Home Podcast Network The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

Listen Now

About This Podcast

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.

Back to Podcast Network

Recent Episodes

How the Calgary Stampede Connects Global Agriculture

How the Calgary Stampede Connects Global Agriculture

July 29, 2025 15:26
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, Mike Howell sits down with Chair of the Calgary Stampede's International Agriculture and Agri-Food Sub-Committee, Scott Exner, to discuss the Stampede's evolving role in international collaboration, networking and connection.
 
Scott shares his insights into why thousands of international guests make the trip to Alberta for this iconic event every year. It's not just for the rodeo—it's a gathering place where they can participate in meaningful networking with the entire sector, and it's a place where our industry can bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
 
Join the conversation to learn how the Calgary Stampede plans to continue to serve as a vital hub for thought leadership and ag innovation around the world.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
The Calgary Stampede: A Gateway to the Future of Agriculture

The Calgary Stampede: A Gateway to the Future of Agriculture

July 22, 2025 24:35
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 Agriculture Hall of Famer, AdFarm Founder and Canadian agriculture advocate, Kim McConnell, as they explore food and farming at one of Canada's most iconic events - the Calgary Stampede.
 
Tune in to uncover the Stampede's history and roots in cattle country and its evolving role as a platform for policy, connection and education - helping to bridge the gap between Canadian producers and consumers.
 
Explore the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian ag, the future of the agri-food industry and why mentoring the next generation is critical for our success.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
Smarter Sulfur Management

Smarter Sulfur Management

July 15, 2025 25:54
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 in our fields.
 
Join Mike Howell and special guest, Eve-Lyn Hinckley, as they explore Hinckley's recent research on sulfur. From increasing nitrogen use efficiency to changing soil pH, we explore sulfur's critical role in our soil and how it works together with various nutrients to support crop production. From the rising need for sulfur to tips for better and smarter sulfur management, we explore it all.
 
We also dig into the first global analysis of sulfur deficiency and Hinckley's role in spearheading the new research.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com 
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics 
Investing in Safer Farms and Fields

Investing in Safer Farms and Fields

July 8, 2025 32:54
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, a practicing ER doctor with firsthand insight into the health and safety risks faced by farmers every day. 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.
 
Discover what to do – and what not to do – during common farm incidents, why every farm needs a well-stocked first aid kit, how to respond to a broken bone, how to respond while waiting for EMS to arrive, what to do in the event of a snake bite, how to recognize and address heat stress and more on this exciting episode.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply

Navigating Global Impacts on Fertilizer Supply

July 1, 2025 20:17
How are ongoing conflicts reshaping fertilizer and energy markets around the world?
 
Find out with Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Manager of Market Research, Mark Tully. Explore how energy prices and fertilizer supplies have changed as a result of ongoing conflict in the Middle East - one of the most important regions in fertilizer production.
 
From losing half a million tons of prompt fertilizer supply to the closure of major production facilities, we uncover it all.
 
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.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
Paving Your Path in Agriculture

Paving Your Path in Agriculture

June 24, 2025 22:55
Uncover the exciting opportunities, careers and paths available in the agriculture industry.
 
Walk through Rob Mikkelson's remarkable career in ag, one that spanned nearly 40 years while taking him far beyond the field. From early roles in government to leadership positions across the industry, this episode explores the pivotal decisions and leaps that shaped a fulfilling career in agriculture.
 
Rob reflects on how he stumbled into soil science, the mentors that shaped his path, his contributions to 4R Nutrient Stewardship, the path he took and the endless opportunities available to the next generation.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
Not Your Average Veggie: Potato's Nutrient Demands

Not Your Average Veggie: Potato's Nutrient Demands

June 17, 2025 27:45
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 conditions, a solid fertilizer program and a strong understanding of how they grow throughout the season. Explore how you can support your potato crop on this episode of The Dirt.
 
Join Mike Howell and Brigham Young Professor and Professional Soil Scientist, Bryan G. Hopkins, as they explore how to manage nutrition throughout production. Tune in to uncover nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus application rates and explore best practices in nutrient management that can support your success.
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
What's Impacting Fertilizer Supply This Season?

What's Impacting Fertilizer Supply This Season?

June 10, 2025 20:06
How can you navigate today's market conditions?
 
Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Market Research Manager, Mark Tully, as they explore the complexities of agriculture's current market landscape.
 
Mark unpacks fertilizer availability and how various international trade dynamics have impacted global supplies of fertilizer. From tight nitrogen and phosphorus supplies to strong demands for potash, we uncover it all. We also explore how current supplies and trade uncertainties will impact commodity prices and what these dynamics mean for your farm.
 
Plus, Mark shares what he says he is keeping a close eye on this season (hint: he's got his eyes on the sky).
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm

Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm

June 3, 2025 19:11
Join Mike Howell as he sits down with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Deputy Commissioner, JanLee Rowlett, to talk about the future of our fields. Explore how organizations like Future Farmers of America, 4-H and the department of agriculture are developing and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders—from farmers to accountants. Learn about the department of agriculture's current programs and how they encourage youth to come back to rural communities.
 
Learn more about the year of youth in agriculture: https://ag.ok.gov/year-of-youth-in-agriculture/
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
The Hidden Risks In Your Nitrogen Program

The Hidden Risks In Your Nitrogen Program

May 27, 2025 30:41
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 learned in over a decade in the field. According to Dr. Fabián, it's all about managing risk. Tune in as he shares what's worked year in and year out in preventing loss and driving a greater ROI. Uncover the unmatched value of spring applications, tips for fall applications and the essential role of adequate soil drainage.
 
Plus, Dr. Fabián shares his expert tips for managing nitrogen in sandy soils (including his rule of thumb for the best time to apply).
 
Read Dr. Fabián's full article on the University of Minnesota Extension website: https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/02/four-things-ive-learned-about-nitrogen.html
 
Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com
 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics
 
 

Due to the nature of the event, all registrations are final and non-refundable. We appreciate your understanding.

 © 2025 My Ag Life | JCS Marketing, Inc.