The Force of Nature Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas James Holmes to unpack the challenges currently facing the arable sector and what they reveal about the wider agricultural system.   We discuss how agriculture often focuses on the positives in good times, while sectors under pressure are overlooked. Thomas shares why flexibility, adaptability, and stronger support systems are critical for navigating economic uncertainty, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term resilience.   This conversation is a timely reminder that no part of agriculture operates in isolation and that sustainable solutions require awareness, change, and collective effort.   https://ruralleaders.co.nz/opportunities-and-challenges-for-the-future-of-arable-farming-in-canterbury/    

In this episode I sit down with two of the founders from the Underground Festival in New Zealand, Fran Bailey and Chanelle O'Sullivan. UNDERGROUND is a two day festival celebrating soil, food and farming featuring international & local soil legends, talks, workshops, field experiences, local kai and music. In this episode we chat about how they came to create the festival, whose it for and how to get the most out of attending it plus a whole lot more.   https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/franbaileypr/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/?hl=en

In this episode, Professor Jack Heinemann breaks down the often-overlooked risks of genome editing in agriculture. As New Zealand considers deregulation, he explains how genetic tool, while promising, can unintentionally disrupt vital ecosystem services, compromise farm productivity, and create long-term environmental consequences, even without intent to cause harm. This conversation highlights why thoughtful regulation and a clear understanding of the risks are essential for protecting the future of New Zealand’s agricultural landscapes.   https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Jack-Heinemann

Conan sits down with dairy farmer and Kellogg Scholar Daniel Judd to unpack his report “The Soil’s Gap.” Together they explore why New Zealand’s agricultural science has focused on fertiliser over soil biology, what that means for productivity and resilience, and how mindset, not just management shapes the future of farming. From fertiliser efficiency and lost nutrients to bridging the divide between conventional and regenerative systems, this is a deep, honest look at where the next evolution of farming begins: in the soil.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-judd-b5a89a2ba/?originalSubdomain=nz https://ruralleaders.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Daniel-Judd_K53_Final-Report.pdf

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan Moynihan speaks with Shaun Balemi from AgVance Nutrition and the MyCow App about the intricacies of cow nutrition and its impact on dairy farming. They discuss common mistakes in cow feeding, the importance of consistency, and how data technology can enhance decision-making on farms. Shaun emphasizes the role of nutrition in reproductive health and the significance of transitioning cows effectively. The conversation also touches on the environmental implications of proper feeding and the future of agriculture through collaboration and innovation.   https://mycow.nz/  https://agvance.co.nz/