The Quorum Sense Podcast

In this episode Jono sits down with educator and author John King.You may have read some of John's articles in various publications or his books. John is passionate about helping farmers help themselves through dialogue. John has found that getting farmers together in a room or out in a paddock (or on a bus so they can't run away!) is one of the most powerful ways to stimulate conversation and knowledge sharing. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy with a sharp wit, as you'll hear in this conversation.John tells it how it is and believes that it's up to farmers to make the changes they want to see. As he says: "No-one is coming to save you. You just have to get off your ass and do it!" Sit down, grab a cuppa, get that tractor radio turned up and enjoy this classic and compelling yarn with John King and host Jono Frew.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (

In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono interviews his wife Ruby Frew!Ruby is a farmer and a mother among many other things. However, family and farming are what matters most for Ruby.In this short and sweet conversation, Ruby shares her journey from an early interest in sheep and beef farming to a career in dairy, and also how becoming a mother has shaped her life. Ruby shares some challenges and setbacks in her journey as well as some pleasant surprises she has encountered along the way.We hope you enjoy the conversation.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this episode, Jono sits down for a pre-sunrise yarn with Logan Wait.Logan's family have been dairy farming in the Waikato for a century and a half, but this conversation is not so much focused on the family dairy farm...Instead, Logan shares a brand new concept: Earth First Food.Earth First Food creates the opportunity to buy high quality, direct-to-consumer meat products from farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture. And in doing so support the local food system whilst investing in the health of our soil.Tune in to hear Logan's story, from being asked to provide meat for a corporate event to developing this system. It changes the way we market meat as farmers, allowing for better story telling and giving consumers a way to build relationships with the farmers who supply them with meat.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (

In this episode, Jono takes the podcast kit to North Canterbury to check out Underground Festival.This was a great opportunity to capture some of the conversations happening while people mingled between presentations at this wonderful celebration of soil.There were some stand-out themes like community and connection, and also practical takeaways that came through from festival goers, presenters and organisers. How many of the voices in this episode can you name?🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this episode Jono jumps in the tractor cab with dairy farmer and president of Federated Farmers' North Otago Provincial Executive, Otto Dogterom.Otto has been dairy farming for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share from how he got started, to navigating family farming ups and downs, to simple principles he uses to monitor farm performance. Otto talks about how looking after your finances, your people and your environment pays dividends in farming. And he says you have to love farming to make it work- and Otto sure loves farming!!There is some background tractor noise in this one as Jono and Otto drive around chopping and carting silage on one of Otto's support farms, but we're sure you'll agree it doesn't get any more authentic than that!This may even be the start of a whole new trend of episodes recorded on the farm?Let us know your thoughts and we hope you enjoy!🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk em...

We decided to sneak one more podcast in for 2024!!In this episode Jono sits down with food fanatic and farmer Matthew Evans from Fat Pig Farm in Southern Tasmania.Matthew started his career as a chef and food critic, and through a love for food - and noticing a link between good food flavour and soil health - he began a life-changing journey into the world of soil health. For eight years Matthew ran a 'soil to stomach' operation where he grew, harvested and prepared food with his own on-farm restaurant. Matthew has also written several books and recently hosted the Grounded festival, Australia's first regenerative agriculture festival, at his farm in Tasmania.Tune in to hear this fascinating story about how Matthew went from wondering why farmers who grew the best tasting food were "banging on about soil health" to now being the guy who bangs on about soil health!🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (a...

In this episode Jono sits down with Rachel and Greg Hart from Mangarara Station in central Hawke's bay.Greg and Rachel are passionate about nature, community and farming, and this is very easy to pick up in this wonderful conversation. It's a conversation that covers the farm's journey from sheep farming to the haven of life it is today, covering the 28 years that Rachel and Greg have been on the farm.Mangarara is mainly a beef farm nowdays, coupled with other complementary enterprises that include an eco-lodge and a lot of trees!! Hear how they're managing tree planting in grazing land using single wire fences to protect the trees as they get established, and how they're maximizing the life on their farm.Tune in and enjoy listening to these two kiwi regen legends.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (

