The Quorum Sense Podcast

Getting off your ass with John King

Quorum Sense — Wed, 28 May 2025 17:29:00 +1200

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.

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Disclaimer: 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).

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Farming, family and motherhood with Ruby Frew

Quorum Sense — Fri, 02 May 2025 13:11:00 +1200

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.

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Tapping into the retail market with Logan Wait

Quorum Sense — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +1200

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.

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A celebration of soil and connection: Conversations at Underground

Quorum Sense — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:36:00 +1200

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?

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People, economics and environment with Otto Dogterom

Quorum Sense — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:07:00 +1200

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!

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Banging on about soil health with Matthew Evans

Quorum Sense — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:13:00 +1200

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!

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Optimising life with Rachel and Greg Hart

Quorum Sense — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:41:00 +1200

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.

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Helping people transition in agriculture with Darren Doherty

Quorum Sense — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:56:00 +1200

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.

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Shifting the global agricultural paradigm with Allen Williams

Quorum Sense — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:55:00 +1200

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.

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Beyond the basics of pasture management with Jim Elizondo

Quorum Sense — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:51:00 +1200

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!

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Organic Kiwifruit and a "get stuck in" attitude with Levi Belcher

Quorum Sense — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:35:00 +1200

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!

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From rural banking to organic dairy farming with Willie White

Quorum Sense — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:07:00 +1200

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.

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Unintended consequences of GE and GMOs with Prof Jack Heinemann

Quorum Sense — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1200

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.

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More than meat with Carrie & Tom Andrews

Quorum Sense — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:43:00 +1200

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.

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The future of the whenua (land) with Zeb Horrell

Quorum Sense — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +1200

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!

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How organic regen dairy farmers, Charlotte and Russell Heald, are living their dream life

Quorum Sense — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +1200

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.

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From IT to regenerative farming with Stephen Newman

Quorum Sense — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 08:25:00 +1200

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.

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Blending research and farming with David Musgrave

Quorum Sense — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:12:00 +1200

In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono has a fascinating discussion with David Musgrave about pastoral farming and science in New Zealand

David 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!

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Lets discuss wintering with Deane Parker, Duncan Humm and Jono Frew

Quorum Sense — Thu, 30 May 2024 08:37:00 +1200

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.

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Transforming waste into biochar with Dylan Graves

Quorum Sense — Thu, 09 May 2024 07:27:00 +1200

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/biochar

https://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/workshops/

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Uncovering the magic of Six Inches of Soil with Claire McKenzie

Quorum Sense — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +1200

This month, we ride the airwaves to the UK to hear from Claire McKenzie, the producer and filmmaker behind Six Inches of Soil - a grassroots UK documentary which Quorum Sense is bringing to New Zealand next month.

Jono has a fascinating conversation with Claire about the film, the young aspiring farmers it follows, and how its captivating non-farming audiences. We also explore how the regenerative agriculture conversation is unfolding in the UK and what the future looks like for family farms.

Having caught up with Claire, we couldn’t be more excited to bring Six Inches of Soil to big screens here in NZ and to shine a light on soil and regenerative farming.

This is a film for everyone, whether you’re into regenerative farming or not; it’s captivating and full of positive solutions. We encourage you to get along to a screening near you, and enjoy a night out at the flicks.

Visit the Quorum Sense website to find a screening near you and book tickets.

And click here to visit the Six Inches of Soil website.

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Windows of opportunity with Nick Tucker

Quorum Sense — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:31:00 +1200

Beef farmer and Quorum Sense Team member Nick Tucker has swapped his urban luxuries for an off-grid cabin on 160 acres amid the backroads of Northland.

From the family dairy farm as a young boy, to ruminant nutrition research, being the PR bridge between marketers and farmers, and working for intensive ag companies, Nick pivoted to more 'meaningful work' in 2019 – and with that, a complete mindset shift.

Nick is vulnerable in sharing that he doesn’t have farming all figured out. Yet inspires us to lean into that experience, and view patience and observation as our best resources to find those windows of opportunity.

Enjoy the episode.

