From The Soil Up Podcast

Ep 28 - Dan Smith: Building Community Through Agriculture

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_/

Ep 27: Matt Haggarty: The Natural Intelligence of Farming

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

Ep 26 - Nicole Masters: The Human Element in Agricultural Transformation

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

Ep 25 - Melinda Turner: Bridging the Gap Between Soil & Animal Health

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/⁠ 
 

Ep 24 - Challenges and Opportunities in Uruguayan Agriculture with Magdalena Iturria

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/⁠

Ep 23 - Building Community Through Food with Cole Mannix

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/ 

Ep22 - - Community: The Heart of Agriculture with Sadie Collins

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/  

Ep 21 - Understanding nutrient density with Dan Kittredge

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dan Kittredge shares his journey from a small organic farm in Massachusetts to founding the Bionutrient Food Association. He discusses the importance of nutrient density in food, the significance of brix as a measure of plant health, and the connection between soil health and human health. We discuss the need for a shift in agricultural practices to focus on quality over quantity, and how this can lead to improved health outcomes for both people and the planet.
 
For more of Dan's work:
https://www.bionutrient.org/ 
 
Dan's Courses in NZ:
https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/events/dankitteridge