EcoFarm Aotearoa

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Jimmy, a lifelong West Coast coal mining expert, to explore the surprising connections between geology, mining, soil health, and modern agriculture.What begins as a conversation about coal quickly expands into the history of New Zealand's geology, the science behind different coal types, mine rehabilitation, and how mining by-products are helping improve soil function and farm productivity.Drawing on decades of experience in the mining industry, Jimmy shares insights into how coal is formed, processed, and used far beyond energy production, while also challenging common perceptions around environmental impact, land restoration, and the future of New Zealand's mineral resources.Through the EFA lens, this episode examines how overlooked natural resources, practical problem-solving, and independent thinking can create opportunities for both farming and industry.We discuss:• How coal is formed and why different coal types have different uses• Mine rehabilitation and restoring land back to productive use• The surprising role of coal by-products in improving soil health• Clean coal, energy efficiency, and common misconceptions about mining• Why soluble silica and coal humates are becoming valuable farm inputs• The future of New Zealand's mining industry and primary sector• What farming and mining can learn from each otherPurchase Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Robin Claire, host of Cultivated Audio, for a fascinating conversation exploring soil health, regenerative agriculture, and the hidden forces shaping the future of farming.What begins as a discussion around farming systems and mineral balancing expands into a deeper exploration of soil biology, electrical conductivity, microbial life, livestock health, and the complex relationships connecting soil, plants, animals, and people.Drawing on decades of hands-on farming experience, Ewan shares the observations and discoveries that led him to investigate the electrical properties of soil and how minerals, biology, and natural systems work together to drive productivity, resilience, and ecosystem health.Through the EFA lens, this episode challenges conventional agricultural thinking and highlights the importance of observation, curiosity, and farmer-led innovation in building healthier farms and food systems.We discuss:• The hidden electrical activity within healthy soils• How minerals influence plant, animal, and human health• The role of cyanobacteria, microbes, and biology in regenerative farming• Why observation and on-farm experimentation matter• Building resilient farming systems that work with natureGuest:Robin ClaireHost of Cultivated AudioWebsite:https://cultivatedaudio.com/Listen to Cultivated Audio:https://open.spotify.com/show/4ydCU8Rh44ZcSXz0tfZgOz?si=ada90fb16e5a4cd0Purchase Our E-Book! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan unpack the controversy surrounding a proposed $3 billion lignite-to-fertiliser plant in Southland, New Zealand, and ask a bigger question: why are we investing billions into synthetic nitrogen production when healthy soils already produce nitrogen naturally? What begins as a discussion around fertiliser security and global supply chains quickly becomes a deep dive into soil biology, carbon, trace minerals, and the hidden systems that drive productive farming.Through the EFA lens, the conversation explores how rebuilding soil biology through trace minerals, carbon growth, and biological function can reduce fertiliser dependence while improving profitability, animal health, environmental outcomes, and food quality. The episode challenges modern agriculture’s reliance on synthetic inputs and argues that many farmers may already have the solution beneath their feet.We discuss:• Why healthy soil biology naturally fixes nitrogen• The difference between synthetic and biologically fixed nitrogen• How trace minerals influence productivity and animal health• Why increasing soil carbon improves profitability and resilience• How farmers can reduce dependency through better soil managementOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore the forces shaping modern agriculture and ask a challenging question: are farmers really in control of their own industry?From farm plans and environmental compliance to organic markets, profitability, carbon, and industry influence, the conversation examines how farmers can use testing, observation, and real-world results to make better decisions for their businesses and their land.Drawing on decades of farming experience, Ewan argues that healthy soils, lower inputs, and farmer-led innovation are creating opportunities that many conventional systems continue to overlook.Through the EFA lens, this episode challenges accepted narratives around farming, regulation, productivity, and sustainability while highlighting the importance of independent thinking and measurable outcomes.We discuss:• Who really influences the direction of modern agriculture• Why testing and measurable outcomes matter more than assumptions• The profitability of organic and low-input farming systems• Farm plans, regulation, and farmer autonomy• Building resilient businesses through independent thinking and innovation60 Minutes Video: https://youtu.be/3GDm3Y9wAuA?si=GccuvHuyAhRruUggGuardian Rocks Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E8aChTA_HM&t=3sPurchase Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore one of the most overlooked yet important drivers of soil health: cyanobacteria.What starts as a discussion around regenerative farming, cover crops, and soil carbon quickly expands into a deep dive on soil biology, nutrient cycling, trace minerals, plant health, animal health, and the hidden processes that build productive farming systems from the ground up.Drawing on decades of on-farm observation and testing, Ewan explains why cyanobacteria may be the foundation of healthy soils, how they contribute to carbon sequestration, nutrient availability, and biological function, and why many current farming practices may be working against them.Through the EFA lens, this episode challenges conventional approaches to soil management and highlights the importance of understanding biological systems before reaching for costly inputs and interventions.We discuss:• Why cyanobacteria are the foundation of healthy soil ecosystems• The relationship between soil biology, carbon, and nutrient cycling• Cover crops, regenerative farming, and what's often being overlooked• How trace minerals influence plant, animal, and soil health• Building productive farming systems by fixing the soil first

