The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

Mike Howell reconnects with crowd-favorite Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions to discuss recent weather events like the derecho that hit Houston, wild solar activity and the shift from El Niño to La Niña. Eric then discusses some of the wider climate trends and crop impacts we're seeing around the world as we head into summer. You won't want to miss Eric Snodgrass's depth of knowledge and expertise, so be sure to listen in. Check out ag-wx.com for all of Eric's recent weather content. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics Head to nutrien-ekonomics.com for the latest in crop nutrition research.

Mike Howell connects with Craig Jorgenson, President and CEO of The Sulphur Institute to discuss the wider uses of sulfur. More than just the fourth major crop nutrient, this versatile element is an important industrial material to the mining, chemical and energy industries. It is also essential to producing other fertilizers, such as phosphate. Learn more about The Sulphur Institute at sulphurinstitute.org To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

On this episode of The Dirt, host Mike Howell speaks with Dr. Florence Becot, a professor at Penn State University and lead of the Ag Safety and Health Program. They dive deeper into the impacts of mental health on the farm, where farmers can reach out for help, who else can help farmers who might be struggling or in a crisis, and how farmers can support other farmers not only in their communities but across the country. Find your Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network regional information here: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/farm-ranch-stress-assistance-network-frsan To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-ekonomics.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Soil testing offers a great perspective into your soil and nutrient management, but there are some factors to consider for getting the most accurate results. Listen as host Mike Howell visits with Dr. Bryan Hopkins on soil testing and the considerations you should make when testing and analyzing your soil results. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-ekonomics.com For further resources on soil sampling, check out our Soil Sampling 101 toolkit: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/agronomics/toolkits/soil-sampling/

A recent court ruling essentially took several dicamba-based herbicides off the market for American farmers growing soybeans and cotton. Host Mike Howell and guest Tom Eubanks discuss the impact this will have on US-based soybean and cotton growers, what the courts have stated about remaining stocks of these products, and how growers can voice their concerns. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Tune in with Mike Howell and returning guest Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist at Nutrien as they discuss the current needs of potassium in soils across the country. You'll learn what trends they've seen in nation-wide soil tests and what growers can do to combat those trends. They also chat about the value that potassium can add to crops beyond an increase in yield. For more information on the resources discussed in this episode, check out the links below: Potassium Is Also An Essential Human Nutrient: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/potassium-is-also-an-essential-human-nutrient/ Rise in Potassium Deficiency in the US Population Linked to Agriculture Practices and Dietary Potassium Deficits: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c05139 National Testing Lab Finds More Soils Testing "Low" or "Very Low" for Potassium: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/national-testing-lab-finds-more-soils-testing-low-or-very-low-for-potassium/ Key Growing States See Declining Soil Potassium Levels: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/key-growing-states-see-declining-soil-potassium-levels/#:~:text=Many%20key%20growing%20states%20are%20seeing%20declining,below%20the%20critical%20level.%20Why%20the%20decline? Declining Potassium Levels: A Growing Concern In The Mid-South eKonomics News Team: https://www.croplife.com/sponsor/nutrien/declining-potassium-levels-a-growing-concern-in-the-mid-south-ekonomics-news-team/ To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Host Mike Howell and returning guest Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy, Nutrien, discuss the impacts your water sources can have on the effectiveness of your spray applications of pesticides and fertilizers. To check out the Purdue University study on the impact of water quality on pesticide performance, visit https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ppp/ppp-86.pdf To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

On this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell connects with Melissa Ploeckelman, Outreach Specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. They dive into the topic of on-farm mental health and how the stress of farming can impact the mental health of farmers. Mental health can sometimes be a taboo subject, especially in the world farmers operate in. Mike and Melissa speak to how to work past the stigma, who to reach out to in times of crisis and how to help others who might be struggling with mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 from anywhere in the United States to reach a trained counselor. To learn more about virtual QPR training, visit www.agrisafe.org To learn more about the 9-8-8 crisis helpline, visit https://988.ca To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Join our host, Mike Howell as he chats with Dr. Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien about mixing liquid fertilizers. They'll get into jar testing, the benefits, possible risks, protecting yourself and your crops and who to go to when you have questions. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com.

