Nutrien Senior Agronomist
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.
Subscribe on your favorite platform
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Senior Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass to break down the patterns shaping the 2026 growing season.
Browse other episodes & seasons
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Senior Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass to break down the patterns shaping the 2026 growing season.
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, Jason Newton, to explore what’s driving ag markets today and uncover how small shifts can make an impact throughout the growing season.
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Erick J. Larson to explore the right time to plant corn. They uncover the advantages and risks of early planting, how soil temperature and moisture impact emergence and how early-season decisions can shape your corn’s potential.
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.
As planting approaches, we sat down with Shaun to explore what’s surfacing in his recent conversations with growers and what’s shaping their decisions for the season ahead.
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.
In this episode of The Dirt, we head to Grace, Idaho, to talk with fifth-generation farmer Ryan Christensen about what return on investment actually means on the farm, why it’s important, and why Ryan farms for a greater ROI over a greater yield.
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.
Mike Howell and guest Dr. Angus Catchot, the director of extension at Mississippi State University, explore what extension services really are, what they do, and why they are indispensable to our communities.
On this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Regional Agronomy Manager and Innovation Farm Lead, Richard Mead, and Nutrien Director of Agronomy, Dr. Karl Wyant, for a deep dive into desert agriculture and what farming looks like in California and Arizona.
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.
Dig into how Canadians prevent nitrogen loss, the increasing value of urea, controlled-release nitrogen products and tips for greater nitrogen management in this exciting episode.
In this episode of The Dirt, Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins joins Mike Howell to break down the art and science of sports turf management.
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.
Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Dan Quinn, Purdue University’s extension corn specialist, to explore tight tassel wrap, a new challenge in corn.
Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Market Research Manager, Mark Tully, as they explore the complexities of agriculture’s current market landscape.
It’s the year of youth in agriculture across the state of Oklahoma, and we’re exploring the opportunities that prepare our youth for a future on the farm.
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.
With potassium deficiencies on the rise across North America, we’re taking a closer look at how you can address mid-season crop needs.
Tune in today to uncover Dr. Goettl’s path in soil health and fertility while gaining practical insights for cover cropping on your operation. Plus, you’ll uncover what Dr. Goettl says to every farmer considering the use of cover crops.
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.
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.
The goalpost has shifted in nutrient management—are you keeping up? Join Mike Howell and John Grove to learn more.
Join 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.
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.
Mike Howell chats with soybean specialist, Dr. Wade Webster, to explore best practices and research-driven solutions for disease management.
Mike Howell and special guest, Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri, sit down to share their insights and discuss new and upcoming research and findings. From Roberts’ current research insights to his plans for future projects on milo and native forages, we uncover it all.
Mike Howell sits down with Senior Agronimist, Dr. Alan Blaylock, to uncover the relationship between sulfur and nitrogen.
Follow Nutrien’s journey in potash, from the first Patience Lake mine in 1959 to producing over 20% of the world’s potash supply.
Travel to Trinidad in this week’s episode as we discuss agriculture and farming in Trinidad and Tobago.
Brady Goettl joins Mike Howell to discuss navigating nutrient management in North Dakota and the importance of supporting your soil.
Explore recent weather patterns, tropical systems and atmospheric events that will impact agricultural production around the world.
Gain valuable insights into the benefits of rotational grazing and the technologies that have advanced its efficiency from Brianna Elliot, Techgonomist at Olds College.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Howell and guest Kara Bryant 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.
Mike Howell reconnects with Dr. Nathan Slaton to chat about the future of nutrient management and the FRST program—the fertilizer recommendation support tool.
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.
On this week’s episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Alan Blaylock and Dr. Rob Mikkelsen to discuss the history of the fertilizer industry.
From supply and demand trends and commodity prices to fertilizer production and global market changes, Mark Tully breaks down everything you need to know this season.
Mike and Lyle Cowell take a closer look at forage production in North America and how to best maintain soil fertility for maximum production.
Join Mike Howell as he chats with Brett Gardiner, 12-time Canadian Pro Rodeo announcer of the year on the challenges of mental health in agriculture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to this episode of The Dirt with Dr. Daniel Rivera, Director and Associate Professor at the Southwest Research & Extension Center, as he answers the question: “How should a grower go about selecting a good mineral?”