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore the changing landscape of New Zealand agriculture, from the traditions of Gypsy Week and share milking to the growing pressures facing modern farmers.The conversation dives into farm profitability, organic opportunities, soil health, environmental compliance, and the importance of producing high-quality food for premium markets. Ewan challenges conventional agricultural thinking and shares why healthier soils, stronger biological systems, and farmer-led innovation could be the key to building a more resilient future.Through the EFA lens, this episode examines how farmers can regain control of their businesses by focusing on productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes that are measured through real-world results rather than assumptions.We discuss:• The history of Gypsy Week and how farming has changed over time• Why rising input costs are squeezing farm profitability• The opportunities emerging in organic and premium food markets• How soil health impacts productivity, profitability, and the environment• Taking control through testing, observation, and farmer-led decision makingPurchase Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan sit down with John Carapiet from GE Free New Zealand to unpack the growing debate around genetic engineering, GMO regulation, and the future of farming in New Zealand.What begins as a discussion around the government’s proposed Gene Technology Bill and the new Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill quickly expands into a much bigger conversation about food sovereignty, corporate influence, farmer responsibility, environmental contamination, and the long-term future of agriculture.Through the EFA lens, the conversation explores whether New Zealand risks losing one of its greatest advantages — its GE-free food reputation — in pursuit of patented technologies and synthetic solutions. The discussion dives into soil biology, export markets, consumer trust, liability, glyphosate, animal welfare, and the growing tension between industrial agriculture and regenerative farming systems.The episode challenges the idea that more technology automatically equals better outcomes and asks a deeper question: are we solving the root causes of agricultural problems, or creating new ones?We discuss:• The proposed Gene Technology and HASNO amendment bills• Why New Zealand’s GE-free status matters globally• The difference between GMO, GE, and gene editing• Liability risks for farmers and contamination concerns• How patents and corporate interests influence agriculture• The connection between soil health, food quality, and human health• Why consumers still demand non-GMO food• The future of regenerative farming in New ZealandOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen, Ewan, and special guest Rensha Bouwer unpack the growing disconnect between food production, food quality, and the systems that sit between farmers and consumers. What begins as a conversation around award-winning pies, artisan cheese, and sourcing quality ingredients quickly reveals a much deeper issue: many of the best food producers and farmers are trapped inside commodity systems that fail to reward quality, animal welfare, and true nutritional value.Through the EFA lens, the discussion shifts toward reconnecting farming, food, and community. By focusing on healthy soils, thriving animals, low-stress handling, and direct relationships between producers and consumers, farmers can create premium products that stand apart from conventional systems. The episode explores how regenerative farming, local processing, and independent trade could reshape the future of food while reducing dependence on centralised industries and input-heavy agriculture.We discuss:• Why healthy soil and healthy animals create better quality food• How commodity systems hide the value of premium produce• The impact of stress and transport on meat quality• Why local food systems and direct trade matter• The challenges chefs face sourcing truly high-quality ingredients• How regenerative farming can improve both nutrition and profitabilityOur FREE E-Book! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan unpack the hidden potential within our soils and challenge the conventional approach to fertility, pH, and input-heavy farming. What begins as a discussion on soil chemistry reveals a deeper issue: farmers are often managing only what’s immediately available, rather than unlocking the vast reserves already present in the soil.Through the EFA lens, the conversation shifts toward soil as a living, self-regulating system. By activating biology, increasing carbon, and removing limiting factors, farmers can convert locked-up minerals into plant-available nutrients, naturally balance soil function, and reduce reliance on expensive synthetic inputs, leading to more profitable and resilient farming systems.We discuss:• Why pH alone doesn’t tell the full story• The gap between available nutrients and total soil potential• How biology unlocks minerals like calcium• The role of carbon and organic matter in soil function• Reducing input costs by working with natural processes🎧 Music Credit:Music: Exciting Trailer by Kevin MacLeodSource: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 28: Reality CheckThank you for listening to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, this is the final Ewan Campbell’s journey throughout the book.In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack the final chapter of the book, Chapter 28: Reality Check, bringing the series to a grounded and thought-provoking close. This conversation steps back from theory and dives into the practical realities of farming, challenging listeners to rethink assumptions, question systems, and take ownership of their results.Ewan emphasises the critical importance of benchmarking as a starting point for any farming system, highlighting how data collection across soil, water, and herbage provides not only a pathway for improvement, but also protection against misinformation, poor advice, and bureaucratic pressure. Without a clear baseline, progress becomes impossible to measure, and claims—whether from farmers or regulators—lack real substance.The discussion explores the barriers to adopting biological and regenerative practices, with a strong focus on mindset, education, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Ewan shares insights into how small, consistent changes—guided by real data—can lead to measurable improvements in productivity, environmental outcomes, and farm resilience over time.A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of working with nature rather than against it. From protecting soil biology to reducing reliance on sprays and external inputs, Ewan reinforces that long-term success comes from understanding natural systems and allowing them to function as intended.The episode also touches on the broader challenges facing modern agriculture, including industry narratives, policy pressures, and the influence of outdated thinking. Through honest reflections and practical examples, this final chapter encourages farmers to think independently, embrace learning, and move forward with confidence.At its core, this is a “reality check” not just for farming systems, but for the way we think about progress, responsibility, and success in agriculture. It’s a powerful conclusion that ties together the entire journey, leaving listeners with both clarity and motivation for what comes next.We discuss:• Why benchmarking and data collection are essential before making changes• How soil, water, and herbage testing guide better decision-making• The role of data in protecting farmers from poor advice and bureaucracy• Common mental barriers to adopting regenerative practices• Why protecting soil biology is key to long-term farm success• The importance of working with nature instead of against it• How independent thinking can drive better outcomes on-farmPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan unpack the growing tension between water quality, farm profitability, and the long-standing reliance on synthetic inputs. What starts as a conversation about environmental pressure quickly reveals a deeper issue, farm systems that are quietly depleting their own soil capital over time.Through real on-farm numbers and practical examples, Ewan breaks down how decades of nitrogen use have led to a steady loss of organic carbon, reducing the soil’s natural ability to hold nutrients and water. The result? Farmers aren’t just buying fertiliser, they’re replacing what their soil used to provide for free.Looking through the EFA lens, the discussion shifts toward rebuilding soil function through biology, carbon, and mineral balance. By increasing organic matter and restoring natural nutrient cycles, farmers can reduce input costs, improve production, and take back control of their systems, while also addressing environmental concerns like water quality.This episode highlights a powerful opportunity: by changing the system, farmers can move from constantly spending on inputs to actually rebuilding long-term value in their soil.We discuss:• The link between water quality issues and farm profitability• How decades of nitrogen use have depleted soil carbon• The hidden financial loss of declining soil organic matter• Why synthetic fertiliser replaces, rather than builds, fertility• The impact of low dry matter and “watery” feed on productionOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 27: Environmental IssuesWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 27: Environmental Issues, bringing the series to a powerful and challenging close. The conversation centres around one of the biggest topics in modern agriculture, water quality, and explores how soil health, carbon, and biology play a critical role in filtering nutrients, reducing runoff, and restoring natural balance.Ewan shares insights into how increasing soil carbon can lock up excess nitrogen, preventing it from entering waterways, while also highlighting the importance of silica and microbial life in maintaining clean, functional water systems. The discussion challenges common narratives around farming’s impact on the environment, suggesting that many of today’s issues are not simply the result of farming itself, but of systems that lack the biological and mineral balance needed to function properly.The episode also dives into the broader system, from outdated scientific paradigms and industry structures, to the role of policy, education, and accountability in shaping outcomes. Through practical examples and on-farm experience, Ewan explains how improving soil health can directly improve water quality, animal performance, and public health, all while reducing reliance on external inputs.At its core, this chapter ties everything together, reinforcing the idea that true environmental solutions don’t come from regulation alone, but from understanding and working with the natural systems already in place. It’s a confronting but empowering conversation, pointing toward a future where farms can be both highly productive and environmentally regenerative.We discuss:• How soil carbon helps reduce nitrate leaching and improve water quality• The role of biology and silica in natural water filtration systems• Why many water quality issues stem from imbalanced soil systems• The connection between soil health, productivity, and public health• How outdated thinking and systems can limit real progress• Why working with nature offers long-term solutions over regulationPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 26: The Last Chapter?Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 26: The Last Chapter?, stepping into one of the most challenging and thought-provoking ideas in the entire series. The conversation explores the concept of unseen influences on the farm, from vibrational residues left behind by past chemical use to the role of electromagnetic frequencies in shaping soil, plant, animal, and even human performance.Ewan shares powerful on-farm experiences that challenge conventional thinking, suggesting that soil may hold more than just nutrients, it may also store memory. From long-banned chemicals like DDT still influencing outcomes decades later, to the impact of electrical systems, power lines, and modern technology, the discussion reveals how these hidden factors can affect productivity, animal behaviour, and overall farm health in ways that are often overlooked.The episode also dives into practical approaches for addressing these challenges, including the role of fungal biology in “cleaning” soil systems, and how certain natural materials can help mitigate negative frequencies. Through a mix of observation, experimentation, and open-minded thinking, Ewan explains how farmers can begin to restore balance and regain control, even in environments impacted by long-term chemical and energy inputs.We discuss:• What “vibrational residues” are and how they may impact farms• How soil can hold the memory of past chemical use• The long-term effects of inputs like DDT beyond standard testing• The influence of electromagnetic frequencies on living systems• How fungal biology can help restore and rebalance soil• Practical ways to reduce unseen stressors and improve resilienceHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan dive into the growing fuel and fertiliser crisis and what it really means for modern farming. As costs rise and pressure builds, the conversation uncovers a deeper issue: the heavy reliance on nitrogen fertiliser as an energy product, leaving farmers exposed to global oil markets. What seems like a pricing problem quickly reveals itself as a system-wide challenge impacting profitability, soil health, and long-term resilience.Through the EFA lens, Ewan explains how shifting focus to soil biology, carbon, and mineral balance can reduce input dependency and rebuild control at the farm level. From producing nitrogen naturally within the soil to questioning decades of conventional practice, the episode highlights a clear opportunity—those willing to rethink their system can lower costs, improve performance, and future-proof their farms.We discuss:• Why fertiliser prices are tied directly to the fuel crisis• How nitrogen functions as “energy in a bag”• The lack of correlation between fertiliser use and profit• How soil biology can replace synthetic inputs• Why many farmers feel stuck in the current system• The opportunity to reduce costs and regain control