Host Mike Howell and guests Lyle Cowell and Alan Blaylock, both senior agronomists with Nutrien are getting deep into the details of soil salinity, how salts accumulate in soil and when they can become limiting to plant growth or impede the ability to manage soil properly. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com To learn more about soil salinity, check out these eKonomics articles: Soil Salinity in Western Canada: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/soil-salinity-in-western-canada/ Soil Salinity and Sodicity: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/soil-salinity-and-sodicity/ Sodic Soils and Their Management: https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/sodic-soils-and-their-management/

Join host Mike Howell and guest Eric Miltner as they dive into the specifics of fertilizer for lawns and turf grass. This episode of The Dirt digs into types of grass, regionality, soil testing and more while providing actions you can take today to help you better care for your lawn and other turf grasses. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Nitrogen loss is a significant challenge for farmers. Gain valuable insights into the main causes of nitrogen loss and discover practical methods to prevent it. This episode of The Dirt provides actionable tips for farmers to maximize nitrogen inputs and enhance crop yields. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Jeff Tarsi joins Mike Howell for the season 3 premiere of The Dirt. To kick-off the season, we're talking about the findings from a new Nutrien study that identifies how farmers and consumers differ on key agricultural issues. For more information on this study, visit https://news.nutrien.com/agperceptions/keyfindings To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Thanksgiving has undeniable ties to agriculture. In this special episode, Mike is joined by his two sons. Together, they discuss the holiday's agronomic history and reflect on some of their own favorite traditions and foods. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

All nutrients have multiple roles, but a lot of micronutrients have enzymatic roles...and that's the case with both copper and manganese. Lyle Cowell joins the show to explain the roles these two micronutrients play inside the plant. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

When it comes to potash, there's always more to talk about. Dig deeper into sources of potash (red or white?), application timing (fall or spring?), and just how important it is for growers to make sure they are replacing enough of the nutrient that is removed during harvest. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

In a perfect world, cattle could get all their nutrients from the plant...but in most situations, those nutrients are missing in our forages. Tune in to this episode of The Dirt with Dr. Daniel Rivera, Director and Associate Professor at the Southwest Research & Extension Center, as he answers the question: "How should a grower go about selecting a good mineral?" To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

What's left in your field? Nutrien Senior Agronomist Lyle Cowell talks about the value of knowing what nutrients are in the field post-harvest and what will be there when spring seeding begins. References: https://prairienutrientcalculator.info/ To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com.

Tools like Liebig's Law of the Minimum help growers manage inputs and yield potential, but what's the difference between the barrel and stave theory or the dam theory? Which one is better? Dr. Alan Blaylock explains. Dig further into Liebig's Law of the Minimum at https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/liebigs-law-of-the-minimum. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, and other valuable tools visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Growing edible soybeans for export markets requires non-GMO varieties, weed management, the right equipment and crop protection products, and getting a specific taste and protein profile for the end user. Join Mike and Bob Sinner to discuss the ins and outs of edible bean production. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Growing crops in North Dakota: soil salinity, tilling practices, nitrogen handling and the weather all create challenges for growers. Dive into what those challenges look like with Mike and Professor and Extension Soil Specialist at North Dakota State University, Dr. David Franzen. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Executives from Ellingson Companies dig into the importance of drain tiles to maximize the economic benefit of your crops. From bigger bushels to optimal soil conditions, Derek Ellingson, Levi Otis and Jason Gillard cover the basics of drain tiles. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com. References: Agriculture Drainage 101 By Prinsco: https://www.prinsco.com/prinsco-markets/agriculture/education/ Iowa State University: https://agwatermgmt.ae.iastate.edu/ Ellingson Company Agricultural Division: https://ellingsoncompanies.com/industries/agriculture/ Ellingson Water Management App: https://ellingson.app/

A deep dive on current issues globally affecting fertilizer prices, market access and commodity prices. Includes drought impacts and trade issues. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions looks at how some dry regions are hoping for some moisture from the extensive hurricane activity this year. The Southern USA is experiencing the driest year since they started collecting data in 1892, and El Nino predicts a moisture filled winter. Join Eric and Mike as they discuss these predictions, and much more. Sign up for Eric's daily weather updates: https://info.nutrien.com/snodgrass_weather Current weather maps: https://ag-wx.com/ To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com.

