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PODCAST

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.

science

All Episodes

24:22

The Weather Patterns Shaping 2026

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/04/07

The weather shapes your entire season on the farm, and right now, it's already telling a story about what lies ahead. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Senior Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass to break down the patterns shaping the 2026 growing season. Together, they explore how winter conditions have carried into spring, how limited snowpack is fueling drought concerns and the sharp divide between weather in the eastern and western U.S. They also dig into what a shift from La Niña to El

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20:00

What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/03/31

As we head into planting, one thing is top of mind for everyone in agriculture—the economy. What's really driving the markets, and what's the outlook as we head into the field? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, Jason Newton, to help break down what's happening today. From recent movement in crop prices to global supply and demand, they dig into the factors shaping today's market environment and explore how small shifts can make an

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25:03

The Right Time To Plant Corn

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/03/24

Spring is here, and many growers are looking for opportunities to get corn in the ground early. When conditions line up for an early start, it can be a major advantage. But planting early means paying close attention to the factors that can influence corn emergence and development. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Erick J. Larson, a professor and extension agronomy specialist from Mississippi State University, to explore the advantages and risks of early planting, how soil

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26:37

Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/03/17

When margins are tight, every fertilizer decision carries more weight. Should you build soil test levels, apply nutrients strictly based on crop response or chase ideal soil ratios? Which is best for your soil, crops and bottom line? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins to explore the three most common approaches to fertilization and soil fertility - build and maintain, sufficiency and base saturation - and the advantages and disadvantages of each. They dig into what

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22:38

The Realities of Farming Today

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/03/10

Few people hear from as many corners of agriculture as Shaun Haney does. Through his work, he hears firsthand what's weighing on growers and what's shaping their decisions for the season ahead. As planting approaches, we sat down with Shaun to explore what's surfacing in his recent conversations. From tightening margins and rising fixed costs to labor and weed challenges, he breaks down the pressures shaping today's farm economy and how producers are responding. For many, it comes down to knowing

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36:00

Standing With Farmers In Hard Times

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2026/03/03

When Jason Franklin arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he wasn't aware of the level of hardship facing local farming communities. Once he began to hear their stories, he couldn't help but show up. In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Jason Franklin, a pastor at Clarksdale Methodist Church, to talk about how one simple idea sparked a movement of encouragement and support across the Mississippi Delta and beyond. What began as a local breakfast for farmers has grown into something much

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18:58

The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/11/25

We are back in Grace, Idaho, talking with fifth-generation farmer, Ryan Christensen, about the importance of return on investment (ROI) and yield. Ryan shares what ROI actually means, why it's important, and why he farms for a greater ROI over a greater yield (hint: it's all about profitability). Tune in to hear how Ryan has improved and increased the ROI of his operation, from implementing conservation tillage to testing out new methods of fertilization. Plus, he shares how he evaluates his ROI

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20:59

Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/11/18

In this episode of The Dirt, we head to Grace, Idaho, to talk with fifth-generation farmer Ryan Christensen about conserving one of agriculture's most valuable resources: water. Ryan shares how his family's farm is using technology, conservation tillage and smart irrigation practices to make every drop of water count. We dig into the importance of water management in the high desert, the practices that have delivered the greatest results on Ryan's farm and the real benefits of implementing

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33:57

The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/11/11

Extension services play a key role in educating communities across the United States. But what do they actually do? Find out with host Mike Howell and guest Dr. Angus Catchot, the director of extension at Mississippi State University, to explore what extension services really are, what they do, and why they are indispensable to our communities. Dr. Catchot explains how extension services turn complex research into practical insights that help farmers, families and the community. Explore their

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18:50

Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/11/04

Farmers build an entire legacy within their operation, one that can be passed down for generations. But what happens when it's actually time to hand that legacy over? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Uncommon Farms' Manager of Succession Planning, Mike Downey to dig into the realities of on-farm succession planning. They explore the difference between estate and succession planning, the transition options available, how to bring the next generation into the business, when to use a

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16:22

When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the...

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/10/28

Injuries and illnesses can bring the entire season to a halt, something no farmer can plan for. That's where Farm Rescue comes in. In this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell talks with Founder and President of Farm Rescue, Bill Gross, to explore how this one-of-a-kind non-profit provides free, hands-on help to farmers and ranchers to keep farms running when life takes a turn. From planting and haying to harvesting and feeding livestock, Farm Rescue mobilizes the volunteers and equipment needed

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25:27

How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/10/21

When every dollar counts, guessing what's in your soil isn't an option. That's where soil testing comes in. In this episode of The Dirt, we dig into how soil testing can help farmers make every input dollar work harder in their fields. Host Mike Howell is joined by Alan Meijer and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical as they discuss the real ROI of soil testing and why cutting back under tight margins isn't ideal. They explore how soil sampling improves fertilizer efficiency and crop

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28:13

Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/10/14

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 the Bermuda High has shifted and how that's fueling dry conditions across the mid-south, and what farmers

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41:58

Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/10/07

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 look like compared to the 1980s farm crisis, from high interest rates and various geopolitical issues to

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27:09

Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/09/30

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 limited nitrogen and phosphate supplies to steady potash availability. He also highlights how broader

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27:39

Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/09/23

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 almonds to Durham wheat, and the unique challenges facing these crops. Uncover how growers in the area

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19:56

Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/09/16

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. From early warnings of drought, disease, and nutrient deficiencies to real-time insights that

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25:24

Nitrogen Management: Lessons from the Prairies

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/09/09

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 of nitrogen loss and nitrogen management in the North. Dig into how Canadians prevent nitrogen loss,

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45:48

Managing and Maintaining a Natural Grass Field

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/09/02

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. Explore why natural grass has become the turf of choice, how stadium layouts affect growth and uncover

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18:08

Resilient By Design: A Look Inside Canadian Dairy

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast ·

2025/08/26

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, Jason shares the thoughtful and steady approach that has kept their operation resilient, through COVID,

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158 results

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