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What do we mean by 'Good Farming' with Daniel Eb and Peter Edwards

Quorum Sense — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +1200

Farming for Good (NB webpage not live yet) is a research collection that explores our sense of connection with farming in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s about supporting everyday people and leaders across our communities, farming sector and government, to build trust in our food and farming system.

In this is podcast, we’ll be talking specifically to a research project led by Peter Edwards (Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research) focussing on social license and perceptions of the ‘good farmer’. The researchers asked urban and farming New Zealanders about their perceptions of 21 different farming practices – with some surprising results.

Also on the podcast is Daniel Eb, founder of New Zealand’s national open farm day - Open Farms – to share some stories about connection and perception change from the 100+ open farms events / 10,000 visits the project has supported.

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Taking the bull by the horns with Ewan Campbell

Quorum Sense — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +1200

National food awards, 10t/ha increases of soil carbon and nitrate levels now undetectable. These are results that’ll open your mind to what Coromandel drystock farmer Ewan Campbell has to say about his discoveries.

National food awards, 10t/ha increases of soil carbon and nitrate levels now undetectable. These are results that’ll open your mind to what Northland drystock farmer Ewan Campbell has to say about his discoveries.

Ewan’s journey started with helping his dad turn a peat swamp into a farm. Right across the railway from top-in-the-country dairy land that he wished he had.

Moving to a drystock farm in Waihi with little in his pockets, Ewan started trialing alternatives. This included the un-tapped power of electromagnetism through the soil. This is definitely an episode that will charge your brain cells!

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Farmers are our health system with Phyllis Tichinin

Quorum Sense — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:43:00 +1200

Growing up in California, Phyllis Tichinin witnessed the abundance of local fruit orchards and their deep, rich soils begin to be concreted into what is now Silicon Valley.

After meeting her Kiwi husband, Phyllis now resides in Hawke’s Bay and is well-known as an eco-nutritionist with a passion for regenerative farming practices that produce nutrient dense food.

“If we get agriculture right, we get everything else right”.

This is a conversation that you’ll find you can’t draw yourself away from as Phyllis stoutly highlights the links and parallels between human health and the health of our food systems.

Enjoy the episode.

“I am optimistic and I am humbled by what many farmers are willing to take on [despite] social pushback from neighbours and family…

“…the risk that’s involved when you’re not doing the normal thing…so you can’t blame the weather or make excuses…and you become more responsible for your own results.”

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Playing the game of farming with Brad Rudd

Quorum Sense — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:45:00 +1200

Infatuated by seeds turning into food as a young boy in his Poppa’s veggie garden, Brad Rudd has always had a desire to grow things. Despite growing up in the outskirts of Auckland.

At first a senior shepherd on a ‘conventional’ farm in Hawke’s Bay, Brad then threw his hat over the wall and took on the role of manager of Motatapu Station – working for Nadia Lim’s Royalburn Station – in Central Otago.

Brad’s experience and unique perspective has him understand and yet question the status quo. Breeding livestock resilience is his thing, and there’s nothing else he’d rather be doing!

Enjoy the episode.

“And I think either way I’m going to really get the value of that variety for the animals. So I’ll use the kale paddocks as the dry matter, the gut fill paddocks, and I’ll probably take them on and off the regen paddocks to almost like give them their vitamins, so to speak.”

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Integrating your values into farming Charlie Arnott

Quorum Sense — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +1200

Australian farmer, podcaster and all-round regenerative advocate Charlie Arnott talks landscape healing, nutritionally dense food and the complexity and stresses of farm management.

Whilst Charlie is grateful for the reference point his science background provided, it wasn’t helping integrate his personal values into farming. Not just bringing biodiversity and resilience to a sometimes challenging environment, but also engaging with people, having fun and being playful.

He sees himself as a ‘grower of food’, is committed to living an authentic life and values stopping doing things as much as doing something different. And it all starts with the ‘paddock between your ears’!

Enjoy the episode.

The first place to change is the paddock between your ears. Getting gung-ho and buying equipment or applying tools big or small in the landscape at first is probably not what I’d suggest to do.