With this release, we celebrate episode 50 of the Quorum Sense podcast!!Jono sits down with Darren Doherty from over the ditch in Australia. Darren is a farmer and an educator, well known for his vast knowledge of farm systems function, design and management.In this conversation we hear how about Darren's journey to where he is now. He and Jono discuss what kinds of hurdles are common in practice, and also in mindset. This is a conversation of perceptive and personality as well as practice. 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this special episode of the Quorum Sense podcast going abroad, Jono sits down to chew the fat with 6th generation family farmer Allen Williams.Allen was a university professor with 24 years in academia under his belt when he decided that he needed to go back to his roots on the farm. Since this challenging step, Allen has been on an incredible learning journey.He has taken his experience and teamed up with Gabe Brown and formed the Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag. Together, he and Gabe have impacted over 50 million acres globally!Tune in to this inspiring podcast to hear how Allen has altered the agricultural conversation worldwide.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense websiteem...

In this special episode - which is part 1 in the mini series of the Quorum Sense podcast going abroad - Jono sits down with Jim Elizondo to discuss grazing management and nutrition.Jim has vast experience trialing different types of grazing management over his long career as a cattleman and educator. Jim is trained in accountancy and yet he also likes to keep things simple on his farms.This conversation goes deep into how plants behave under different forms of management and how there is more to root exudates than most realise.Grab a cuppa and a note pad, this is a goodie! 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this episode Jono speaks with keen 24-year-old kiwifruit orchard manager Levi Belcher about how he got started in the industry, and why he was attracted to soil health and regenerative practices. Levi talks about how having a "get stuck in" attitude has made a big difference in his career.If you are a Kiwifruit grower interested in regen practices and / or organics, or looking to get started in the industry, you will want to sit down for this one! 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this discussion, Jono sits down with dairy farmer and Quorum Sense board member Willie White to hear about his journey into organic regen dairy farming.From humble beginnings on the family farm as a child - and watching his parents convert a part of the farm to dairy - Willie has always had a strong connection with the land. After a career in rural banking, Willie came home to take on the family dairy farm.Attending a local field day where a dairy farmer was showcasing his diverse pastures, which allowed him to not need to use synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, Willie had a penny-drop moment. And he set about converting to organic supply. Looking back, Willie says he's thrilled with the outcomes of that choice, and what it's done to his farm's health and resilience, and to the bottom line. 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (

In this special episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono interviews Professor Jack Heinemann from the University of Canterbury on the topic of GE and GMO in New Zealand.Professor Heinemann's experience in this field, along with a long list of credentials, make him one of the leading voices in the country. And this conversation uncovers issues and insights into GE and GMO that many may not be aware of. Tune in as we dive into a very informative conversation on the risks of the proposed GE / GMO regulation changes in New Zealand. 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (click here to view full disclaimer on the Quorum Sense website).2023 Quorum Sense

In this episode Jono catches up with Carrie and Tom Andrews from Wholly Cow Butchery in Cambridge.Carrie and Tom are passionate about supporting their local community and creating opportunities from listening to their customers needs.From caring for the animals, to slaughter, to butchery and even turning what would normally be waste products into soil building compost - Carrie and Tom are responsible for the whole lot.Carrie and Tom are keeping traditional skills alive as modern technology is doing more and more of our tasks, and vital skills are at risk of being forgotten.Listen to how this family has created a fully open and transparent system that promotes connection, responsibility, quality and resilience in their farm and butchery business. Click this link to check out the Wholly Cow Butchery website.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk em...

In this episode we have an in-depth and very personal conversation with Zeb Horrell. Zeb is a third generation sheep and beef farmer from northern Southland, and Zeb's contributions span much wider than the family farm.Zeb shares his experience with enterprises, Future Whenua, Polyculture Paddock and Burning Horse festival, and a recent move from his family farm - Motana Flat - to Mangaroa Farms in the lower North Island.Zeb covers complex topics with grace and ease. From selling farm produce direct to the community and views on regulations, to agroforestry and silvopasture. And from the environmental trading scheme (ETS) to being responsible for your information diet.Zeb's passion for the industry and what he does is vivid and unmistakable. Try listening to this one and not being inspired by, and excited for, what's possible in our farming communities!🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (a...

