year takes shape Justin explains how drought, warm winter conditions and late freeze events have changed the outlook for the crop. Unlike 2023, the stress is not limited to western Kansas; it stretches across a larger hard red winter wheat region. 02:26–04:06 — Variety performance under stress Bryson shares what Kansas Wheat Alliance is hearing from seed producers and breeders. He notes that Providence, Bill Snyder, Territory, KS Homestead CL+, KS Tradition and KS Flintlock are showing promising performance in tough conditions. 04:06–05:44 — Wheat streak is still a major threat The group discusses wheat streak mosaic virus, triticum mosaic virus and high plains virus. Even if drought and freeze are the dominant issues this year, Justin stresses that virus pressure remains a serious long-term challenge for breeders, researchers and producers. 05:44–07:24 — Seed supply and fall planning Bryson explains that seed supply concerns are growing in the Southern Plains and beginning to surface in Kansas. His recommendation to farmers is practical: contact local seed dealers and certified seed producers early so growers can secure preferred varieties and help dealers gauge demand. 07:24–09:19 — Wheat Tour expectations Justin and Aaron discuss the Wheat Quality Council tour, USDA crop estimates, scouting for freeze damage, disease and abandonment. The key issue may not be only yield per acre, but how many acres are actually harvested. 09:19–12:39 — Why the Wheat Tour matters Justin explains the history and value of the Wheat Quality Council tour. Beyond the crop estimate, the tour connects millers, bakers, breeders, farmers and industry leaders directly with Kansas wheat fields and rural communities. 12:39–14:14 — Field days and Extension resources Bryson encourages farmers to attend K-State and county Extension wheat field days. These events give producers a chance to see varieties, talk with specialists and compare how wheat is handling local stress. 14:14–15:50 — New experimental lines to watch The group discusses upcoming and experimental wheat lines, including KS Tradition, KS Flintlock, KS150167-17, 21H36 and 22HD158. Bryson points to these as part of the ongoing variety pipeline. 15:50–16:52 — Breeding progress in a tough year Justin and Bryson emphasize the value of continued investment in public wheat breeding. Even in a hard production year, the survival and performance of some fields show the progress being made in genetics. 16:52–20:56 — The next K-State wheat breeder The conversation turns to Alan Fritz’s retirement and the search for the next K-State wheat breeder. Justin compares the role to hiring a head coach because the wheat breeder touches research, Extension, farmers, industry partners and the future of Kansas wheat. 20:56–22:05 — Breeders as the face of wheat Bryson and Justin note that wheat breeders are often the people farmers see at field days, even though those appearances go beyond their formal job descriptions. That producer connection remains essential. 22:05–23:23 — Final message to farmers Justin closes by acknowledging the tough production and economic environment. He emphasizes the importance of export relationships, farm safety net tools and continued advocacy for producers and rural communities. 23:23–23:53 — Closing Aaron thanks Justin and Bryson and directs listeners to previous episodes at Wheat’s On Your Mind. Kansas Wheat [kswheat.com] WheatsOnYorMind.com [WheatsOnYouMind.com]

Wheat Lessons From The East Coast

Maryland wheat farmers juggle humidity, disease pressure, poultry markets, and tighter nutrient rules, yet Jason Scott says there is still room to raise strong wheat and make smart management decisions. In this episode, Aaron Harries visits with Jason Scott, a sixth-generation farmer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore who grows soft red winter wheat alongside corn, soybeans, malted barley, and sweet corn.  Scott breaks down the Mid-Atlantic production calendar, explains how mandatory nutrient management affects fertilizer timing and recordkeeping, and shares how local poultry demand, flour mills, export markets, and variety selection all shape the economics of wheat in his region.  