In this episode, Ewan continues the open day out in the paddock, diving deeper into the hidden influences shaping soil, plant, and animal health.Set against a real-world farm backdrop, this part of the conversation explores some of the more complex and often overlooked factors in farming systems. From soil toxicity and mineral imbalances to the role of electromagnetic forces, Ewan demonstrates how unseen elements can impact everything from pasture growth to animal behaviour. Through hands-on demonstrations and farmer participation, the group is encouraged to question assumptions and observe how their environment is truly functioning.The discussion moves beyond conventional inputs, focusing instead on understanding the “why” behind what’s happening in the soil. Farmers share their own experiences, challenges, and early results as they begin transitioning toward more regenerative approaches, highlighting the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and keeping an open mind.This episode captures the reality of being in the early stages of change, where not everything is fully understood, but the willingness to observe, test, and adapt becomes the most valuable tool on farm.We discuss:• How soil toxicity and past management practices continue to influence current systems• Demonstrations of muscle testing and farmer observations in the field• The potential impact of electromagnetic forces on soil, plants, and animals• Why mineral balance and deficiencies play a critical role in pasture performance• Real farmer experiences transitioning away from conventional practices• The importance of observation, skepticism, and open-minded learning• Early-stage insights into improving soil biology and long-term farm resilienceOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan take us directly onto the farm for a live open day, where theory meets reality and farmers get to see regenerative principles in action.Set in a hands-on, real-world environment, the conversation centres around what it actually looks like to transition from conventional thinking to a system that works with nature. As Ewan walks through the farm, he shares practical insights into soil health, pasture performance, and animal wellbeing. All grounded in observation, testing, and experience.The open day creates space for discussion, questions, and shared learning, highlighting how powerful it can be when farmers step outside the textbook and start trusting what they see on their own land. From pasture diversity and mineral balance to animal behaviour and system resilience, this episode captures the importance of seeing the system as a whole.More than just a farm walk, this is a mindset shift in motion, where curiosity replaces certainty, and real progress comes from understanding how everything connects.We discuss:• What regenerative farming looks like in a real on-farm setting• How soil health translates into pasture and animal performance• The importance of observation and asking better questions• Why farm systems must be understood as a whole• Lessons and insights shared during the open day• How mindset shifts unlock real change on farmOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 25: Fits TogetherWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 25: Fits Together, exploring the powerful idea that true abundance in farming comes from understanding and working with the natural systems already in place.The conversation centres around a key principle: when the right conditions are created, nature does the heavy lifting. From extraordinary examples of naturally fertile soils to the role of biology, minerals, and even electromagnetic forces, this episode reveals how all the pieces of the puzzle connect to unlock productivity and resilience on farm.Ewan shares insights from decades of experience, explaining how soil health is built through observation, testing, and incremental adjustments, not quick fixes. From identifying limiting factors like trace element deficiencies, to reintroducing biology and allowing systems to function as intended, farmers can begin to see dramatic improvements in pasture performance, animal health, and long-term sustainability.The discussion also dives into the deeper connections between soil, plant, animal, and human health, highlighting how factors like environment, nutrition, and even electrical signals influence outcomes in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At its core, this chapter is about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and realising that everything on the farm is interconnected.We discuss:• What “abundance” really looks like in natural systems• How soil minerals, biology, and energy systems work together• The importance of testing, observation, and adapting over time• How environmental signals influence plant and animal performance• Why many modern practices limit true soil potential• The value of learning from nature, not fighting itHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, we hear directly from a fourth-generation farmer who is transitioning away from conventional, chemical-based agriculture and into a regenerative system, while building a premium food brand alongside it.After years of dealing with rising input costs, fertiliser reliance, and commodity pricing pressure, he began questioning the system. What followed was a shift toward regenerative principles: covering the soil, integrating livestock, eliminating synthetic inputs, and working with natural biological processes rather than against them.But this journey goes beyond farming practices.By producing eggs, yoghurt, and value-added products, and selling directly through a growing retail network, he’s proving that regenerative agriculture isn’t just about improving soil health… it’s also about creating a more profitable and resilient business model.Our FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 24: A Ray of LightWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 24: A Ray of Light, reflecting on the power of observation, the intelligence of nature, and the breakthroughs that come when farmers begin to trust what they see.The conversation centres around a core idea: nature already has the answers — if we’re willing to observe, question, and step outside conventional thinking. From surprising on-farm discoveries like the role of fungi and even “magic mushrooms” in animal health, to the rapid recovery of pasture through biological processes, this episode highlights the turning point where challenges begin to reveal solutions.Ewan shares practical insights from years of trial and error, showing how once hidden residues, soil imbalances, and biological disruptions can be addressed through natural systems. As these barriers are removed, farmers begin to see rapid improvements in pasture growth, animal health, and overall farm resilience — the “ray of light” that signals real progress.The discussion also explores the mindset shift required in modern farming — moving away from reliance on external advice and toward confidence in personal observation, testing, and understanding. From field trials to farmer-led discoveries, this episode reinforces that some of the most powerful insights come directly from the land itself.We discuss:• Why nature always has the answers — and how to recognise them• Surprising biological discoveries from real on-farm trials• How fungi and natural systems help clean up residues• The importance of trusting your own observations as a farmer• Real-world examples of pasture and animal health improvements• The mindset shift from dependency to true farm independenceHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by a visiting farmer from Wales, offering a rare and powerful comparison between farming systems on opposite sides of the world. What starts as a simple farm visit quickly becomes something much bigger, as shared challenges, rising costs, and declining soil health reveal just how universal the pressures on modern farming have become.Through open conversation, the episode highlights how different climates, systems, and markets still lead to many of the same problems, from weed pressure and input reliance to animal health and profitability. But it also shows something more important: the opportunity for change. As the Welsh farmer explores the EFA approach firsthand, it sparks a shift in thinking, one that could completely reshape the future of his farm.Ewan brings valuable insight from the EFA perspective, breaking down how soil biology, mineral balance, and system-wide thinking can reduce costs, improve animal performance, and rebuild resilience. From milk quality and nutrient cycling to weeds as indicators of imbalance, the discussion offers practical lessons that extend far beyond one farm, showing how these principles can be applied anywhere in the world.Along the way, the conversation challenges conventional approaches to fertiliser use, chemical inputs, and pasture management, revealing how many common farming struggles are symptoms of deeper issues in the soil.We discuss:• What happens when farmers from opposite sides of the world compare systems• Why many farming challenges are universal, regardless of location• How the EFA approach can reduce costs and improve resilience• The link between soil health, animal performance, and product quality• Why weeds can signal deeper imbalances in the soil• The hidden impact of fertilisers and chemicals on long-term farm health• How shifting mindset can completely transform a farming systemOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 23 Forgotten BiologyWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore Chapter 23: Forgotten Biology, focusing on the overlooked role of cyanobacteria in soil health and agricultural systems.Often misunderstood as toxic “blue-green algae,” cyanobacteria are usually associated with polluted waterways and animal poisoning events. But the discussion reveals a very different side to these ancient organisms, highlighting their powerful role in nutrient cycling, soil biology, and ecosystem regeneration.Ewan explains how certain marine-derived cyanobacteria can function within soil environments, supporting biological processes that modern agriculture has largely ignored. The conversation challenges common perceptions and explores why many soils today may not be biologically balanced enough for these organisms to thrive.By looking deeper into the relationship between ocean biology and land systems, the episode raises an important question: what critical parts of soil ecology have been forgotten along the way?We discuss:• Why cyanobacteria are often misunderstood in agriculture• The difference between toxic blooms and beneficial soil species• How ocean-based biology can function in soil systems• Why modern soils may struggle to support these organisms• The potential role of cyanobacteria in regenerative farmingHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore one of the most powerful forces shaping modern farming: mindset. While regenerative agriculture is often framed around practices like rotational grazing or reducing inputs, the real shift begins with something deeper, the willingness to question