Fertilizer supply chains have been anything but stable this year. For many growers, that makes on-farm storage not just a convenience, but a strategic advantage. But storing fertilizer isn’t as simple as putting it in a bin and forgetting about it. So how do you preserve its quality over time, especially in humid conditions?   Find out on this episode of The Dirt with your host, Mike Howell, and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Lyle Cowell. Join them as they explore the real-world challenges and benefits of fertilizer storage, from managing product blends and minimizing moisture risks to equipment and application considerations.   You'll learn how and why fertilizers clump, the two primary ways they absorb moisture, how to prevent moisture absorption and what simple steps can make a big difference in fertilizer storability, flowability and safety, particularly in Western Canada.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

The Calgary Stampede is known for its legendary rodeo and riveting chuck wagon races, but it's so much more than that.   In this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with Chair of the Calgary Stampede's International Agriculture and Agri-Food Sub-Committee, Scott Exner, to discuss the Stampede's evolving role in international collaboration, networking and connection.   Scott shares his insights into why thousands of international guests make the trip to Alberta for this iconic event every year. It's not just for the rodeo—it's a gathering place where they can participate in meaningful networking with the entire sector, and it's a place where our industry can bridge the gap between producers and consumers.   Join the conversation to learn how the Calgary Stampede plans to continue to serve as a vital hub for thought leadership and ag innovation around the world.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

What's next for Canadian agriculture, and what role does the Calgary Stampede play in helping us get there?   Sit down with Mike Howell and Canadian Agriculture Hall of Famer, AdFarm Founder and Canadian agriculture advocate, Kim McConnell, as they explore food and farming at one of Canada's most iconic events - the Calgary Stampede.   Tune in to uncover the Stampede's history and roots in cattle country and its evolving role as a platform for policy, connection and education - helping to bridge the gap between Canadian producers and consumers.   Explore the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian ag, the future of the agri-food industry and why mentoring the next generation is critical for our success.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

In agriculture, we tend to look at each nutrient in isolation. It's time to break down our silos and take a closer look at how nutrients work together in our fields.   Join Mike Howell and special guest, Eve-Lyn Hinckley, as they explore Hinckley's recent research on sulfur. From increasing nitrogen use efficiency to changing soil pH, we explore sulfur's critical role in our soil and how it works together with various nutrients to support crop production. From the rising need for sulfur to tips for better and smarter sulfur management, we explore it all.   We also dig into the first global analysis of sulfur deficiency and Hinckley's role in spearheading the new research.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com    Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

When it comes to safety on the farm, a little bit of preparation goes a long way.   In this episode of The Dirt, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Bowden, a practicing ER doctor with firsthand insight into the health and safety risks faced by farmers every day. From the basics of first aid to the most life-saving measures on the farm, Dr. Bowden shares what every farmer should know about caring for yourself and others in the field.   Discover what to do – and what not to do – during common farm incidents, why every farm needs a well-stocked first aid kit, how to respond to a broken bone, how to respond while waiting for EMS to arrive, what to do in the event of a snake bite, how to recognize and address heat stress and more on this exciting episode.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

How are ongoing conflicts reshaping fertilizer and energy markets around the world?   Find out with Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Manager of Market Research, Mark Tully. Explore how energy prices and fertilizer supplies have changed as a result of ongoing conflict in the Middle East - one of the most important regions in fertilizer production.   From losing half a million tons of prompt fertilizer supply to the closure of major production facilities, we uncover it all.   Take a closer look at both immediate and long-term impacts for producers and importers, including changing urea prices and nitrogen supplies, and how the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could impact global availability.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Uncover the exciting opportunities, careers and paths available in the agriculture industry.   Walk through Rob Mikkelson's remarkable career in ag, one that spanned nearly 40 years while taking him far beyond the field. From early roles in government to leadership positions across the industry, this episode explores the pivotal decisions and leaps that shaped a fulfilling career in agriculture.   Rob reflects on how he stumbled into soil science, the mentors that shaped his path, his contributions to 4R Nutrient Stewardship, the path he took and the endless opportunities available to the next generation.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Potatoes aren't like other crops.   They're an extremely unique crop that require extra care and attention. You need to have the right soil conditions, a solid fertilizer program and a strong understanding of how they grow throughout the season. Explore how you can support your potato crop on this episode of The Dirt.   Join Mike Howell and Brigham Young Professor and Professional Soil Scientist, Bryan G. Hopkins, as they explore how to manage nutrition throughout production. Tune in to uncover nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus application rates and explore best practices in nutrient management that can support your success.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

How can you navigate today's market conditions?   Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Market Research Manager, Mark Tully, as they explore the complexities of agriculture's current market landscape.   Mark unpacks fertilizer availability and how various international trade dynamics have impacted global supplies of fertilizer. From tight nitrogen and phosphorus supplies to strong demands for potash, we uncover it all. We also explore how current supplies and trade uncertainties will impact commodity prices and what these dynamics mean for your farm.   Plus, Mark shares what he says he is keeping a close eye on this season (hint: he's got his eyes on the sky).   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Join Mike Howell as he sits down with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Deputy Commissioner, JanLee Rowlett, to talk about the future of our fields. Explore how organizations like Future Farmers of America, 4-H and the department of agriculture are developing and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders—from farmers to accountants. Learn about the department of agriculture's current programs and how they encourage youth to come back to rural communities.   Learn more about the year of youth in agriculture: https://ag.ok.gov/year-of-youth-in-agriculture/   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics