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.

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

Where Has All the Potassium Gone? 04/23/2024

Where Has All the Potassium Gone? Tune in with Mike Howell and returning guest Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist at Nutrien as they discuss the current needs of potassium in soils across the country. You'll learn what trends they've seen in nation-wide soil tests and what growers can do to combat those trends. They also chat about the value that potassium can add to crops beyond an increase in yield. For more information on the resources discussed in this episode, check out the links below: Potassium Is Also An Essential Human Nutrient: Rise in Potassium Deficiency in the US Population Linked to Agriculture Practices and Dietary Potassium Deficits: National Testing Lab Finds More Soils Testing “Low” or “Very Low” for Potassium: Key Growing States See Declining Soil Potassium Levels: Declining Potassium Levels: A Growing Concern In The Mid-South eKonomics News Team: To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30940418

How Your Water Source Impacts Your Pesticides 04/16/2024

How Your Water Source Impacts Your Pesticides Host Mike Howell and returning guest Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy, Nutrien, discuss the impacts your water sources can have on the effectiveness of your spray applications of pesticides and fertilizers. To check out the Purdue University study on the impact of water quality on pesticide performance, visit To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30839883

Agriculture + Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma 04/09/2024

Agriculture + Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell connects with Melissa Ploeckelman, Outreach Specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. They dive into the topic of on-farm mental health and how the stress of farming can impact the mental health of farmers. Mental health can sometimes be a taboo subject, especially in the world farmers operate in. Mike and Melissa speak to how to work past the stigma, who to reach out to in times of crisis and how to help others who might be struggling with mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 from anywhere in the United States to reach a trained counselor. To learn more about virtual QPR training, visit To learn more about the 9-8-8 crisis helpline, visit To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30743908

Liquid Fertilizers: What's In Your Mix? 04/02/2024

Liquid Fertilizers: What's In Your Mix? Join our host, Mike Howell as he chats with Dr. Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien about mixing liquid fertilizers. They'll get into jar testing, the benefits, possible risks, protecting yourself and your crops and who to go to when you have questions. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit . /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30636788

Is Soil Salinity Impacting Your Crops? 03/26/2024

Is Soil Salinity Impacting Your Crops? Host Mike Howell and guests Lyle Cowell and Alan Blaylock, both senior agronomists with Nutrien are getting deep into the details of soil salinity, how salts accumulate in soil and when they can become limiting to plant growth or impede the ability to manage soil properly. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit To learn more about soil salinity, check out these eKonomics articles: Soil Salinity in Western Canada: Soil Salinity and Sodicity: Sodic Soils and Their Management: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30540818

Talking Turf: Why and How to Fertilize Your Lawn 03/19/2024

Talking Turf: Why and How to Fertilize Your Lawn Join host Mike Howell and guest Eric Miltner as they dive into the specifics of fertilizer for lawns and turf grass. This episode of The Dirt digs into types of grass, regionality, soil testing and more while providing actions you can take today to help you better care for your lawn and other turf grasses. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30394203

Nitrogen Nitty-Gritty: Preventing Loss, Maximizing Yield 03/12/2024

Nitrogen Nitty-Gritty: Preventing Loss, Maximizing Yield Nitrogen loss is a significant challenge for farmers. Gain valuable insights into the main causes of nitrogen loss and discover practical methods to prevent it. This episode of The Dirt provides actionable tips for farmers to maximize nitrogen inputs and enhance crop yields. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30333858

Bridging The Agriculture Perception Divide 03/05/2024

Bridging The Agriculture Perception Divide Jeff Tarsi joins Mike Howell for the season 3 premiere of The Dirt. To kick-off the season, we're talking about the findings from a new Nutrien study that identifies how farmers and consumers differ on key agricultural issues. For more information on this study, visit To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/30245498

Thanksgiving: A Family Agriculture Affair 11/21/2023

Thanksgiving: A Family Agriculture Affair Thanksgiving has undeniable ties to agriculture. In this special episode, Mike is joined by his two sons. Together, they discuss the holiday’s agronomic history and reflect on some of their own favorite traditions and foods. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28734568

The Enzymatic Roles Of Copper And Manganese 11/14/2023

The Enzymatic Roles Of Copper And Manganese All nutrients have multiple roles, but a lot of micronutrients have enzymatic roles...and that's the case with both copper and manganese. Lyle Cowell joins the show to explain the roles these two micronutrients play inside the plant. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28630108

Everything You Need To Know About Potash 11/07/2023

Everything You Need To Know About Potash When it comes to potash, there's always more to talk about. Dig deeper into sources of potash (red or white?), application timing (fall or spring?), and just how important it is for growers to make sure they are replacing enough of the nutrient that is removed during harvest. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28540196

Forage+Minerals: A Recipe For Livestock Nutrition 10/31/2023

Forage+Minerals: A Recipe For Livestock Nutrition In a perfect world, cattle could get all their nutrients from the plant...but in most situations, those nutrients are missing in our forages. Tune in to this episode of The Dirt with Dr. Daniel Rivera, Director and Associate Professor at the Southwest Research & Extension Center, as he answers the question: "How should a grower go about selecting a good mineral?" To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28470422