For Kansas listeners, it is a useful look at what changes when wheat is grown in a humid environment with tougher regulation and a very different end-use market. Key takeaways: * Maryland wheat is typically planted in mid-October and harvested by mid-June, which helps open the door for earlier, better double-crop soybeans. * Mandatory nutrient management plans and audits shape fertilizer decisions, but Scott says growers have still found ways to improve yields. * Much of the local grain economy revolves around the chicken industry, affecting where wheat, corn, soybeans, and manure all move. * Export promotion still matters to growers whose wheat is mostly consumed domestically because stronger demand lifts the whole wheat market. * Disease pressure, especially scab, remains one of the biggest drivers in wheat variety selection. Detailed Rundown 00:00:00 - Opening and guest intro Aaron Harries introduces Jason Scott, a sixth-generation farmer from Hurlock, Maryland, and outlines his farm, leadership roles, and work with U.S. Wheat Associates. 00:00:58 - Where Jason farms Scott explains where his farm sits on the Delmarva Peninsula, between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, and why he considers the region Mid-Atlantic rather than New England. 00:01:43 - Climate and disease pressure He describes a humid, rainy production environment where both northern and southern crop diseases can show up, making the region a unique place for agronomic challenges. 00:03:23 - Wheat calendar in Maryland Scott walks through the soft red winter wheat season: mid-October planting, winter dormancy, spring fertilizer timing, and mid-June harvest, with a strong push to finish in time for double-crop soybeans. 00:05:24 - Nutrient management rules He details Maryland’s long-running nutrient management system, including yield-based nitrogen limits, required plans, annual reporting, and the reality of on-farm audits. 00:07:24 - Yield expectations and cropping strategy Scott says his farm averages around 90 bushels per acre on wheat and has improved performance by placing wheat on better ground while shifting barley onto sandier acres. 00:08:16 - Where the wheat and barley go Barley is contracted to a Delaware craft malter when it makes grade, while wheat is split between the poultry industry and flour mills in southeastern Pennsylvania. 00:09:45 - Chicken manure as fertility The conversation turns to poultry litter, which Scott describes as valuable, locally produced fertilizer even as it remains part of a larger environmental debate in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 00:11:04 - Corn, soybeans, and specialty markets Scott explains that most local corn goes into the chicken industry, while his soybeans often go to a nearby crush plant, with Plenish high oleic beans earning an identity-preserved premium. 00:12:10 - Farm history, land values, and irrigation He reflects on century-farm history, sharecropping roots, high land prices, urban pressure, and the major yield difference irrigation makes on sandy soils. 00:15:36 - Public education and policy engagement Scott talks about speaking with garden clubs, educating urban neighbors, and pushing back on legislation shaped by people with limited understanding of modern crop production. 00:18:08 - Why export work still matters Drawing on his U.S. Wheat Associates experience, Scott explains why export development helps all wheat classes, even when most Maryland wheat stays in domestic channels. 00:20:20 - Mexico travel story He shares a side story about being stranded in Puerto Vallarta during cartel-related unrest and flight disruptions, and credits Corteva/Pioneer for getting the group home safely. 00:23:22 - Variety choices and disease management Scott says Maryland growers rely heavily on private wheat varieties, with scab tolerance and disease package carrying major weight in seed decisions. 00:25:06 - Wrap-up Aaron closes by thanking Scott for sharing a Mid-Atlantic perspective on wheat production, markets, and advocacy.   Kansas Wheat [kswheat.com] WheatsOnYorMind.com [WheatsOnYouMind.com]

Hybrid Wheat In Kansas Soil - WOYM

