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The Dirt PodKast

Season 5

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, we break down the latest crop nutrition research and news— helping farmers make better business decisions through actionable insights.

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Most Recent Episode

Season 5    Episode 12    May 19, 2026

Episode 12: Sustainability Starts With Good Agronomy

In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Romero, Senior Sustainability Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions, to break it down sustainability in practical terms. For Carlos, sustainability isn’t abstract, it’s good agronomy that works both economically and environmentally.

 

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Season 5    Episode 12    May 19, 2026

Episode 12: Sustainability Starts With Good Agronomy

In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Romero, Senior Sustainability Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions, to break it down sustainability in practical terms. For Carlos, sustainability isn’t abstract, it’s good agronomy that works both economically and environmentally.

 

Season 5    Episode 11    May 12, 2026

Episode 11: The Evolution Of Ag Tech And What Comes Next

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Graham, President of AdFarm, to dig into why some innovations take off faster than others, how farmers decide what tech is actually worth using and what the next 20-25 years of farming could look like.

 

Season 5    Episode 10    May 5, 2026

Episode 10: How Nitrogen Fertilizer Is Made

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Boyda, Senior Manager of Operations at Nutrien’s Redwater nitrogen facility, to explore the full process behind nitrogen fertilizer production.

Season 5    Episode 9    April 28, 2026

Episode 9: Your Prairie Weather Forecast

In this episode, meteorologist David Spence breaks down how winter set the stage for spring conditions in the Canadian Prairies, where moisture levels stand, and what conditions could look like heading into seeding.

Season 5    Episode 5    March 31, 2026

Episode 5: What’s Driving Ag Markets Right Now?

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.

Season 5    Episode 4    March 24, 2026

Episode 4: The Right Time To Plant Corn

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.

Season 5    Episode 3    March 17, 2026

Episode 3: Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy

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.

Season 5    Episode 2    March 10, 2026

Episode 2: The Realities of Farming Today

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.

Season 5    Episode 1    March 3, 2026

Episode 1: Standing With Farmers In Hard Times

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.

Season 4    Episode 39    November 25, 2025

Episode 39: The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield

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.

Season 4    Episode 37    November 11, 2025

Episode 37: The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services

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.

Season 4    Episode 36    November 4, 2025

Episode 36: Protecting Your Farm’s Legacy with Succession Planning

Sit down with Mike Howell and Uncommon Farms’ Manager of Succession Planning, Mike Downey, as they uncover the realities of on-farm succession planning and estate planning and explore how to successfully transition a farm’s legacy to the next generation.

Season 4    Episode 35    October 28, 2025

Episode 35: When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season

Sit down with Mike Howell and Founder and President of Farm Rescue, Bill Gross, to explore how this one-of-a-kind nonprofit mobilizes the volunteers and equipment needed to help farm families save the season in times of need. From planting and haying to harvesting and feeding livestock, you’ll uncover exactly how Farm Rescue steps up when the unforeseen happens on the farm.

Season 4    Episode 34    October 21, 2025

Episode 34: How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars

Host Mike Howell is joined by Alan Meijer and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical to discuss the real ROI of soil testing and why cutting back under tight margins isn’t ideal. Explore how often to test your soil, the best time of year to sample, and which soil test results matter most for your bottom line.

Season 4    Episode 33    October 14, 2025

Episode 33: Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says

How has the weather impacted the end of this year’s crop, and what does our winter weather outlook say? Find out with Mike Howell and special guest, Sr. Science and Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions, Eric Snodgrass.

Season 4    Episode 32    October 7, 2025

Episode 32: Navigating Farming’s Economic Cycles

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.

Season 4    Episode 30    September 23, 2025

Episode 30: Desert Farming: Efficiency is the Name of the Game

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.

Season 4    Episode 29    September 16, 2025

Episode 29: Tapping Into Crop Conversations With Biosensors

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.

Season 4    Episode 24    August 12, 2025

Episode 24: Managing Sulfur: Timing, Sources and Tools

Uncover the critical role that sulfur plays in our crops, why canola has such a great demand for this nutrient, the differences between sulfate sulfur sources and elemental sulfur sources, the best time to apply, the 4Rs and sulfur fertilization.

Season 4    Episode 23    August 5, 2025

Episode 23: Fertilizer Storage: Protecting Quality and Flowability

Learn how and why fertilizers clump, the two primary ways they absorb moisture, how to prevent moisture absorption and what simple steps can make a big difference in fertilizer storability, flowability and safety, particularly in Western Canada.

Season 4    Episode 19    July 8, 2025

Episode 19: Investing in Safer Farms and Fields

From the basics of first aid to the most life-saving measures on the farm, Dr. Bowden shares what every farmer should know about caring for yourself and others in the field.

Season 4    Episode 18    July 1, 2025

Episode 18: Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply

Take a closer look at both immediate and long-term impacts for producers and importers, including changing urea prices and nitrogen supplies, and how the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could impact global availability.

Season 4    Episode 11    May 13, 2025

Episode 11: How Land Judging Prepares Future Farmers

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 annual contest to uncover their experiences, what they learn and how the event prepares them for a future in farming.

Season 4    Episode 10    May 6, 2025

Episode 10: Cover Crops: Planting With a Purpose

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.

Season 4    Episode 9    April 29, 2025

Episode 9: Are We Overlooking Potassium?