long-held beliefs about how farming “should” work.The conversation unpacks how healthy soils drive resilient farms, explaining why livestock, microbes, minerals, and plant diversity must function as a connected system. From nutrient cycling and parasite resistance to drought resilience and carbon storage, the episode shows how regenerative outcomes emerge when soil biology is supported rather than forced.Along the way, they challenge common assumptions about weeds, fertilisers, cropping systems, and animal health, revealing how many of agriculture’s biggest problems are actually symptoms of deeper imbalances in soil chemistry and biology.We discuss:• Why livestock are essential for nutrient cycling in regenerative systems• The role of soil biology, fungi, and microbes in building humus• How mineral balance influences plant health and parasite resistance• Why weeds can be signals of missing nutrients in the soil• The difference between organic farming and regenerative outcomeOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 22 Invisible MenaceWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.In this episode, Stephen and Ewan unpack Chapter 22: An Invisible Menace, exploring the concept of vibrational residues and the unseen energetic imprints left behind by agricultural chemicals and electrical infrastructure.The conversation moves beyond chemistry alone, examining how soils that are rich in silica may act as memory systems, storing not just chemical residues but frequency imprints from past treatments. From hormone sprays like 2,4-D and legacy products such as DDT, to modern electrical systems, smart meters, and on-farm power infrastructure, this episode questions what remains long after laboratory tests say a paddock is “clean.”Ewan shares firsthand experiences from his own farm, including unexpected tree deformities, livestock behaviour changes, and the discovery that increasing soil electrical activity amplified historical residues. What followed was a deep exploration into remediation from fungal “control alt delete” systems and mycelial networks, to paramagnetic and volcanic rocks placed on fences and earth systems to mitigate electromagnetic interference.The discussion connects soil silica, electrical current, EMF, and biological function, drawing parallels between computers, memory storage, and living systems. Concepts such as homeopathy, radionics, resonance, and even quantum mechanics are examined through a practical farming lens, not as abstract theory, but as tools Ewan has tested in the field.We discuss:• What vibrational residues are and how soils may store frequency imprints• The long-term effects of legacy chemicals like DDT and hormone sprays• Why chemical breakdown does not necessarily mean energetic breakdown• How increasing soil electrical energy can amplify hidden residues• The role of fungal species as biological reset systemsHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan move beyond “math busting” and into something even deeper: paradigm busting. What if the biggest barrier to regenerative farming isn’t nitrogen rates or phosphate targets, but the mental models farmers have inherited for generations?From no-till myths to spray-first thinking, they unpack how industry narratives shape decisions long before a paddock is ever walked. The conversation challenges assumptions around cultivation, cover crops, soil disturbance, and diversity, revealing how some widely accepted “regenerative” practices may still be missing the biological foundation entirely.At the heart of the episode is a simple but confronting truth: systems regenerate when biology regenerates. And biology doesn’t respond to labels like conventional, organic, or regenerative, it responds to mineral balance, carbon pathways, electrical charge, and living roots.We discuss:• Why regenerative farming is a system, not a label• The myth that tillage destroys soil (and what actually does)• Why spraying before cover cropping may undermine the whole goal• How soil carbon really builds (and why sugar alone isn’t enough)• The cobalt–B12 link and what a farm cat can teach us about deficienciesOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast – Book Companion Series.In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore the hidden role of tissue salts and electrical nutrition in soil, plant, animal, and human health. Challenging conventional ideas about how minerals actually function within biological systems. The conversation connects cellular processes, soil biology, and farm management through one central idea: true fertility is biologically created, not chemically applied.Rather than viewing nutrients as simply soluble inputs, this episode examines how minerals must be transformed through living systems to become electrically available and functional. From cyanobacteria and microbial activity to pasture growth and animal wellbeing, Stephen explains how soil biology creates the mineral “salts” that underpin resilience, productivity, and nutritional density.The discussion moves beyond fertiliser recipes to a systems-based understanding of farming, where observation, biological function, and mineral balance replace product-driven decision making. Along the way, the conversation links soil health with food quality, farm profitability, and the long-term consequences of relying on soluble inputs.We discuss:• What tissue salts are and their role in cellular and soil function• The difference between soluble nutrition and electrically available minerals• How soil biology converts raw minerals into usable forms• Why cyanobacteria and microbial systems drive farm resilience• The connection between mineral balance, animal health, and food quality• How product-focused agriculture replaced systems thinking• Why profitable farming begins with understanding biological processesUsing practical farm observations and cross-disciplinary thinking, this episode reframes agriculture as a living electrical system, where healthy soils create healthier plants, animals, and ultimately people. When farmers shift from chasing inputs to supporting biological function, complexity reduces and independence increases.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Link to our free ebook!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/ Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan challenge some of farming’s most accepted assumptions and ask a simple question: what if the math isn’t mathing? From nitrogen targets to phosphate “maintenance” rates, they unpack how industry norms became unquestioned truths and why many of them don’t hold up under first-principles thinking.The conversation walks through real on-farm numbers, showing how excess nitrogen creates animal stress and runoff issues, and how phosphate applications often far exceed what actually leaves the farm. Rather than blaming cows or chasing production per hectare, this episode reframes the focus toward soil function, biological processes, and one metric that truly matters: profit per hectare.We discuss:• Why 4–5.5% nitrogen in pasture may be fundamentally flawed• How excess nitrate stresses cows and drives runoff into waterways• The phosphate “maintenance” myth, and why 60kg may really be 6kg• How industry paradigms prioritise inputs over farmer profitability• Why profit per hectare, not production per hectare, is the real benchmarkUsing practical farm examples, the episode demonstrates how testing, measurement, and simple calculations can dismantle long-held assumptions. When farmers understand the source of nitrogen and phosphorus flows they can reduce pressure, improve resilience, and regain control from systems that profit off complexity and confusion.Listen to the full episode on SpotifyOr watch the full episode here:https://youtu.be/Qy0xz-ZVWmEOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast – Book Companion Series.In Chapter 20 of The EcoFarm Aotearoa Book Companion Series, we explore the idea of structure, from the soil beneath our feet to the spine in our bodies. What begins with a conversation about jaw alignment and Western Price quickly unfolds into a much deeper discussion about how mineral balance, nutrition, and physical structure are inseparable. Whether it is calves developing broader heads after changes in soil management or the visible shift in posture through functional dentistry, the message is clear. Structure reflects health.This episode moves between farm practice and personal experience, showing how addressing root causes rather than symptoms transforms outcomes. From soil tests and mineral corrections to foot alignment, spinal charts, and DNA sequencing, the common thread is foundation. When the base is right, resilience follows. When it is neglected, problems surface elsewhere. Farming, business, community, and human health all mirror the same principle.We Discuss: • How jaw alignment, posture, and mineral nutrition reveal deeper systemic health• Why soil structure and mineral balance directly influence livestock development and behaviour• The shift from treating symptoms to addressing root causes in farming and personal health• Functional dentistry and skeletal alignment as examples of structural correction in action• How nutritionally dense food begins with healthy soil and builds stronger people and communitiesHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/⁠Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan sits down with Ross and Lance, who made a bold transition away from conventional inputs and into biological system thinking. What began with digging holes and finding no worms has evolved into a complete mindset shift, from chasing nitrogen and spraying weeds to rebuilding soil depth, animal health, and farm confidence.The conversation follows their two-and-a-half-year journey, including the tough first 12 months, the drop in pasture production, and the turning point when animal health rebounded and costs began to fall. From reducing nitrogen from 150 units to just 5, eliminating Roundup and routine drenching, and watching worm castings return, this episode explores what really happens when you move from feeding plants to feeding soil biology.We discuss:• Dropping nitrogen from 150 units to 5 and what happened next• The first-year “shake” and why most transitions feel worse before they improve• Animal health changes, milk urea pressure, and reducing nitrate stress• Even grazing patterns, calmer cows, and fewer flies• Cutting Roundup, urea, summer crops, and imported feed• Herbage testing and understanding excess nitrogen in pasture• Rebuilding red clover density and growing deeper topsoil• Lifestyle shifts, lower health inputs, and regaining control of the farm• Why solving problems through nutrition changes long-term outcomesUsing real on-farm examples, the discussion shows how shifting from a consumable input model to a soil-first biological system doesn’t just change pasture, it changes decision-making, confidence, and lifestyle. Rather than chasing symptoms with more product, the focus becomes removing limiting factors, stabilising biology, and building a system that strengthens year after year.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1

