Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
In this episode of The Dirt, we head to Grace, Idaho, to talk with fifth-generation farmer Ryan Christensen about conserving one of agriculture's most valuable resources: water. Ryan shares how his family's farm is using technology, conservation tillage and smart irrigation practices to make every drop of water count. We dig into the importance of water management in the high desert, the practices that have delivered the greatest results on Ryan's farm and the real benefits of implementing water-saving strategies. Tune in to hear the lessons that Ryan has learned on his...
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The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Extension services play a key role in educating communities across the United States. But what do they actually do? Find out with host Mike Howell and guest Dr. Angus Catchot, the director of extension at Mississippi State University, to explore what extension services really are, what they do, and why they are indispensable to our communities. Dr. Catchot explains how extension services turn complex research into practical insights that help farmers, families and the community. Explore their key areas of interest, from agriculture to community development, and how their various...
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Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Farmers build an entire legacy within their operation, one that can be passed down for generations. But what happens when it's actually time to hand that legacy over? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Uncommon Farms' Manager of Succession Planning, Mike Downey to dig into the realities of on-farm succession planning. They explore the difference between estate and succession planning, the transition options available, how to bring the next generation into the business, when to use a will versus a revocable living trust, and how private installment sales can help transfer...
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When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Injuries and illnesses can bring the entire season to a halt, something no farmer can plan for. That's where Farm Rescue comes in. In this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell talks with Founder and President of Farm Rescue, Bill Gross, to explore how this one-of-a-kind non-profit provides free, hands-on help to farmers and ranchers to keep farms running when life takes a turn. From planting and haying to harvesting and feeding livestock, Farm Rescue mobilizes the volunteers and equipment needed to help farm families get the job done and save the season ahead. Bill shares how...
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How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
When every dollar counts, guessing what's in your soil isn't an option. That's where soil testing comes in. In this episode of The Dirt, we dig into how soil testing can help farmers make every input dollar work harder in their fields. Host Mike Howell is joined by Alan Meijer and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical as they discuss the real ROI of soil testing and why cutting back under tight margins isn't ideal. They explore how soil sampling improves fertilizer efficiency and crop performance, how often to test your soil, the best time of year to sample, and which...
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Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
How has the weather impacted the end of this year's crop? And what does our winter weather outlook say? Find out as Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Ag Solution's Sr. Science Fellow and Atmospheric Scientist, Eric Snodgrass, to unpack what's shaping up to be quite a familiar story; La Niña is back, and this winter's weather patterns are looking a lot like last year's. Eric breaks down why the Bermuda High has shifted and how that's fueling dry conditions across the mid-south, and what farmers can expect heading into another La Niña winter. He explains the odd episodes of...
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Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
How can we navigate agriculture's economic cycles, and what does the state of the ag economy look like today? In this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell sits down with Executive Vice President and President of Global Retail for Nutrien Ag Solutions, Jeff Tarsi, to explore how growers can confidently manage the upswings and challenges of the ag economy. They discuss what today's challenges look like compared to the 1980s farm crisis, from high interest rates and various geopolitical issues to yields, land values, and commodity prices. Plus, Jeff uncovers and explains how...
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Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
What factors are influencing crop prices, input markets, and on-farm planning today? Host Mike Howell sits down with Mark Tully, Nutrien's director of commercial value optimization, to explore the current state of agricultural markets and what it all means for growers heading into 2026. Mark shares his insights into record harvests, shifting trade flows, and evolving fertilizer dynamics—from limited nitrogen and phosphate supplies to steady potash availability. He also highlights how broader economic trends and global factors are influencing farm inputs, exports, crop prices,...
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Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
What crops grow best in the desert, and how does farming change in the arid Southwest? Find out as Mike Howell sits down with Richard Mead, regional agronomy manager and innovation farm lead at Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Dr. Karl Wyant, Nutrien's director of agronomy, for a deep dive into agriculture in California and Arizona. Dive into the diversity of crops grown throughout the year, from almonds to Durham wheat, and the unique challenges facing these crops. Uncover how growers in the area manage irrigation, salinity, soil fertility, and water, and how technology and innovations...
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Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors
The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Can your crops really talk? On this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell sits down with Co-Founder and Director of Vivent Biosignals, Nigel Wallbridge, to uncover how biosensors are helping farmers tap into the hidden communication networks inside their plants. Nigel shares how tiny electrodes and AI algorithms work together to detect internal crop signals before they are visible in the field. From early warnings of drought, disease, and nutrient deficiencies to real-time insights that improve irrigation and soil fertility planning, this technology is giving farmers a new...
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