Just to do the homework. Work out how adapting some different methods is going to fit with your budget, your resources, your temperament, your situation.

Step into it lightly…and just align these potential practices with your values, and make sure they do align, and with your resources is really important.

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‘Boots and all’ with Cherryle Prew

Quorum Sense — Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 +1200

Cherryle Prew’s journey progressed from city office worker, to organic horticulture, to BioGro auditing. But her “aha!” moment and passion for soil biology was born at a talk by Elaine Ingham, founder of Soil Food Web worldwide.

Boots and all, Cherryle set up NZ’s only Soil Food Web lab 20 years ago.

From discussing compost teas, to the need for auditing and regulation being more educational and less ‘stick’, to commentary on past and present ways of growing food, this is a ‘grab a cup of tea, a biscuit, and tell a few stories’ kind of conversation.

Enjoy the episode!

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Learning off each other with Peter Legg

Quorum Sense — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:09:00 +1200

It was an interest in body building, personal training and nutrition that sparked Peter Legg’s journey into farming. You’ll now find him on the family’s 45ha dry land arable, winter sheep grazing and dairy support block in Southbridge, Canterbury.

Peter talks about ‘right place, right time’ cultivation and success in raising soil organic matter levels. And he shares his experience with lime and biological nutrient brews, and his observations of the farm’s economic improvements.

Like most, Peter has concerns moving forward, but is also clear about the exciting opportunity farmers have with practices like green crops and maintaining soil cover all year round.

"It just blows my mind because we struggled to grow cash crops on dry-land in the early days. And now we’re growing a cash crop and all this biomass over the summer.

"It’s like, how is this even possible!"

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The joy in ‘giving it a crack’ with Shane Birchall & Meghan Schutt

Quorum Sense — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +1200

Father and daughter duo Shane Birchall and Meghan Schutt have changed their whole dairy and beef system, just south of Rotorua. Shane’s ‘tried it all’ throughout his lifetime on the farm, with nudges from Meghan in recent years steering them to focus on creating self-sufficient and low waste operations.

The two share their experiences implementing herd homes, multi-species crops, combining mobs, high-density grazing management, low inputs, and most recently, halter collars. The benefits to soil and animal health, the team’s well-being and enthusiasm, and the overall flexibility of the farm system are unquestionable. And they’re not stopping here!

Enjoy the episode.

“We’ve had a massive change in farming really, in the last three years.”

“The whole system has changed completely. We’ve gone from running two mobs to one mob.”

“One herd now which has made things so much simpler. I forgot how easy heifers can be when they’re mixed in with the old girls. So that’s a huge labour saving.”

“Multiple shifts, really focusing on keeping that residual 16, 17, 18 instead of 15, so making that grass grow more grass.”

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The possibilities of science and farming with Sam Lang

Quorum Sense — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:18:00 +1200

A year into running a mixed farming operation in Canterbury, Sam Lang is committed to merging the best of science with farmer observation, enquiry, experience and innovation. And within his role at Quorum Sense, he’s always pushing for questions to be asked from a farmer’s perspective.

Throughout his travels as a Nuffield Scholar, Sam was inspired by farmers defying what he thought was possible in the world of ‘conventional’ farming. Now farming himself, he's acutely aware of the need to balance idealism versus realism versus risk.

The importance of a support network also rings clear in this conversation, for not only himself with his team and family focus, but for all farmers around the world.

Enjoy the episode!

“Look at root exudates…liquid carbon pathway root exudates driving the entire soil microbiome, nutrient cycling. All that kind of stuff and the impact of plant diversity, and grazing management, and nutrition, and all these different things on how these root exudates work, and it literally drives the whole ship.

“And science discovered that. You can observe it, but the way that I think about it is an observant farmer can make a whole lot of really powerful observations and connections between things that happen and it takes them to a certain insight and a certain place. And then what science can do is amplify that understanding and observation to a whole new level which then further refines how you might farm based on that understanding.”

