Wylie AgCast

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with Kody Bessent; CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, to talk about the current state of the cotton industry and the policies shaping its future. We break down what Plains Cotton Growers does, how ag policy is developed, and the role of PACs and industry leaders in driving real change. We dive into key legislation like House Bill 43, disaster relief programs, farm bridge assistance, and the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and how these efforts impact cotton prices, insurance, and producer stability. We also discuss major challenges facing the industry—from water issues in South Texas to infrastructure and market pressures—and how research, innovation, and policy are working together to move agriculture forward. Finally, we look ahead to the future of cotton, including technology, market projections, and why keeping cotton strong in Texas matters for the entire U.S. economy.   Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Kody Bessent's backstory and Texas agriculture roots 03:29 - From agriculture to politics and the Mac Thornberry internship 07:48 - Early career with High Plains Water District and entry into ag 09:50 - What Plains Cotton Growers does and its industry influence 11:40 - One Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on cotton prices and insurance 13:39 - How agricultural politics works with PACs and lobbying 15:00 - Texas House Bill 43 and farmer relief efforts 18:29 - Cotton industry recovery and disaster assistance programs 24:20 - Cotton infrastructure and rebuilding gins in Texas 26:20 - South Texas water crisis and Mexico's role 28:10 - Policy, research, and cotton breeding to prevent crop loss 30:24 - Financial relief, land grants, and farmer support 32:15 - Plains Cotton Growers Annual Meeting highlights 36:40 - Tax reform and its impact on farmers 39:00 - Organic vs conventional cotton and product quality 41:18 - Agricultural policy efforts in Washington DC 45:21 - Cotton industry outlook for 2026 48:06 - Technology shaping the future of cotton farming 49:00 - Why cotton in Texas matters to the US economy 50:35 - Final Thoughts & Outro   Follow PCG: Website - https://www.plainscotton.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/plainscottongrowers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/plainscottongrowers/ X - https://x.com/PCGNews?s=20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/plains-cotton-growers/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@plainscottongrowersinc.6855   Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #cotton #legislature #WylieAgCast #cottonindustry​

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, I sat down with Dr. Suhas Vyavhare, Extension Entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension based in Lubbock, Texas. From growing up around agriculture in India to serving producers across West Texas, Dr. Vyavhare brings a global perspective to one of agriculture's most misunderstood forces — insects. In this conversation, we break down what an Extension Entomologist actually does, the battle between beneficial and destructive insects, and how entomologists act as ecosystem managers in cotton and row crop environments. We dive into GMOs, gene editing, biologicals, pesticide chemistry, invasive species, and why extinction is not the solution when it comes to population control. We also explore current AgriLife research, risk mitigation for producers, and how better margins, not just better yields, shape modern agriculture. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - What Does an Extension Entomologist Actually Do? 01:30 - From Farming in India to West Texas Fields: Suhas' Journey 03:25 - Entomology 101: How Bugs Shape Agriculture 05:13 - Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs: Why We Actually NEED Insects 07:29 - Insecticides & Pesticides Explained 09:00 - Climate Change Invasions & How Entomologists Control Ecosystems 12:26 - Cotton Flea-hoppers, Bollworms & Row Crop Battles 14:20 - Population Control: Why Extinction Isn't the Answer 16:45 - GMOs, Gene Editing & Seedless Watermelons: What You Should Know 26:06 - Inside the Lubbock AgriLife Research Projects 27:50 - Wild Cotton & Perennials: Why Human Intervention Matters 32:00 - Biologicals, Organic Farming & Why Conventional Still Matters 36:28 - Texas A&M AgriLife: The Hidden Powerhouse Behind Ag Research 41:28 - Better Margins, Not Just Bigger Yields: Managing Risk in Agriculture 43:32 - Learning & Pursuing a career in Entomology 44:20 - Water Minerals, Field Research & The Future of A.I. in Ag 48:54 - Final Thoughts & Outro   Follow Dr. Suhas Vyavhare: Website - https://entomology.tamu.edu/people/vyavhare-suhas/ X - https://x.com/Dr_Suhas77?s=20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhas-vyavhare-613a4453/   Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers   Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #cotton #entomology #WylieAgCast

