From The Soil Up Podcast

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 wh...

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 betw...

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...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dr. Lucy Williamson discusses the intricate connections between gut health and soil health. With a background in veterinary medicine and nutrition, she emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health and its relationship with food systems. The conversation explores the role of farmers, the significance of education in nutrition, and...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan chats with Angela Clifford of Eat New Zealand and the Food Farm, to discuss the current state of food systems in New Zealand. They explore the importance of investing in local food systems, the challenges of food security, and the need for a cultural shift towards supporting small farms and local producers. Angela emphasizes the vulnerabilities...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan interviews Louise Gibson, managing director of The Sharefarming Consultants. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in share milking and contract milking, the need for specialized consulting in this area, and the current state of legislation affecting these practices. Louise shares insights from a recent survey on the experiences...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan Moynihan interviews Olivier de Schaetzen, a coach focused on regenerative agriculture in Estonia and Finland. Olivier shares his journey from architecture to agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and nutrient cycling. He discusses the challenges farmers face, the regulatory pressures from the industry, and innovative...

In this episode of The Force of Nature Podcast, Conan sits down with Daniel Eb, the founder of Dirt Road Comms, Nuffield New Zealand Scholar, writer for Farmers Weekly, and a passionate advocate for reshaping the way we think about food and farming.   Daniel’s story blends urban and rural worlds, giving him a unique perspective on New Zealand’s agricultural future. From launching Dirt Road Comms t...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with Dom Walker, a coach with Resource Consulting Services (RCS) in Australia. They explore Dom's journey from a city kid to an agricultural coach, discussing his experiences in Guatemala, the importance of connecting farmers to consumers, and the role of resilience in agriculture. The conversation delves into the significance of coachin...

In this episode of the Force of Nature Podcast, Conan sits down with Helen Beattie, veterinarian, advocate and founder of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA). With a rich background spanning mixed animal practice, animal welfare inspection, and national-level policy work, Helen brings a bold and compassionate lens to one of agriculture’s most complex topics: animal welfare.  Helen doe...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dan Smith shares his journey from conventional farming to establishing a consultancy and charity farm in the UK. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of the Nuffield Scholarship, and the need for diversity and inclusion in agriculture. We also cover  the significance of purpose in farming, the challenges faced in New Zealand agricult...

In this episode of the Force the Nation podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Matt Haggerty, a young farmer from Western Australia, about his experiences in agriculture, particularly focusing on regenerative practices and natural intelligence farming. Matt shares insights from his upbringing under his parents Di and Ian Haggerty on a mixed arable farm, what Natural Intelligence Farming is, and...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Nicole Masters, an agroecologist and founder of Integrity Soils. They discuss the importance of human dynamics in agriculture, the global trends in agricultural transformation, and the catalysts for change in farming practices. Nicole shares insights from her experiences in Montana, highlighting community innovation an...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Melinda Turner, an independent farm advisor, shares her expertise in animal nutrition and soil health. Melinda challenges common misconceptions about ruminant nutrition in New Zealand, stressing the importance of balanced diets, effective grazing management, and informed nutritional advice to improve animal health and meat quality. We also speak abou...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Magdalena Iturria, a soil health expert from Uruguay. We discuss her journey from chemical engineering to agriculture, the unique challenges faced by Uruguayan farmers, and the importance of soil health in sustainable farming practices. Magdalena shares insights on the establishment of her company, Sosei, and the growi...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Cole Mannix, founder of Old Salt Co-op, about his journey in the meat industry, the challenges faced by ranchers, and the innovative business model of Old Salt Co-op. Cole shares insights on the importance of community engagement, the need for a more resilient food system, and the existential necessity of decommodifyin...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Sadie Collins from Highland Harmony Farm shares her journey as a farmer in Montana, discussing the challenges of farming in their climate, the transition to regenerative practices, and the importance of education in agriculture. We also discuss the evolution of wheat and its nutritional decline, the importance of connecting with consumers through far...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dan Kittredge shares his journey from a small organic farm in Massachusetts to founding the Bionutrient Food Association. He discusses the importance of nutrient density in food, the significance of brix as a measure of plant health, and the connection between soil health and human health. We discuss the need for a shift in agricultural practices to...

In this episode, host Conan speaks with Josh Gilbert, a Worimi man from New South Wales, Australia. Josh shares his deep connection to the land and his family's agricultural history, spanning over 60,000 years. He discusses the importance of Indigenous agricultural practices, storytelling, and leadership in the agricultural sector. Josh emphasizes the potential for a future where Indigenous knowle...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan discusses his intentions for 2025, focusing on goal setting through intentionality. He emphasizes the importance of growth, collaboration, setting boundaries, authenticity, and health and wellness. Conan shares his personal experiences and insights on how these areas will shape his year and the impact they can have on his business and personal...

In this episode, Conan chats to Canaan Ahu the CEO of Agrownomics, a independent soil and fertility company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. They discuss various aspects of agriculture, focusing on the importance of understanding soil health, the role of foliar applications, challenges in agricultural research, and the significance of grazing management. Canaan is a big advocate for  the need f...

In this episode of The Force of Nature Podcast, Conan chats to the legend that is Mark Benns from Wingman. Mark is a former dairy farmer turned to New Zealand's first independent herd improvement consultancy. We cover the importance of openness in the agricultural industry, his transition from farming to consulting, and the significance of empathy and trust in building relationships with farmers....

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan interviews Melissa Baer from Backstory Tech, who shares her journey from growing up on an organic farm in Canada to starting a tech company focused on building brand trust in the food industry. We discuss the importance of marketing in agriculture, the challenges of understanding consumer preferences and  the need for collaboration within the i...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan interviews John Niezen, an expert in dairy farming and agricultural research. John shares his extensive background, including his experiences in various countries and the importance of understanding farmer insights in agricultural practices. The conversation delves into his research and the challenges of parasite management in sheep, the r...

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with Greg Mumm, a first-generation farmer from Kangaroo Valley, Australia. Greg shares his journey from a professional rugby coaching to pursuing his dream of farming at the age of 40. He discusses the challenges and learning experiences of running a regenerative farm, the importance of community and family values, and the innovative app...