The Dirt PodKast
An eKonomics podKast featuring down-and-dirty agronomic science to help grow crops and bottom lines. Inspired by 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.
Lets dig in.
Season 3 is out now. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Most Recent Episodes
All Episodes
Choose Year:
Episode 7: How Your Water Source Impacts Your Pesticides
Episode 6: Agriculture + Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
Episode 5: Liquid Fertilizers: What’s In Your Mix?
Episode 4: Is Soil Salinity Impacting Your Crops?
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.
Episode 3: Talking Turf: Why and How to Fertilize Your Lawn
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.
Episode 2: Nitrogen Nitty-Gritty: Preventing Loss, Maximizing Yield
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.
Episode 1: Bridging The Agriculture Perception Divide
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.
Episode 38: Thanksgiving: A Family Agriculture Affair
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.
Episode 37: The Enzymatic Roles Of Copper And Manganese
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.
Episode 36: Everything You Need To Know About Potash
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.
Episode 35: Forage+Minerals: A Recipe For Livestock Nutrition
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?”
Episode 34: What’s Left In Your Field?
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.
Episode 33: Liebig’s Law: Tools to Manage Yield
Learn about how tools like Liebig’s Law of the Minimum help growers manage inputs and yield potential.
Episode 32: Edible Bean Market Grows Globally
Join Mike and Bob Sinner to discuss the ins and outs of edible bean production.
Episode 31: North Dakota Growers, This is Your Episode
Dive into what challenges North Dakota growers face with Mike and Professor and Extension Soil Specialist at North Dakota State University, Dr. David Franzen.
Episode 30: Drain Tile Pays: Wet or Dry Years
Executives from Ellingson Companies dig into the importance of drain tiles to maximize the economic benefit of your crops.
Episode 29: Looking Ahead: Will the 2023 Markets Stabilize?
Mark Tully provides a 2023 market update.
Episode 28: Fall 2023 Weather Outlook with Eric Snodgrass
Eric Snodgrass provides a Fall 2023 Weather Update.
Episode 27: Wildlife Food Plots: Year-Long Program
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Bill Maily, joins us to discuss the various management and nutrition considerations when starting a wildlife food plot.
Episode 26: From Milo to Tiktok: Farmer Dan Tells All
“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.
Episode 25: A Deep Dive into Deep Soil Testing
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.
Episode 24: Regenerative Ag: Five Key Concepts
Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist with Nutrien shares the 5 key concepts he feels are critical for healthy soil.
Episode 23: Winning 160 Acres of Gold
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.
Episode 22: A Lifetime in the Chucks
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.
Episode 22: A Lifetime in the Chucks
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.
Episode 21: Take Me To The Rodeo
Lyle Cowell checks in from the Calgary Stampede – a summer chat about crazy midway food and rodeo events, coupled with a Canadian crop report.
Episode 20: 4-H Offers Youth Something For Everyone
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.
Episode 19: Bushel Simplifies Farm Data Management
Bushel provides an app that simplifies grain marketing decisions as well as farm management planning.
Episode 18: The High Stress of a Low Mississippi River
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.
Episode 17: You Can’t Change the Weather – Ways to Manage Drought
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.
Episode 16: From Field to Future: Innovation at Grand Farm
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.
Episode 15: Why Is Everyone Talking About Sulfur?
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.
Episode 14: Want To Increase Disease Resistance, Decrease Lodging? Check Your Chloride.
Learn why chloride is so critical to most plants and crops, how it works and how to manage it.
Episode 13: Understanding Stats – Trash In, Trash Out.
Dr. Darrin Dodds shares his years of experience managing ag data and statistics.
Episode 12: Tight Supply Doesn’t Always Mean High Prices
Mark Tully, Manager of Global Market Research at Nutrien, reviews global supply and pricing for fertilizer, commodity pricing and global market changes this spring.
Episode 11: Don’t Forget the Sulfur! Agriculture’s Fourth Nutrient
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.
