The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

What crops grow best in the desert, and how does farming change in the arid Southwest?   Find out as Mike Howell sits down with Richard Mead, regional agronomy manager and innovation farm lead at Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Dr. Karl Wyant, Nutrien's director of agronomy, for a deep dive into agriculture in California and Arizona.   Dive into the diversity of crops grown throughout the year, from almonds to Durham wheat, and the unique challenges facing these crops. Uncover how growers in the area manage irrigation, salinity, soil fertility, and water, and how technology and innovations at Nutrien's Selma Innovation Farm are helping to shape the future of desert agriculture.   Learn more about the upcoming Selma Innovation Field Day hosted by Nutrien Ag Solutions here.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Can your crops really talk?   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.   Nigel shares how tiny electrodes and AI algorithms work together to detect internal crop signals before they are visible in the field.   From early warnings of drought, disease, and nutrient deficiencies to real-time insights that improve irrigation and soil fertility planning, this technology is giving farmers a new way to "listen" to their crops. Tune in to explore the benefits of biosensors, what they can detect, and how you can implement them on your operation.   To learn more about biosensors and the new technology offered by Vivent, visit www.vivent-biosignals.com   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics          

What does nitrogen management look like in the Canadian Prairies?   Find out as host Mike Howell sits down with Retired Agronomist, Ray Dowbenko, to explore how nitrogen is lost, managed and applied in Western Canada.   From the primary sources of nitrogen used and how they're applied, to fall application considerations and the value of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, we explore the ins and outs of nitrogen loss and nitrogen management in the North.   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.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics  

Ready to change the way you look at football fields forever? It's not as simple as managing an acre of grass.   In this episode of The Dirt, Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins joins Mike Howell to break down the art and science of sports turf management. From irrigation timing and mowing height, paint and shade, to compaction and crowns, you'll hear what really goes into the fields our athletes play on.   Explore why natural grass has become the turf of choice, how stadium layouts affect growth and uncover innovative technologies that have changed the turfgrass management game for NFL and college football consultants like Dr. Bryan Hopkins.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics  

What does dairy farming look like in Canada, and what does it take to keep a farm thriving for over six generations?   Find out with your host, 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. From growing their own feed and embracing innovations like robotic milking to managing costs and minimizing waste, Jason shares the thoughtful and steady approach that has kept their operation resilient, through COVID, rising input costs and labor shortages.   Dive into Canada's unique supply-managed pricing system, how circular practices like manure management and growing your own rations support long-term sustainability and success and explore the realities of dairy farming in Canada.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics  

This season has brought one of the most puzzling problems in corn production, the tight tassel wrap.   Tight tassel wrap is an uncommon phenomenon that occurs when the uppermost leaves refuse to unfurl, keeping the tassel trapped and preventing pollination. The result? Pollination problems that can quietly reduce your yields, even in fields that look picture-perfect from afar.   Tune in as Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Dan Quinn, Purdue University's extension corn specialist, to explore this new challenge and the importance of getting timing and synchrony right throughout corn production.   They break down how corn pollinates, how pollen travels from tassel shed to silks to fertilize ovules and why the short pollination window is so vulnerable to stress. You'll hear about how environmental changes and hybrid traits can create this problem and what to look for when scouting your fields.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Canada has been managing sulfur throughout every stage of crop production for decades. Today, we're uncovering the lessons you can learn from their playbook.   On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell is joined by Ray Dowbenko, a retired senior agronomist with over 30 years of experience across the Canadian Prairies. Together, they unpack how to manage this essential nutrient and offer us lessons we can take back to our own soil.   You'll uncover the critical role that sulfur plays in our crops (from supporting amino acid production to nitrogen use efficiency), why canola has such a great demand for this nutrient, the differences between sulfate sulfur sources and elemental sulfur sources (and when to use them), the best time to apply, the 4Rs and sulfur fertilization and other insights from Ray's 30 years of experience in crop production in Western Canada.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics    

Fertilizer supply chains have been anything but stable this year. For many growers, that makes on-farm storage not just a convenience, but a strategic advantage. But storing fertilizer isn’t as simple as putting it in a bin and forgetting about it. So how do you preserve its quality over time, especially in humid conditions?   Find out on this episode of The Dirt with your host, Mike Howell, and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Lyle Cowell. Join them as they explore the real-world challenges and benefits of fertilizer storage, from managing product blends and minimizing moisture risks to equipment and application considerations.   You'll 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.   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 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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    

Don't let a potassium deficiency steal your season (or your yields).   With potassium deficiencies on the rise across North America, we're taking a closer look at how you can address mid-season crop needs. Join Mike Howell and Dr. Bobby Golden as they explore how you can spot, diagnose and solve mid-season potassium deficiencies for greater yields and profitability. From how to diagnose a deficiency to practical tips for correction, this episode explores everything you need to know about mid-season potassium management. Dig into the hidden signs of hunger in your soybean crops and how important it is to catch deficiency ahead of time.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics