The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast
Episodes
What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ou...
The Right Time To Plant Corn
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When margins are tight, every fertilizer decision carries more weight. Should you build soil test levels, apply nutrients strictly based on crop respo...
The Realities of Farming Today
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 sh...
Standing With Farmers In Hard Times
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When Jason Franklin arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he wasn't aware of the level of hardship facing local farming communities. Once he began to he...
The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are back in Grace, Idaho, talking with fifth-generation farmer, Ryan Christensen, about the importance of return on investment (ROI) and yield. ...
Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 int...
Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Nutr...
Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mik...
Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What factors are influencing crop prices, input markets, and on-farm planning today? Host Mike Howell sits down with Mark Tully, Nutrien's director...
Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, regiona...
Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Wallbr...
Nitrogen Management: Lessons from the Prairies
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does nitrogen management look like in the Canadian Prairies? Find out as host Mike Howell sits down with Retired Agronomist, Ray Dowbenko, to ...
Managing and Maintaining a Natural Grass Field
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Brya...
Resilient By Design: A Look Inside Canadian Dairy
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Tight Tassel Wrap: The Latest Challenge in Corn
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This season has brought one of the most puzzling problems in corn production, the tight tassel wrap. Tight tassel wrap is an uncommon phenomenon th...
Managing Sulfur: Timing, Sources and Tools
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada has been managing sulfur throughout every stage of crop production for decades. Today, we're uncovering the lessons you can learn from their pl...
Fertilizer Storage: Protecting Quality and Flowability
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How the Calgary Stampede Connects Global Agriculture
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
The Calgary Stampede: A Gateway to the Future of Agriculture
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Smarter Sulfur Management
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Investing in Safer Farms and Fields
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How are ongoing conflicts reshaping fertilizer and energy markets around the world? Find out with Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Manager of Market ...
Paving Your Path in Agriculture
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover the exciting opportunities, careers and paths available in the agriculture industry. Walk through Rob Mikkelson's remarkable career in ag, ...
Not Your Average Veggie: Potato's Nutrient Demands
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 condition...
What's Impacting Fertilizer Supply This Season?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you navigate today's market conditions? Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Market Research Manager, Mark Tully, as they explore the comple...
Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mike Howell as he sits down with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Deputy Commissioner, JanLee Rowlett, to talk about t...
The Hidden Risks In Your Nitrogen Program
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Spotting, Diagnosing and Solving Potassium Deficiencies
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
How Land Judging Prepares Future Farmers
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ann...
Cover Crops: Planting With a Purpose
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are cover crops a worthwhile investment? Do their benefits outweigh their potential drawbacks? Join Mike Howell and North Dakota State University's...
Are We Overlooking Potassium?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Surprising Science Behind Sweet Potato Production
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 officia...
Supercharging Your Soil With Starter Fertilizers
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Spreading Success With Manure Management
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Goalpost Has Moved: Soil's New Demands
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency on a Budget
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Boosting Bottom Lines In Today's Market
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are costs trending in a positive direction? How will looming tariffs impact your profitability? What do crop prices look like in today's market condit...
Tariffs Explained: What It Means for Agriculture
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 (...
Preparing for Planting: What the Weather Says
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
A Tale of Two Thanksgivings
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Managing Soybean's Yield Robbing Diseases
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are some of the most common diseases that soybean growers face? How does soil fertility, crop rotation, soil moisture and the weather impact dise...
The Path to Pasture Profitability
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you enhance your forage production to improve profitability? What are some of the most common challenges that cattle producers face in creatin...
Sulfur and Nitrogen, The Dynamic Duo
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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? ...
Celebrating 65 Years of Potash Production
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mike Howell and special guest, Nutrien's Senior Vice President of Potash Operations, Trevor Berg, as they celebrate 65 years of potash production...
Turning to the Tropics: Farming's Future
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 regi...
Weathered But Strong: Rebuilding Georgia's Agriculture Sector
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Hurrica...
Soil Synergies: New Research & Trials
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Illinoi...
Building Banks and Boosting Yields
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Mike Howell sits down with Brady Goettl, the new Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Science with North Dakota State University. From bui...
Lessons in La Niña: Fall 2024 Weather Update
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take a quick trip around the globe with crowd favorite, Nutrien Science Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist, Eric Snodgrass. Join us as we expl...
Rotational Grazing: A Recipe for Regenerative Ag
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rotational grazing offers a variety of benefits to growers, their crops and livestock. From enhancing cattle productivity to improving forage stands, ...
Timing Tips: Applying Phosphorus and Potassium
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in as we continue the conversation around phosphorus and potassium management. Today, we dig into fall versus spring application. From the log...
Grower's Guide: Phosphorus and Potassium Management
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bla...
Next on Nitrogen: Fall Applications and Smart Sources
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 n...
