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
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Protecting Your Farm's Legacy with Succession Planning
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
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When Crisis Hits the Farm: How Farm Rescue Saves the Season
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
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How Soil Testing Helps Maximize Your Input Dollars
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
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Your Winter Weather Watchouts: What the Forecast Says
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
An eKonomics podKast featuring down-and-dirty agronomic science to help grow crops and bottom lines.
Inspired by nutrien-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.
Let's dig in.
Brasil