The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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 mo...

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 s...

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? H...

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...

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 bu...

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 pric...

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, w...

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 growe...

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 Mik...

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....

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 dis...

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...

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 togethe...

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.   Listene...

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 c...

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...

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 D...

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...

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 provi...

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 warran...

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 product...

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.   Lo...

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...

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 th...

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? V...