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 what will be there when spring seeding begins.
Learn about how tools like Liebig’s Law of the Minimum help growers manage inputs and yield potential.
Join Mike and Bob Sinner to discuss the ins and outs of edible bean production.
Dive into what challenges North Dakota growers face with Mike and Professor and Extension Soil Specialist at North Dakota State University, Dr. David Franzen.
Executives from Ellingson Companies dig into the importance of drain tiles to maximize the economic benefit of your crops.
Mark Tully provides a 2023 market update.
Eric Snodgrass provides a Fall 2023 Weather Update.
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Bill Maily, joins us to discuss the various management and nutrition considerations when starting a wildlife food plot.
“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, an in-depth look at growing milo and why a strong nutrient management plan is so important.
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 on their operations.
Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist with Nutrien shares the 5 key concepts he feels are critical for healthy soil.
Amy Crozier, Specialities Marketing Rep with Nutrien, and winning growers Ken, Brad, and Dan Krywko talk about the SeedMaster 160 Acres of Gold contest and the partnership and technology that are involved.
Mark Sutherland shares his passion for chuckwagon racing, the importance of protein in a diet for thoroughbred horses, and retirement after 30 years of competing.
Lyle Cowell checks in from the Calgary Stampede – a summer chat about crazy midway food and rodeo events, coupled with a Canadian crop report.
Founded over 120 years ago as an extension tool for farming communities, the 4-H program continues to provide youth with a vast amount of opportunity. Dive into the history of 4-H with host Mike Howell and our distinguished guests.
Bushel provides an app that simplifies grain marketing decisions as well as farm management planning.
Crop production isn’t the only thing in agriculture impacted by the current drought conditions. Learn how low water levels on the Mississippi River may affect fertilizer logistics and the economy moving forward.
Drought conditions are shifting this year but large portions of the seeded acres are still under drought stress. What does this mean for growers and what are ways to manage this challenge this year and in the long term.
Hear Andrew Jason, Grand Farm’s Ecosystem Director, discuss the importance innovation plays in agriculture and some of the exciting work happening at Grand Farm.
With sulfur deficiencies on the rise, Dr. Karl Wyant, Nutrien’s Director of Agronomy, highlights the need for fertilizer supplementation. Learn what to look for and the different sulfur fertilizer options available.
Learn why chloride is so critical to most plants and crops, how it works and how to manage it.
Dr. Darrin Dodds shares his years of experience managing ag data and statistics.
Mark Tully, Manager of Global Market Research at Nutrien, reviews global supply and pricing for fertilizer, commodity pricing and global market changes this spring.
The Sulphur World Symposium is the perfect place for Mike Howell to meet with the leading researchers and scientists and discuss what growers need to know about a growing sulfur deficiency around the world.
The Sulphur World Symposium is the perfect place for Mike Howell to meet with the leading researchers and scientists and discuss what growers need to know about a growing sulfur deficiency around the world.
Trent Roberts from the University of Arkansas shares his experience growing rice in the mid-south. The unique crop needs special attention to water and nutrient management.
Brian Kuhl, president of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation talks to Mike Howell about the ways farming can be made safer for children.
Dr. Glen Harris joins Mike Howell to look at improving cotton and peanut nutrients through fertilization of essential elements.
Dr. Trent Irby discusses the changes in soybean production including more intensive management, changes in planting dates and fertilizer use.
Join Nutrien agrologist Lyle Cowell to learn about Canada’s golden crop; Canola. What makes it special and why it grows so well on the Canadian Prairies? We talk timing, fertility, pests & soil health.
Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions sees some reprieve from drought conditions with the return of El Nino.
Idaho potato farmer Ryan Christensen talks potato fertility, nitrogen and water management this week on The Dirt.
This week The Dirt looks at a high-yielding corn grower in Virginia and what the fertilizer he is doing there! Mike Howell talks to Heath Cutrelll and Fenton Eure about ESN, equipment, tissue-testing and more.
