Claim OwnershipFrom The Soil Up Podcast
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From the Soil Up is a podcast about performance in farming, food systems, business, and life. Hosted by Conan Moynihan, it explores what it really takes to build resilient, high-performing systems by getting the fundamentals right from soil health and farm profitability to leadership, mindset, and human health. No trends or dogma. Just honest conversations with farmers, scientists, advisors, and thinkers about what actually works. Because real performance isn’t built on shortcuts. It’s built from the soil up.
50 Episodes
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In this episode of From the Soil Up Podcast, I speak with Hamish Gow and three of the students involved in the Ag Innovation Challenge about their ideas to solve issues currently facing the agricultural industry.
The Challenge is put together by Lincoln University and Ballance Agri Nutrients with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries' Future Ready Farms programme, and is open to first-year students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate Primary Industry Systems course.
This is a fantastic opportunity to foster the next generation of Ag entrepreneurs so I'm excited to share their ideas and plans for the future.
In this episode of the From the Soil Up Podcast, Conan chats to Emily House about her expertise on plant nutrition, soil health, and their direct impact on livestock performance. Discover how mineral balance, pasture diversity, and soil testing can optimize farm productivity and animal health.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-house-59980149/
In this episode, Tony Evans from Camperdown Compost shares insights on regenerative farming, composting, and systems thinking for soil health and farm productivity. Learn how to integrate compost, manage wet conditions, and optimize nutrient cycling for sustainable agriculture.
https://camperdowncompost.com.au/
In this episode of the From the Soil Up podcast, Conan speaks with Paul Daly from EMNZ about the critical role of soil biology in agriculture. They discuss the importance of microbial diversity, the evolution of EM technology, and the challenges faced in promoting biological solutions in farming. Paul shares insights on how EM can enhance soil health, improve nutrient access for plants, and its applications in waste management and effluent treatment.
https://www.emnz.com/
In this episode of the From the Soil Up podcast, Conan Moynihan is joined by Kane Brisco, author of The Tools for the Top Paddock and founder of Farm Fit, to unpack the mental pressures of modern dairy farming.
They explore why today’s challenges are more mental than physical, how stepping back creates clarity under pressure, and why simple tools like writing things down can transform decision-making. Kane also shares his personal journey through hardship, highlighting the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community in farming.
https://www.facebook.com/FarmFitNZ/
https://farmfitnzshop.com/
https://www.instagram.com/farmfit_nz/?hl=en
A grounded, honest conversation about mental fitness and performance in agriculture.
This episode marks a new chapter for the podcast.
The Force of Nature Podcast is now From the Soil Up Podcast.
In this solo episode, Conan shares why the name has changed not because the message has shifted, but because the conversation has expanded. What began as a focus on soil health and farming systems has grown into something broader: conversations about the entire food system, from soil and production to human health, business, leadership, and long-term performance.
The values remain the same. The lens is wider. The conversations are deeper.
Because real performance doesn’t come from chasing the latest idea . It comes from doing the fundamentals properly. And that starts in the soil.
Summary
In this episode, Conan Moynihan interviews Dylan Graves, a passionate permie, about biochar and its applications in farming. They discuss what biochar is, how it is made, and its numerous benefits for soil health, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Dylan shares his personal journey into permaculture and the importance of raising awareness about biochar among farmers. The conversation also touches on the barriers to adoption, the potential for scaling the biochar industry in New Zealand, and the future of biochar in agriculture.
https://biochar.net.nz/
https://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with former owner at Ranch Management Consultants and Ranching for Profit, Dave Pratt about the critical issues surrounding succession planning in farming. They discuss the importance of communication, understanding expectations, and the need for a paradigm shift in how ranchers view their businesses. Dave shares his journey from a struggling rancher to a successful educator, emphasizing the need to work on the business rather than just in it. The conversation also touches on the role of nature in agriculture, the significance of fun in farming, and the distinction between economics and finance in making sound business decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building resilient, profitable, and future-ready farming businesses.
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Nic Thompson discusses the evolution of leadership and management practices, emphasizing the importance of self-management, decentralization, and emotional intelligence in organizations. He shares personal experiences that shaped his views on leadership and highlights the need for a purpose-driven approach in business. The conversation explores the Teal management framework, the significance of transparency, and the role of authenticity in fostering a positive organizational culture. Thompson provides actionable insights for leaders looking to navigate change and empower their teams effectively.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasgilesthomson/?originalSubdomain=au
https://itsiceberg.com/
In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas James Holmes to unpack the challenges currently facing the arable sector and what they reveal about the wider agricultural system.
We discuss how agriculture often focuses on the positives in good times, while sectors under pressure are overlooked. Thomas shares why flexibility, adaptability, and stronger support systems are critical for navigating economic uncertainty, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term resilience.
