The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

When Jason Franklin arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he wasn't aware of the level of hardship facing local farming communities. Once he began to hear their stories, he couldn't help but show up.
 
In this episode, Mike Howell sits down with Jason Franklin, a pastor at Clarksdale Methodist Church, to talk about how one simple idea sparked a movement of encouragement and support across the Mississippi Delta and beyond.
 
What began as a local breakfast for farmers has grown into something much bigger – a community effort to pray over and bless crop fields, place signs of support for farmers, and create space for honest conversations about the pressures they face.
 
This episode explores the realities of farming, the mental health challenges facing rural America, the connection between faith and farming, and the powerful difference it can make when communities stand with their farmers.
 
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

In this episode of The Dirt, we head to Grace, Idaho, to talk with fifth-generation farmer Ryan Christensen about conserving one of agriculture's most valuable resources: water.
 
Ryan shares how his family's farm is using technology, conservation tillage and smart irrigation practices to make every drop of water count.
 
We dig into the importance of water management in the high desert, the practices that have delivered the greatest results on Ryan's farm and the real benefits of implementing water-saving strategies.
 
Tune in to hear the lessons that Ryan has learned on his operation, from the advantages of reduced tillage to the value of variable-rate irrigation, and how small changes can make a big impact on crop performance and overall efficiency.
 
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

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