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Bill Maily, joins us to discuss the various management and nutrition considerations when starting a wildlife food plot. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

"Farmer Dan" joins Mike Howell from the Farm Progress Show this week to share what it's like to farm in the Texas Panhandle, being a social media star, an in-depth look at growing milo and why a strong nutrient management plan is so important. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

DeDe Jones and Jourdan Bell from Texas A&M AgriLife share the financial benefits of deep soil testing and why farmers should consider implementing it on their operations. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Dr. Alan Blaylock, Senior Agronomist with Nutrien shares the 5 key concepts he feels are critical for healthy soil. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Amy Crozier, Nutrien, and winning growers Ken, Brad, and Dan Krwyko talk about the Seedmaster 160 Acres of Gold contest and the partnership and technology that are involved. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Mark Sutherland shares his passion for chuckwagon racing, the importance of protein in a diet for thoroughbred horses, and retirement after 30 years of competing. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Lyle Cowell checks in from the Calgary Stampede - a summer chat about crazy midway food and rodeo events, coupled with a Canadian crop report. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Founded over 120 years ago as an extension tool for farming communities, the 4-H program continues to provide youth with a vast amount of opportunity. Dive into the history of 4-H with host Mike Howell and our distinguished guests. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Bushel provides an app that simplifies grain marketing decisions as well as farm management planning. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Crop production isn't the only thing in agriculture impacted by the current drought conditions. Learn how low water levels on the Mississippi River may affect fertilizer logistics and the economy moving forward. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Drought conditions are shifting this year but large portions of the seeded acres are still under drought stress. What does this mean for growers and what are ways to manage this challenge this year and in the long term. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Hear Andrew Jason, Grand Farm's Ecosystem Director, discuss the importance innovation plays in agriculture and some of the exciting work happening at Grand Farm. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

With sulfur deficiencies on the rise, Dr. Karl Wyant, Nutrien's Director of Agronomy, highlights the need for fertilizer supplementation. Learn what to look for and the different sulfur fertilizer options available. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Learn why chloride is so critical to most plants and crops, how it works and how to manage it. To discover the latest crop nutrition research, visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Dr. Darrin Dodds shares his years of experience managing ag data and statistics. He talks about side-by-side and small plot trials – which provides better statistics? Know the right questions to ask and how to make more informed decisions with data. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Mark Tully, Manager of Global Market Research at Nutrien, reviews global supply and pricing for fertilizer, commodity pricing and global market changes this spring. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Part 2: The Sulphur World Symposium is the perfect place for Mike Howell to meet with the leading researchers and scientists and discuss what growers need to know about a growing sulfur deficiency around the world. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

The Sulphur World Symposium is the perfect place for Mike Howell to meet with the leading researchers and scientists and discuss what growers need to know about a growing sulfur deficiency around the world. Hear from: - Ron Olson, Senior Agronomist, The Sulphur Institute (TSI) - Dr. Shamie Zingore, Director of Research and Development for the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) - Rob Mikkelsen, Director, Agronomic Services, YARA To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Trent Roberts from the University of Arkansas shares his experience growing rice in the mid-south. The unique crop needs special attention to water and nutrient management. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Farm safety is important for all ages, but in agriculture, with so many children actively participating, it is even more important. Brian Kuhl, president of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation talks about the ways farming can be made safer for children. Topics include deciding when kids are ready to be actively involved, safe play spaces on a farm, proper ATV and UTV usage, road safety, and who to call to help assess risks and improvements on-farm. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Many farmers in southern Georgia rotate their cotton crop with peanuts. Dr. Glen Harris from the University of Georgia joins Mike Howell to discuss how good fertilization leads to good crop yields. They take a look at improving cotton and peanut nutrients through fertilization of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Dr. Trent Irby discusses the changes in soybean production including more intensive management, changes in planting dates and fertilizer use. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Join Nutrien agrologist Lyle Cowell to learn about Canada's golden crop; Canola. What makes it special and why it grows so well on the Canadian Prairies? We talk timing, fertility, pests & soil health. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions sees some reprieve from drought conditions with the return of El Nino. Sign up for Eric's daily weather updates: https://info.nutrien.com/snodgrass_weather Current weather maps: https://ag-wx.com/ To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Idaho potato farmer Ryan Christensen talks potato fertility, nitrogen and water management this week on The Dirt. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

This week The Dirt looks at a high-yielding corn grower in Virginia and what the fertilizer he is doing there! Mike Howell talks to Heath Cutrell and Fenton Eure about ESN, equipment, tissue-testing and more. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com