The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast – Book Companion Series.This episode covers Chapter 19 and dives into one of the most controversial and intriguing concepts in regenerative agriculture: biological transmutation. What sounds like alchemy becomes a practical exploration of how soil biology can transform elements, balance nutrients, and supply what plants and animals need without constant external inputs.From kiwifruit orchards producing potassium without applications, to chooks laying hard shells without added calcium, Ewan and Steve challenge chemistry-only thinking and unpack the role fungi, bacteria, and even electrical stimulation play in nutrient cycling. At its heart, this chapter is about restoring trust in biology and questioning the systems that shut it down.We explore:• What biological transmutation is and how it differs from conventional chemistry• Orchard lessons from potassium cycling and the PSA wake-up call• Bioremediation: how fungi and microbes break down toxins once thought permanent• Why herbicides disrupt nutrient creation at its source• How farmers can regain independence by working with biology, not against itThis episode is a reminder that nature already knows how to build, balance, and repair if we stop interfering long enough to let it work.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more / get the book: EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)• Our FREE E-Book: https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/• Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=7f68bd8183ea46ae• Audiobook: Available on Spotify

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan unpack what happens after soil health starts improving and why many farms hit a wall precisely when things should be working better. As regenerative systems begin to function, old habits, missing steps, and unseen limiting factors can quietly undo progress if the full process isn’t followed.The conversation walks through EcoFarm Aotearoa’s start-to-finish methodology, explaining why accuracy, system thinking, and education matter more than quick fixes. From GPS-based soil testing and biological sequencing to EMF interference and boundary effects, this episode reframes farming as a new operating system, one that must be learned, not assumed.We discuss:• Why soil success can create new problems if the process isn’t understood• The “new car” analogy and why modern farming requires new operating rules• How EMF interference can quietly shut systems down• Why GPS accuracy and repeatability are non-negotiable• Soil testing, herbage testing, and sequencing improvements correctly• Boundary effects, power amplification, and protecting productive land• Moving from consumables to long-term investment thinkingUsing real farm examples, Ewan explains why powering up biology without addressing frequency, logistics, and process can amplify problems rather than solve them. Rather than chasing symptoms, the discussion focuses on removing guesswork, protecting gains, and building resilient systems that continue to improve year on year.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/⁠Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=c2fde76b54c44e62⁠

The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast – Book Companion Series.This episode covers Chapter 18 and dives into one of the most misunderstood and powerful forces in farming: fungi. What begins with a moment of curiosity (and a fair bit of trial, error, and “stupidity”) quickly turns into a profound rethinking of how soil, plants, animals, and humans are all connected through biological digestion and nutrient cycling.Ewan and Steve unpack the early observations that sparked the chapter — ragwort pulling out effortlessly, worm activity exploding, and soil structure transforming almost overnight. From there, the conversation follows Ewan’s hands-on experiments with fish, fungal brews, and species-specific inoculation, challenging mainstream compost tea theory and the idea that all microbes are interchangeable. Rather than importing generic biology, the focus shifts to understanding which fungi belong where, and why protein-focused pastures require entirely different fungal relationships than forests.We explore:• How fungal activity radically changed soil structure and weed behaviour• Why “one-size-fits-all” microbes don’t work in agriculture• Fish, fungi, and the biology behind smell, digestion, and neighbour complaints• Fruiting bodies, stress signals, and what mushrooms really indicate• Higher-order plants, weeds as indicators, and speeding up natural successionThis episode is about shifting from control to process and why real progress in farming depends on working with biology, not against it.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more / get the book: EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)• Our FREE E-Book: https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/• Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=7f68bd8183ea46ae• Audiobook: Available on Spotify

Title: The EFA Comments Section Exploded - Ewan Answers everythingThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastIn this Q&A episode, Stephen and Ewan respond to listener questions covering soil minerals, silicon availability, nitrogen use, and electrical processes in farming systems. Grounded in observation and on-farm results, the conversation challenges conventional thinking and focuses on what consistently delivers healthier soils, resilient pasture, and better financial outcomes.From cyanobacteria and mineral activation to fertiliser accountability and system feedback, this episode connects cause and effect across soil, plants, animals, and policy. Rather than reacting to symptoms, the discussion highlights the importance of accuracy, honesty, and addressing limiting factors within the system.We discuss:• Why observation and real-world results matter more than theory• Silicon sources, activation, and the role of biology• Nitrogen traceability, carbon loss, and diminishing returns• How weeds and soil softness reveal underlying imbalance• Reading land correctly to improve function and profitabilityThis episode is a practical look at how understanding mineral systems, biology, and electrical charge leads to healthier farms and more confident decision-making.For a list of all the reference links on this episode, check out the description of the youtube video HERE Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/⁠Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=c2fde76b54c44e62⁠Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology, mineral systems, and regenerative farming in New Zealand.

The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast - Book Companion Series.This episode covers Chapter 17 and revisits the moment the story burst out of the courtroom and into the public eye — when 60 Minutes turned up, asked the questions the system wouldn’t, and changed the game.Ewan and Steve unpack what it was like meeting Melanie Reid and her producer with healthy skepticism (the good kind), then watching the investigation unfold as she worked through the court documents and kept texting variations of: “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Unlike the courtroom, someone was finally listening — and verifying.The conversation explores the pressure that followed the Commerce Commission decision, the machinery that kicks in when a system decides you’re a “target,” and the real-world fallout: reputational attacks, enforcement that felt more like bullying than justice, and the cost of simply refusing to fold.From there, the episode widens out into the bigger theme behind the chapter: when communities stop standing up for themselves, systems drift from practical, local problem-solving into corporate gatekeeping, process for process’ sake, and authority without accountability. Ewan also shares how this experience pushed him into studying the law — not for revenge, but to understand how it works and how ordinary people can actually use it.We also touch on the irony (and the dark humour) of supplying premium meat to the very circles connected to the prosecution — plus a wild side-story involving BBC Radio 4, international demand, and how quickly opportunity can get shut down by bureaucratic interference.We explore:• How 60 Minutes got involved — and why skepticism mattered• What Melanie’s investigation exposed that court process didn’t• The aftermath: public pressure, enforcement, and the cost of holding your ground• Why it was never about “does it work?” — but about legal traps and narrative control• Gatekeepers, corporatisation, and why communities feel less able to act• The mindset shift: learning from losses, standing up, and staying productiveThis episode is about what happens when scrutiny finally meets power — and why progress (in farming or law) often depends on people being willing to take a few hits and get back up again.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more / get the book: EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)• Full 60 Minutes segment + law resources: whoisthegovernment.comOur FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=7f68bd8183ea46aeAudiobook: Available on Spotify and Audible.

