The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

From fertilizer applications to crop rotations, many of the decisions made each season can influence your soil pH over time. In this episode, Dr. Miles Dyck from the University of Alberta joins Dr. Alan Blaylock to discuss what soil pH is, why it matters and what growers should know about managing acidic and alkaline soils. Learn how fertilizer management, crop rotations and nutrient removal influence soil pH, the challenges associated with high and low soil pH levels and the options available for managing soil pH over time. From soil testing and liming to the role of elemental sulfur and economics of pH correction, discover how growers can identify pH issues, evaluate their options and make stronger decisions for the long-term. 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

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

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

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