Biological Farming Roundtable

In episode 50 of the Biological Farming RoundTable, host Nakala Maddock sits down with ECTOL founder and ag scientist John McKay. John walks us through the discovery of osmo protectants in marine algae, the first commercial frost protection applications in Australia, and how foliar nutrition evolved from horticulture into broadacre cropping and pasture systems. Along the way, he unpacks the big picture: why nutrient inefficiency and crop stress quietly and significantly robs agriculture of their true potential yield, why nitrogen efficiency matters more than ever, and how products like ECTOL are designed to support healthier, more resilient plants without the boom and bust cycle of heavy urea use.

In Episode 49 of the Biological Farming RoundTable host Nakala Maddock is rejoined by David Hardwick from Soil Land Food and Luke Harrington from Re-Gen Farming. This episode is part two of the Managing Regenerative Transition series, where the team unpack the types and stages of transition or change, what to expect and where to go to get resources and support. Luke and David share their top tips to help you regain control of your farming operation.

In the first episode of the Biological Farming RoundTable for 2026, Nakala sits down with NutriSoil’s tech‑savvy Nige for a candid, sometimes confronting, and ultimately empowering conversation about the rise of AI in agriculture.What begins as a simple chat about who owns AI quickly opens into a deeper exploration of ethics, power, risk, and opportunity. Nakala and Nige unpack the major players behind today’s AI platforms, how algorithms shape the answers we receive, and why farmers need to stay alert as technology accelerates faster than policy.Nakala then switches on voice‑activated ChatGPT and interviews it as an “AI agronomist,” asking it to respond to real‑world farming scenarios. Together, they explore how AI could support farmers with soil tests, rainfall patterns, sowing windows, pest prediction, grazing management, nutrient density, and the future of on‑farm sensors.

In Episode 46 of the Biological Farming RoundTable Podcast, Nakala and Shelley travel to Pingrup, in the southeast of the WA wheatbelt. They are joined by David Steele and his wife, Deb, who are multigenerational farmers running a cropping and sheep enterprise. David and Deb recall when the soil had that earthy smell and have their sights set upon bringing the aroma back to the farm.When David relied mainly on synthetic fertilisers, he watched his soil health steadily decline. He shares the steps he’s taken, such as addressing all of his plants’ nutrient needs, including trace elements, with a mineral fertiliser, and more recently adding biology to the mix. He has watched his topsoil steadily increase and he still has some tools up his sleeve to add to the system.

In Episode 45 of the Biological Farming RoundTable Podcast, Nakala continues her conversation with Gundi Rhoades in part two of The Microbe Solution. This episode dives deeper into Gundi’s exploration of the powerful connection between soil microbes and human health. We examine how synthetic compounds have disrupted microbial balance and how farmers play a critical role in restoring it.Gundi shares compelling insights on why rebuilding soil biology is not just achievable but essential for the future of farming and wellbeing. A must-listen for anyone passionate about regenerative agriculture and the ripple effects of healthy soil.

In this eye-opening episode of the Biological Farming RoundTable podcast, host Nakala Maddock sits down with regenerative vet Dr Gundi Rhoades to explore the profound ripple effects of historical decisions and technological advancements on soil biology and by extension, human and animal health.Gundi shares her remarkable journey of discovery, revealing how disruptions in soil microbes have led to nutrient imbalances linked to disease, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, and depression. In Part 1 of this two-part series, she dives into the crucial roles bacteria and fungi play in producing minerals, amino acids, and vitamins essential to wellbeing. It is a powerful conversation that reframes wellness through a biological lens, starting from the ground up.

In this special episode of the Biological Farming RoundTable, we’re turning the tables. Host Nakala Maddock swaps seats to become the guest, with NutriSoil’s communication coordinator, Shelley Scoullar, stepping in behind the mic. What unfolds is a candid and spirited conversation between two passionate advocates for healthy farming systems. From the marvels of microbes and nutrient-dense food to the often-controversial topic of irrigation, Nakala and Shelley don’t shy away from the big issues. They explore what drives NutriSoil’s mission and how that mission is rooted in more than just soil – it’s about farmers being the solution.

In this compelling continuation, Nakala and John Kempf delve into the concept of Active Immunity in plants—a state made possible by biologically active soils rich in diverse microorganisms. Discover how microbial compounds, such as lipids and phytochemicals play a pivotal role in fostering complete resilience against diseases and pests. Tune in to uncover how soil health drives plant vitality!

In this episode, Nakala is joined by John Kempf, a pioneering voice in regenerative agriculture and a trusted mentor to farmers worldwide. Together, they delve into the transformative concept of the Plant Health Pyramid, an innovative framework developed through extensive research by John and the team at Advancing Eco Agriculture.The Plant Health Pyramid reveals the secrets to cultivating resilient, thriving plants that are naturally immune to diseases and pests. In this episode—the first in a two-part series—Nakala and John explore the foundation of Passive Immunity, uncovering how balancing plant chemistry can unlock nature’s own defense mechanisms. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, or simply curious about the power of plants, this conversation will inspire and educate.

Nakala visits Don Jarvis, a dedicated dairy farmer from Towong near Corryong in the picturesque Snowy Valley. Don reveals his simple methods for transforming acidic, compacted soils into balanced, self-regulating ecosystems through the power of biology. Alongside his wife Denise and son Jamie, Don operates an organically certified dairy farm, working in perfect harmony with nature. Join us as Don shares his journey and the steps he has taken to achieve a fulfilling and sustainable farming practice.

Robin Tait is an agronomist from Tasmania, after ten years in traditional cropping agronomy Robin studied a Nuffield Scholarship which took her all over the world looking at different farming systems. Robin now works as an independent consultant specialising in working with multispecies cover crops and now, although early days, working with people’s mindsets and decision making tools as part of a team which is building in Natural Intelligence Farming led by Jane Slattery. Robin is also a key member of the NutriSoil HUB advisors. Today we talk about Robins reasons for changing her career path to work more holistically with farming, food, diversity and people and we discuss the enormous barrier we are facing today of how to change the food system from growing to the end consumer.