The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast - podcast cover

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

Mike Howellnutrien-ekonomics.com
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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Episodes

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 ...

Sep 03, 202456 minSeason 3Ep. 27

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 ch...

Aug 28, 202427 minSeason 2Ep. 44

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 nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics...

Aug 20, 202444 minSeason 3Ep. 25

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 nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our ...

Aug 13, 202431 minSeason 3Ep. 24

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 nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics...

Aug 06, 202423 minSeason 3Ep. 23

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...

Jul 30, 202434 minSeason 3Ep. 22

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 man...

Jul 23, 202434 minSeason 3Ep. 21

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 Crop...

Jul 16, 202451 minSeason 3Ep. 20

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? V...

Jul 09, 202431 minSeason 3Ep. 19

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 c...

Jul 02, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 18

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...

Jun 25, 202429 minSeason 3Ep. 17

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 nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics...

Jun 18, 202432 minSeason 3Ep. 16

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, ...

Jun 11, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 41

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 agknow.ca In the United States, you can find your Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Net...

Jun 04, 202451 minSeason 3Ep. 14

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 ag-wx.com for all of Eric...

May 28, 202434 minSeason 3Ep. 13

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 sulphurinstitute.org To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to ...

May 21, 202427 minSeason 3Ep. 12

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 her...

May 14, 202430 minSeason 3Ep. 11

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 nutrien-ekonomics.com For further resources on soil sampling, check out our Soil Sampling 101 toolkit: https://nutrien-ekonomics.c...

May 07, 202425 minSeason 3Ep. 10

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com...

Apr 30, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 9

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 Huma...

Apr 23, 202434 minSeason 3Ep. 8

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 https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ppp/ppp-86.pdf To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com...

Apr 16, 202425 minSeason 3Ep. 7

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 menta...

Apr 09, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 6

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com .

Apr 02, 202424 minSeason 3Ep. 5

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com To learn more about soil salinity, check out these eKonomics articles: Soil Salinity in Western Canada: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/soil-salini...

Mar 26, 202442 minSeason 3Ep. 4

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com

Mar 19, 202430 minSeason 3Ep. 3

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com

Mar 12, 202444 minSeason 3Ep. 2

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 https://news.nutrien.com/agperceptions/keyfindings To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com...

Mar 05, 202450 minSeason 3Ep. 1

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com

Nov 21, 202321 minSeason 2Ep. 38

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com

Nov 14, 202314 minSeason 2Ep. 37

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 nutrien-eKonomics.com

Nov 07, 202321 minSeason 2Ep. 36
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