Episode 10: Drilling Down Deep; The Critical Role of Sulfur
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.
Episode 9: Nitrogen Pays The Bills in Rice Production
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.
Episode 8: Who Gets the Buddy Seat on Your Farm?
Brian Kuhl, president of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation talks to Mike Howell about the ways farming can be made safer for children.
Episode 7: Feeding Your Field – Yield Boosting Nutrients for Cotton and Peanut Production
Dr. Glen Harris joins Mike Howell to look at improving cotton and peanut nutrients through fertilization of essential elements.
Episode 6: Improvements in Soybean Crop Management Yield Results
Dr. Trent Irby discusses the changes in soybean production including more intensive management, changes in planting dates and fertilizer use.
Episode 5: North of the 49th: Crash Course in Canola
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.
Episode 4: El Nino Returns; Brings Hope For a Better Growing Season
Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions sees some reprieve from drought conditions with the return of El Nino.
Episode 3: Managing Potato Fertility is Critical
Idaho potato farmer Ryan Christensen talks potato fertility, nitrogen and water management this week on The Dirt.
Episode 2: Record-breaking Corn Grower Shares Fertilizer Tips and Tricks
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.
Episode 1: Brian Arnall Talks Biostimulants
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.
Episode 36: What We’re Thankful For – Hear from the Nutrien Agronomy Team
The Nutrien Agronomy team discuss what Thanksgiving means to them, their holiday traditions and what they’re thankful for this year.
Episode 35: Nutrien’s Sustainability Efforts with Mark Thompson
Mike Howell speaks with Mark Thompson about food security, climate, environment and how Nutrien keeps sustainability top of mind.
Episode 34: A Fifth-Generation Corn Farmer’s Perspective on Sustainable Agriculture
Andy Jobman, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association discusses this year’s corn harvest, soil sampling and sustainable practices.
Episode 33: Sustainable Potato Production with Carl Rosen
Dr. Carl Rosen discusses how potato growers become more sustainable, how to minimize nutrient loss and some nitrogen management techniques.
Episode 32: Implementing Sustainable Agriculture Practices with Sally Fliss
Dr. Sally Fliss joins Mike Howell to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and how you can implement these practices on your farm.
Episode 31: Understanding Sustainable Agriculture with Michelle Nutting
Michelle Nutting discussed sustainable agriculture and how the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is helping farmers to be more sustainable.
Episode 30: The Importance of the 4Rs with Dr. Cristie Preston
In this episode, Dr. Cristie Preston discusses the 4Rs and how growers can increase efficiency and profitability by using the program.
Episode 29: The Role of Molybdenum in Plants with Dr. Vaughn Reed
Dr. Vaughn Reed joins Mike Howell to discuss the role of molybdenum in plants, the importance of pH, how to spot deficiencies and more.
Episode 28: The Role of Iron in plants with Dr. Brian Arnall
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.
Episode 27: Expert Advice about Fall Application with Dr. Alan Blaylock
Dr. Alan Blaylock joins Mike Howell to discuss the benefits, rate, timing and sources of nitrogen application in the fall.
Episode 26: Perspectives on Residue Management at the 2022 Farm Progress Show
Mike Howell chats with growers and Dr. Karl Wyant. Tune on residue management techniques and how to mitigate nutrient loss after harvest.
Episode 25: Key Events and Trends Impacting Global Agricultural Markets with Mark Tully: Fall Update
Mark Tully joins Mike Howell for an update on the key events and trends impacting agricultural markets as we head into September.
Episode 24: What’s Going on Inside Your Plants: Tissue Testing with Scott Fitchner and Jenna Overmyer
Scott Fitchner and Jenna Overmyer walk through the reasons why tissue testing is a critical practice for farmers making fertilizer decisions.
Episode 23: Going nuts with Dr. John Beasley – Why boron isn’t boring
Dr. John Beasley, Professor at Auburn University joins Mike Howell to dig into the critical role of boron in peanut production.