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 16: The Problem of SuccessThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastThis episode covers Chapter 16 and unpacks what happens when innovation works too well. Ewan reflects on the rise of Probitas, the backlash that followed its success, and the systems that move to shut down ideas that threaten entrenched interests.In This Episode:Ewan shares the personal and professional fallout of challenging the fertiliser industry and regulatory system, including court cases, media manipulation, fear-based enforcement, and the misuse of “false and misleading representation” laws. The conversation reveals how innovation, when it disrupts powerful industries, can trigger intimidation rather than investigation.This chapter explores how fear is used to control farmers, suppress discovery, and protect billion-dollar systems at the expense of soil health, food quality, and rural communities. From patents and expert witnesses to search warrants and media pressure, Ewan breaks down how the system operates and how farmers can begin to push back.We explore:Why successful innovation attracts resistance, not supportHow fear keeps farmers compliant and isolatedThe misuse of regulation, courts, and “expert” authorityWhat Probitas revealed about soil, electricity, and biologyWhy standing your ground matters for farming’s futureThis episode is about courage over compliance, discovery over fear, and why the future of farming depends on farmers understanding both their land and the systems that govern it.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)Our FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=7f68bd8183ea46ae

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 15: What Is This Shiny Stuff?The EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.Read or listen along by searching An EcoFarmer’s Discovery on Spotify, or find the book on Audible and Kindle. Each episode unpacks the stories and principles behind regenerative farming, with 26 chapters released across 26 weeks.This episode covers Chapter 15 and explores the hidden structure of soil, aluminium toxicity, and why misunderstanding soil chemistry puts entire farming systems at risk.In This EpisodeEwan explains why most farmers have never been taught what soil is actually made of, unpacking aluminosilicates, pH behaviour in volcanic soils, and how soluble aluminium quietly shuts down biology. The discussion introduces the importance of the SW07 soil test, why traditional fertiliser advice often makes problems worse, and how misreading soil data leads to escalating inputs and declining function.The conversation connects soil chemistry to plant expression, human health, and historical fertiliser use. From hieracium infestations and shiny aluminium-loving plants to phosphate binding, silicon lock-up, and calcium availability, this episode shows how toxicity, not deficiency, is often the real issue.We explore:• Why aluminium toxicity, not deficiency, shuts down soils• How soil tests like SW07 reveal hidden system failures• The link between aluminium, silicon, calcium, and phosphorus• Why hieracium and “shiny” plants signal toxic conditions• How sea minerals and biology help restart the soil systemThis episode is about understanding structure over inputs, biology over chemistry, and why healthy soils depend on removing toxicity, not adding more product.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)Our FREE E-Book: https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=7f68bd8183ea46ae

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 14: The BeachThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.Read or listen along by searching An EcoFarmer’s Discovery on Spotify, or find the book on Audible and Kindle. Each episode unpacks the stories and principles behind regenerative farming, with 26 chapters released across 26 weeks.In This EpisodeThis episode covers Chapter 14 and explores the role of seawater, cyanobacteria, and marine minerals in soil, plant, animal, and human health.Ewan reflects on the research of Dr Maynard Murray and others, drawing connections between ocean health, mineralisation, and biological function on land. The discussion explains why seawater cannot be replicated synthetically, how cyanobacteria underpin carbon accumulation, and why biology fails when exposed to chemicals and aluminium.The conversation moves from theory to practice, covering early on-farm seawater trials, logistical challenges, mineral interactions, and surprising results such as explosive pasture growth and worm activity. The episode also touches on serpentine, historical fertiliser choices, and why relying on short-lived products can leave farmers stuck when tools disappear.We explore:• Why seawater is biologically alive and cannot be manufactured• The role of cyanobacteria in carbon, soil structure, and nutrient flow• Links between ocean health, soil health, and animal performance• Seawater as fertiliser, fungicide, and biological inoculant• Practical lessons from early trials and mineral interactions• Why nature-based systems consistently outperform chemical fixesThis episode is about first principles, biological intelligence, and understanding that healthy farms, animals, and people all begin with functioning soil biology.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)Our FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=d5fd8cf669b14be0

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 13: ProductsThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.Read or listen along by searching An EcoFarmer’s Discovery on Spotify, or find the book on Kindle. Each episode unpacks the stories and principles behind regenerative farming, with 26 chapters released across 26 weeks.In This EpisodeThis episode covers Chapter 13, Products, and how soil decisions shape real-world outcomes.Ewan reflects on the rapid growth of his soil biology work and the challenges of scaling something entirely new. The discussion looks at knowledge transfer, burnout, and what happens when innovation moves faster than structure.The conversation then turns practical, linking soil imbalance, mineral deficiencies, and chemical legacies directly to animal health, farm costs, and product quality. Ewan explains why fixing problems in the soil consistently delivers better results than treating symptoms in livestock.We explore:• The challenges of scaling new ideas in farming• How mineral imbalances affect soil and animal health• Why soil solutions outperform animal supplements• The long-term impacts of chemicals like DDT and atrazine• How testing and observation guide better decisions• Why products reflect the health of the whole systemThis episode is about learning from mistakes, taking responsibility, and understanding that farm products are built from the soil up.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)Our FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=d5fd8cf669b14be0

Tissue Salts: Mineral Intelligence & Cell FunctionThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastModern farming often treats symptoms instead of causes. In this episode, Stephen and Ewan dig into the mineral foundations that sit beneath soil health, plant function, animal performance, and ultimately human health. Starting at the single cell, they explore how functional minerals, biology, and electrical processes work together to create resilient systems that actually pay off financially for farmers.The conversation moves from ancient science and tissue salts to modern soil testing, showing how cyanobacteria, microbes, and mineral organisation underpin productive land. Rather than adding more inputs, this episode focuses on creating the conditions that allow minerals to move, organise, and function correctly through the entire food chain.From soil conductivity and mineral lock-up, to animal symptoms, plant signalling, and the role of seawater chemistry, this episode connects the dots between soil, water, herbage, animals, and people.We discuss:• Why healthy soil must be biologically active and electrically conductive• The difference between raw minerals and functional mineral forms• How cyanobacteria organise minerals at the cellular level• Why fertiliser does not equal mineral intelligence• How mineral imbalances express as plant stress and animal health issues• The role of silica, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements• How testing soil, water, and herbage reveals limiting factors in the systemThis episode is about understanding cause and effect, restoring mineral balance, and learning to work with natural systems rather than constantly reacting to problems. It is a deeper look at how reading the land properly leads to healthier farms and more sustainable outcomes.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=c2fde76b54c44e62⁠Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology, mineral systems, and regenerative farming in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 12: The Meat ProducerWelcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.You’re invited to read along. Get the audiobook via Spotify by searching An EcoFarmer’s Discovery, or grab it on Kindle, and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, observations, and principles behind regenerative farming. A new episode drops every Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This EpisodeThis episode focuses on the meat produced on Ewan’s farm, and what happens when animal health, soil function, and nutrition are aligned.Ewan and the team unpack how changes in soil biology, mineral balance, and feed quality translate directly into the quality of meat leaving the farm. Rather than chasing premiums or labels, the focus is on producing food that is clean, nutrient-dense, and honest, with nothing to hide.The conversation links soil testing, herbage testing, and animal observation back to real outcomes, including flavour, structure, shelf life, and consumer trust. It is a practical look at how farming systems show up at the end of the chain, on the plate.We explore:• How soil health influences animal health and meat quality• Why mineral balance and pasture diversity matter for livestock nutrition• What herbage and soil tests reveal about feed quality• The connection between clean systems and clean food• Why producing good meat starts long before the animal is finishedThis episode is about accountability, observation, and pride in producing food that reflects a well-functioning farm system from the soil up.Follow along. Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)Our FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=d5fd8cf669b14be0

