The Cereal Grain Café

Hosted by Dr. Kurt A. Rosentrater

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

All things related to cereal grains. Join host Dr. Kurt Rosentrater and his guests as they talk about grain, from farm to table, from ancient history to modern technologies, and everything in between. Grain has played a critical role in human societies throughout history, and it continues to even today.

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60 recent

May 5, 2026Episode 948 min

Season 4, Episode 9 - Breeding Oats and Other Small Grains – with Dr. Juan Arbelaez

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. In this insightful conversation, I meet with Juan Arbelaez from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to explore the evolving science of oat breeding. From unlocking the genetic potential of oats to improving yield, nutrition, and resilience, Dr. Arbelaez shares how modern breeding tools are helping elevate this often-overlooked crop. We dive into the challenges and opportunities facing oat production, and how innovation is positioning oats for a stronger role in sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems. Whether you’re a producer, researcher, or simply an oat enthusiast, this conversation offers a fresh look at the future of this versatile grain.More information about his work can be found at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Small Grains Improvement team.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

May 5, 2026Episode 850 min

Season 4, Episode 8 - Breeding Wheat and Other Small Grains – with Dr. Jessica Rutkoski

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In this engaging conversation, I sit down with Jessica Rutkoski from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to dig into the science and strategy behind modern wheat breeding. From harnessing genetics to accelerate selection, to developing resilient varieties that can withstand disease and shifting climates, Dr. Rutkoski shares how cutting-edge breeding approaches are reshaping one of the world’s most essential crops. We explore the balance between yield, quality, and sustainability—and how today’s innovations are helping secure the future of wheat production. Whether you’re in the field or the lab, this conversation offers a compelling look at how plant breeding continues to evolve to meet global challenges.More information about her work can be found at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Small Grains Improvement team.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

May 5, 2026Episode 71 hr 2 min

Season 4, Episode 7 - Plants, Genes, and Agriculture – with Dr. Paul Gepts

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with Paul Gepts of University of California, Davis to explore the powerful intersection of plants, genes, and biotechnology. From decoding the genetic stories hidden within crops to advancing tools that are reshaping modern agriculture, Dr. Gepts shares insights from a career at the forefront of plant science. We dive into how genetics is unlocking new possibilities for crop improvement, food security, and sustainability—and what it all means for the future of farming. Whether you’re rooted in agriculture or simply curious about the science behind the food we eat, this conversation reveals how cutting-edge biology is transforming the field from the ground up.More information about his work can be found at his UC Davis webpage.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

April 29, 2026Episode 646 min

Season 4, Episode 6 - What's Up with Wheat - with Claudia Carter

From sunlit fields to global markets, wheat sits at the heart of the grain economy. Few understand its journey better than Claudia Carter of the California Wheat Commission. In this insightful conversation, we dive into the unique dynamics of wheat production, quality, and trade, exploring how California’s distinct growing conditions shape both functionality and value. Dr. Carter shares her perspective on connecting farmers to end users, advancing wheat research, and navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the grain industry today, offering listeners a compelling look at where wheat is heading next.More information about her work at the commission can be found at their website.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

April 29, 2026Episode 542 min

Season 4, Episode 5 - Words of Wisdom - with Charlie Hurburgh

Few people have shaped modern grain handling and quality management as profoundly as Charlie Hurburgh. In this engaging conversation, we explore his decades of work at Iowa State University, where science meets the real-world challenges of storing, measuring, and preserving grain. From the evolution of grain grading and moisture measurement to the future of data-driven decision-making in the industry, Dr. Hurburgh offers sharp insights, practical wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at how research and Extension have transformed the way grain moves from field to market.More information about his work and his publications can be found at his Iowa Grain Quality Initiative website at Iowa State University.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

April 28, 2026Episode 450 min

Season 4, Episode 4 - Snoopy and the Spy – with Lee Klancher

Red or green? Do you have allegiance to a specific tractor?Few authors can move as effortlessly between industrial intrigue and the rumble of vintage iron as Lee Klancher. In this engaging conversation, we dive into his fascinating book Snoopy and the Spy (check it out! It has a reversible cover!), where espionage history takes an unexpected turn, before shifting gears into his celebrated work documenting classic tractors—from the legacy of International Harvester to the enduring cultural impact of John Deere. Whether you’re drawn to stories of spies or the heritage of American agriculture, Klancher brings these worlds to life with depth, curiosity, and a storyteller’s touch that keeps you hooked from start to finish. More information about him, his work, and his publications can be found at his website at Octane Press.Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

April 28, 2026Episode 333 min

Season 4, Episode 3 - Let Them Eat Cake...or Brioche!?! – with Edith de Belleville

Today we step back in time. Into the richly layered world of French bread, where wheat, flour, and culture intertwine with politics and myth. From the humble baguette to the indulgent brioche, de Belleville unpacks how these staples became symbols of class, power, and daily life in pre-revolutionary France. At the center of our discussion is the enduring legend of Marie Antoinette—and the famous (and often misunderstood) phrase about cake—revealing how bread was never just food, but a flashpoint in history. This interview invites readers to reconsider what they know about bread, brioche, and the stories we’ve inherited. Information about Edith, her books, and her tours can be found at her website.She also has pages on Facebook and Instagram. Hopefully you will be inspired to read one of her books and to visit Paris to discover French bread for yourself!Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

February 25, 2026Episode 255 min

Season 4, Episode 2 - GEAPS Exchange 2026!

Do you work in the grain industry?If so, you should consider joining the GEAPS organization. This is the Grain Elevator and Processing Society. It consists of more than 4000 members who work in all aspects of grain – from farm to consumer, especially storage, handling, preservation, and processing.Every year I am excited to attend their annual conference, known as Exchange.I get to reconnect with friends and colleagues across the grain industry, both in the U.S. and internationally. And the trade show (more than 400 exhibits this year) showcases all of the new tech that is being commercialized and implemented in the industry. So many exciting new developments are underway!In this episode I take inspiration from Chrissy Wozniak, the host of North American Ag Spotlight podcast. She frequents ag trade shows and talks to vendors to learn about their developments.I hope you enjoy, and hope to see you at Exchange next year!Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

February 10, 2026Episode 157 min

Season 4, Episode 1 - Tractor Wars with Neil Dahlstrom

Red or green? Which farm machinery does your family use?The history of grain is filled with the history of innovations. This encompasses not only biological advances, but also agronomic and machinery evolutions. Join us for a conversation with Neil Dahlstrom. He is an historian who is the corporate archivist for John Deere, one of the world's oldest and largest farm machinery companies. Did you know that John Deere has multiple museums and historical locations? Let’s dig in and learn more about Neil’s work. Information about him, his work, and his publications can be found at his website.Information about John Deere’s historical sites can be found here:John Deere Pavilion John Deere Tractor and Engine MuseumJohn Deere Historic SiteHopefully you will be inspired to visit one of these to learn more!Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.

December 30, 2025Episode 1944 min

Season 3, Episode 19 - Goodbye and Good Luck Claire!

You may recall (see episode 11 of this season), that Claire Beitz joined me as a cohost for several episodes. The goal of these episodes was to help those outside agriculture better understand the people, practices, and innovations that keep our world fed. And to provide deeper communication within the field of agriculture as well. Together we talked with several guests from a wide range of backgrounds, including soils, plants, beef, and dairy. Hopefully you enjoyed our conversations!Good luck with everything you do moving into the future, Claire!Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.