Dr. Brian Arnall joins Mike Howell to look at ongoing research into the ways biostimulants can improve nitrogen fixing in the soil, reduce nitrogen use, phosphorus, glucose and the challenges and opportunities this technology may offer.
The Nutrien Agronomy team discuss what Thanksgiving means to them, their holiday traditions and what they’re thankful for this year.
Mike Howell speaks with Mark Thompson about food security, climate, environment and how Nutrien keeps sustainability top of mind.
Andy Jobman, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association discusses this year’s corn harvest, soil sampling and sustainable practices.
Dr. Carl Rosen discusses how potato growers become more sustainable, how to minimize nutrient loss and some nitrogen management techniques.
Dr. Sally Flis joins Mike Howell to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and how you can implement these practices on your farm.
Michelle Nutting discussed sustainable agriculture and how the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is helping farmers to be more sustainable.
In this episode, Dr. Cristie Preston discusses the 4Rs and how growers can increase efficiency and profitability by using the program.
Dr. Vaughn Reed joins Mike Howell to discuss the role of molybdenum in plants, the importance of pH, how to spot deficiencies and more.
Dr. Brian Arnall from joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of iron in plants, how to spot deficiencies, common fertilizer sources and more.
Dr. Alan Blaylock joins Mike Howell to discuss the benefits, rate, timing and sources of nitrogen application in the fall.
Mike Howell chats with growers and Dr. Karl Wyant. Tune on residue management techniques and how to mitigate nutrient loss after harvest.
Mark Tully joins Mike Howell for an update on the key events and trends impacting agricultural markets as we head into September.
Scott Fitchner and Jenna Overmyer walk through the reasons why tissue testing is a critical practice for farmers making fertilizer decisions.
Dr. John Beasley, Professor at Auburn University joins Mike Howell to dig into the critical role of boron in peanut production.
John Hubbard and Natasha Haynes join Mike Howell to dig into farm safety advice and food safety when tailgating.
In this episode of The Dirt Mike Howell is coming to you live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
From relief for farmers experiencing drought to a potentially active hurricane season, hear weather predictions for the month ahead.
Dr. Jeff Schoenau discusses the role of zinc in photosynthesis, common fertilizer sources, plant availability, & soil versus foliar applications.
Dr. Tom Allen joins The Dirt to dig into the relationship between soil fertility & plant diseases, including how to identify and manage them.
Karl Wyant joins The Dirt to dig into the different definitions of drought and what farmers can do to monitor and prepare their fields for it.
Dr. Cristie Preston and Mike Howell share crop updates from their respective geographies and dig into a discussion on double crop soybeans.
Nutrien Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of magnesium in plants.
Mark Tully joins Mike Howell to dig into the factors affecting commodity prices, and ultimately, farmers’ bottom lines.
Dr. John Halvin of North Carolina State University joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of calcium in plants.
Dr. Alan Blaylock and Ron Olson dig into the role of sulfur in plants, common fertilizer sources, deficiency symptoms and more.
Dr. Antonio Mallarino digs into the role of potassium in plants, common fertilizer sources, plant availability and more.
Eric Snodgrass digs into severe weather potential in May and shares predictions for the summer forecast.
Today’s episode of The Dirt continues our series on essential nutrients for plant growth with a discussion on phosphorus.
Dig into supply chain factors driving the commodity and fertilizer markets today.
Dr. Hunter Frame joins the show to continue the discussion on the role of nitrogen in plants.
Dr. Hunter Frame joins the show to dig into the role of nitrogen in plants.
Dr. Alan Blaylock joins the show to break down essential nutrients and dig deeper into three of the major nutrient categories.
Mike Howell is joined by Dr. Larry Oldham with Mississippi State University and Dr. Clain Jones with Montana State University to dig into this discussion on soil pH.
Farmers Taylor Butterworth, William Atkins, and Ted Kendall at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show to discuss their plans for #Plant22.
Dr. Nathan Slaton with the University of Arkansas talks about interpreting a soil test report.
Dr. Oscar Ruiz with Waypoint Analytical joins the show to talk through soil sampling.
Get all the latest information straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe any time. Don’t show me this again
