The Force of Nature Podcast
The Force of Nature Podcast is where regenerative thinking meets high-performance farming. Hosted by farm consultant Conan Moynihan, this show dives deep into the future of food, farming, and human health. Tune in for real-world conversations with farmers, thinkers, and disruptors who are transforming agriculture from the soil up; building profitable, resilient, and life-giving systems. If you’re ready to farm with purpose and live with intention, this podcast is for you.
Episodes

Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Ep 29 - Helen Beattie: A Good Life for All
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature Podcast, Conan sits down with Helen Beattie, veterinarian, advocate and founder of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA).
With a rich background spanning mixed animal practice, animal welfare inspection, and national-level policy work, Helen brings a bold and compassionate lens to one of agriculture’s most complex topics: animal welfare.
Helen doesn’t hold back as she unpacks the reality behind farming systems, the importance of systems thinking, and why "a good life for all" means animals, people, and the environment must thrive together.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-beattie-vawa/?originalSubdomain=nz

Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Ep 28 - Dan Smith: Building Community Through Agriculture
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dan Smith shares his journey from conventional farming to establishing a consultancy and charity farm in the UK. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of the Nuffield Scholarship, and the need for diversity and inclusion in agriculture. We also cover the significance of purpose in farming, the challenges faced in New Zealand agriculture, and the role of technology in enhancing farming practices while maintaining for integrity and sustainability in farming practices in NZ.
Dan's Linkedin
https://www.instagram.com/roots_in_/

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Ep 27: Matt Haggarty: The Natural Intelligence of Farming
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
In this episode of the Force the Nation podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Matt Haggerty, a young farmer from Western Australia, about his experiences in agriculture, particularly focusing on regenerative practices and natural intelligence farming. Matt shares insights from his upbringing under his parents Di and Ian Haggerty on a mixed arable farm, what Natural Intelligence Farming is, and the challenges faced in Australian farming, including rainfall and land management. Matt emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy, and building a personal brand in agriculture to connect with consumers and the significance of health and nutrition in relation to farming practices.
https://naturalintelligencefarming.com/
https://www.instagram.com/matthaggerz/?hl=en

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Ep 26 - Nicole Masters: The Human Element in Agricultural Transformation
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Nicole Masters, an agroecologist and founder of Integrity Soils. They discuss the importance of human dynamics in agriculture, the global trends in agricultural transformation, and the catalysts for change in farming practices. Nicole shares insights from her experiences in Montana, highlighting community innovation and the CREATE program, which focuses on experiential learning and personal development in agriculture.We also explore the themes of uniqueness, coaching, curiosity, community, and the future of agriculture in New Zealand. They discuss the importance of embracing one's individuality, the transformative power of coaching over traditional consulting, and the role of curiosity in driving change.
Links to Integrity Soils events and Create below
CREATE Australia
3 day workshops in NZ & Australia

Monday Apr 21, 2025
Ep 25 - Melinda Turner: Bridging the Gap Between Soil & Animal Health
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Melinda Turner, an independent farm advisor, shares her expertise in animal nutrition and soil health. Melinda challenges common misconceptions about ruminant nutrition in New Zealand, stressing the importance of balanced diets, effective grazing management, and informed nutritional advice to improve animal health and meat quality. We also speak about industry corruption that obstructs progress and emphasizes the need for greater understanding of livestock nutritional needs.
https://www.facebook.com/FarmNutrientsNZ/

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Ep 24 - Challenges and Opportunities in Uruguayan Agriculture with Magdalena Iturria
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Magdalena Iturria, a soil health expert from Uruguay. We discuss her journey from chemical engineering to agriculture, the unique challenges faced by Uruguayan farmers, and the importance of soil health in sustainable farming practices. Magdalena shares insights on the establishment of her company, Sosei, and the growing interest in regenerative agriculture in Uruguay. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding profitability and sustainability in farming, the role of women in agriculture, and the transformative experience of the CREATE program.
https://soseibioag.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sosei.uy/

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Ep 23 - Building Community Through Food with Cole Mannix
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Cole Mannix, founder of Old Salt Co-op, about his journey in the meat industry, the challenges faced by ranchers, and the innovative business model of Old Salt Co-op. Cole shares insights on the importance of community engagement, the need for a more resilient food system, and the existential necessity of decommodifying agriculture. The conversation highlights the connection between ecological stewardship and food production, emphasizing the role of local farmers in creating sustainable food systems.
https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Ep22 - - Community: The Heart of Agriculture with Sadie Collins
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Sadie Collins from Highland Harmony Farm shares her journey as a farmer in Montana, discussing the challenges of farming in their climate, the transition to regenerative practices, and the importance of education in agriculture. We also discuss the evolution of wheat and its nutritional decline, the importance of connecting with consumers through farmers' markets, and the value of community and human interaction.
https://www.highlandharmonyfarm.com/