Hybrid wheat has long been one of agriculture’s biggest “what ifs.” In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries talks with Dan Wiersma of Corteva about why that may finally be changing — and why Kansas is expected to be the epicenter of the company’s planned hard red winter wheat launch in fall 2027. Wiersma breaks down the science in plain language, from hybrid vigor and wheat genetics to Corteva’s non-GMO nuclear male sterility system and color-sorting process for seed production.  He also explains what farmers will care about most: yield, risk, grain quality, pricing, and whether hybrid wheat will fit current management systems. With early products showing a reported 10 percent yield advantage — and up to 20 percent in water-limited environments — this conversation offers a first look at a technology that could reshape wheat production in the years ahead. Top 10 takeaways 1. Corteva is targeting fall 2027 for an initial hard red winter hybrid wheat launch, with Kansas positioned as the center of that rollout.  2. Dan Wiersma says hybrid wheat matters because wheat has lagged behind crops like corn in innovation for decades.  3. The biggest historical barrier has been economical seed production, not just breeding.  4. Corteva’s system uses non-GMO nuclear male sterility, which the company says became possible after the wheat genome was published in 2018.  5. The process relies on a color-based seed sorting system to separate sterile and maintainer seed.  6. Wiersma says the first commercial products are showing a consistent 10 percent yield advantage.  7. In water-limited environments, he says the yield edge can rise to 20 percent over leading competitive varieties.  8. Corteva expects hybrid wheat to fit into current production systems without requiring major management changes at launch.  9. Pricing will matter, and Wiersma acknowledges farmers will compare hybrid wheat against the long tradition of saving wheat seed.  10. Grower interest is high, but so is skepticism — especially around price, quality, and real-world performance on their own farms.  Timestamped rundown 00:00–01:06 — Aaron Harries opens the episode, introduces Wheat’s On Your Mind, and gives Dan Wiersma’s background from UW–Madison to Corteva’s global wheat leadership role. 01:15–02:58 — Wiersma explains his job: connecting science, breeding, seed production, marketing, and farmer trust around hybrid wheat. 03:16–04:22 — He lays out the commercial target: a small-scale hard red winter wheat launch in fall 2027, with Kansas as the epicenter. 04:40–05:41 — Wiersma frames hybrid vigor as the “holy grail” of breeding and explains why wheat has remained overwhelmingly non-hybrid. 05:42–07:39 — He dives into wheat biology, including its hexaploid genome, self-pollination, and why older sterility systems struggled economically. He says the 2018 wheat genome publication helped unlock a new approach. 07:40–09:09 — This is the most technical part of the episode: Wiersma explains Corteva’s nuclear male sterility system, blue seed marker, and color sorting process used to produce hybrid seed. 09:16–09:41 — Aaron zeroes in on the core problem: cost. Wiersma agrees and says wheat seed production also has to stay regionally close to where it will be planted. 09:50–11:19 — The headline performance segment: Wiersma says advanced products show about a 10 percent yield bump, with bigger advantages in tougher, water-limited environments. 11:25–12:28 — He outlines the path to launch: parent seed is in the ground, hybrid seed production fields follow, and commercial sale is planned for fall 2027. 12:28–13:22 — Wiersma says the initial rollout will move through the Pioneer brand and dealer network, backed by agronomic support. 13:22–15:03 — Pricing discussion: hybrid wheat will cost more to produce, but Corteva says pricing will be built around farmer value and long-term adoption. 15:03–16:03 — Wiersma shares early farmer reaction: strong interest, but also healthy skepticism about cost, grain quality, and whether the system pencils out. 16:03–16:58 — Looking backward, he reflects on how far wheat management has come through fungicides, plant growth regulators, fertility management, and yield-focused tools. 16:58–17:56 — Looking ahead, he says hybrid wheat is the main leap right now, but future opportunities include disease resistance, nitrogen efficiency, water use efficiency, and potentially stronger grain quality. 17:56–18:35 — Wiersma confirms public breeding programs and universities remain important collaborators in wheat germplasm and science. 18:35–19:32 — Farmers’ practical question gets answered: Corteva does not expect growers to need major management changes to plant hybrid wheat, though studies continue on seeding rates and fertility. 19:33–20:09 — Aaron asks about current resources. Wiersma says there is nothing substantial in print yet, but training, education, and marketing materials are being developed. 20:09–20:41 — The episode closes with a teaser to revisit the story as rollout gets closer.  Kansas Wheat [kswheat.com] WheatsOnYorMind.com [WheatsOnYouMind.com]