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!