From KS Wheat
From the history of wheat production to the latest developments in research and the personal stories of Kansas farm families, Wheat’s On Your Mind has spent 100 episodes exploring the people and ideas that shape the wheat industry. To celebrate the milestone, host Aaron Harries and producer Dave Deken looked back at some of their favorite conversations, reflecting upon the stories they have shared and what lies ahead for the podcast.
The Wheat’s On Your Mind podcast gives listeners the chance to get information directly from the farmers, researchers, industry professionals and community members who make up the wheat industry. Through conversations on a wide range of topics, the podcast connects listeners with the people and work behind one of Kansas’ most important crops.
At the center of those conversations is Aaron Harries, whose role as host has taken him across the wheat industry to interview guests with special perspectives and experiences. Behind the scenes, Deken helps bring those conversations together as the podcast’s producer, playing an important role in sharing these stories.
For the 100th episode, the two turned their attention to the podcast’s archives, revisiting memorable interviews that illustrate the diversity of topics covered over the years.
Among the featured conversations was author Glenn Ediger’s discussion of the evolution of wheat milling and the innovations that helped establish hard winter wheat as an important part of the industry. Wheat geneticist Mary Guttieri offered a look at the obstacles of modern wheat research, including the ongoing effort to improve grain protein without sacrificing yield.
Other memorable moments focused on the people behind Kansas agriculture. Ken and Deb Wood shared their experience surviving a tornado near Chapman, Kansas, and the support they received from their neighbors in the aftermath. Their story reminded viewers that the wheat industry is built not only on research and production, but also on the relationships and communities that support farm families.
The episode also revisited conversations about the opportunities for wheat beyond the farm. Hayes Kelman discussed Boot Hill Distillery’s approach to producing spirits using grain grown on its own farm, while U.S. Senator Jerry Moran pointed out the importance of international markets and connecting Kansas agricultural products with customers around the world.
Together, these conversations represent just a small portion of the topics explored throughout the podcast’s first 100 episodes. They also show the value of giving farmers, researchers and industry leaders a chance to share their knowledge and experiences directly.
As Harries and Deken reflected on the milestone, they also looked toward the future of Wheat’s On Your Mind. Their goals remain centered on making wheat research accessible, sharing the experiences of Kansas farmers and preserving the stories that help define the industry.
While reaching 100 episodes is an accomplishment worth celebrating, the milestone also acts as a reminder that there are many stories still to be told. As the wheat industry keeps evolving through new research, changing markets and the next generation of farmers, Wheat’s On Your Mind will continue to provide a platform for those conversations.
Listeners can explore all 100 episodes at WheatsonYourMind.com and suggest future guests or topics by emailing kswheat@kswheat.com.