From The Soil Up Podcast

In this episode, Conan sits down with Teal Simmons, founder of Agrisol, to unpack one of regenerative agriculture's most overlooked truths: you can't build a thriving farm system if the economics don't stack up. As Teal puts it "You can't be green if you're in the red."
Teal brings a grounded, systems-based lens to the regenerative transition, walking through his Roots Framework and the practical steps farmers can take to move toward healthier soils without blowing up their bottom line.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why most farmers make the same costly mistakes when transitioning to regenerative practices
How to manage risk while changing your farming system
The central role of photosynthesis in building soil biology and long-term farm profitability
How to use foliar nutrition, intercropping, and phosphorus management as practical levers for change
How to budget for regenerative inputs — and know when to back off
Whether you're knee-deep in a transition or just starting to ask the hard questions, this episode gives you a framework to think about regenerative farming as a whole-farm economic strategy not just a set of practices.
https://agresol.com.au/

What's the real cost of modern farming and who's paying for it?
Phyllis Tichinin of True Health Limited joins the podcast to connect the dots between declining soil health and the chronic disease epidemic facing humans and livestock alike. From the collapse of soil microbiology under synthetic fertilizers, to the hidden nutritional power of grass-fed animal fats, Phyllis offers a compelling case for why regenerative agriculture isn't just good for the land, it's essential for human health.
They explore nutrient density, the consequences of routine antibiotic use, and practical on-farm strategies for rebuilding soil biology and producing food that truly nourishes.
If you've ever wondered why farming practices matter beyond the farm gate, this episode is for you.
 
http://www.truehealth.co.nz/

Pasture diversity is gaining traction in New Zealand farming circles  but what does the science actually say? In this episode, Conan sits down with Danny Donaghy and Eru Tait-Jamieson from Massey University to unpack the research behind diverse pasture systems. From species selection and functional traits to grazing management, soil health, and carbon sequestration, this conversation cuts through the hype and gets practical.
https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/colleges-schools-and-institutes/college-of-sciences/our-research/themes-and-research-strengths/whenua-haumanu/#Researchsites

In this episode, Conan interviews Joel Crump from Tow & Fert to explore the benefits of foliar feeding, the technology behind Tow & Fert machines, and how farmers can optimize fertilizer use for better soil health and productivity.https://www.towandfert.co.nz/

In this episode, Lynn Hoover from Ocean Blue Agronomics shares insights on the role of ocean minerals in sustainable farming, soil health, and livestock productivity. Discover how natural mineral sources can unlock soil biological functions, improve crop yields, and enhance farm profitability.
 
https://www.oceanblueagronomics.com/about-us 

In this special episode, Conan shares his panel from the 2026 Underground Festival, joined by two farming families who've put their money where their values are. Kenneth and Rachel Short are organic dairy farmers from Taranaki, and Mark and Laura Koopmans run a sheep and beef operation out of Kaikoura.
From the drivers behind their decisions to the honesty conversations around financials, the challenges, and the opportunities ahead, this is an honest, on-the-ground conversation about what regenerative and organic farming looks like in practice.
Please note: this episode was recorded live at the Underground Festival with audience Q&A, so there may be moments where crowd questions are difficult to hear.
https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/

What does it really take to produce one of the world's most sought-after natural health products?
Conan sits down with Liam Gavin from Gavin's Honey to pull back the curtain on the Manuka honey industry. From the realities of beekeeping to quality certification, export markets, and the growing demand for natural health products.
With over 2000 recognised properties, Manuka honey sits at the intersection of sustainable farming and global commerce. But as Liam puts it, "the industry is still finding its feet."
In this episode:
The key challenges facing Manuka honey producers
How UMF and MGO certification shapes market value
Local vs. export market dynamics
What the future holds for this iconic NZ industry
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-gavin-1824a3286/
https://www.instagram.com/gavinshoney_/

In this episode, I share my panel from the 2026 Underground Festival on Ecosystem Payments. I bring together leading voices in New Zealand’s emerging ecosystem markets to unpack what ecosystem payments really mean for farmers and landowners both today and into the future.
I'm joined by Sean Weaver (Ekos), Tim Booth (Tamata Hauhā), and Renee Raroa (East Coast Exchange / Toha), this panel dives deep into the opportunities, challenges, and realities of getting paid for ecosystem outcomes.
Please note there are plenty of crowd questions in this session so there may be questions that are hard to hear at times. 
 
https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/