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we go behind the scenes of Wylie Manufacturing with Vice President of Manufacturing & Operations Stephen Rankin. We break down manufacturing from the user's perspective, the engineering process behind Wylie equipment, and why building products that are "too good" has always been the standard. The conversation also covers supplying equipment for agriculture, municipalities, government agencies, and military applications, where quality and reliability matter most. We dive into supply chain challenges, precision technology advancements, and how Wylie is creating long-term career opportunities through partnerships with communities and schools. This episode offers an inside look at how Wylie builds equipment, develops people, and plans for the future. Chapters: 00:00 - ESOP, New Role, A New Season at Wylie 01:36 - From Texas Tech to Entrepreneurship: Stephen's Story 05:00 - Garden City, Kansas: The Chapter That Shaped the Leader 08:24 - Taking the Helm: Transitioning to Petersburg Manufacturing 10:37 - Engineering Through the Operator's Lens 15:50 - Built "Too Good": Why Quality Comes First 20:00 - Beyond Agriculture: Serving Municipalities, Government & Military 21:23 - Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in a Changing World 27:22 - Opening the Door: Careers and Opportunity for the Next Generation 29:00 - Partnering with Communities & Schools to Build the Future 34:18 - Precision Technology & the Next Wave of Innovation 37:34 - The Vision Ahead: Where Wylie Manufacturing Is Going 38:00 - More Than a Job: Wylie as a Career Path 40:57 - Customer First: Building a Company of Experts  42:22 - Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching! #agriculture #manufacturing #career #WylieAgCast

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Regional Sales Manager for TeeJet Technologies, Mr. Aaron Miller. We break down the tech that's transforming modern agriculture, including ISOBUS electronics, PWM systems, TeeJet DynaJet, and emerging VISION plant-recognition technology designed to reduce chemical costs and boost accuracy. Aaron also shares insights on the award-winning FM9380 electromagnetic flow meter, application equipment differences, agronomy basics, and the science behind droplet size, nutrients, biologicals, and systemic vs. contact products. From growing up on a farm to helping shape some of the most advanced systems in agriculture, Aaron walks us through his knowledge of application equipment and the science that operates our farms! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:33 - Aaron Miller: Backstory, TeeJet involvement, early exposure to ag 08:49 - The Rise of ISOBUS & Modern Farm Electronics 11:34 - Field-to-Field → Acre-to-Acre → Plant-to-Plant 14:57 - Inside TeeJet DynaJet & Vision Technology 17:30 - FM9380 Award Winner — Why this Flow Meter Matters 21:44 - Understanding Application Equipment 23:40 - Deep Dive: Droplet size, biologicals, nutrients, systemic vs. contact 38:07 - Spraying Myths — Debunked 41:39 - Spray Tip Materials & Durability in the Field 48:22 - Utilizing TeeJet Sentry: Application Best Practices & Calibration 51:39 - Drone Spraying — The New Frontier 53:49 - Application Maintenance Rundown for Pek Efficiency 55:05 - Sneak Peek: TeeJet Products Coming 2026–27 57:16 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Darryl Richmond, Regional Manager of the Rio Grande Valley, to talk about what makes farming in South Texas unique. From the challenges of water availability along the Mexico border to the distinct farming conditions in the Valley, Darryl shares how his team continues to adapt, collaborate, and thrive. He also highlights the strong connection between Wylie's Progreso and Raymondville locations, where a seamless partnership and shared work ethic have built one of the most unified teams in the company.  This episode gives a grounded look at the people and perseverance that keep agriculture in the Valley moving forward, and how teamwork and determination make all the difference.  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:33 - From the Midwest to South Texas: Darryl's Journey to Wylie 03:09 - Why buy Wylie Equipment: Customizability & Innovation 06:58 - The Mexico Water Crisis & Sugarcane Shutdown 09:30 - Precision Tech, Labor struggles, and the Realities of Valley Farming 13:50 - Year-Round Harvests: Crop Diversity in the Rio Grande Valley 18:40 - Progreso & Raymondville: One Unified Valley Team 38:12 - Farming on the Border: Trade Challenges & Opportunities 41:48 - Salt, Soil, and the Gulf: The Hidden Costs of Coastal Farming 47:21 - Hurricanes: Why Some Farmers Pray for the Storm 49:27 - North vs South Texas: Differences in Equipment Builds 55:21 - Running a Quad-Branded Region 59:00 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode we sit down with David Vaughn, Wylie's Corporate Application Service Manager, to talk about the business of farming, ranching, and the cutting-edge technology shaping application equipment today. As both a service leader and a farmer himself, David shares his firsthand perspective on the value of quality service, the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture, and the essential role farmers play in feeding and sustaining the world. From advancements in spraying technology to the day-to-day realities of running a farm, he offers insight into how innovation and stewardship go hand in hand. We also explore the deeper side of agriculture, the importance of family, faith, and community in navigating uncertain times. This episode provides an authentic look at how Wylie supports growers not only with technology and service, but also with values that stand the test of time. