EcoFarm Aotearoa

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

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Robin Claire, host of Cultivated Audio, for a fascinating conversation exploring soil health, regenerative agriculture, and the hidden forces shaping the future of farming.

What begins as a discussion around farming systems and mineral balancing expands into a deeper exploration of soil biology, electrical conductivity, microbial life, livestock health, and the complex relationships connecting soil, plants, animals, and people.

Drawing on decades of hands-on farming experience, Ewan shares the observations and discoveries that led him to investigate the electrical properties of soil and how minerals, biology, and natural systems work together to drive productivity, resilience, and ecosystem health.

Through the EFA lens, this episode challenges conventional agricultural thinking and highlights the importance of observation, curiosity, and farmer-led innovation in building healthier farms and food systems.

We discuss:
• The hidden electrical activity within healthy soils
• How minerals influence plant, animal, and human health
• The role of cyanobacteria, microbes, and biology in regenerative farming
• Why observation and on-farm experimentation matter
• Building resilient farming systems that work with nature

Guest:
Robin Claire
Host of Cultivated Audio

Website:
https://cultivatedaudio.com/

Listen to Cultivated Audio:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4ydCU8Rh44ZcSXz0tfZgOz?si=ada90fb16e5a4cd0

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 unpack the controversy surrounding a proposed $3 billion lignite-to-fertiliser plant in Southland, New Zealand, and ask a bigger question: why are we investing billions into synthetic nitrogen production when healthy soils already produce nitrogen naturally? What begins as a discussion around fertiliser security and global supply chains quickly becomes a deep dive into soil biology, carbon, trace minerals, and the hidden systems that drive productive farming.

Through the EFA lens, the conversation explores how rebuilding soil biology through trace minerals, carbon growth, and biological function can reduce fertiliser dependence while improving profitability, animal health, environmental outcomes, and food quality. The episode challenges modern agriculture’s reliance on synthetic inputs and argues that many farmers may already have the solution beneath their feet.

We discuss:• Why healthy soil biology naturally fixes nitrogen• The difference between synthetic and biologically fixed nitrogen• How trace minerals influence productivity and animal health• Why increasing soil carbon improves profitability and resilience• How farmers can reduce dependency through better soil management

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