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 im...
Jul 01, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 18
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 ...
Jun 24, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 17
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 nitr...
Jun 17, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 16
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 ...
Jun 10, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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. Le...
Jun 03, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 14
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 exp...
May 27, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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-seaso...
May 20, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 compet...
May 13, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 11
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 tod...
May 06, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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 cy...
Apr 29, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 9
How many crops can actually benefit from stress? Sweet potatoes are in a league of their own. In fact, they've recently become Mississippi's official state vegetable. Join Mike Howell and Crop Consultant, Phil McKibben, as they explore the surprising science behind sweet potato production. Explore what makes this crop different, from their resilience under stress to the important role of the mother plant. Dive into everything from soil fertility considerations to harvest management tips on this ...
Apr 22, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Do starter fertilizers really set you up for success? Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Dr. Alan Blaylock, as they uncover the role that starter fertilizer plays in our fields. From early crop growth and root development to stronger yields and earlier maturity, we uncover how you can supercharge your soil with starters. Tune in to uncover the benefits and potential limitations of starting your season with starter fertilizer. Explore expert insights that can help you sprout success ...
Apr 15, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Managing manure may not be glamorous, but it can be a key player in your nutrient management plan. Unpack the nutrient value of manure in this episode of The Dirt. From what your soil says about manure management to the benefits and drawbacks, we explore it all to help you uncover its true value in your fields. What's the difference between dry and liquid manure? How much manure can you apply? How is manure stored throughout the season? How does composting support manure management? Uncover the ...
Apr 08, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 6
The goalpost has shifted in nutrient management—are you keeping up? Explore new insights from the University of Kentucky to help meet your soil's rising demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur on this episode of The Dirt. Declining soil test levels inspired the University to revisit their nutrient management recommendations. What actually changed? How can you maintain an optimum rate of each nutrient? Find out everything you need to know in this exciting episode with Mike Howell an...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Uncover the pros and cons of cutting back on fertilizer and strategies to optimize fertilizer efficiency. Kick off season four with Mike Howell as he takes a closer look at how growers can manage phosphorus and potassium under tight budgets and the importance of maintaining an optimum soil test range. Explore the value of fertilizer in various soil types, uncover tips for managing your nutrient budget and discover how nutrients work together to boost your yield and profitability. Looking for the...
Mar 25, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Are costs trending in a positive direction? How will looming tariffs impact your profitability? What do crop prices look like in today's market conditions? Dive into the state of the current agriculture market with Mike Howell and Iowa State University Extension Economist, Chad Hart, on this episode of The Dirt. What do fertilizer costs look like this year? How is the weather affecting crop prices and market conditions? What do the corn, cotton and soybean crop markets look like today? Explore e...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 3
What will agriculture look like this year? From tariffs and trade to farm bills and ag innovation, the President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) breaks down the latest issues they are advocating for around the world. Dig into the role that TFI plays in fertilizer industry and the critical issues they focus on. From energy policy to the effects of Tariffs on the fertilizer supply chain, we break down everything you need to know about what's next for agriculture. Looking for the latest i...
Mar 11, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 2
What's up with the weather? From western wildfires to southern snow, we go all in on the weather to help you prepare for a successful growing season. Mike Howell kicks off season four with crowd favorite, Principal Atmospheric Scientist and Nutrien Senior Science Fellow, Eric Snodgrass, to explore how winter and spring weather will affect the upcoming planting and growing season. Where can growers expect drought, flooding or other unexpected conditions? What patterns are appearing? What does La ...
Mar 04, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. But it's celebrated in its own way around the world. Why do Canadians celebrate in October? What Thanksgiving traditions are celebrated, and what meals are enjoyed in both the United States and Canada? Are Canadians spending Thanksgiving watching football or hockey? Explore the tale of two Thanksgivings as Mike Howell, and special guest, Lyle Cowell, explore the history and origin of Canadian and American Than...
Nov 26, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 39
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 ...
Nov 19, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 38
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 ...
Nov 12, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 37
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...
Nov 05, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 36
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 ...
Oct 29, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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...
Oct 23, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 34
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 https://supportgeorgiafarmers.org. The Weathered But S...
Oct 17, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 33
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 ...
Oct 08, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 32
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 t...
Oct 01, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 31
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 product...
Sep 23, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 30
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 sustaina...
Sep 17, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 29
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 Mal...
Sep 10, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 28