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Transformations and expectations with Jake Herron

Quorum Sense — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:28:00 +1200

Jake Herron’s life has completely transformed since we last spoke with him two years ago. And his dream is coming true. Jake and his partner Emma recently shifted from Central Otago to Matakana. From scratch, they’re creating and managing a 300ha ‘gate to plate’ farm.

When it comes to taking on farming regeneratively, Jake emphasises the essential balance of managing your expectations whilst holding onto your enthusiasm.

He also warns to not attach your ego to the word ‘regenerative’. We’re all just farmers and we need to stop pitching ourselves against each other. Because to heal our people, our society, our soil and our planet, these practices need to become widespread.

Enjoy the episode!

“What I would say to someone starting out in so-called regenerative agriculture is: Don’t attach your ego to the word.

“Because that’s the road I went down, for sure. My ego was SO attached to being a regenerative farmer, and I sort of almost cringe at it a little bit now.

“We’re all farmers. Doesn’t matter how your farming, we’re all farmers. And really, if we want to produce positive outcomes, we need to stop pitching ourselves against each other.”

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Looking outside the square with Adam Rivett

Quorum Sense — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:30:00 +1200

Previously a school principle, Adam Rivett shares how he had to look outside the square to make his 64ha sheep and beef farm in Canterbury economic.

Among other farming enterprises, a family-run on-farm butchery was opened five months ago. And in 2022 received the New Zealand Sausage Award for Best Traditional Beef Sausage.

Adam is someone who’s created a farming schedule to fit his lifestyle and context. He says you don’t need to have the shiny shoes to make something happen and have it work. It’s the realness of your story that people care about!

Additional show notes

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

https://choppedbutchery.co.nz/

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Foundations of a resilient farming system with Hamish Bielski

Quorum Sense — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +1200

South Otago farmer Hamish Bielski sheds light on how and why his marriage sits at the heart of their resilient sheep and beef system.

Managing expectations has been key in Hamish’s journey so far. He is unattached to doing the same thing year-on-year, authentically sharing what hasn’t worked, and highlighting the innovation and opportunity that arises from failing.

Hamish is adapting all the time, from sheep breeds, to grazing management, to creating openings for positive action within the rules of our national and global systems. Hamish is clear that there’s always more to achieve, so don’t forget to celebrate your wins!

“Failure is critical. I think failure is probably the most critical for yourself. Keeping you humble. Keeping your ego in check. But I mean, when we’re on good a roll, and things are going well, and what we do turns to gold, wow, it’s just so easy to get arrogant and self-focused and think you’re just the bees knees.

“But then you also limit yourselves in your innovation. So while you’re humming along well, somebody else that’s failing and changing, they end up leap-frogging you because you preferred to stay comfortable. While I love being comfortable, I also hate missing opportunities.”

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Gaining confidence through knowledge with David Birkett

Quorum Sense — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +1200

2022 Arable Farmer of the Year David (Dave) Birkett is a pioneer in New Zealand regenerative arable systems.

Rising input costs and the power of soil-building cover crops steered Dave’s transition. Through acquiring and understanding knowledge, he’s gained the confidence to try new things, and emphasises that it’s okay to take ‘a step back’ in order to move forward.

Dave reckons you can’t beat standing in the crop, observing and monitoring. He discusses his experience in shifting away from calendar-based sprays and instead using them opportunistically. Listen out for what he has to say about timing and techniques for cover crop management too. And Dave is clear that there’s no such thing as cheap food!

“Right at the start a lot of it came down to the actual financials. I understood that if you can get your soil right then that’s what’s going to allow you to reduce your inputs and allow you to be a more financially robust and resilient system.”

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Food and health independence with Marran (Maz) Tuckwell

Quorum Sense — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +1200

Young farmer Marran (Maz) Tuckwell shares his passion for food independence, natural health and their connection to farming. He talks about closing the loops in our farming systems, frugality as a core value and land area not being the limitation when growing your own food.

Also touched on is the importance of boots on the ground connecting people with nature, and the benefits of community sharing. Brought up in a household dedicated to alternative health practices, Maz has always been doing things as naturally as possible. And is used to going against the grain!

