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The Dirt PodKast

An eKonomics podKast featuring down-and-dirty agronomic science to help grow crops and bottom lines. Inspired by 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.

Lets dig in.

Season 3 is out now. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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Most Recent Episodes

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S3  |  Episode 4  |  March 26, 2024

Episode 4: Is Soil Salinity Impacting Your Crops?

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.

S3  |  Episode 3  |  March 19, 2024

Episode 3: Talking Turf: Why and How to Fertilize Your Lawn 

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.

S3  |  Episode 2  |  March 12, 2024

Episode 2: Nitrogen Nitty-Gritty: Preventing Loss, Maximizing Yield

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.

S3  |  Episode 1  |  March 5, 2024

Episode 1: Bridging The Agriculture Perception Divide

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.

S2  |  Episode 38  |  November 21, 2023

Episode 38: Thanksgiving: A Family Agriculture Affair

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.

S2  |  Episode 37  |  November 14, 2023

Episode 37: The Enzymatic Roles Of Copper And Manganese

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.

S2  |  Episode 36  |  November 7, 2023

Episode 36: Everything You Need To Know About Potash

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.

S2  |  Episode 35  |  October 31, 2023

Episode 35: Forage+Minerals: A Recipe For Livestock Nutrition

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?”

S2  |  Episode 34  |  October 24, 2023

Episode 34: What’s Left In Your Field?

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.

S2  |  Episode 26  |  August 29, 2023

Episode 26: From Milo to Tiktok: Farmer Dan Tells All

“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.

S2  |  Episode 25  |  August 22, 2023

Episode 25: A Deep Dive into Deep Soil Testing

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.

S2  |  Episode 23  |  August 8, 2023

Episode 23: Winning 160 Acres of Gold

Amy Crozier, Specialities Marketing Rep with Nutrien, and winning growers Ken, Brad, and Dan Krywko talk about the SeedMaster 160 Acres of Gold contest and the partnership and technology that are involved.

S2  |  Episode 22  |  August 1, 2023

Episode 22: A Lifetime in the Chucks

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.

S2  |  Episode 22  |  August 1, 2023

Episode 22: A Lifetime in the Chucks

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.

S2  |  Episode 21  |  July 25, 2023

Episode 21: Take Me To The Rodeo

Lyle Cowell checks in from the Calgary Stampede – a summer chat about crazy midway food and rodeo events, coupled with a Canadian crop report.

S2  |  Episode 20  |  July 18, 2023

Episode 20: 4-H Offers Youth Something For Everyone

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.

S2  |  Episode 18  |  July 4, 2023

Episode 18: The High Stress of a Low Mississippi River

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.

S2  |  Episode 15  |  June 13, 2023

Episode 15: Why Is Everyone Talking About Sulfur?

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.

S2  |  Episode 5  |  April 4, 2023

Episode 5: North of the 49th: Crash Course in Canola

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.

S2  |  Episode 1  |  March 7, 2023

Episode 1: Brian Arnall Talks Biostimulants

Dr. Brian Arnall joins Mike Howell to look at ongoing research into the ways biostimulants can improve nitrogen fixing in the soil, reduce nitrogen use, phosphorus, glucose and the challenges and opportunities this technology may offer.