Inside EcoFarm Aotearoa: Soil, Water & Herbage TestingThe EcoFarm Aotearoa PodcastTesting is often discussed in agriculture, but rarely done in a way that truly guides decision-making. In this episode, Stephen and Ewan walk through the practical process of soil, water, and herbage testing, showing how accurate sampling, consistent GPS points, and year-on-year comparisons reveal what is really happening on a farm.From collecting soil cores and tracking carbon through the soil profile, to interpreting herbage and water results alongside animal performance, this episode shows why testing works best when it is used to understand the whole system, not just individual numbers.We discuss:• How to collect repeatable soil samples and why depth matters• What soil carbon, bulk density, and mineral balance reveal over time• How boron, calcium, silicon, copper, and zinc influence soil and pasture function• What herbage and water testing can tell us about animal health and nutrient flowThis episode is about learning to read your own farm, identifying limiting factors, and making informed decisions based on observation, data, and experience over time.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Our FREE E-Book:https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=c2fde76b54c44e62Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology, testing, and regenerative farming in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmers Discovery Chapter 11: Rock HoundsWelcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This EpisodeChapter 11, Rock Hounds, is where curiosity turns into full-blown experimentation.Ewan unpacks what happened when basic slag disappeared from the fertiliser market, how silicon was quietly stripped from key inputs, and why farming systems began to unravel as a result. From disastrous springs and animal health breakdowns to sheep chewing clay banks and grass thriving where road dust falls, this chapter reveals how nature keeps leaving clues, if you’re willing to notice them.This episode dives into silicon’s critical role in soil structure, animal health, plant strength, and mineral availability. We explore why weeds like thistles, gorse, and willow weed are not the enemy, but messengers, and how biology, electricity, and rock dust intersect in ways modern agriculture has largely ignored.We explore:• Why removing silicon from fertiliser inputs caused widespread animal health issues• How weeds act as remedial plants, restoring what soils are missing• Why sheep chew banks, cows reach through fences, and grass thrives near roads• The role of silicon in bone structure, plant strength, and soil resilience• What marine clays, rock dust, and cyanobacteria reveal about soil electricity• Why proper trials must start with a baseline — or they mean nothingPacked with insight, humour, and hard-earned lessons, this episode reinforces a powerful theme: if the numbers don’t match what you see on the farm, the numbers are wrong.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (⁠efa.nz⁠)Our FREE E-Book!⁠⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/⁠⁠ Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=4caf7169d6eb4d97⁠⁠

Inside EcoFarm Aotearoa: Late Spring Open DayThe EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 11)Many farmers are feeling the pressure of rising fertiliser costs, tightening margins, and systems that no longer seem to deliver what they promise. In this Late Spring Open Day, Stephen and Ewan are joined by farmers, orchardists, and lifestyle block owners who are actively questioning the status quo and exploring what happens when you stop following the rulebook and start listening to the land.Across paddocks, fences, and soil pits, the conversation moves from conventional inputs to biology, minerals, energy, and observation. This episode captures real questions, lived experiences, and practical insights from people transitioning away from chemical dependency and toward systems that build soil, support animals, and improve resilience over time.We discuss:• Why many farmers are rethinking fertiliser, sprays, and conventional advice• How soil biology, minerals, and energy influence pasture, weeds, and stock health• The role of silicon, calcium, copper, and carbon in building functional soils• Why feeding the soil changes animal performance, meat quality, and resilience• How observation, testing, and curiosity can replace costly guessworkThis episode isn’t about perfection or overnight change. It’s about learning, questioning, and building systems that work with nature rather than against it, one paddock, one decision, and one season at a time.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠www.efa.nz⁠Our FREE E-Book!⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/⁠ Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=4caf7169d6eb4d97⁠ Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology and regenerative farming solutions transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmers Discovery Chapter 10: ScienceWelcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This Episode:Chapter 10 dives into the “simple” observations that led Ewan to uncover one of the biggest missing pieces in modern farming: soil is electrically driven. By revisiting school science, comparing reactivity charts, and talking with engineers, Ewan realised why minerals move the way they do, why plants absorb nutrients in different ratios than the soil holds, and why water-soluble fertilisers often create more problems than they solve.From potassium corrosion to aluminium toxicity, cation exchange capacity, humus, and seasonal electrical switches inside trees, this chapter exposes the hidden electrical currents that shape soil health, plant growth, animal performance, and even the weeds that appear on your farm. Once you understand the electrical language of nature, the whole system starts making sense.We explore:• Why nutrients flow through plants electrically, not by solubility• How water-soluble fertilisers trigger animal health issues• The real meaning of CEC and why humus transforms soil capacity• How electricity reveals toxicity, mineral imbalance & soil weakness• What poplar trees, Redwood giants & solar-charged greenhouses teach us about natural electrical flowPacked with humour, clarity, and practical insights, this episode shows why understanding electricity in the soil changes everything about how we farm.Follow along: Watch full episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful links:• Learn more at EcoFarm Aotearoa (efa.nz)• Our FREE E-Book! HERE• Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:

Cyanobacteria: The Hidden Engine Driving Your Soil The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 10)Most farmers know about clover, fungi, and fertiliser… but very few understand the microscopic lifeform that actually built the planet and is still driving soil fertility today. In this episode, Stephen and Ewan uncover the extraordinary role of cyanobacteria, the organisms that oxygenated Earth, created the first soils, and remain the biggest untapped force in New Zealand farming.Building on last week’s conversation, we explore why farmers who understand cyanobacteria gain deeper topsoil, stronger nutrient cycling, explosive winter growth, and long-term fertility without expensive inputs. From tissue salts to nitrogen fixation, worm castings to carbon gains, this episode connects the smallest biology to the biggest on-farm results.We discuss:• Why cyanobacteria are the true “regenerating motor” of the soil• How they build carbon, release nitrogen, phosphorus & sulphur, and deepen topsoil• The mineral imbalance (silicon vs aluminium) that determines pasture vs weeds• Why chemical sprays collapse soil biology and stop carbon from recovering• How worms, tardigrades & microbes digest cyanobacteria into long-lasting humusHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nzOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/ Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=4caf7169d6eb4d97 Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology and regenerative farming solutions transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 9: ElectrifyingWelcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This Episode:In this electrifying chapter of An EcoFarmer’s Discovery, Ewan and Stephen explore the pivotal moment when a simple observation on the farm cracked open an entirely new understanding of how the land really works. After noticing kelp meal lining up perfectly in a bin, Ewan followed his curiosity into the worlds of paramagnetism, UV-reactive silica, natural electrical currents, and soil biology, uncovering a hidden layer of nature’s design that most farmers never see.From conversations with electrolytic engineers to experiments with magnetite, marine silts, gemstone UV boxes, and multimeters in the paddock, Ewan discovered that the soil isn’t just biological, it’s electrical. This chapter reveals how sunlight, silica, magnetic fields, and paramagnetism interact beneath our feet, shaping plant growth, nutrient movement, animal performance, and even how shells break down on a beach.We explore:• How a strange alignment of kelp meal sparked an investigation into soil electricity• Why magnetite, UV-reactive silica, and paramagnetic soils behave like a natural solar panel• How electrical currents amplify mineral movement, plant growth, and even toxins• Why superphosphate destroys the soil’s electrical potential and how to fix it• The link between electrical fields, livestock performance, and human healthFull of discovery, honesty, and real-world experimentation, this episode captures the moment Ewan’s journey shifted from soil chemistry to the unseen forces that drive life itself and how understanding those forces reshaped everything he believed about farming. Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmer’s Discovery.Watch us on video: Episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video.Useful Links & Info• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: On Spotify• Book / Audiobook details: Visit the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa (www.efa.nz)

