The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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 th...

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 l...

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 l...

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 alm...

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...

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...

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.   Explo...

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,...

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 Ho...

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...

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 N...

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 insig...

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...

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...

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 your...

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 fertilize...

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.  ...

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,...

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...

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...

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 f...

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 deficien...

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...

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 progra...

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 ba...