The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

An eKonomics podKast featuring down-and-dirty agronomic science to help grow crops and bottom lines. Inspired by nutrien-eKonomics.com, farming’s go-to information resource, hear Mike break down the latest crop nutrition research and news— helping farmers make better business decisions through actionable insights. Let’s dig in.

Managing Soybean's Yield Robbing Diseases 11/19/2024

Managing Soybean's Yield Robbing Diseases What are some of the most common diseases that soybean growers face? How does soil fertility, crop rotation, soil moisture and the weather impact disease management? How do soil health and disease management go hand-in-hand? Tune into this week's episode as Mike Howell chats with soybean specialist, Dr. Wade Webster, to explore best practices and research-driven solutions for disease management. From white mold to soybean cyst nematode, this episode will help you explore common soybean diseases and effective management tools for a greater yield and ROI this season. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33991147

The Path to Pasture Profitability 11/12/2024

The Path to Pasture Profitability How can you enhance your forage production to improve profitability? What are some of the most common challenges that cattle producers face in creating profitability on their beef operations? How can you elevate your livestock grazing system to enhance profitability? Tune in as Mike Howell and special guest, Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri, sit down to share their insights and discuss new and upcoming research and findings. From Roberts' current research insights to his plans for future projects on milo and native forages, we uncover it all. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33899782

Sulfur and Nitrogen, The Dynamic Duo 11/05/2024

Sulfur and Nitrogen, The Dynamic Duo How can you achieve the right balance of sulfur and nitrogen in your soil? What effect do these two nutrients have on plant nutrition and crop yield? How do sulfur and nitrogen work together in the field? Tune in to this week's episode as Mike Howell sits down with Senior Agronimist, Dr. Alan Blaylock, to uncover the relationship between sulfur and nitrogen. From achieving balanced nutrition and addressing deficiencies to the latest research in the industry, this episode digs into everything you need to know about sulfur and nitrogen management and growing healthy crops. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33800377

Celebrating 65 Years of Potash Production 10/29/2024

Celebrating 65 Years of Potash Production Join Mike Howell and special guest, Nutrien's Senior Vice President of Potash Operations, Trevor Berg, as they celebrate 65 years of potash production in Saskatchewan, Canada. Follow Nutrien's journey in potash, from the first Patience Lake mine in 1959 to producing over 20% of the world's potash supply, we dig into it all. Uncover the volunteers, community members and employees who work together to mine this valuable resource, and learn more about the history of potash production and mining in the province of Saskatchewan. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33661902

Turning to the Tropics: Farming's Future 10/23/2024

Turning to the Tropics: Farming's Future Travel to Trinidad in this week's episode as we discuss agriculture and farming in Trinidad and Tobago. What crops are most commonly grown in the region? What challenges do growers face in crop production? What opportunities are available for farmers in Trinidad and Tobago? And how will Nutrien's Model Farm and Agricultural Resource Centre change the future of farming? We uncover it all. Listeners will walk away with a strong understanding of agriculture in the Trinidad and Tobago region and how Nutrien is working to support their goal of reducing their food import bill by 25% by 2025. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33579282

Weathered But Strong: Rebuilding Georgia's Agriculture Sector 10/17/2024

Weathered But Strong: Rebuilding Georgia's Agriculture Sector In this special episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell is joined by Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall to delve into the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia's agricultural sector. Tune in as they explore the challenges faced by farmers in the aftermath of this natural disaster, including crop destruction, infrastructure damage, and economic losses. For more information on how you can help, or to donate to Georgia farmers, visit The Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund is a cross-industry fundraising initiative aimed at supporting Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund will provide direct assistance for agricultural losses, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure. 100% of the funds raised will go toward farmers in need in Georgia. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33496397

