Global perspectives with Nicole Masters

Regenerative advocate, educator and coach Nicole Masters talks about the unique opportunity facing New Zealand farmers looking to introduce regenerative farming practices. The discussion ranges widely, from the value of open sharing, tackling soil compaction, and the benefits of working with nature, not against it. Nicole has been exploring the benefits of 'nature-aligned' ways of growing crops and raising livestock since well before the term regenerative agriculture existed. With a background in the sciences and having coached numerous farmers in NZ and overseas in regenerative farming practices, she offers valuable perspective from the leading edge of regenerative thinking. Enjoy the episode! Conversation timeline: 00:00:58 - Comparing NZ soil environment with the US 00:04:30 - Getting excited about soils and plant biology 00:07:36 - The value of a questioning mindset 00:11:11 - The cost of not working with nature 00:14:42 - Consequences of current thinking 00:17:54 - Find those breaking the rules 00:21:15 - Compaction as an example finding different solutions 00:26:40 - Identify compaction and infiltration tests 00:29:38 - Authoring ‘For the love of the soil’ 00:35:47 - The prospect of farming with fewer inputs 00:41:19 - Reversing the 'buy more land' trend 00:43:10 - Impact of chemical contamination 00:51:03 - Superphosphate impact on zinc levels 00:52:44 - The 'coach the coaches' school 00:56:13 - Learning from indigenous peoples 01:00:28 - Advice for those starting their regen journey