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.
When Jason Franklin arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he wasn't aware of the level of hardship facing local farming communities. Once he began to hear their stories, he couldn't help but show up.
In this episode, 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.
What began as a local breakfast for farmers has grown into something much bigger – a community effort to pray over and bless crop fields, place signs of support for farmers, and create space for honest conversations about the pressures they face.
This episode explores the realities of farming, the mental health challenges facing rural America, the connection between faith and farming, and the powerful difference it can make when communities stand with their farmers.
We are back in Grace, Idaho, talking with fifth-generation farmer, Ryan Christensen, about the importance of return on investment (ROI) and yield.
Ryan shares what ROI actually means, why it's important, and why he farms for a greater ROI over a greater yield (hint: it's all about profitability).
Tune in to hear how Ryan has improved and increased the ROI of his operation, from implementing conservation tillage to testing out new methods of fertilization. Plus, he shares how he evaluates his ROI using real-time data and on-farm technology.
Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation
November 18, 2025 20:59
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.
Ryan shares how his family's farm is using technology, conservation tillage and smart irrigation practices to make every drop of water count.
We dig into the importance of water management in the high desert, the practices that have delivered the greatest results on Ryan's farm and the real benefits of implementing water-saving strategies.
Tune in to hear the lessons that Ryan has learned on his operation, from the advantages of reduced tillage to the value of variable-rate irrigation, and how small changes can make a big impact on crop performance and overall efficiency.
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 and guest Dr. Angus Catchot, the director of extension at Mississippi State University, to explore what extension services really are, what they do, and why they are indispensable to our communities.
Dr. Catchot explains how extension services turn complex research into practical insights that help farmers, families and the community. Explore their key areas of interest, from agriculture to community development, and how their various programs benefit counties across the United States.
You'll also hear about MSU Extension's new initiatives, like Walk Mississippi, and uncover the challenges of funding the people who make these programs happen.
Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
November 4, 2025 18:50
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 that legacy over?
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Uncommon Farms' Manager of Succession Planning, Mike Downey to dig into the realities of on-farm succession planning.
They explore the difference between estate and succession planning, the transition options available, how to bring the next generation into the business, when to use a will versus a revocable living trust, and how private installment sales can help transfer equity to the next generation while maintaining income for the current owners.
Plus, Mike Downey shares his best advice for starting the succession conversation on the farm (and why starting early is the best investment you can make).
When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
October 28, 2025 16:22
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 of The Dirt, host Mike Howell talks with Founder and President of Farm Rescue, Bill Gross, to explore how this one-of-a-kind non-profit provides free, hands-on help to farmers and ranchers to keep farms running when life takes a turn. From planting and haying to harvesting and feeding livestock, Farm Rescue mobilizes the volunteers and equipment needed to help farm families get the job done and save the season ahead.
Bill shares how his roots in farming and the traditional idea of 'neighbors helping neighbors' inspired his efforts and how he thought of the idea while flying 40,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.
Explore how he's helped over 1,200 farm families through Farm Rescue since it was first started with support from dozens of organizations including Nutrien.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, call Farm Rescue at 701-252-2017. Find more information here: https://farmrescue.org/.
How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
October 21, 2025 25:27
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 into how soil testing can help farmers make every input dollar work harder in their fields.
Host Mike Howell is joined by Alan Meijer and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical as they discuss the real ROI of soil testing and why cutting back under tight margins isn't ideal.
They explore how soil sampling improves fertilizer efficiency and crop performance, how often to test your soil, the best time of year to sample, and which soil test results matter most for your bottom line. Plus, Alan and Mick share the latest soil data trends from millions of lab results, including rising sulfur levels and shifting phosphate values.
Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
October 14, 2025 28:13
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 Nutrien Ag Solution's Sr. Science Fellow and Atmospheric Scientist, Eric Snodgrass, to unpack what's shaping up to be quite a familiar story; La Niña is back, and this winter's weather patterns are looking a lot like last year's.
Eric breaks down why the Bermuda High has shifted and how that's fueling dry conditions across the mid-south, and what farmers can expect heading into another La Niña winter. He explains the odd episodes of drought we've witnessed in the last three years, the current moisture pattern we're in, and his long-range weather outlook around the globe, from Europe and Australia to North and South America.
Plus, he shares his biggest watch out this season. Hint: it's all in the Gulf of Alaska.
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 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.
They discuss what today's challenges look like compared to the 1980s farm crisis, from high interest rates and various geopolitical issues to yields, land values, and commodity prices. Plus, Jeff uncovers and explains how improvements in efficiency, technology, and our understanding of soil health have strengthened our system and economic resilience over time.
They also explore how relentless consistency, a willingness to try new things, and a 'controlling the controllables' mindset can help growers thrive through economic swings on the farm.
Your Ag Market Analysis: What You Need to Know for 2026
September 30, 2025 27:09
What factors are influencing crop prices, input markets, and on-farm planning today?
Host Mike Howell sits down with Mark Tully, Nutrien's director of commercial value optimization, to explore the current state of agricultural markets and what it all means for growers heading into 2026.
Mark shares his insights into record harvests, shifting trade flows, and evolving fertilizer dynamics—from limited nitrogen and phosphate supplies to steady potash availability. He also highlights how broader economic trends and global factors are influencing farm inputs, exports, crop prices, and opportunities for farmers.
Listen to the episode to explore what's driving agricultural markets and prices today and what's expected next season.
