EcoFarm Aotearoa

A short clip from a previous episode sparked plenty of debate online, so Ewan Campbell is taking the opportunity to dive deeper into one of agriculture's most misunderstood topics: nitrates.

In this episode:In this episode of EcoFarm Aotearoa, Ewan unpacks the science behind the nitrogen cycle, explains the difference between nitrate and ammonium, and explores why so much confusion exists around nitrates in farming. Rather than focusing on symptoms, he looks at the biological processes that naturally convert nitrogen into plant-available proteins and why healthy soil biology is key to productive farms, cleaner waterways and healthier livestock.

The conversation also examines how excess nitrate can impact pasture quality, milk production, animal health and water quality, while challenging some of the assumptions that have become accepted as "normal" within modern agriculture. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the original clip, this episode provides the full context behind the discussion and explains the reasoning in much greater detail.

We Discuss:
- The difference between nitrate and ammonium
- Understanding the natural nitrogen cycle
- How healthy soil biology converts nitrogen- Why excess nitrate can affect livestock health
- The connection between nitrogen, waterways and food quality
- Why current testing standards may be misleading
- Practical ways to improve nitrogen efficiency on farm

If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, soil biology, livestock nutrition and practical farming solutions backed by observation and testing, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of farming's biggest conversations.

Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

China is changing the way it farms, and the scale of what they're achieving is staggering.

In this episode:
After returning from an agricultural study trip to China, Gavin Fisher shares what surprised him most: climate-controlled dairy barns, advanced monitoring technology, efficient nutrient recycling, and a national focus on producing premium-quality food rather than simply maximizing output.

The conversation explores how China has transformed previously unproductive land into highly efficient farming systems while investing heavily in research, innovation and long-term thinking. It also raises an important question for New Zealand: are we doing enough to stay competitive in the global food market?

From massive solar farms and electric vehicles to organic dairy production and export markets, Gavin shares firsthand insights into what he witnessed on the ground and what lessons New Zealand farmers can take from China's rapid agricultural development.
Gavin Fisher's agricultural study trip through China
Inside a 200,000-cow dairy operation
Why China is prioritizing food quality over quantity
Climate-controlled farming and advanced technology
Organic dairy and growing global demand
Turning desert land into productive agriculture
Lessons New Zealand can learn from China's innovation
Why long-term thinking is shaping the future of farming

If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, farming innovation, global food production and the future of New Zealand farming, this episode is packed with insights you won't hear in mainstream discussions.

Our E-Book!
https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/

Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠
"Inspired" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A new New Zealand study has linked nitrate levels in drinking water to premature births, but does that tell the whole story?

In this episode of EcoFarm Aotearoa, we unpack the latest media reports surrounding nitrates and explore what they may be overlooking. Campbell questions why the conversation always seems to stop at identifying the problem, rather than addressing the biological systems that can solve it.

The discussion covers how healthy soils naturally cycle nitrogen, why cyanobacteria are central to this process, and how improving soil biology can reduce nitrate leaching while increasing farm profitability. We also dive into the importance of mineral balance, the relationship between nickel, selenium, copper and zinc, and why testing and measuring should replace assumptions.

Rather than simply monitoring environmental issues, this episode looks at practical, evidence-based ways farmers can restore healthier soils, cleaner water and more resilient farming systems.

We Discuss:
The latest nitrate and drinking water research
Why correlation isn't the same as causation
How healthy soil biology reduces nitrate leaching
The role of cyanobacteria in nitrogen cycling
Why test and measure beats guesswork
Mineral interactions: nickel, selenium, copper & zinc
Improving livestock nutrition naturally
Why profitability and environmental outcomes can improve together

Our E-Book! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/

Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen heads to the West Coast for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Reefton coal mine to see firsthand how mining by-products are transformed into valuable inputs for regenerative farming.

Joined by the mine team, Stephen follows the journey from freshly mined coal through the wash plant, stockpiles, rehabilitation areas, and fertilizer blending operation, uncovering the geology, engineering, and innovation behind products now being used on farms across New Zealand.

The tour highlights how materials once considered waste are now being repurposed into EcoFarm soil products, while also showcasing mine restoration, environmental management, and the people driving practical solutions on the ground.

Through the EFA lens, this episode explores the intersection of mining, soil biology, and agriculture, demonstrating how collaboration between industries can unlock new opportunities for farmers.

We discuss:
A full behind-the-scenes tour of the Reefton coal mine
How coal is processed, washed, and prepared for different industries
The surprising journey from mine by-products to EcoFarm fertilizers
Soluble silica, humates, papa rock, and mineral blending
Mine rehabilitation and restoring land after extraction
How EcoFarm products are mixed and shipped around New Zealand
The people, machinery, and innovation behind one of New Zealand's most unique farming partnerships

Purchase Our E-Book!⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/⁠Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Jimmy, a lifelong West Coast coal mining expert, to explore the surprising connections between geology, mining, soil health, and modern agriculture.

What begins as a conversation about coal quickly expands into the history of New Zealand's geology, the science behind different coal types, mine rehabilitation, and how mining by-products are helping improve soil function and farm productivity.

Drawing on decades of experience in the mining industry, Jimmy shares insights into how coal is formed, processed, and used far beyond energy production, while also challenging common perceptions around environmental impact, land restoration, and the future of New Zealand's mineral resources.

Through the EFA lens, this episode examines how overlooked natural resources, practical problem-solving, and independent thinking can create opportunities for both farming and industry.

We discuss:
• How coal is formed and why different coal types have different uses
• Mine rehabilitation and restoring land back to productive use
• The surprising role of coal by-products in improving soil health
• Clean coal, energy efficiency, and common misconceptions about mining
• Why soluble silica and coal humates are becoming valuable farm inputs
• The future of New Zealand's mining industry and primary sector
• What farming and mining can learn from each other

Purchase Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