“A big passion of mine is - how can we be more independent with our food? And move away from the supermarkets, and the big industrialised food systems?

“Grow more of your own food. Try and get closer to your own food.”

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Embracing a bit of chaos with Richard Leask and Nick Paulin

Quorum Sense — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +1200

Australian wine grower Richard Leaske joins Nick Paulin, national viticulturist for Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates. They discuss the shift in customer attention from product to process and the importance of transparent story-telling.

Richard and Nick also share about their low-cost easy wins, being clear on your intention, and measuring outcomes. Plus optimizing the free power of photosynthesis, and undies in the ground…

Weaved throughout the conversation are their opportunistic mindsets, critical questioning, and having the confidence to learn by doing. It’s about shifting the needle of what we know by letting go of perfection to embrace a bit of chaos!

Enjoy the episode!

“It’s been more about the product, now it’s more about the process, and the product is the outcome from that. It’s a redesign, so we have to explain it.

“And people – when they hear it – go ‘Wow, that’s pretty interesting, that’s a different way of doing it, tell me more about it’. And it opens up a much bigger conversation about how it’s done and what we can do.”

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Seeing the opportunity in consumer demands with Geoff Ross

Quorum Sense — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:51:00 +1200

Lake Hawea Station's Geoff Ross brings his entrepreneurial perspective to the table in this wide-ranging chat about regenerative farming and the opportunities opening up to Kiwi farmers. With consumers demanding closer ties to the food and fibres the buy, and the spotlight on environmental issues growing ever brighter, he discusses some of the possibilities that lie ahead.

The conversation covers the value of diversity, building soil health and carbon sequestration, both for our future and to the marketplace. Geoff sees farmers as ideally placed to be the stewards of our landscape, and in better telling their stories, reduce the divide between farm and city.

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In off the deep end with Michael Reilly

Quorum Sense — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:25:00 +1200

From Sydney suburbia to Hawkes Bay farm owner, Michael Reilly shares a journey into regenerative agriculture driven by a desire to live on the land and to produce great food. Initially learning traditional production systems, his disappointment with both the physical and financial results soon had him seeking alternatives, and with great success.

Michael openly talks about his early experiences, and the impact of finally finding and connecting with other like-minded farmers, both in his area and beyond. It’s a great conversation with someone whose non-farming perspectives helped him see the need for a different approach, and whose gut instinct finally won out over the pressure to conform.

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Regenerative organic dairying with Janette and Carla Perrett

Quorum Sense — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:40:00 +1200

Mother and daughter dairy farming team Janette and Carla Perrett share how the shift to organic production has shaped their farming over the past 16 years. The drive for alternative solutions to support animal health and soil fertility has resulted in a regenerative approach that’s cut costs, improved well-being and created deep connection with their cattle and land.

They also touch into the challenges of being women in a male-dominated sector, particularly when forging a path that goes against established norms. From homeopathic remedies to brewing their own fertilisers, a never give up attitude and the courage to trust your gut instincts, it’s a wonderful and varied conversation.

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Balancing farm and family with Tim & Camilla Rutherford

Quorum Sense — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 10:21:00 +1200

Tim and Camilla Rutherford explore what it takes to bring regenerative practices to high country Merino production, and how it's benefited business, personal and family life. A wonderful conversation, it covers the introduction of mob grazing, the challenges of high country water supply, and the move away from cultivation, monocropping and chemical use.

Camilla also talks about her continuing professional photography career, and the passion she has for telling the story of regenerative agriculture through images and film in a way that's connected beyond the farming community. And Tim – a fourth generation farmer – shares fondly about both the experience of farming alongside his father, and beginning the same journey with their children.

Additional show notes

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Camilla’s ‘Heal the Earth’ project blog can be found at https://www.healtheearthnz.com/

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Jodi Roebuck on maximising impact per hectare

Quorum Sense — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:22:00 +1200

Market gardener and regenerative land use advocate Jodi Roebuck explains how he generates a $250k turnover on one tenth of a hectare, and the huge value gained from improving soil, fine tuning systems and building relationships. He also talks about the resilience and adaptability built into his approach to farming and business.

