Supercharging Your Soil With Starter Fertilizers
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Release Date: 04/15/2025
Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
How are ongoing conflicts reshaping fertilizer and energy markets around the world? Find out with Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Manager of Market Research, Mark Tully. Explore how energy prices and fertilizer supplies have changed as a result of ongoing conflict in the Middle East - one of the most important regions in fertilizer production. From losing half a million tons of prompt fertilizer supply to the closure of major production facilities, we uncover it all. Take a closer look at both immediate and long-term impacts for producers and importers, including changing...
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Paving Your Path in Agriculture
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Uncover the exciting opportunities, careers and paths available in the agriculture industry. Walk through Rob Mikkelson's remarkable career in ag, one that spanned nearly 40 years while taking him far beyond the field. From early roles in government to leadership positions across the industry, this episode explores the pivotal decisions and leaps that shaped a fulfilling career in agriculture. Rob reflects on how he stumbled into soil science, the mentors that shaped his path, his contributions to 4R Nutrient Stewardship, the path he took and the endless opportunities available...
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Not Your Average Veggie: Potato's Nutrient Demands
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Potatoes aren't like other crops. They're an extremely unique crop that require extra care and attention. You need to have the right soil conditions, a solid fertilizer program and a strong understanding of how they grow throughout the season. Explore how you can support your potato crop on this episode of The Dirt. Join Mike Howell and Brigham Young Professor and Professional Soil Scientist, Bryan G. Hopkins, as they explore how to manage nutrition throughout production. Tune in to uncover nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus application rates and explore best practices in...
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What's Impacting Fertilizer Supply This Season?
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
How can you navigate today's market conditions? Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Market Research Manager, Mark Tully, as they explore the complexities of agriculture's current market landscape. Mark unpacks fertilizer availability and how various international trade dynamics have impacted global supplies of fertilizer. From tight nitrogen and phosphorus supplies to strong demands for potash, we uncover it all. We also explore how current supplies and trade uncertainties will impact commodity prices and what these dynamics mean for your farm. Plus, Mark shares what he...
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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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