Soil Synergies: New Research & Trials 10/08/2024

Soil Synergies: New Research & Trials Tune in to this week's episode of The Dirt as Mike Howell sits down with Dr. John Jones to discuss his new agronomic role at the University of Illinois and his important research in soil fertility and agronomy. Take a close look at Dr. Jones' areas of research and the agronomic challenges he is helping producers solve. From the relationship between soil properties and nutrient use efficiency to soil acidity and liming recommendations, we dig into the research and trials that Jones is performing to support farmers across the state. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33377107

Building Banks and Boosting Yields 10/01/2024

Building Banks and Boosting Yields This week, Mike Howell sits down with Brady Goettl, the new Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Science with North Dakota State University. From building banks to boosting yields, we uncover expert insights to help North Dakota growers. Tune in as we discuss navigating nutrient management in North Dakota and the importance of supporting your soil. What research has been done to support North Dakota farmers? What unique challenges does the state face in crop production, and how can we address them? Uncover everything you need to know about nutrient management in North Dakota today. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33276137

Lessons in La Niña: Fall 2024 Weather Update 09/23/2024

Lessons in La Niña: Fall 2024 Weather Update Take a quick trip around the globe with crowd favorite, Nutrien Science Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist, Eric Snodgrass. Join us as we explore recent weather patterns, tropical systems and atmospheric events that will impact agricultural production around the world. We go all in on the weather—from recent hurricane activity and bouts of drought to the newly brewing La Niña. What does the current weather outlook tell us about our fall and winter seasons? How will it impact crop production around the globe? Tune in to hear Eric's expert predictions and insights. Check out for all of Eric’s recent weather content. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33177987

Rotational Grazing: A Recipe for Regenerative Ag 09/17/2024

Rotational Grazing: A Recipe for Regenerative Ag Rotational grazing offers a variety of benefits to growers, their crops and livestock. From enhancing cattle productivity to improving forage stands, rotations provide us with substanial value. Gain valuable insights into the benefits of rotational grazing and the technologies that have advanced its efficiency from Brianna Elliot, Techgonomist at Olds College. This episode of The Dirt will provide growers with helpful information about the reality of rotational grazing and its impact on sustainability based on research performed at Olds College. To learn more about projects that the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production is working on, visit www.oldscollege.ca. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/33093912

Timing Tips: Applying Phosphorus and Potassium 09/10/2024

Timing Tips: Applying Phosphorus and Potassium Tune in as we continue the conversation around phosphorus and potassium management. Today, we dig into fall versus spring application. From the logistics of spring and fall applications and the benefits of fall applications, to the impact of weather on application timing and the effect of P+K on crop production, we dig into everything you need to know about applying P+K. What conditions warrant spring applications? How much P+K do major crops require? Join Mike Howell, and guests Dr. Antonio Mallarino and Dr. Alan Blaylock, as they come to you live from the 2024 Farm Progress Show. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32999057

Grower's Guide: Phosphorus and Potassium Management 09/03/2024

Grower's Guide: Phosphorus and Potassium Management Tune in to this exciting episode recorded at the 2024 Farm Progress Show! Sit down with Mike Howell, and guests Dr. Antonio Mallarino and Dr. Alan Blaylock, as they discuss new phosphorus and potassium recommendations and the importance of P+K in crop production. What recommendations have changed when it comes to managing phosphorus and potassium? Why are these nutrients critical to crop production, and how do they support growers on their journey to maintaining yield and profitability? Uncover everything you need to know about the basics of P+K management in this episode of The Dirt. Tune in next week as we continue this exciting conversation. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32873312

Next on Nitrogen: Fall Applications and Smart Sources 08/28/2024

Next on Nitrogen: Fall Applications and Smart Sources The 100th episode of The Dirt PodKast is coming to you LIVE from the 2024 Farm Progress Show. Tune in to this exciting episode as we chat about fall nitrogen applications and the importance of nitrogen management. Join host Mike Howell, and guests Richard Roth and Jeff Hink, as they dive in to all things fall-applied nitrogen—from how to prevent loss to the most common sources and products. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32783767