Jodi openly shares many of the financial details of his system, including the potential for a 6-day microgreen crop to match the value of a prime lamb! He also tells of his time overseas learning regenerative farming techniques, the key influences he met along the way and the value of learning from others.

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Roebuck Farm workshops (https://www.roebuckfarm.com/store)

Books:

Jean-Martin Fortier - The Market Gardener
Curtis Stone - The Urban Farmer
Elliot Coleman - The Four Season Farm
Ben Hartman - The Lean Farm

Podcasts:

No-till growers
Farm small, farm smart (Diego Footer)
Farmer to farmer (Chris Blanchard)

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Breeding for success with the McKerchar family

Quorum Sense — Fri, 13 May 2022 08:03:00 +1200

Canterbury pedigree beef and sheep breeders, the McKerchar family discuss multi-generational farming, succession, and not being afraid to shift direction. It’s clear that being open to different perspectives lies at the heart of family relationships, and their evolving relationship with their soils and livestock.

They talk about building business resilience, the growing interest consumers have in how their food is produced and the substantial benefits of introducing regenerative farming practices. Improvements in livestock health, fertility, and well-being have been substantial, whilst reliance on chemical fertilisers and feed supplements has dropped. It's an open and heart-warming conversation from a family committed to supporting a vibrant farming future and each other.

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Embracing dairy learnings with Deane Parker

Quorum Sense — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 10:39:00 +1200

Join dairy farmer and filmmaker Deane Parker as he deep-dives into his journey from rafting guide to regenerative farming advocate. Deane's connection to the outdoors and water, along with the hurdles he's faced along the way, have profoundly affected how he views the industry he works in and the opportunities available for those willing to change.

The openness with which Deane explores his concerns, hopes and experiences is powerful, as is the working relationship he's forging with partner Melissa. From the value of people, to multi-species winter crops and cutting fertiliser use, Deane is forward looking, curious and always learning.

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Managing complexity on the farm with Jules Matthews

Quorum Sense — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 08:06:00 +1200

Jules Matthews shares her experiences applying regenerative principles to beef and sheep farming, coaching and a startup market garden venture supplying direct to consumer. The observations and learnings she’s gathered within all this complexity are thought-provoking and inspiring.

From questioning what we’ve always accepted to asking where each situation is asking us to grow, it’s a conversation which covers many topics. Key themes include letting go of predictability, embracing uncertainty and choosing what may not be convenient, and relate to the bigger picture of how we’re turning up to farm and live.

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Duncan Humm talks diversity with deer

Quorum Sense — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +1200

Quorum Sense board member Duncan Humm talks about his fascination with deer, and the part they've played in teaching him the value of observation and diversity. Both are traits that have proven extremely useful as he learns to apply regenerative farming practices to the family farm.

From the early years as a teenager growing up on-farm in South Canterbury, to his more recent experiences with the Quorum Sense community, Duncan shares what he's seen and learned along the way. The impact on the way he now farms, and the inspiration he has to keep pushing forward, are obvious from this great conversation.

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Regen dairy with Miah & Jenny Smith and Greg & Lenna Low

Quorum Sense — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:27:00 +1200

From initial experiments with regenerative practices to rolling out across larger areas

of the farm, the Smiths and Lows share their experiences with building topsoil,

reducing fertiliser use and embracing diverse crops and pastures.

The benefits they discuss are wide-ranging, from improved fertility, animal health and profitability to bringing the joy and balance back into farming, as well as family and community life.

It’s an inspiring conversation about taking back responsibility for the choices made

on-farm, following the desire to find a better alternative, and how

refreshing it is to be able to focus on the positive outcomes they’re seeing on

their farms.

Arable panel with Nigel Greenwood, Simon White & Dave Cline

Quorum Sense — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +1200

Three arable farmers come together to talk about their experiences with regenerative crop production systems. From changes in tillage regimes to techniques to better support crop establishment, nutrition and health, it's a fascinating conversation between farmers who are 'walking the talk'.

