The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

Mike Howell

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.

  1. How Nitrogen Fertilizer Is Made

    5D AGO

    How Nitrogen Fertilizer Is Made

    Ever wondered how the nitrogen fertilizer you apply is actually produced?   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. From how ammonia is made to how it's converted into products like urea, UAN and ammonium sulfate, Chris breaks down what happens inside one of the largest fertilizer plants in Canada.   Learn how the fertilizers you rely on are produced and delivered to your farm, and what it takes to make it all happen safely and efficiently.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics   Nutrien, Chris Boyda, Redwater Nitrogen Facility, Nitrogen production, Alberta, Ammonia production, Urea production, UAN solution, Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium sulfate, Fertilizer production, Liquid nitrogen, Granular nitrogen, Nutrien nitrogen plant, Agronomy podcast, Nitrogen fertilizers, Fertilizer manufacturing, Fertilizer production Canada, Ammonia

    21 min
  2. Your Prairie Weather Forecast

    APR 28

    Your Prairie Weather Forecast

    Every season in the Canadian Prairies comes down to one thing: the weather. With a short growing window, everything rides on how conditions unfold.   In this episode, meteorologist David Spence breaks down how winter set the stage for spring, where moisture levels stand across the Prairies, and what conditions could look like heading into seeding. While much of the region has pulled out of short-term drought and field are shaping up well, deeper moisture concerns still linger (especially in southern Alberta).   As El Niño develops, David explores how this could setup a hotter, drier summer and what that could mean for crops across the Prairies.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    19 min
  3. Making Time To Be More Intentional On The Farm

    APR 21

    Making Time To Be More Intentional On The Farm

    If you spend just 14 minutes a day differently, what could that do for you and your farm?   On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Angie Traetow to talk about what it looks like to be more intentional on the farm and in everyday life.   They explore how a small shift in how you use your time can add up over the course of a year, and why stepping back from the day-to-day to think about the big picture truly matters. From thinking more strategically about the markets and new technology to long-term planning like succession, taking a more intentional approach can have a lasting impact in your life and your operation.   Angie shares personal examples from her own farm and challenges listeners to spend just one percent of their day more intentionally.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    17 min
  4. What Your Standard Soil Test Isn't Telling You

    APR 14

    What Your Standard Soil Test Isn't Telling You

    You're applying the nutrients your crops need, but is your soil actually able to deliver them? Your standard soil test might not be giving you the full picture of what's actually happening beneath the surface.   In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Elizabeth French, Soil Biology Manager at Waypoint Analytical, to explore what traditional soil tests may be missing, and how biological soil testing can help answer questions around nutrient availability and cycling, soil health and overall crop performance.   Together, they explore how biological soil testing is helping us better understand soil biology and what's in the soil, what these tests can reveal about a soil's microbial activity and productivity and how this insight can lead to stronger agronomic decisions.   Tune in to learn how biological soil testing works and how it can help you evaluate and support soil health and fertility across fields.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    15 min
  5. The Weather Patterns Shaping 2026

    APR 7

    The Weather Patterns Shaping 2026

    The weather shapes your entire season on the farm, and right now, it's already telling a story about what lies ahead.   In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Senior Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass to break down the patterns shaping the 2026 growing season. Together, they explore how winter conditions have carried into spring, how limited snowpack is fueling drought concerns and the sharp divide between weather in the eastern and western U.S.   They also dig into what a shift from La Niña to El Niño could mean for the season ahead, what's happening in key growing regions around the world and what growers should be watching as they head into the field.   It's the forecast you need before you hit the ground running.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    24 min
  6. What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?

    MAR 31

    What's Driving Ag Markets Right Now?

    As we head into planting, one thing is top of mind for everyone in agriculture—the economy.   What's really driving the markets, and what's the outlook as we head into the field? In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Nutrien Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, Jason Newton, to help break down what's happening today.   From recent movement in crop prices to global supply and demand, they dig into the factors shaping today's market environment and explore how small shifts can make an impact throughout the growing season.   They discuss the current state of fertilizer markets, from global urea supplies and prices to phosphate demand and supplies, and how ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are impacting natural gas prices and input markets.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    20 min
  7. The Right Time To Plant Corn

    MAR 24

    The Right Time To Plant Corn

    Spring is here, and many growers are looking for opportunities to get corn in the ground early. When conditions line up for an early start, it can be a major advantage. But planting early means paying close attention to the factors that can influence corn emergence and development.   In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Dr. Erick J. Larson, a professor and extension agronomy specialist from Mississippi State University, to explore 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.   They also uncover the value of starter fertilizers in corn, strategies for cover crop and nitrogen management and important considerations to make before the planter starts rolling.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    25 min
  8. Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy

    MAR 17

    Choosing Your Soil Fertility Strategy

    When margins are tight, every fertilizer decision carries more weight. Should you build soil test levels, apply nutrients strictly based on crop response or chase ideal soil ratios? Which is best for your soil, crops and bottom line?   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.   They dig into what the research says about each approach, where each approach fits and how your strategy may change when you're farming owned land versus rented acres.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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.

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