The Ag Agenda: Policy Priorities For Farmers 08/20/2024

The Ag Agenda: Policy Priorities For Farmers Join us on this episode of The Dirt as we break down the complex world of agricultural policy. Mike Howell is joined by Nutrien Manager of Government & Industry Affairs Connor Hamburg to delve into how he represents farmers on Capitol Hill, three policy priorities for agriculture and what the Farm Bill really entails. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32649632

Finding Strength in the Struggle 08/13/2024

Finding Strength in the Struggle Everyone's journey through life looks different, and we all face our own challenges and obstacles. How can we overcome them when life gets hard? Listen in as Mike Howell sits down with two master’s students, Amanda Mitchell and Stacie Yaremko, as part of our series focused on mental health. Join us as we chat about the challenges these students have faced and the courage they've had to overcome them. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32554037

Australia's Acres: Farming Down Under 08/06/2024

Australia's Acres: Farming Down Under What does agriculture look like in Australia? Join host Mike Howell and guest Kara Bryant as they uncover everything you need to know about farming in Australia. From the differences in our seasons and the most common crops in the region, to soil fertility and sustainable production practices, this episode dives in to all things Australian ag. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32459202

The FRST Step to Optimizing Fertilizer Use 07/30/2024

The FRST Step to Optimizing Fertilizer Use On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell reconnects with Dr. Nathan Slaton to chat about the future of nutrient management and the FRST program—the fertilizer recommendation support tool. How can we use collective soil test data to inform fertilizer use? Dive in as Dr. Nathan Slaton walks us through the value of the FRST program and how it will help us better understand soil test recommendations. Visit www.soiltestfrst.org to learn more about the fertilizer recommendation support tool and try it out for yourself today. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32340112

The Necessity of Nutrients 07/23/2024

The Necessity of Nutrients Tune in to this week's episode of The Dirt as Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Audrey Gamble to chat about soil fertility and the necessity of managing nutrients in our crops. Dr. Gamble uncovers the important work that Auburn University has done on the Cullars Rotation as they perform on-farm soil fertility trials. How does a field without nitrogen or potassium perform? How does each nutrient impact yield? They explore all this and more while helping you uncover key insights for your nutrient management plan. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32255092

Fertilizer: Feeding the World 07/16/2024

Fertilizer: Feeding the World On this week's episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Alan Blaylock and Dr. Rob Mikkelson to discuss the history of the fertilizer industry. How did we discover the need for crop nutrition? How did the modern fertilizer industry begin and how does it impact farming today? How did we discover these nutrients and process them for fertilizer? Uncover everything you need to know about the past, present and future of the fertilizer industry in this week's exciting episode. Visit the Crops and Soils Magazine at www.agronomy.org to read Alan and Rob's articles on the development of the fertilizer industry. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32167142

2024 Market Outlook 07/09/2024

2024 Market Outlook Tune in with Mike Howell and special guest Mark Tully as they review the current market environment and take a closer look at commodity and fertilizer pricing as it stands today. As the Manager of Market Research at Nutrien, Tully has a unique understanding of the current environment. From supply and demand trends and commodity prices to fertilizer production and global market changes, Tully breaks down everything you need to know this season. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/32059762

For Soil’s Sake 07/02/2024

For Soil’s Sake Join Mike Howell on this week's episode of The Dirt as he sits down with the President of the Soil Science Society of America, Michael Thompson, to discuss how the organization supports soil science. Mike and Michael take a closer look at variety of disciplines that exist in soil science and the ways that the SSSA supports them. They dive into the importance of soil science and how we can work together to teach others about the vital role that soil plays in our world. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31977007

The Conservation Conversation 06/25/2024

The Conservation Conversation On this week's episode of The Dirt, join host Mike Howell as he sits down with Jacob Taylor, a Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist at Quail Forever. Mike and Jacob take a look at how farmers can positively contribute to the conservation of wildlife using their unproductive land. The best part? Jacob shares how farmers can make a profit while doing it. Visit www.quailforever.org to learn more about conservation practices for your farm. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31877737

Soil Secrets: Subsurface Moisture 06/18/2024

Soil Secrets: Subsurface Moisture Join Mike Howell and guests Dr. Lee Burras and Rebecca Vittetoe as they chat about how soil moisture can impact your crops and nutrient management plans. Gain valuable insights into how subsurface moisture works and the innovative technologies we can use to measure it. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31785012

Fertility, Forage & The 4Rs 06/11/2024

Fertility, Forage & The 4Rs On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell reconnects with Lyle Cowell, Senior Agronomist at Nutrien, to discuss how you can make the most out of your fertilizer during forage production. Mike and Lyle take a closer look at forage production in North America and how to best maintain soil fertility for maximum production. Learn more about the role of nitrogen in forage crops and best practices for 4R Nutrient Management in this week's episode of the Dirt. For more information on forage production, check out our forage guide: Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31693592

12-time Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Talks Mental Health 06/04/2024

12-time Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Talks Mental Health Join Mike Howell as he chats with Brett Gardiner, 12-time Canadian Pro Rodeo announcer of the year. Brett and Mike continue the ongoing discussion about mental health in agriculture, focusing in on the impacts on males in the agriculture community. They chat stigma, getting over the initial barrier to seeking help and where to go for help when the need arises. For mental health support in Alberta, Canada visit In the United States, you can find your Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network regional information here: Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31593707

Optimism Ahead: 2024 Global Weather Forecast 05/28/2024

Optimism Ahead: 2024 Global Weather Forecast Mike Howell reconnects with crowd-favorite Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions to discuss recent weather events like the derecho that hit Houston, wild solar activity and the shift from El Niño to La Niña. Eric then discusses some of the wider climate trends and crop impacts we’re seeing around the world as we head into summer. You won’t want to miss Eric Snodgrass’s depth of knowledge and expertise, so be sure to listen in. Check out for all of Eric’s recent weather content. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Head to for the latest in crop nutrition research. /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31494107

Sulfur: More Than Just Fertilizer 05/21/2024

Sulfur: More Than Just Fertilizer Mike Howell connects with Craig Jorgenson, President and CEO of The Sulphur Institute to discuss the wider uses of sulfur. More than just the fourth major crop nutrient, this versatile element is an important industrial material to the mining, chemical and energy industries. It is also essential to producing other fertilizers, such as phosphate. Learn more about The Sulphur Institute at To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31396372

Reaching Out: Managing On-Farm Stress 05/14/2024

Reaching Out: Managing On-Farm Stress On this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell speaks with Dr. Florence Becot, a professor at Penn State University and lead of the Ag Safety and Health Program. They dive deeper into the impacts of mental health on the farm, where farmers can reach out for help, who else can help farmers who might be struggling or in a crisis, and how farmers can support other farmers not only in their communities but across the country. Find your Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network regional information here: To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31285162

Put Your Soil Test to the Test 05/07/2024

Put Your Soil Test to the Test Soil testing offers a great perspective into your soil and nutrient management, but there are some factors to consider for getting the most accurate results. Listen as host Mike Howell visits with Dr. Bryan Hopkins on soil testing and the considerations you should make when testing and analyzing your soil results. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit For further resources on soil sampling, check out our Soil Sampling 101 toolkit: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31167742

Decoding the Dicamba Dilemma 04/30/2024

Decoding the Dicamba Dilemma A recent court ruling essentially took several dicamba-based herbicides off the market for American farmers growing soybeans and cotton. Host Mike Howell and guest Tom Eubanks discuss the impact this will have on US-based soybean and cotton growers, what the courts have stated about remaining stocks of these products, and how growers can voice their concerns. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/31045683

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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