From impacting nutrient availability and water balance to supporting plant development and reproduction, we explore it all. We uncover how potassium cycles through the soil to enhance your profitability.

Season 4    Episode 3    March 18, 2025

Episode 3: Boosting Bottom Lines In Today’s Market

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.

Season 4    Episode 2    March 11, 2025

Episode 2: Tariffs Explained: What It Means for Agriculture

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, we break down everything you need to know about what’s next for agriculture.

Season 3    Episode 39    November 26, 2024

Episode 39: A Tale of Two Thanksgivings

Explore the tale of two Thanksgivings as Mike Howell, and special guest, Lyle Cowell, explore the history and origin of Canadian and American Thanksgiving in this holiday episode of The Dirt.

Season 3    Episode 37    November 12, 2024

Episode 37: The Path to Pasture Profitability

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.

Season 3    Episode 28    September 10, 2024

Episode 28: Timing Tips: Applying Phosphorus and Potassium

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.

Season 3    Episode 25    August 20, 2024

Episode 25: The Ag Agenda: Policy Priorities For Farmers

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.

 

Season 3    Episode 24    August 13, 2024

Episode 24: Finding Strength in the Struggle

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.

Season 3    Episode 23    August 6, 2024

Episode 23: Australia’s Acres: Farming Down Under

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.

Season 3    Episode 21    July 23, 2024

Episode 21: The Necessity of Nutrients

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.

Season 3    Episode 19    July 9, 2024

Episode 20: Fertilizer: Feeding the World

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.

Season 3    Episode 19    July 9, 2024

Episode 19: 2024 Market Outlook

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.

Season 3    Episode 18    July 2, 2024

Episode 18: For Soil’s Sake

Mike and Dr. Michael Thompson take a closer look at variety of disciplines that exist in soil science and the ways that the SSSA supports them.

Season 3    Episode 17    June 25, 2024

Episode 17: The Conservation Conversation

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 Forever.

Season 3    Episode 15    June 11, 2024

Episode 15: Fertility, Forage & The 4Rs

Mike and Lyle Cowell take a closer look at forage production in North America and how to best maintain soil fertility for maximum production.

Season 3    Episode 13    May 28, 2024

Episode 13: Optimism Ahead: 2024 Global Weather Forecast

Mike Howell reconnects with crowd-favorite Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions to discuss recent weather events like the derecho that hit Houston, wild solar activity and the shift from El Niño to La Niña.

Season 3    Episode 12    May 21, 2024

Episode 12: Sulfur: More Than Just Fertilizer

Mike Howell connects with Craig Jorgenson, President and CEO of The Sulphur Institute to discuss the wider uses of sulfur.
More than just the fourth major crop nutrient, this versatile element is an important industrial material to the mining, chemical and energy industries. It is also essential to producing other fertilizers, such as phosphate.

Season 3    Episode 11    May 14, 2024

Episode 11: Reaching Out – Managing On-Farm Stress

Listen as host Mike Howell visits with Dr. Florence Becot on the impacts of mental health on the farm, where farmers can reach out for help, who else can help farmers who might be struggling or in a crisis, and how farmers can support other farmers not only in their communities but across the country.

Season 3    Episode 10    May 7, 2024

Episode 10: Put Your Soil Test to the Test

Listen as host Mike Howell visits with Dr. Bryan Hopkins on soil testing and the considerations you should make when testing and analyzing your soil results.

Season 3    Episode 9    April 30, 2024

Episode 9: Decoding the Dicamba Dilemma

A recent court ruling essentially took several dicamba-based herbicides off the market for American farmers growing soybeans and cotton. Host Mike Howell and guest Tom Eubanks discuss the impact this will have on US-based growers.

Season 3    Episode 8    April 23, 2024

Episode 8: Where Has All the Potassium Gone?

Host Mike Howell and returning guest Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist at Nutrien discuss the current needs of potassium in soils across the country.

Season 3    Episode 7    April 16, 2024

Episode 7: How Your Water Source Impacts Your Pesticides

Host Mike Howell and returning guest Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy, Nutrien, discuss the impacts your water sources can have on the effectiveness of your spray applications of pesticides and fertilizers.

Season 3    Episode 6    April 9, 2024

Episode 6: Agriculture + Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell connects with Melissa Ploeckelman, Outreach Specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. They dive into the topic of on-farm mental health and how the stress of farming can impact the mental health of farmers.

Season 3    Episode 5    April 2, 2024

Episode 5: Liquid Fertilizers: What’s In Your Mix?

Join our host, Mike Howell as he chats with Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien about mixing liquid fertilizers. They’ll get into jar testing, the benefits, possible risks, protecting yourself and your crops and who to go to when you have questions.

Season 3    Episode 4    March 26, 2024

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.

Season 3    Episode 3    March 19, 2024

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.

Season 3    Episode 2    March 12, 2024

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.

Season 3    Episode 1    March 5, 2024

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.

Season 2    Episode 38    November 21, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 37    November 14, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 36    November 7, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 35    October 31, 2023

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?”

Season 2    Episode 34    October 24, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 26    August 29, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 25    August 22, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 23    August 8, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 22    August 1, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 21    July 25, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 20    July 18, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 18    July 4, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 15    June 13, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 5    April 4, 2023

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.

Season 2    Episode 1    March 7, 2023

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.

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