EcoFarm Aotearoa

In this episode, Ewan continues the open day out in the paddock, diving deeper into the hidden influences shaping soil, plant, and animal health.

Set against a real-world farm backdrop, this part of the conversation explores some of the more complex and often overlooked factors in farming systems. From soil toxicity and mineral imbalances to the role of electromagnetic forces, Ewan demonstrates how unseen elements can impact everything from pasture growth to animal behaviour. Through hands-on demonstrations and farmer participation, the group is encouraged to question assumptions and observe how their environment is truly functioning.

The discussion moves beyond conventional inputs, focusing instead on understanding the “why” behind what’s happening in the soil. Farmers share their own experiences, challenges, and early results as they begin transitioning toward more regenerative approaches, highlighting the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and keeping an open mind.
This episode captures the reality of being in the early stages of change, where not everything is fully understood, but the willingness to observe, test, and adapt becomes the most valuable tool on farm.

We discuss:• How soil toxicity and past management practices continue to influence current systems• Demonstrations of muscle testing and farmer observations in the field• The potential impact of electromagnetic forces on soil, plants, and animals• Why mineral balance and deficiencies play a critical role in pasture performance• Real farmer experiences transitioning away from conventional practices• The importance of observation, skepticism, and open-minded learning• Early-stage insights into improving soil biology and long-term farm resilience

Our FREE 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 and Ewan take us directly onto the farm for a live open day, where theory meets reality and farmers get to see regenerative principles in action.

Set in a hands-on, real-world environment, the conversation centres around what it actually looks like to transition from conventional thinking to a system that works with nature. As Ewan walks through the farm, he shares practical insights into soil health, pasture performance, and animal wellbeing. All grounded in observation, testing, and experience.

The open day creates space for discussion, questions, and shared learning, highlighting how powerful it can be when farmers step outside the textbook and start trusting what they see on their own land. From pasture diversity and mineral balance to animal behaviour and system resilience, this episode captures the importance of seeing the system as a whole.
More than just a farm walk, this is a mindset shift in motion, where curiosity replaces certainty, and real progress comes from understanding how everything connects.

We discuss:• What regenerative farming looks like in a real on-farm setting• How soil health translates into pasture and animal performance• The importance of observation and asking better questions• Why farm systems must be understood as a whole• Lessons and insights shared during the open day• How mindset shifts unlock real change on farm

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

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 25: Fits Together
Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.

In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 25: Fits Together, exploring the powerful idea that true abundance in farming comes from understanding and working with the natural systems already in place.
The conversation centres around a key principle: when the right conditions are created, nature does the heavy lifting. From extraordinary examples of naturally fertile soils to the role of biology, minerals, and even electromagnetic forces, this episode reveals how all the pieces of the puzzle connect to unlock productivity and resilience on farm.

Ewan shares insights from decades of experience, explaining how soil health is built through observation, testing, and incremental adjustments, not quick fixes. From identifying limiting factors like trace element deficiencies, to reintroducing biology and allowing systems to function as intended, farmers can begin to see dramatic improvements in pasture performance, animal health, and long-term sustainability.

The discussion also dives into the deeper connections between soil, plant, animal, and human health, highlighting how factors like environment, nutrition, and even electrical signals influence outcomes in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At its core, this chapter is about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and realising that everything on the farm is interconnected.

We discuss:• What “abundance” really looks like in natural systems• How soil minerals, biology, and energy systems work together• The importance of testing, observation, and adapting over time• How environmental signals influence plant and animal performance• Why many modern practices limit true soil potential• The value of learning from nature, not fighting it

Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, we hear directly from a fourth-generation farmer who is transitioning away from conventional, chemical-based agriculture and into a regenerative system, while building a premium food brand alongside it.

After years of dealing with rising input costs, fertiliser reliance, and commodity pricing pressure, he began questioning the system. What followed was a shift toward regenerative principles: covering the soil, integrating livestock, eliminating synthetic inputs, and working with natural biological processes rather than against them.

But this journey goes beyond farming practices.

By producing eggs, yoghurt, and value-added products, and selling directly through a growing retail network, he’s proving that regenerative agriculture isn’t just about improving soil health… it’s also about creating a more profitable and resilient business model.

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

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 24: A Ray of Light
Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.
In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 24: A Ray of Light, reflecting on the power of observation, the intelligence of nature, and the breakthroughs that come when farmers begin to trust what they see.
The conversation centres around a core idea: nature already has the answers — if we’re willing to observe, question, and step outside conventional thinking. From surprising on-farm discoveries like the role of fungi and even “magic mushrooms” in animal health, to the rapid recovery of pasture through biological processes, this episode highlights the turning point where challenges begin to reveal solutions.
Ewan shares practical insights from years of trial and error, showing how once hidden residues, soil imbalances, and biological disruptions can be addressed through natural systems. As these barriers are removed, farmers begin to see rapid improvements in pasture growth, animal health, and overall farm resilience — the “ray of light” that signals real progress.
The discussion also explores the mindset shift required in modern farming — moving away from reliance on external advice and toward confidence in personal observation, testing, and understanding. From field trials to farmer-led discoveries, this episode reinforces that some of the most powerful insights come directly from the land itself.
We discuss:
• Why nature always has the answers — and how to recognise them
• Surprising biological discoveries from real on-farm trials
• How fungi and natural systems help clean up residues
• The importance of trusting your own observations as a farmer
• Real-world examples of pasture and animal health improvements
• The mindset shift from dependency to true farm independence
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan Campbell
Powered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz

⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/

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