From high level discussion around the benefits of regenerative farming practices, the guests deep-dive into the specifics of their individual approaches. The tools and inputs they use, why they're used and the benefits they're seeing are all covered in this engaging round table conversation.

Enjoy the episode!

Celebrating pastoral farming with Siobhan Griffin

Quorum Sense — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +1200

Pastoral farmer and grazing coach Siobhan Griffin was initially drawn to regenerative farming practices by a desire to produce better tasting meat and cheese. She has a deep passion for holistic grazing, plant and animal diversity, and increasing the soil carbon sponge.

Siobhan talks about the benefits for both farmers and consumers, and the pivotal role these practices can play in countering climate change. She believes that pastoral farmers are uniquely placed to be the climate heroes of the future. And that what's needed is not just a wholesale shift in farming practices, but also a focus on reconnecting with consumers.

Building resilience with Nick Gill & Mike Saunders

Quorum Sense — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +1200

Greystone Wine's Nick Gill and Mike Saunders continue to challenge traditional approaches to viticulture as they bring regenerative systems into their wine growing business. The integration of sheep into the vineyard, adopting natural fermentation processes and minimising machinery passes are just a few examples of the many changes they've introduced.

They talk about the personal challenges of innovating, and the wonderful accidental discoveries that have come from questioning the status quo and breaking away from traditional vineyard management practices. It's fascinating to hear Nick and Mike share their passion for pushing beyond the transition to organic production in order to build greater resilience into their farming system.

Enjoy the episode!

Hill country with Laura & Mark Koopmans

Quorum Sense — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +1200

Beef and sheep producers Laura Page and Mark Koopmans talk about implementing regenerative farming practices on a hill block described as '80% steep, 50% bush'. And how experiences on the hills have changed how they apply regenerative systems on the flats.

This young couple bring a huge energy to their farming, and they share openly about how they've introduced new ideas, what they've learned along the way, and the goals they have for the future. This is conversation about a passion for farming in a way that's more aligned with nature and Laura and Mark's own personal values.

Enjoy the episode!

Going wild with Roger and Nicki Beattie

Quorum Sense — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 03:14:00 +1200

Farming entrepreneurs Roger and Nickie Beattie have been forging a unique path within New Zealand’s agricultural landscape for many years. From farming wild sheep to developing branded products, they’ve leveraged regenerative principles to create a business ecosystem that’s complex, yet also simple.

It’s a great conversation that touches on many aspects of the work they’ve done to establish their current businesses. Full of interesting insights and genuinely innovative approaches to farming, there’s no doubting the passion they both have for what they do.

Enjoy the episode!

Global perspectives with Nicole Masters

Quorum Sense — Thu, 20 May 2021 21:24:00 +1200

Regenerative advocate, educator and coach Nicole Masters talks about the unique opportunity facing New Zealand farmers looking to introduce regenerative farming practices. The discussion ranges widely, from the value of open sharing, tackling soil compaction, and the benefits of working with nature, not against it.

Nicole has been exploring the benefits of 'nature-aligned' ways of growing crops and raising livestock since well before the term regenerative agriculture existed. With a background in the sciences and having coached numerous farmers in NZ and overseas in regenerative farming practices, she offers valuable perspective from the leading edge of regenerative thinking.

Enjoy the episode!

Conversation timeline:

00:00:58 - Comparing NZ soil environment with the US

00:04:30 - Getting excited about soils and plant biology

00:07:36 - The value of a questioning mindset

00:11:11 - The cost of not working with nature

00:14:42 - Consequences of current thinking

00:17:54 - Find those breaking the rules

00:21:15 - Compaction as an example finding different solutions

00:26:40 - Identify compaction and infiltration tests

00:29:38 - Authoring ‘For the love of the soil’

00:35:47 - The prospect of farming with fewer inputs

00:41:19 - Reversing the 'buy more land' trend

00:43:10 - Impact of chemical contamination

00:51:03 - Superphosphate impact on zinc levels

00:52:44 - The 'coach the coaches' school

00:56:13 - Learning from indigenous peoples

01:00:28 - Advice for those starting their regen journey

Talking dairy with Mark Anderson

Quorum Sense — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:13:00 +1200

South Otago dairy farmer Mark Anderson talks about his passion for the environment and the experiences – in New Zealand and overseas – that led him to begin exploring regenerative farming practices four years ago. These include seeing the impact of farming on the rivers that border his family's farm, recognising the unsustainability of Southland winter cropping practices, and hearing about changes in the oceans impacting his father-in-law's commercial fishing operations.