This conversation is a timely reminder that no part of agriculture operates in isolation and that sustainable solutions require awareness, change, and collective effort.
https://ruralleaders.co.nz/opportunities-and-challenges-for-the-future-of-arable-farming-in-canterbury/
In this episode I sit down with two of the founders from the Underground Festival in New Zealand, Fran Bailey and Chanelle O'Sullivan. UNDERGROUND is a two day festival celebrating soil, food and farming featuring international & local soil legends, talks, workshops, field experiences, local kai and music. In this episode we chat about how they came to create the festival, whose it for and how to get the most out of attending it plus a whole lot more.
https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/
https://www.instagram.com/franbaileypr/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/?hl=en
In this episode, Professor Jack Heinemann breaks down the often-overlooked risks of genome editing in agriculture. As New Zealand considers deregulation, he explains how genetic tool, while promising, can unintentionally disrupt vital ecosystem services, compromise farm productivity, and create long-term environmental consequences, even without intent to cause harm.
This conversation highlights why thoughtful regulation and a clear understanding of the risks are essential for protecting the future of New Zealand’s agricultural landscapes.
https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Jack-Heinemann
Conan sits down with dairy farmer and Kellogg Scholar Daniel Judd to unpack his report “The Soil’s Gap.” Together they explore why New Zealand’s agricultural science has focused on fertiliser over soil biology, what that means for productivity and resilience, and how mindset, not just management shapes the future of farming. From fertiliser efficiency and lost nutrients to bridging the divide between conventional and regenerative systems, this is a deep, honest look at where the next evolution of farming begins: in the soil.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-judd-b5a89a2ba/?originalSubdomain=nz
https://ruralleaders.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Daniel-Judd_K53_Final-Report.pdf
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan Moynihan speaks with Shaun Balemi from AgVance Nutrition and the MyCow App about the intricacies of cow nutrition and its impact on dairy farming. They discuss common mistakes in cow feeding, the importance of consistency, and how data technology can enhance decision-making on farms. Shaun emphasizes the role of nutrition in reproductive health and the significance of transitioning cows effectively. The conversation also touches on the environmental implications of proper feeding and the future of agriculture through collaboration and innovation.
https://mycow.nz/
https://agvance.co.nz/
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dr. Lucy Williamson discusses the intricate connections between gut health and soil health. With a background in veterinary medicine and nutrition, she emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health and its relationship with food systems. The conversation explores the role of farmers, the significance of education in nutrition, and the need for community engagement in understanding food sources. Dr. Williamson also shares insights on plant-based diets, the benefits of raw milk, and practical tips for improving gut health.
https://lwnutrition.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/lucywilliamsonnutrition/?hl=en
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan chats with Angela Clifford of Eat New Zealand and the Food Farm, to discuss the current state of food systems in New Zealand. They explore the importance of investing in local food systems, the challenges of food security, and the need for a cultural shift towards supporting small farms and local producers. Angela emphasizes the vulnerabilities in New Zealand's grain market and the necessity for community-driven initiatives to create a resilient food system. The conversation highlights the potential for a decentralized food system that prioritizes local food production and access, ultimately aiming for a sustainable future for New Zealand's food landscape.
https://eatnewzealand.nz/
https://www.thefoodfarm.nz/
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan interviews Louise Gibson, managing director of The Sharefarming Consultants. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in share milking and contract milking, the need for specialized consulting in this area, and the current state of legislation affecting these practices. Louise shares insights from a recent survey on the experiences of contract milkers, highlighting issues of abuse and mental health in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding contracts, and the pathways to farm ownership, while also exploring future opportunities in agriculture.
https://www.thesharefarmingconsultants.com/
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan Moynihan interviews Olivier de Schaetzen, a coach focused on regenerative agriculture in Estonia and Finland. Olivier shares his journey from architecture to agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and nutrient cycling. He discusses the challenges farmers face, the regulatory pressures from the industry, and innovative project aimed at creating a local food system. The conversation also touches on the significance of coaching and personal development in fostering systemic change within agriculture.
www.gens.eu
In this episode of The Force of Nature Podcast, Conan sits down with Daniel Eb, the founder of Dirt Road Comms, Nuffield New Zealand Scholar, writer for Farmers Weekly, and a passionate advocate for reshaping the way we think about food and farming.
Daniel’s story blends urban and rural worlds, giving him a unique perspective on New Zealand’s agricultural future. From launching Dirt Road Comms to his Nuffield Scholarship journey, Daniel shares insights on how global events ripple through local agriculture, why food systems are inseparable from public health, and how localised, resilient food networks could transform communities.
We explore why New Zealand is uniquely positioned to lead the agricultural transition, the role of Millennials in driving change, and why food should be treated as a public good just like healthcare. Daniel also makes a powerful case for a national food strategy, local procurement programs, and the moral imperative to address food insecurity in a resource rich nation.
This conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and bold ideas for building thriving rural communities, reimagining the future of food, and harnessing people as a powerful force of nature for systemic change.
https://www.dirtroadcomms.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-eb/?originalSubdomain=nz
In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with Dom Walker, a coach with Resource Consulting Services (RCS) in Australia. They explore Dom's journey from a city kid to an agricultural coach, discussing his experiences in Guatemala, the importance of connecting farmers to consumers, and the role of resilience in agriculture. The conversation delves into the significance of coaching versus consulting, the challenges of succession in family farms, and the need for effective communication and trust within agricultural businesses. Dom shares insights on holistic approaches to farm management, systems thinking, and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. They also discuss innovative financing solutions in agriculture and the future trends shaping the industry, emphasizing the role of youth and the need for a cultural shift in agriculture towards curiosity and connection with nature.
https://www.rcsaustralia.com.au/
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