Episode 22: Farm Safety with John Hubbard, and a Tailgating Kick-off with Natasha Haynes
John Hubbard and Natasha Haynes join Mike Howell to dig into farm safety advice and food safety when tailgating.
Episode 21: The Dirt LIVE from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In this episode of The Dirt Mike Howell is coming to you live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Episode 20: Weather Impacts on Agricultural Production with Eric Snodgrass – July Update
From relief for farmers experiencing drought to a potentially active hurricane season, hear weather predictions for the month ahead.
Episode 19: The Role of Zinc in Plants with Dr. Jeff Schoenau
Dr. Jeff Schoenau discusses the role of zinc in photosynthesis, common fertilizer sources, plant availability, & soil versus foliar applications.
Episode 18: The Relationship Between Soil Fertility and Plant Diseases with Dr. Tom Allen
Dr. Tom Allen joins The Dirt to dig into the relationship between soil fertility & plant diseases, including how to identify and manage them.
Episode 17: Defining, Monitoring, and Preparing for Drought Conditions with Dr. Karl Wyant
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.
Episode 16: Crop Updates and Double Crop Soybeans with Dr. Cristie Preston
Dr. Cristie Preston and Mike Howell share crop updates from their respective geographies and dig into a discussion on double crop soybeans.
Episode 15: The Role of Magnesium in Plants with Dr. Karl Wyant
Nutrien Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of magnesium in plants.
Episode 14: Key Events and Trends Impacting Global Agricultural Markets with Mark Tully
Dr. John Halvin of North Carolina State University joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of calcium in plants.
Episode 13: The Role of Calcium in Plants with Dr. John Halvin
Dr. John Halvin of North Carolina State University joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of calcium in plants.
Episode 12: The Role of Sulfur in Plants with Dr. Alan Blaylock and Ron Olson
Dr. Alan Blaylock and Ron Olson dig into the role of sulfur in plants, common fertilizer sources, deficiency symptoms and more.
Episode 11: The Role of Potassium in Plants with Dr. Antonio Mallarino
Dr. Antoni Mallarino digs into the role of potassium in plants, common fertilizer sources, plant availability and more.
Episode 10: Weather Impacts on Agricultural Production with Eric Snodgrass
Eric Snodgrass digs into severe weather potential in May and shares predictions for the summer forecast.
Episode 9: The Role of Phosphorus in Plants with Dr. Cristie Preston
Today’s episode of The Dirt continues our series on essential nutrients for plant growth with a discussion on phosphorus.
Episode 8: The Impact of Commodity, Fertilizer and Fuel Prices with Chris Reynolds
Dig into supply chain factors driving the commodity and fertilizer markets today.
Episode 7: The Role of Nitrogen in Plants with Dr. Hunter Frame: Part Two
Dr. Hunter Frame joins the show to continue the discussion on the role of nitrogen in plants.
Episode 6: The Role of Nitrogen in Plants with Dr. Hunter Frame: Part One
Dr. Hunter Frame joins the show to dig into the role of nitrogen in plants.
Episode 5: Essential Nutrients For Plant Growth with Dr. Alan Blaylock
Dr. Alan Blaylock joins the show to break down essential nutrients and dig deeper into three of the major nutrient categories.
Episode 4: The Importance of Soil pH with Dr. Larry Oldham and Dr. Clain Jones
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.
Episode 3: Farmers’ Perspectives on 2022 at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
Farmers Taylor Butterworth, William Atkins, and Ted Kendall at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show to discuss their plans for #Plant22.
Episode 2: Interpreting Soil Test Results with Nathan Slaton
Dr. Nathan Slaton with the University of Arkansas talks about interpreting a soil test report.
Episode 1: The Ins and Outs of Soil Sampling with Dr. Oscar Ruiz
Dr. Oscar Ruiz with Waypoint Analytical joins the show to talk through soil sampling.