Charlotte and Russell Heald are passionate dairy farmers "living their dream life" in Norsewood, Manawatū.Earlier this year they won the OrganicNZ award for Regenerative Organic Farmer of the Year.Russell and Charlotte share their journey from conventional share milking to dairy farm ownership. And how a personal health focus began their on farm transition to regenerative and then organic certification, where they receive a premium for their milk.They wanted to create a low stress farm environment with a focus on profit and abundance of life, and they share how they have done just that. Charlotte and Russell are very open in this conversation, sharing challenges and successes they have found on the way.Tune in as we discuss a range of topics from diverse pastures to agri tourism to energy and frequencies in this fascinating conversation with the Healds. 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk (a...

In this episode Stephen Newman shares his journey from the IT industry, to dairy farming in his thirties, to later discover regenerative agriculture and the power of farm discussion groups. Stephen had no farming background when he started dairy farming and relied heavily on advice from consultants. And he saw synthetic nitrogen as a vital element of his farming business. After watching a Country Calendar episode, Stephen was introduced to a whole new world of farming. That was the catalyst for change.Today, Stephen and his wife farm in Kaukapakapa and have been trialing regen practices for five years, including some trials in Kiwifruit orchards he's involved with. Stephen also discusses how beneficial it has been starting a local discussion group with support from Quorum Sense. He started the Kaipara Regenerative Farming Group and is now getting the first discussion group off the ground for kiwifruit growers curious about regenerative practices.Tune in to hear this inspiring story of learning and discovery. 🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute...

In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono has a fascinating discussion with David Musgrave about pastoral farming and science in New ZealandDavid is a multi-generational farmer who's family started farming at Waihi Bush Farm in the 1800s, and its where David farmed until recently. As well as farming, he has a vast career in science and research exploring what makes our pastures here productive and profitable.We discuss New Zealand's first urea manufacturing plant and how it shaped our pastoral systems and research, and how our attachment to ryegrass and white clover pastures are limiting us in many ways.David shares his knowledge on what species of pasture work really well and what resilience and susceptibility to common problems like grass grub and nutrient deficiency look like.If your interested in thriving pastoral systems, you are going to want to get your note pad out for this one!🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk em...

In this podcast, recorded especially for our Wintering Innovations Series, Deane Parker, Duncan Humm and Jono Frew discuss their wintering journeys.Deane talks about going from relying on unreliable winter crops to a full bale grazing system on his mid Canterbury dairy farm.Duncan shares his journey from heavy pugging on his mid Canterbury deer farm, which included wintering cows from nearby dairy farms. And to lifting stag numbers, introducing diverse species winter crops and silage, and treating his soil totally differently.Jono adds his first season's learnings from managing a large beef and winter dairy grazing farm in the Waitaki, which involves making their own hay and silage and adapting to the conditions.This is a lively early-morning discussion between three passionate practitioners who have evolving views on how to look after their animals and their soil.For find out more about our Wintering Innovations Series and sign up to receive content, click this link to visit the webpage.🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and...

In this fascinating episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono sits down in the studio with Dylan Graves from Tuatapere for an in depth talk about some of the powerful uses and functions of Biochar.After years of journeying around the world teaching, Dylan felt there was something missing in his life.Then he discovered Permaculture and the wonders of soil which then lead onto discovering the amazing results of using Biochar.Dylan is a great teacher and does a fantastic job of demonstrating not only the benefits and risks of Biochar, but also goes into great detail of some of the ways literally anyone can make Biochar on any scale.https://www.sces.org.nz/biocharhttps://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/workshops/🪴 Quorum Sense website (www.quorumsense.org.nz)🤙 Quorum Sense Farming Network Facebook Group👣 The Quorum Sense Podcast🦋 Quorum Sense Facebook page🌸 Quorum Sense Instagram✨  Quorum Sense NewsletterDisclaimer: The information, opinions and ideas presented in this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the content provided is done at your own risk...