Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency on a Budget
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Release Date: 03/25/2025
Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Join Mike Howell as he sits down with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Deputy Commissioner, JanLee Rowlett, to talk about the future of our fields. Explore how organizations like Future Farmers of America, 4-H and the department of agriculture are developing and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders—from farmers to accountants. Learn about the department of agriculture's current programs and how they encourage youth to come back to rural communities. Learn more about the year of youth in agriculture: Looking for the latest in crop...
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The Hidden Risks In Your Nitrogen Program
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
What are the most important things you need to know about nitrogen management? Join Mike Howell as he explores what Dr. Fabián G. Fernández has learned in over a decade in the field. According to Dr. Fabián, it's all about managing risk. Tune in as he shares what's worked year in and year out in preventing loss and driving a greater ROI. Uncover the unmatched value of spring applications, tips for fall applications and the essential role of adequate soil drainage. Plus, Dr. Fabián shares his expert tips for managing nitrogen in sandy soils (including his rule of thumb for the...
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Spotting, Diagnosing and Solving Potassium Deficiencies
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Don't let a potassium deficiency steal your season (or your yields). With potassium deficiencies on the rise across North America, we're taking a closer look at how you can address mid-season crop needs. Join Mike Howell and Dr. Bobby Golden as they explore how you can spot, diagnose and solve mid-season potassium deficiencies for greater yields and profitability. From how to diagnose a deficiency to practical tips for correction, this episode explores everything you need to know about mid-season potassium management. Dig into the hidden signs of hunger in your soybean crops and how...
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How Land Judging Prepares Future Farmers
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Mike revisits where his career first began—the National Land and Range Judging Contest. He sits down with three North Dakota 4-H'ers at the 74th annual contest to uncover their experiences, what they learn and how the event prepares them for a future in farming. Plus, we're joined by Larry Wright, one of the contest's officials to explore how the event emphasizes the importance of protecting our resources through land, range and homesite judging. He discusses the effort that goes into the competition each year and the incredible youth involved in the national contest. As...
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Cover Crops: Planting With a Purpose
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Are cover crops a worthwhile investment? Do their benefits outweigh their potential drawbacks? Join Mike Howell and North Dakota State University's Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Science, Dr. Brady Goettl, as they explore the value of planting cover crops for your soil (and not for sale). From Dr. Goettl's opinion on the benefits and drawbacks of cover cropping to current incentive programs and practical tips for cover crop planning, we discuss it all in this exciting episode. Tune in today to uncover Dr. Goettl's path in soil health and fertility while gaining practical insights...
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Are We Overlooking Potassium?
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Potassium is one of the most simple and affordable nutrients in your fertilizer program. Dig into how it's produced, where it's mined from and the need for potash on Canadian soils on this episode of The Dirt. Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Agronomist Lyle Cowell as they explore the vital role that potassium plays throughout crop production. From impacting nutrient availability and water balance to supporting plant development and reproduction, we explore it all. We uncover how potassium cycles through the soil to enhance your profitability. Dig into the importance of replacing...
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The Surprising Science Behind Sweet Potato Production
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
How many crops can actually benefit from stress? Sweet potatoes are in a league of their own. In fact, they've recently become Mississippi's official state vegetable. Join Mike Howell and Crop Consultant, Phil McKibben, as they explore the surprising science behind sweet potato production. Explore what makes this crop different, from their resilience under stress to the important role of the mother plant. Dive into everything from soil fertility considerations to harvest management tips on this episode of The Dirt. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit...
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Supercharging Your Soil With Starter Fertilizers
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Do starter fertilizers really set you up for success? Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Dr. Alan Blaylock, as they uncover the role that starter fertilizer plays in our fields. From early crop growth and root development to stronger yields and earlier maturity, we uncover how you can supercharge your soil with starters. Tune in to uncover the benefits and potential limitations of starting your season with starter fertilizer. Explore expert insights that can help you sprout success this season—from placement tips to safe application rates. Looking for the latest in...
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Spreading Success With Manure Management
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Managing manure may not be glamorous, but it can be a key player in your nutrient management plan. Unpack the nutrient value of manure in this episode of The Dirt. From what your soil says about manure management to the benefits and drawbacks, we explore it all to help you uncover its true value in your fields. What's the difference between dry and liquid manure? How much manure can you apply? How is manure stored throughout the season? How does composting support manure management? Uncover the dirt truth about manure in this episode of The Dirt featuring Penn State University...
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The Goalpost Has Moved: Soil's New Demands
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
The goalpost has shifted in nutrient management—are you keeping up? Explore new insights from the University of Kentucky to help meet your soil's rising demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur on this episode of The Dirt. Declining soil test levels inspired the University to revisit their nutrient management recommendations. What actually changed? How can you maintain an optimum rate of each nutrient? Find out everything you need to know in this exciting episode with Mike Howell and John H. Grove. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit...
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