Mark also touches on the link between soil health, food quality and human health, with challenges to his own health adding to the drive to produce healthier food from healthier natural systems. With detail of the positive benefits on soil function, how Mark is monitoring progress, and the power of being supported by like-minded farmers, it's a conversation that covers a lot of ground.

Enjoy the episode!

Conversation timeline:

00:00:41 - Introducing Mark Anderson

00:01:55 - Catalysts for the change to regen

00:04:43 - Burn-out in the dairy industry

00:07:10 - Changes to our oceans and rivers

00:11:18 - Nature-based solutions

00:14:27 - Farm history, setup and overview

00:20:14 - Learning regen

00:23:48 - The power of a supportive community

00:25:50 - Working with nature not against it

00:28:57 - Farming as an art form, not just science

00:31:59 - Catching the emergent wave

00:35:25 - Being in the black to be green

00:37:05 - Measuring progress with soil fungi

00:42:09 - Rebuilding the natural cycles

00:49:52 - A new definition of success

00:54:52 - Starting the regen journey

Jakeb Herron's journey into regen

Quorum Sense — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +1200

Passionate about regenerative farming and already seeing results after just one year, young livestock farmer Jake Herron discusses the journey that led to farming a 160ha lease block in central Otago. He explores how his early farming experiences led him to step away from conventional agriculture, the lessons learned along the way, and the opportunities that exist for those who are bold enough to ask.

It's an open and frank conversation that also touches on the need to ignore what others think, the challenges facing young people wanting to farm in their own right, and the importance of believing in what's possible.

Enjoy the episode!

Conversation timeline:

00:00:44 - Introducing Jake

00:02:01 - Background and life journey

00:06:40 - Emergence of a regen mindset

00:09:53 - Starting out in central Otago

00:12:04 - Discovering the term ‘regenerative agriculture’

00:15:01 - Using regen to find a first lease block

00:20:15 - Early lessons and emerging plans

00:25:07 - Operating from the here and now

00:32:14 - Opportunities to build resilience

00:36:03 - Grazing management in a harsh climate

00:43:51 - The experience of the transition

00:50:16 - Bright ideas, limitations and asking for help

00:56:13 - Ignoring what other people think

00:58:50 - Trusting in what grows, and what doesn’t

01:00:13 - Having compassion towards yourself

01:03:30 - Observing results just one year in

01:08:50 - Advice for someone starting their regen journey

01:09:55 - We’re not separate from the landscape

The genesis of Quorum Sense

Quorum Sense — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 20:30:00 +1200

Podcast hosts and Quorum Sense founding members Jono Frew and Duncan Humm are joined by organic farmer Tim Chamberlain to chat about the genesis of the Quorum Sense network. How it all began, where it started, and how it’s evolved to become the network it is today, supporting farmers exploring regenerative farming principles across New Zealand.

As the conversation unfolds, Jono and Duncan also share aspects of their own personal journeys into the regenerative agriculture space, including the things that inspired them to get involved and what keeps them actively engaged in the network on a daily basis. Enjoy the episode!

A conversation with Mike Porter

Quorum Sense — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 21:14:00 +1200

In this episode, Canterbury cropping farmer Mike Porter talks about how his early experiences with soil erosion on the family farm led to the adoption of alternative approaches to arable production. From early no-till experiments to the discovery of the role plant roots play in regenerating soil structure and health, and the integration of livestock into a truly diverse farming system.

Over several decades, he’s turned a steep rolling block many wouldn’t consider cropping into a high performing dry-land farm that stands as testament to Mike’s innovative approach and constant desire to improve the way he farms. Enjoy the episode!

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