What's Left In Your Field? 10/24/2023

What's Left In Your Field? What’s left in your field? Nutrien Senior Agronomist Lyle Cowell talks about the value of knowing what nutrients are in the field post-harvest and what will be there when spring seeding begins. References: To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28404605

Liebig's Law: Tools to Manage Yield 10/17/2023

Liebig's Law: Tools to Manage Yield Tools like Liebig's Law of the Minimum help growers manage inputs and yield potential, but what's the difference between the barrel and stave theory or the dam theory? Which one is better? Dr. Alan Blaylock explains. Dig further into Liebig's Law of the Minimum at . To discover the latest crop nutrition research, and other valuable tools visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28338695

Edible Bean Market Grows Globally 10/10/2023

Edible Bean Market Grows Globally Growing edible soybeans for export markets requires non-GMO varieties, weed management, the right equipment and crop protection products, and getting a specific taste and protein profile for the end user. Join Mike and Bob Sinner to discuss the ins and outs of edible bean production. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28273871

North Dakota Growers, This is Your Episode 10/03/2023

North Dakota Growers, This is Your Episode Growing crops in North Dakota: soil salinity, tilling practices, nitrogen handling and the weather all create challenges for growers. Dive into what those challenges look like with Mike and Professor and Extension Soil Specialist at North Dakota State University, Dr. David Franzen. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28208081

Drain Tile Pays: Wet or Dry Years 09/26/2023

Drain Tile Pays: Wet or Dry Years Executives from Ellingson Companies dig into the importance of drain tiles to maximize the economic benefit of your crops. From bigger bushels to optimal soil conditions, Derek Ellingson, Levi Otis and Jason Gillard cover the basics of drain tiles. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit References: Agriculture Drainage 101 By Prinsco: Iowa State University: Ellingson Company Agricultural Division: Ellingson Water Management App: /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28147742

Looking Ahead: Will the 2023 Markets Stabilize? 09/19/2023

Looking Ahead: Will the 2023 Markets Stabilize? A deep dive on current issues globally affecting fertilizer prices, market access and commodity prices. Includes drought impacts and trade issues. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28076751

Fall 2023 Weather Outlook with Eric Snodgrass 09/12/2023

Fall 2023 Weather Outlook with Eric Snodgrass Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions looks at how some dry regions are hoping for some moisture from the extensive hurricane activity this year. The Southern USA is experiencing the driest year since they started collecting data in 1892, and El Nino predicts a moisture filled winter. Join Eric and Mike as they discuss these predictions, and much more. Sign up for Eric’s daily weather updates: Current weather maps: To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/28008135

Wildlife Food Plots: Year-Long Program 09/05/2023

Wildlife Food Plots: Year-Long Program Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Bill Maily, joins us to discuss the various management and nutrition considerations when starting a wildlife food plot. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27942486

From Milo to Tiktok: Farmer Dan Tells All 08/29/2023

From Milo to Tiktok: Farmer Dan Tells All "Farmer Dan" joins Mike Howell from the Farm Progress Show this week to share what it's like to farm in the Texas Panhandle, being a social media star, an in-depth look at growing milo and why a strong nutrient management plan is so important. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27873528

A Deep Dive into Deep Soil Testing 08/22/2023

A Deep Dive into Deep Soil Testing DeDe Jones and Jourdan Bell from Texas A&M AgriLife share the financial benefits of deep soil testing and why farmers should consider implementing it on their operations. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27813057

Regenerative Ag: Five Key Concepts 08/15/2023

Regenerative Ag: Five Key Concepts Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist with Nutrien shares the 5 key concepts he feels are critical for healthy soil. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27762318

Winning 160 Acres of Gold 08/08/2023

Winning 160 Acres of Gold Amy Crozier, Nutrien, and winning growers Ken, Brad, and Dan Krwyko talk about the Seedmaster 160 Acres of Gold contest and the partnership and technology that are involved. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27689418

A Lifetime in the Chucks 08/01/2023

A Lifetime in the Chucks Mark Sutherland shares his passion for chuckwagon racing, the importance of protein in a diet for thoroughbred horses, and retirement after 30 years of competing. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27621600

Take Me To The Rodeo 07/25/2023

Take Me To The Rodeo Lyle Cowell checks in from the Calgary Stampede - a summer chat about crazy midway food and rodeo events, coupled with a Canadian crop report. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27555213

4-H Offers Youth Something For Everyone 07/18/2023

4-H Offers Youth Something For Everyone Founded over 120 years ago as an extension tool for farming communities, the 4-H program continues to provide youth with a vast amount of opportunity. Dive into the history of 4-H with host Mike Howell and our distinguished guests. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27499656

Bushel Simplifies Farm Data Management 07/11/2023

Bushel Simplifies Farm Data Management Bushel provides an app that simplifies grain marketing decisions as well as farm management planning. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27428001

The High Stress of a Low Mississippi River 07/04/2023

The High Stress of a Low Mississippi River Crop production isn’t the only thing in agriculture impacted by the current drought conditions. Learn how low water levels on the Mississippi River may affect fertilizer logistics and the economy moving forward. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit /episode/index/show/dd789797-1682-4fd6-88e6-c7b1938f3f03/id/27365355

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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