The Ag Agenda: Policy Priorities For Farmers
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Finding Strength in the Struggle
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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? Liste...
Australia's Acres: Farming Down Under
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The FRST Step to Optimizing Fertilizer Use
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Necessity of Nutrients
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Fertilizer: Feeding the World
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 indust...
2024 Market Outlook
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
For Soil's Sake
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
The Conservation Conversation
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Forev...
Soil Secrets: Subsurface Moisture
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pla...
Fertility, Forage & The 4Rs
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
12-time Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Talks Mental Health
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Optimism Ahead: 2024 Global Weather Forecast
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Howell reconnects with crowd-favorite Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions to discuss recent weather events li...
Sulfur: More Than Just Fertilizer
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Howell connects with Craig Jorgenson, President and CEO of The Sulphur Institute to discuss the wider uses of sulfur. More than just the fourt...
Reaching Out: Managing On-Farm Stress
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Healt...
Put Your Soil Test to the Test
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Soil testing offers a great perspective into your soil and nutrient management, but there are some factors to consider for getting the most accurate r...
Decoding the Dicamba Dilemma
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A recent court ruling essentially took several dicamba-based herbicides off the market for American farmers growing soybeans and cotton. Host Mike How...
Where Has All the Potassium Gone?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How Your Water Source Impacts Your Pesticides
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Mike Howell and returning guest Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy, Nutrien, discuss the impacts your water sources can have on the effectiveness o...
Agriculture + Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell connects with Melissa Ploeckelman, Outreach Specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. They dive into...
Liquid Fertilizers: What's In Your Mix?
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 test...
Is Soil Salinity Impacting Your Crops?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Mike Howell and guests Lyle Cowell and Alan Blaylock, both senior agronomists with Nutrien are getting deep into the details of soil salinity, ho...
Talking Turf: Why and How to Fertilize Your Lawn
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 int...
Nitrogen Nitty-Gritty: Preventing Loss, Maximizing Yield
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nitrogen loss is a significant challenge for farmers. Gain valuable insights into the main causes of nitrogen loss and discover practical methods to p...
Bridging The Agriculture Perception Divide
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Thanksgiving: A Family Agriculture Affair
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Thanksgiving has undeniable ties to agriculture. In this special episode, Mike is joined by his two sons. Together, they discuss the holiday's agronom...
The Enzymatic Roles Of Copper And Manganese
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Everything You Need To Know About Potash
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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?), a...
Forage+Minerals: A Recipe For Livestock Nutrition
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a perfect world, cattle could get all their nutrients from the plant...but in most situations, those nutrients are missing in our forages. Tune in ...
What's Left In Your Field?
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's left in your field? Nutrien Senior Agronomist Lyle Cowell talks about the value of knowing what nutrients are in the field post-harvest and wha...
Liebig's Law: Tools to Manage Yield
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tools like Liebig's Law of the Minimum help growers manage inputs and yield potential, but what's the difference between the barrel and stave theory o...
Edible Bean Market Grows Globally
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Growing edible soybeans for export markets requires non-GMO varieties, weed management, the right equipment and crop protection products, and getting ...
North Dakota Growers, This is Your Episode
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Growing crops in North Dakota: soil salinity, tilling practices, nitrogen handling and the weather all create challenges for growers. Dive into what t...
Drain Tile Pays: Wet or Dry Years
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Executives from Ellingson Companies dig into the importance of drain tiles to maximize the economic benefit of your crops. From bigger bushels to opti...
Looking Ahead: Will the 2023 Markets Stabilize?
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A deep dive on current issues globally affecting fertilizer prices, market access and commodity prices. Includes drought impacts and trade issues. ...
Fall 2023 Weather Outlook with Eric Snodgrass
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions looks at how some dry regions are hoping for some moisture from the extensive hurricane activity this year. T...
Wildlife Food Plots: Year-Long Program
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Bill Maily, joins us to discuss the various management and nutrition considerations when starting a wildli...
From Milo to Tiktok: Farmer Dan Tells All
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Farmer Dan" joins Mike Howell from the Farm Progress Show this week to share what it's like to farm in the Texas Panhandle, being a social media star...
A Deep Dive into Deep Soil Testing
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
DeDe Jones and Jourdan Bell from Texas A&M AgriLife share the financial benefits of deep soil testing and why farmers should consider implementing it ...
Regenerative Ag: Five Key Concepts
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist with Nutrien shares the 5 key concepts he feels are critical for healthy soil. To discover the latest crop nutrit...
Winning 160 Acres of Gold
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Crozier, Nutrien, and winning growers Ken, Brad, and Dan Krwyko talk about the Seedmaster 160 Acres of Gold contest and the partnership and techno...
A Lifetime in the Chucks
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Sutherland shares his passion for chuckwagon racing, the importance of protein in a diet for thoroughbred horses, and retirement after 30 years o...