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.
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Making Time To Be More Intentional On The Farm
04/21/2026
Making Time To Be More Intentional On The Farm
If you spend just 14 minutes a day differently, what could that do for you and your farm? On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Angie Traetow to talk about what it looks like to be more intentional on the farm and in everyday life. They explore how a small shift in how you use your time can add up over the course of a year, and why stepping back from the day-to-day to think about the big picture truly matters. From thinking more strategically about the markets and new technology to long-term planning like succession, taking a more intentional approach can have a lasting impact in your life and your operation. Angie shares personal examples from her own farm and challenges listeners to spend just one percent of their day more intentionally. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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What Your Standard Soil Test Isn't Telling You
04/14/2026
What Your Standard Soil Test Isn't Telling You
You're applying the nutrients your crops need, but is your soil actually able to deliver them? Your standard soil test might not be giving you the full picture of what's actually happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Elizabeth French, Soil Biology Manager at Waypoint Analytical, to explore what traditional soil tests may be missing, and how biological soil testing can help answer questions around nutrient availability and cycling, soil health and overall crop performance. Together, they explore how biological soil testing is helping us better understand soil biology and what's in the soil, what these tests can reveal about a soil's microbial activity and productivity and how this insight can lead to stronger agronomic decisions. Tune in to learn how biological soil testing works and how it can help you evaluate and support soil health and fertility across fields. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The Weather Patterns Shaping 2026
04/07/2026
The Weather Patterns Shaping 2026
The weather shapes your entire season on the farm, and right now, it's already telling a story about what lies ahead. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Senior Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass to break down the patterns shaping the 2026 growing season. Together, they explore how winter conditions have carried into spring, how limited snowpack is fueling drought concerns and the sharp divide between weather in the eastern and western U.S. They also dig into what a shift from La Niña to El Niño could mean for the season ahead, what's happening in key growing regions around the world and what growers should be watching as they head into the field. It's the forecast you need before you hit the ground running. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?
03/31/2026
What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?
As we head into planting, one thing is top of mind for everyone in agriculture—the economy. What's really driving the markets, and what's the outlook as we head into the field? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, Jason Newton, to help break down what's happening today. From recent movement in crop prices to global supply and demand, they dig into the factors shaping today's market environment and explore how small shifts can make an impact throughout the growing season. They discuss the current state of fertilizer markets, from global urea supplies and prices to phosphate demand and supplies, and how ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are impacting natural gas prices and input markets. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The Right Time To Plant Corn
03/24/2026
The Right Time To Plant Corn
Spring is here, and many growers are looking for opportunities to get corn in the ground early. When conditions line up for an early start, it can be a major advantage. But planting early means paying close attention to the factors that can influence corn emergence and development. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Erick J. Larson, a professor and extension agronomy specialist from Mississippi State University, to explore the advantages and risks of early planting, how soil temperature and moisture impact emergence and how early-season decisions can shape your corn's potential. They also uncover the value of starter fertilizers in corn, strategies for cover crop and nitrogen management and important considerations to make before the planter starts rolling. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy
03/17/2026
Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy
When margins are tight, every fertilizer decision carries more weight. Should you build soil test levels, apply nutrients strictly based on crop response or chase ideal soil ratios? Which is best for your soil, crops and bottom line? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins to explore the three most common approaches to fertilization and soil fertility - build and maintain, sufficiency and base saturation - and the advantages and disadvantages of each. They dig into what the research says about each approach, where each approach fits and how your strategy may change when you're farming owned land versus rented acres. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The Realities of Farming Today
03/10/2026
The Realities of Farming Today
Few people hear from as many corners of agriculture as Shaun Haney does. Through his work, he hears firsthand what's weighing on growers and what's shaping their decisions for the season ahead. As planting approaches, we sat down with Shaun to explore what's surfacing in his recent conversations. From tightening margins and rising fixed costs to labor and weed challenges, he breaks down the pressures shaping today's farm economy and how producers are responding. For many, it comes down to knowing your numbers and making decisions based on return on investment, not just upfront expense. He also shares where the opportunities lie, from stronger farm management to emerging technologies, and what continues to make him optimistic about the future of ag. It's an honest look at the realities growers are navigating and the possibilities that still lie ahead for agriculture. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Standing With Farmers In Hard Times
03/03/2026
Standing With Farmers In Hard Times
When Jason Franklin arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he wasn't aware of the level of hardship facing local farming communities. Once he began to hear their stories, he couldn't help but show up. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Jason Franklin, a pastor at Clarksdale Methodist Church, to talk about how one simple idea sparked a movement of encouragement and support across the Mississippi Delta and beyond. What began as a local breakfast for farmers has grown into something much bigger – a community effort to pray over and bless crop fields, place signs of support for farmers, and create space for honest conversations about the pressures they face. This episode explores the realities of farming, the mental health challenges facing rural America, the connection between faith and farming, and the powerful difference it can make when communities stand with their farmers. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield
