From The Soil Up Podcast

What does it actually take to transition from conventional farming to a more biological, regenerative farming system?

In this episode of From the Soil Up, I’m joined by Tim Williams to explore his journey through traditional, organic and regenerative farming, and the lessons he’s learned from working across farming systems in the UK and New Zealand.

We get into why context should drive every farm management decision, the importance of testing and monitoring trends, and how to interpret soil, mineral and biological data to better understand what’s happening within your farm system.

We also explore the practical side of biological farming, including grazing management, managing disturbance, building soil capacity, improving resilience to climatic extremes and finding the right balance between external inputs and farm-grown resources.

A key theme throughout the conversation is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to regenerative agriculture. Successful system change requires a clear understanding of your farm's objectives, the ability to interpret what's happening on the ground, and a strategic approach to making changes over time.

In this episode, we cover:

Tim’s journey from traditional farming to organic and regenerative systems.

Why context, data and monitoring are essential for better farm decisions.

Understanding soil minerals, plant health and biological function.

Grazing management, disturbance and recovery.

Building farm resilience to climate extremes and environmental pressures.

Soil capacity, diversity and reducing reliance on external inputs.

The economics of regenerative farming and changing market opportunities.

Why mindset and strategic planning are critical to successful farm transformation.

https://earthfarmers.co.uk/

What does it take to build a more profitable and robust farming industry in New Zealand?

In this episode of From the Soil Up, I sit down with Groundshift co-founders Sam Lang and Chanelle O’Sullivan to explore what needs to change in agriculture, why biological farming is about more than just practices, and how we can support farmers to build better farm systems and businesses.

We discuss the thinking behind Groundshift, our approach to whole-farm advisory and coaching, and why the goal should be to help farmers understand their own systems, make better decisions and become more independent over time.

We also unpack some of the biggest opportunities facing New Zealand agriculture, from improving soil health and nutrient cycling to building farm profitability, strengthening resilience and creating farming communities where people can challenge conventional thinking and learn from one another.

In this conversation, we cover:

Why profitability has to sit at the heart of sustainable agriculture.

What regenerative farming looks like when we focus on outcomes rather than prescribed practices.

How soil biology, nutrient cycling and diverse farming systems can contribute to better farm performance.

Why farmer confidence, mindset and culture are critical to changing agricultural systems.

The role of peer networks, coaching and farmer-led learning in driving change.

How whole-farm thinking can help farmers make better decisions across soils, pastures, animals, people and business.

The biggest opportunities for New Zealand agriculture over the next decade.

Why reconnecting with nature and challenging our own assumptions are essential to progress.

 

⁠https://www.instagram.com/samontheland/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/⁠

How much is the quality of your farm’s drinking water affecting animal health, growth rates and profitability?

In this episode of From the Soil Up, I’m joined by Dr Lucy Waldron to explore the often-overlooked link between water quality, animal nutrition and farm performance.

Water is one of the most important inputs in any farming system, yet its quality can easily be taken for granted. Research shows that contaminated water and reduced water intake can have significant impacts on animal performance, with potential consequences for farm productivity and economics.

We discuss what happens when livestock drink dirty or contaminated water, how pathogens and nitrates can affect animal health, and the environmental factors that influence water quality throughout the year. Lucy also shares practical insights into water sanitation, disinfection and the steps farmers can take to improve their farm’s water management.

We also explore the connection between water quality, soil microbiology and nutrient cycling, and how farmers can make better-informed decisions about the inputs and management practices that underpin a productive, resilient farm system.

In this episode, we cover:

How drinking water quality influences animal health, growth rates and performance

What research reveals about contaminated water and reduced water intake

Common sources of water contamination on farms, including pathogens and nitrates

Seasonal changes in water quality and the risks associated with water flow

Water sanitation and disinfection methods, including choosing effective sanitising products

The environmental impacts of nitrate pollution

Practical strategies to improve farm water quality and management

The relationship between water quality, soil microbiology and nutrient cycling

If you’re a dairy farmer or livestock producer looking to improve animal performance, reduce unnecessary costs and get more out of your farming system, this episode offers valuable research insights and practical considerations to take back to the farm.

https://www.animalnutrition.co.nz/

What do farmers need to know about soil biology, natural capital and building more profitable, resilient farming systems?

In this episode of From the Soil Up, Conan sits down with Cameron Campbell to explore biological farming, soil fertility and the practical decisions that can improve long-term farm performance.

Cameron shares his journey into biological farming and explains how soil biology, plant health and photosynthesis influence fertility and productivity. We discuss the relationship between soil microbes and nutrient cycling, the role of trace minerals and soil amendments, and how farmers can better understand plant requirements through herbage testing.

The conversation also explores natural capital as a long-term farm investment. From grazing management and farm subdivision to succession planning and hill country legume establishment, Cameron shares practical insights into building productive, resilient farming systems.

We challenge conventional thinking around synthetic fertilisers, discuss the importance of balancing biological activity with strategic nutrient applications, and explore why investing in soil health can deliver benefits beyond immediate production, including long-term farm value and profitability.

This episode is about looking beyond short-term fixes and understanding the fundamental processes that drive farm performance.

In this episode, we cover:

Soil biology, fertility and nutrient cycling

Biological farming and the limitations of a fertiliser-only approach

Photosynthesis, root exudates and building soil organic matter

Herbage testing, trace minerals and targeted soil amendments

Natural capital and investing in long-term farm resilience

Grazing management, subdivision and improving pasture utilisation

Legumes and opportunities for hill country farming

Farm profitability, succession planning and long-term land value

The importance of questioning assumptions and focusing on farming fundamentals

Whether you're a sheep and beef farmer, dairy farmer, rural professional or simply interested in biological and regenerative agriculture, this conversation offers practical ideas for improving soil function and making better long-term farm management decisions.

What do farmers and leaders need to understand about managing a multicultural workforce?

In this episode of From the Soil Up, Conan chats to Kate Tomlinson explore the changing face of New Zealand’s dairy industry and what it takes to build high-performing, multicultural farm teams.

 

We talk about cultural intelligence, leadership, communication and trust, and why understanding cultural differences can be just as important as good people management. Kate shares insights into how migrant workers experience the New Zealand dairy industry, how communication styles differ across cultures, and the role that strong community and support networks can play in helping people thrive.

 

We also explore the changing demographics of the dairy workforce over the past decade and the pathways available for overseas workers to progress from farm employment towards leadership and farm ownership.

 

A key theme throughout the conversation is the role of the “enabler”. The people who help bridge cultural gaps, build understanding within teams, and create an environment where everyone can perform at their best.

 

If you're a farmer, manager or rural leader working with a diverse team, this episode offers practical insights into cultural intelligence, team management, communication and leadership in modern New Zealand agriculture.

 

In this episode, we cover:

Why cultural intelligence matters in farming

The changing diversity of New Zealand's dairy workforce

How cultural differences influence communication and leadership

Building trust and high-performing multicultural teams

The role of enablers in supporting diverse farm teams

Supporting migrant workers through community and connection

Technology and communication within multicultural teams

Pathways from farm employment to leadership and farm ownership

What the future of leadership in the dairy industry could look like

 

Key themes: dairy farming, multicultural workforce, migrant workers, cultural intelligence, farm leadership, team management, New Zealand agriculture, farm ownership, communication, diversity and rural communities.