Show Notes
An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 24: A Ray of Light Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey. In this episode, Stephen Brunton and Ewan unpack Chapter 24: A Ray of Light, reflecting on the power of observation, the intelligence of nature, and the breakthroughs that come when farmers begin to trust what they see. The conversation centres around a core idea: nature already has the answers — if we’re willing to observe, question, and step outside conventional thinking. From surprising on-farm discoveries like the role of fungi and even “magic mushrooms” in animal health, to the rapid recovery of pasture through biological processes, this episode highlights the turning point where challenges begin to reveal solutions. Ewan shares practical insights from years of trial and error, showing how once hidden residues, soil imbalances, and biological disruptions can be addressed through natural systems. As these barriers are removed, farmers begin to see rapid improvements in pasture growth, animal health, and overall farm resilience — the “ray of light” that signals real progress. The discussion also explores the mindset shift required in modern farming — moving away from reliance on external advice and toward confidence in personal observation, testing, and understanding. From field trials to farmer-led discoveries, this episode reinforces that some of the most powerful insights come directly from the land itself. We discuss: • Why nature always has the answers — and how to recognise them • Surprising biological discoveries from real on-farm trials • How fungi and natural systems help clean up residues • The importance of trusting your own observations as a farmer • Real-world examples of pasture and animal health improvements • The mindset shift from dependency to true farm independence Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan Campbell Powered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz
Link to our free ebook! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/
Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1
More from EcoFarm Aotearoa
What if the problem with your pasture, garden or lifestyle block isn't a lack of nutrients, but the fact that your soil can't access the nutrients already there?
What if the biggest financial asset on your farm is already sitting in the soil? In this episode, Scott Gordon joins the conversation to break down the financial side of soil fertility, looking at the value of minerals locked up in the soil, the cost of unlocking them, and how understanding your soil could change the way you assess farm value, productivity and return on investment. We also explore the idea of treating soil like a bank account, where better fertility management can turn an underperforming asset into productive cash flow.
Herbage testing can reveal a lot about what is happening in your soil, but timing and the right combination of tests are crucial. In this episode, Ewan and the team look at why mid to late spring can be such an important window for herbage testing in New Zealand, when multiple pasture species are actively growing and minerals can be better represented. The conversation explores the relationship between soil tests, herbage tests and soil biology, including trace minerals such as cobalt, selenium, nickel, boron and iodine. They also work through an anonymised farm example, looking at nitrogen, potassium, calcium, silicon, aluminium and other minerals to understand what the numbers may be showing about the wider soil system. They also revisit the response to the previous cropping episode, discussing how soil preparation, biology and nutrient cycling fit together, why plants such as wild turnip may be indicators of underlying soil conditions, and why soil testing should be the starting point when trying to understand what is limiting a farm.
Winter cropping can be expensive, risky and essential for getting livestock through the colder months. But what if the way we prepare a cropping paddock is actually setting it up to fail? In this episode, Ewan and the team dig into the thinking behind winter crops, soil preparation, carbon, nitrogen and the role of soil biology. They explore the idea of the “fake boost”, where spraying and disturbing the soil can create a rapid burst of growth, while potentially leaving the paddock depleted afterwards. The conversation looks at how farmers can approach cropping with more preparation, better timing and a focus on building the soil before the crop goes in. They also discuss cultivation, fallow periods, weeds, cyanobacteria, crop economics and why a cropping paddock doesn't have to be treated as a sacrifice.
The questions keep coming! In Part 2 of our farming Q&A, we continue answering your comments, challenging conventional thinking and digging deeper into some of the biggest conversations around modern agriculture.