11/25/2025
The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield
We are back in Grace, Idaho, talking with fifth-generation farmer, Ryan Christensen, about the importance of return on investment (ROI) and yield. Ryan shares what ROI actually means, why it's important, and why he farms for a greater ROI over a greater yield (hint: it's all about profitability). Tune in to hear how Ryan has improved and increased the ROI of his operation, from implementing conservation tillage to testing out new methods of fertilization. Plus, he shares how he evaluates his ROI using real-time data and on-farm technology. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation
11/18/2025
Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation
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 operation, from the advantages of reduced tillage to the value of variable-rate irrigation, and how small changes can make a big impact on crop performance and overall efficiency. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services
11/11/2025
The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services
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 programs benefit counties across the United States. You'll also hear about MSU Extension's new initiatives, like Walk Mississippi, and uncover the challenges of funding the people who make these programs happen. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Other links mentioned in this episode: Row Crop Short Course from Mississippi State Extension: Equine Assisted Therapy Programs: Mississippi State University Extension Website: Facebook: Instagram: X: LinkedIn: YouTube:
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Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
11/04/2025
Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
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 equity to the next generation while maintaining income for the current owners. Plus, Mike Downey shares his best advice for starting the succession conversation on the farm (and why starting early is the best investment you can make). Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
10/28/2025
When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
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 his roots in farming and the traditional idea of 'neighbors helping neighbors' inspired his efforts and how he thought of the idea while flying 40,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Explore how he's helped over 1,200 farm families through Farm Rescue since it was first started with support from dozens of organizations including Nutrien. If you or someone you know is in need of support, call Farm Rescue at 701-252-2017. Find more information here: . Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
10/21/2025
How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
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 soil test results matter most for your bottom line. Plus, Alan and Mick share the latest soil data trends from millions of lab results, including rising sulfur levels and shifting phosphate values. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
10/14/2025
Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
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 drought we've witnessed in the last three years, the current moisture pattern we're in, and his long-range weather outlook around the globe, from Europe and Australia to North and South America. Plus, he shares his biggest watch out this season. Hint: it's all in the Gulf of Alaska. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles
10/07/2025
Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles
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 improvements in efficiency, technology, and our understanding of soil health have strengthened our system and economic resilience over time. They also explore how relentless consistency, a willingness to try new things, and a 'controlling the controllables' mindset can help growers thrive through economic swings on the farm. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026
09/30/2025
Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026
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, and opportunities for farmers. Listen to the episode to explore what's driving agricultural markets and prices today and what's expected next season. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game
09/23/2025
Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game
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 at Nutrien's Selma Innovation Farm are helping to shape the future of desert agriculture. Learn more about the upcoming Selma Innovation Field Day hosted by Nutrien Ag Solutions . Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors
09/16/2025
Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors
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 way to "listen" to their crops. Tune in to explore the benefits of biosensors, what they can detect, and how you can implement them on your operation. To learn more about biosensors and the new technology offered by Vivent, visit Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Nitrogen Management: Lessons from the Prairies
09/09/2025
Nitrogen Management: Lessons from the Prairies
What does nitrogen management look like in the Canadian Prairies? Find out as host Mike Howell sits down with Retired Agronomist, Ray Dowbenko, to explore how nitrogen is lost, managed and applied in Western Canada. From the primary sources of nitrogen used and how they're applied, to fall application considerations and the value of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, we explore the ins and outs of nitrogen loss and nitrogen management in the North. Dig into how Canadians prevent nitrogen loss, the increasing value of urea, controlled-release nitrogen products and tips for greater nitrogen management in this exciting episode. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Managing and Maintaining a Natural Grass Field
09/02/2025
Managing and Maintaining a Natural Grass Field
Ready to change the way you look at football fields forever? It's not as simple as managing an acre of grass. In this episode of The Dirt, Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins joins Mike Howell to break down the art and science of sports turf management. From irrigation timing and mowing height, paint and shade, to compaction and crowns, you'll hear what really goes into the fields our athletes play on. Explore why natural grass has become the turf of choice, how stadium layouts affect growth and uncover innovative technologies that have changed the turfgrass management game for NFL and college football consultants like Dr. Bryan Hopkins. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Resilient By Design: A Look Inside Canadian Dairy
08/26/2025
Resilient By Design: A Look Inside Canadian Dairy
What does dairy farming look like in Canada, and what does it take to keep a farm thriving for over six generations? Find out with your host, Mike Howell, as he sits down with Jason Crozier, an Alberta dairy farmer whose family has been farming on the same land for almost 130 years. From growing their own feed and embracing innovations like robotic milking to managing costs and minimizing waste, Jason shares the thoughtful and steady approach that has kept their operation resilient, through COVID, rising input costs and labor shortages. Dive into Canada's unique supply-managed pricing system, how circular practices like manure management and growing your own rations support long-term sustainability and success and explore the realities of dairy farming in Canada. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Tight Tassel Wrap: The Latest Challenge in Corn
