The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

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

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

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

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

Few people hear from as many corners of agriculture as Shaun Haney does. Through his work, he hears firsthand what's weighing on growers and what's shaping their decisions for the season ahead. As planting approaches, we sat down with Shaun to explore what's surfacing in his recent conversations. From tightening margins and rising fixed costs to labor and weed challenges, he breaks down the pressures shaping today's farm economy and how producers are responding. For many, it comes down to knowing your numbers and making decisions based on return on investment, not just upfront expense. He also shares where the opportunities lie, from stronger farm management to emerging technologies, and what continues to make him optimistic about the future of ag. It's an honest look at the realities growers are navigating and the possibilities that still lie ahead for agriculture. Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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