The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

Mike Howell
  • 4.8 (28)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield

    11/25/2025

    The ROI Mindset: Farming for Profit Versus Yield

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

    19 min
  2. Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation

    11/18/2025

    Maximize Your Crop Per Drop: On-Farm Water Conservation

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

    21 min
  3. The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services

    11/11/2025

    The Immeasurable Impact of Extension Services

    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.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics   Other links mentioned in this episode:   Row Crop Short Course from Mississippi State Extension: https://extension.msstate.edu/events/2025/row-crop-short-course   Equine Assisted Therapy Programs: https://extension.msstate.edu/family/equine-assisted-therapy-programs   Mississippi State University Extension Website: https://extension.msstate.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSUExtService Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msuextservice X: https://x.com/MSUExtService LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mississippi-state-university-extension-service/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissStateExtension

    34 min
  4. Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning

    11/04/2025

    Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning

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

    19 min
  5. When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season

    10/28/2025

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

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

    16 min
  6. How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars

    10/21/2025

    How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars

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

    25 min
  7. Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says

    10/14/2025

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

    28 min
  8. Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles

    10/07/2025

    Navigating Farming's Economic Cycles

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

    42 min
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4.8
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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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