08/19/2025
Tight Tassel Wrap: The Latest Challenge in Corn
This season has brought one of the most puzzling problems in corn production, the tight tassel wrap. Tight tassel wrap is an uncommon phenomenon that occurs when the uppermost leaves refuse to unfurl, keeping the tassel trapped and preventing pollination. The result? Pollination problems that can quietly reduce your yields, even in fields that look picture-perfect from afar. Tune in as Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Dan Quinn, Purdue University's extension corn specialist, to explore this new challenge and the importance of getting timing and synchrony right throughout corn production. They break down how corn pollinates, how pollen travels from tassel shed to silks to fertilize ovules and why the short pollination window is so vulnerable to stress. You'll hear about how environmental changes and hybrid traits can create this problem and what to look for when scouting your fields. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Managing Sulfur: Timing, Sources and Tools
08/12/2025
Managing Sulfur: Timing, Sources and Tools
Canada has been managing sulfur throughout every stage of crop production for decades. Today, we're uncovering the lessons you can learn from their playbook. On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell is joined by Ray Dowbenko, a retired senior agronomist with over 30 years of experience across the Canadian Prairies. Together, they unpack how to manage this essential nutrient and offer us lessons we can take back to our own soil. You'll uncover the critical role that sulfur plays in our crops (from supporting amino acid production to nitrogen use efficiency), why canola has such a great demand for this nutrient, the differences between sulfate sulfur sources and elemental sulfur sources (and when to use them), the best time to apply, the 4Rs and sulfur fertilization and other insights from Ray's 30 years of experience in crop production in Western Canada. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Fertilizer Storage: Protecting Quality and Flowability
08/05/2025
Fertilizer Storage: Protecting Quality and Flowability
Fertilizer supply chains have been anything but stable this year. For many growers, that makes on-farm storage not just a convenience, but a strategic advantage. But storing fertilizer isn’t as simple as putting it in a bin and forgetting about it. So how do you preserve its quality over time, especially in humid conditions? Find out on this episode of The Dirt with your host, Mike Howell, and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Lyle Cowell. Join them as they explore the real-world challenges and benefits of fertilizer storage, from managing product blends and minimizing moisture risks to equipment and application considerations. You'll learn how and why fertilizers clump, the two primary ways they absorb moisture, how to prevent moisture absorption and what simple steps can make a big difference in fertilizer storability, flowability and safety, particularly in Western Canada. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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How the Calgary Stampede Connects Global Agriculture
07/29/2025
How the Calgary Stampede Connects Global Agriculture
The Calgary Stampede is known for its legendary rodeo and riveting chuck wagon races, but it's so much more than that. In this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Chair of the Calgary Stampede's International Agriculture and Agri-Food Sub-Committee, Scott Exner, to discuss the Stampede's evolving role in international collaboration, networking and connection. Scott shares his insights into why thousands of international guests make the trip to Alberta for this iconic event every year. It's not just for the rodeo—it's a gathering place where they can participate in meaningful networking with the entire sector, and it's a place where our industry can bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Join the conversation to learn how the Calgary Stampede plans to continue to serve as a vital hub for thought leadership and ag innovation around the world. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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The Calgary Stampede: A Gateway to the Future of Agriculture
07/22/2025
The Calgary Stampede: A Gateway to the Future of Agriculture
What's next for Canadian agriculture, and what role does the Calgary Stampede play in helping us get there? Sit down with Mike Howell and Canadian Agriculture Hall of Famer, AdFarm Founder and Canadian agriculture advocate, Kim McConnell, as they explore food and farming at one of Canada's most iconic events - the Calgary Stampede. Tune in to uncover the Stampede's history and roots in cattle country and its evolving role as a platform for policy, connection and education - helping to bridge the gap between Canadian producers and consumers. Explore the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian ag, the future of the agri-food industry and why mentoring the next generation is critical for our success. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Smarter Sulfur Management
07/15/2025
Smarter Sulfur Management
In agriculture, we tend to look at each nutrient in isolation. It's time to break down our silos and take a closer look at how nutrients work together in our fields. Join Mike Howell and special guest, Eve-Lyn Hinckley, as they explore Hinckley's recent research on sulfur. From increasing nitrogen use efficiency to changing soil pH, we explore sulfur's critical role in our soil and how it works together with various nutrients to support crop production. From the rising need for sulfur to tips for better and smarter sulfur management, we explore it all. We also dig into the first global analysis of sulfur deficiency and Hinckley's role in spearheading the new research. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Investing in Safer Farms and Fields
07/08/2025
Investing in Safer Farms and Fields
When it comes to safety on the farm, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. In this episode of The Dirt, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Bowden, a practicing ER doctor with firsthand insight into the health and safety risks faced by farmers every day. From the basics of first aid to the most life-saving measures on the farm, Dr. Bowden shares what every farmer should know about caring for yourself and others in the field. Discover what to do – and what not to do – during common farm incidents, why every farm needs a well-stocked first aid kit, how to respond to a broken bone, how to respond while waiting for EMS to arrive, what to do in the event of a snake bite, how to recognize and address heat stress and more on this exciting episode. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply
07/01/2025
Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply
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 urea prices and nitrogen supplies, and how the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could impact global availability. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
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