The Carbon Trap: Why Pasture Renewal Is Costing You More Than You ThinkThe EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 9)Most farmers know carbon is important, but few realise just how fast it can vanish or what’s really driving the losses. In this episode, Stephen and Ewan break down a Grasslands Conference presentation by soil scientist Louis Schipper, and compare his findings with what’s actually happening on real farms.From pasture renewal to maize cropping, chemical sprays to root systems, this episode takes you far beyond the theory. As Ewan explains, the numbers don’t lie, but the interpretation often does. Behind every carbon crash is a deeper biological story, and ignoring it costs farmers thousands in fertility, grazing, and long-term soil health.Together, Stephen and Ewan unpack the hard science, challenge long-held assumptions, and reveal why cyanobacteria are the missing link in New Zealand’s carbon cycle. Once you understand how soil biology really works, everything changes: carbon stabilises, nutrients rise, organic matter builds, and paddocks recover faster than anyone expected.We discuss:• Why pasture renewal causes huge carbon losses — and why recovery often never happens• How chemical sprays wipe out cyanobacteria and crash soil fertility• Why maize looks great the first year but drains carbon for years afterwards• The surprising role cyanobacteria play in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur availability• Practical steps Ewan uses to lift organic carbon by 1–2% a year without expensive inputsWith clarity, humour, and decades of hands-on fieldwork, Stephen and Ewan translate complex soil science into practical solutions any farmer can use. This episode connects research, real soil tests, and on-farm experience into a roadmap for restoring soil carbon the natural way.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠www.efa.nz⁠Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions that are transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 8: Results On The HoofWelcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This Episode:In this episode of An EcoFarmer’s Discovery, Ewan and Stephen explore the game-changing moment when Ewan discovered that mineral balance and soil health don’t just grow better grass, they grow better animals. What began as an experiment with kibbled maize and home-mixed mineral blends soon revealed remarkable weight gains, improved livestock health, and, eventually, premium-quality beef that stood out in the marketplace.As Ewan followed his curiosity from the paddock to the meat works, he uncovered deeper truths about food quality, animal nutrition, and the broken systems that often hide the realities of modern meat production. From early frustrations with butchers swapping carcasses, to selling high-Omega-3 beef into top restaurants, this chapter unpacks how soil biology, animal health, and human health are all intertwined and why good farming begins long before an animal reaches the gate.We explore:• How early mineral experiments boosted weight gain and animal wellbeing• What really determines tenderness, taste, and fat quality in beef• The shocking inconsistency of traditional meat grading and processing• Why grain feeding raises Omega-6 and how grass-fed CLA turns into Omega-3• The link between soil nutrition, animal fat profiles, and human health• The challenges of dealing with industry research, standards, and resistance• How practical trial-and-error shaped the EcoFarm approach to meat quality• Why farmers must lead innovation when institutions won’tFull of humour, honesty, and decades of experimentation, this episode shows how real food quality starts in the soil, continues through the animal, and ends with healthier people and healthier farms.Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmer’s Discovery.Watch us on video: Episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video.So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.Useful Links & Info• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: On Spotify• Book / Audiobook details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa (www.efa.nz)

What Your Weeds Are Saying | Part 2The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 8)When weeds explode across a paddock, most farmers reach straight for the sprayer. But as Ewan Campbell explains, every thistle, buttercup, dock, and gorse plant is actually doing a job and sending a message. From California thistles taking over dairy farms to ragwort covering entire hillsides, weeds aren’t the enemy… they’re indicators of deeper soil problems waiting to be fixed.In this episode, Ewan and Stephen explore how weeds reveal the true condition of the land. Instead of fighting nature with chemicals, they show why the real solution lies in soil fertility, mineral balance, aeration, biology, and smarter grazing. What looks like a weed outbreak is usually a soil cry for help and once the limiting factors are corrected, the weeds simply disappear on their own.We discuss:• Why weeds don’t compete with healthy pasture once soil is corrected• How gorse, thistles, ragwort, buttercup, willow weed, and bristle grass each signal different mineral or drainage issues• Why chemical sprays create long-term soil damage and even more weeds• The role of biology, aeration, and cyanobacteria in fixing compacted or anaerobic soils• How livestock can be used strategically to control weeds without chemicals• Real on-farm before-and-after examples of weed-infested blocks turning into lush, productive pasture• The difference between constructive money and destructive money in farm managementWith humour, clarity, and decades of hands-on experience, Ewan and Stephen reveal how regenerative farming turns weeds into teachers and how listening to them can transform your land far faster than spraying it.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – ⁠⁠www.efa.nz⁠⁠Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions that are transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.

An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 7: Going To The SourceWelcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.In This Episode:In this episode of An EcoFarmer’s Discovery, Ewan and Stephen explore the pivotal moment when Ewan’s curiosity led him beyond the farm gate and straight to the world-renowned Brookside Laboratories in Ohio. Searching for real answers about soil biology and fertility, Ewan discovered a way to truly “read” the soil, unlocking a practical science that forever changed how he farmed.Through insights from Dr. William Albrecht and his own hands-on testing, Ewan learned how every soil tells its own story and how New Zealand’s diverse volcanic landscape hides both challenges and incredible potential. Together, they unpack how science meets practicality, how “limiting factors” hold the key to productivity, and why true farming progress starts by going back to the source.We explore:The journey to Brookside Labs and how it shaped EcoFarm’s testing philosophyThe legacy of Dr. Albrecht and the science of balanced soilsWhy “if the book and nature disagree, throw away the book”What New Zealand’s diverse soils reveal about fertility and trace mineralsThe hidden relationship between soil health, animal health, and human healthHow practical, cold-face experience brings science to lifeFull of humility, curiosity, and real-world learning, this episode shows how knowledge and observation can transform not only a farm, but the future of farming itself.Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmer’s Discovery.Watch us on video: Episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video.So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.Useful Links & Info• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: On Spotify• Book / Audiobook details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa (www.efa.nz)

Weeds: What They’re Really Telling You About Your SoilThe EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 7)When weeds take over, most farmers reach for the spray. But what if every thistle, buttercup, or gorse plant is actually trying to tell you something? In this episode, Ewan Campbell and Stephen Brunton dig into the surprising truth about weeds, they’re not enemies of productivity, but messengers of the soil’s condition. Through real on-farm stories and decades of regenerative experience, Ewan explains how weeds reveal underlying mineral imbalances, poor aeration, and biological breakdowns and how the right soil management can make them disappear without a single drop of poison. From “fixing the soil, not the weed” to using livestock as living tools for regeneration, this conversation turns conventional weed control on its head.We discuss:How weeds reveal soil health, not failureWhy chemical spraying makes soil problems worseThe role of biology, minerals, and grazing in weed controlReal examples of gorse and blackberry transforming into rich pastureHow nature self-corrects when given the right conditionsThe philosophy behind constructive money vs. destructive money in farmingFull of practical wisdom, humour, and down-to-earth insight, this episode challenges the old mindset of “kill and control” — showing instead how healing the soil brings everything, even weeds, back into balance.With humour, honesty, and decades of hands-on experience, Ewan and Stephen explore how solving facial eczema starts with healthy soils, balanced biology, and a shift in thinking.Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nzSubscribe for weekly conversations exploring soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions that are transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.