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro  00:36 - David's Story & How He Joined Wylie 04:40 - From Customer to Employee: Why Wylie Stands Out 05:42 - Life on the Farm: David's Background 07:15 - Choosing Crops: Milo, Cotton & More 09:27 - Starting & Running a Small Ranch 10:10 - Farming vs. Ranching: Key Differences 15:10 - Managing Risk & When Insurance Steps In 16:45 - Inside the Cotton Industry & Its Impact 17:35 - The Business Side of Farming: Struggles & Realities 20:40 - Cotton Prices & Their Ripple Effect on All Businesses 22:45 - How David Builds His Yearly Game Plan 26:45 - Water & Irrigation Challenges in Dry Land Farming 28:00 - Family, Leadership & the Value of Hard Work 33:55 - Farming Equipment: Applications & Improvements 37:45 - How New Tech Shapes the Future of Agriculture 40:52 - Adapting to ISO Systems & Next-Gen Equipment 42:06 - Smart vs. Pointless Ag Improvements 44:08 - The Value of Service: Running a Team Like a Trauma Center 49:07 - Leadership Mindset & Building a Unified Team 51:38 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Listening!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Jason Johnson, Wylie's Vice President of HR & Safety, to talk about what makes Wylie more than just an equipment company. From our commitment to the ag community to creating careers in manufacturing and agriculture, Jason shares how Wylie is investing in people, fostering leadership, and building a culture rooted in innovation and safety. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Wylie continues to grow, lead, and make an impact in the industries we serve. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Meet Jason Johnson – His Journey & Backstory 03:40 - Wylie's Impact on Local Communities 05:42 - Inside the Ag Mindset + Johnson's Roots 11:26 - How Wylie Invests in Young Farmers/CTE Program 17:03 - Manufacturing at Wylie – Careers, Growth & New Opportunities 21:37 - Leadership with Purpose – Community at the Core 25:07 - AI, Automation & Self-Driving Tractors 29:14 - The Wylie Family – The People Who Power the Company 34:00 - Final Thoughts – Courage, Vision & What's Next See Career Opportunities Here: https://wyliesprayers.com/careers/ Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode, we sit down with Cooperate Parts Manager Dene Morgan to explore what makes Wylie's commitment to its customers so strong and lasting. From reliable parts and skilled service to a true heart for serving, Dene highlights how every team member works to keep customers operational and supported when it matters most. We'll also talk about the power of building genuine relationships, why that's a core part of Wylie's mission, and how our partnership with Case IH plays a vital role in providing the equipment, expertise, and dependability farmers and ranchers rely on. If you've ever wondered what goes into serving the agricultural community beyond just selling equipment, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose that drive Wylie every single day. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:13 - Meet the Wylie Team: Servant Hearts & Unmatched Knowledge 04:42 - Dene's Story: A Heart for Serving Customers 07:07 - Building Strong Customer Relationships 08:38 - Dene's Microfiche Mastery & Parts Expertise 10:31 - Wylie Overview: Wide Reach & the Case IH Partnership 13:15 - Strength in Spread: How Wylie Beats Tariffs & Parts Shortages 15:02 - Wylie Service + Wylie Parts: A Synergistic Powerhouse 17:04 - Spotlight: Case IH & New Holland, Shared Parts 18:56 - Why Buy Local & The Smart Move for Online Parts Shopping 24:28 - Year-Round Case IH Parts Promotions: Take Advantage 26:43 - Beyond Repairs: Toys, Tools, and More at Wylie 30:15 - Final Thoughts & Outro Order Parts Online Here: https://www.mycnhstore.com/us/en/caseih/dealers/wylie Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode of the Wylie AgCast, we sit down with Heath Houston to explore the future of agriculture, oil, and clean energy—and how Wylie is leading the way. From major shifts in wholesale and oilfield operations to game-changing tech like the VersaTrail Dual Precision Sprayer, this conversation covers it all. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Meet Heath: His Story & the Wholesale World 05:49 - Why Customer Service Is Key in 2025 07:02 - Adapting to Ag: Navigating an Industry in Constant Motion 08:38 - Inside the Wholesale Market: Current Trends & Shifts 13:49 - Oilfield vs Ag: Two Giants, One Big Difference 16:58 - Oilfield Outlook: Why the Future's Looking Up 18:15 - The Electric Surge: How It's Reshaping Heavy Industry 20:08 - Clean Energy's Real-World Impact on Ag & Oil 23:13 - Tech Disruption in Ag: The New Landscape of Innovation 26:10 - The AI Boom: How Smart Tech is Changing Ag & Oil 27:55 - Efficiency in Action: Wylie's VersaTrail Dual Precision Sprayer 30:45 - Staying Ahead: How Wylie Leads the Industry Curve 34:00 - Built for Crisis: Wylie Combo Trailers & EXP For Disaster Relief 37:44 - Wylie Sprayers: Powering the Future of Wind & Solar Farming 39:37 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out!  https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode, we continue our conversation with Brad Heffington, a longtime farmer and advocate, to talk about how chemical truly impact yield and what really goes on the shelves. water rights and how to use it effectively, and how the future of Agriculture looks from a farmer's perspective. You don't want to miss it!! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - The Future of Ag 05:30 - New Optimism for Farming 06:04 - Why American Made is Better than Imports 07:21 - Truth About Herbicides, Pesticides and Genetic Modification 10:47 - How To Maximize Crop Efficiency & Yield 12:32 - Tech Advancements and the New vs. Old Methods of Farming 17:49 - Combatting Droughts & The Value of Underground Moisture 21:00 - Water Conservation Rights & Micro-Fertility 23:10 - The Conversation on City Water 26:48 - New Tech & The Benefits of Weed Management 29:35 - Wylie Partnering With Farmers - Brad's Perspective 34:53 - Finding Passion In Supplying The World & Ignoring Negativity 38:43 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode, we sit down with Brad Heffington, a longtime farmer and advocate, to talk about how decisions in Washington D.C. are directly impacting rural communities. From agricultural policy and congressional gridlock to the role of tariffs and federal regulations, Brad breaks down the real challenges farmers face today—and why he still believes there's hope for a better future in ag. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Meet Brad Heffington: First-Gen Farmer & Family Roots 10:02 - How Tariffs Are Driving Up Farm Costs 10:41 - The Current State of the Cotton Industry 16:59 - Real People Fighting for Farmers in Congress? 20:08 - How Weather Trends Are Shaping Ag's Economy 29:02 - Cotton Prices, Trade Deals & Global Markets 35:44 - Lubbock's Growth Boom & Its Ag Impact 37:38 - Losing the Next Generation of Farmers 41:50 - Cutting Government Spending for a Stronger Future 46:04 - Buy American: Why Sourcing & Info Matter 49:00 - Final Thoughts & Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/  Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode, we sit down with Jason Fisher, President & C.O.O. of Wylie, to discuss Leading Wylie, the future of Agriculture in A.I. and facing real challenges as a farmer. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:23 - Jason Fisher's Backstory: Leadership Roots at Wylie 05:40 - Battling the Elements: Weather, Costs & Control in Ag 08:06 - Adapting to Adversity: How Wylie Stays Ahead 09:40 - Unsung Heroes: Shoutout to Wylie's Service Managers 10:17 - Manufacturing Growth: Spotlight on Petersburg Plant 13:26 - The "Wylie Guys": Driving Innovation & Growth 14:10 - The A.I. Boom in Ag: What It Means for the Industry 17:25 - Preparing for A.I.: Advice for Today's Farmers 21:03 - Control What You Can: A Farmer's Mindset 23:13 - The Business of Farming: Hard Truths & Real Talk 26:03 - The Pro's & Con's Of Farming 30:22 - Clarkson's Farm: Shining a Light on Real Ag 31:25 - Wylie's Legacy: Leading the Next Era of Growth 33:52 - Outro Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyliesprayers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wylieimpsprayers/ X - https://x.com/WylieSprayers Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com/ New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Watching!

Welcome to the Wylie AgCast!! In this episode, we sit down with Cody West, Marketing Manager for Wylie, to discuss why we started the Wylie Podcast, the role of marketing in agriculture, and insights into the agriculture industry. Check Us Out! https://wyliesprayers.com New Location - https://wyliesprayers.com/locations/progreso-tx/ Thanks For Listening!

Welcome to Wylie AgCast, your go-to podcast for everything agriculture, straight from the fields. Whether you're a farmer, ag business owner, or industry professional, we bring you the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping modern farming. Each episode dives into cutting-edge ag technology, sustainable practices, business strategies, and the manufacturing processes that keep the industry running. As a manufacturing company deeply rooted in agriculture, we take you behind the scenes to explore the equipment, technology, and people driving ag forward. If it's part of the ag world—we're talking about it. Stay ahead of the curve with Wylie AgCast—where agriculture meets innovation.