Soil Health

Daniel Judd’s interest in soil management grew from his experience as a conventional dairy farmer and curiosity about evolving sector practices. His 2025 Kellogg’s Report explores the ‘soils gap’, showing how science, commerce, and culture shape decisions across conventional, regenerative, and organic systems.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Daniel about what drives differences in farmer approaches, challenges in soil science funding, and how beliefs, trust, and experience influence decisions. He also shares how self-learning, collaboration, and critical thinking can boost soil health and profitability in a changing sector.

New research from AgResearch and Lincoln University shows rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are altering phosphorus (P) available for plant growth, potentially leading to costly and unnecessary fertiliser application by farmers. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

In a special bonus episode, independent nutrient advisor Melinda Turner helps balance animal health with the soil nutrients we are applying to ensure we aren’t curbing the animal’s performance in the meantime.

Like many intergenerational landowners, Abby Rose and her family were seeking a simple way to collect and monitor soil data on their family vineyard in Chile. Words by Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Investors in major global funds are demanding that their investment is made into the reversal of the depletion of natural capital around the world. Words by Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Running a multi-million dollar farming enterprise demands tight cost control and finely tuned operational management. Tony Leggett reports.

Whenua Haumanu is the most comprehensive programme assessing the suitability and relevance of regenerative agriculture in New Zealand. Jackie Harrigan attended the first field day at Massey University.

With on-farm cost pressures looking to continue for at least the foreseeable future, it’s expected that the squeeze on all farm inputs, including fertiliser, will endure through 2024. Words by Dr Ants Roberts

A shared passion for soil health – and how we can harness that and turn it into our next value opportunity for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers – was the focus of a two-day workshop held at Canterbury’s Craigmore Station in November 2023. Sarah Perriam-Lampp went along. Photos by Camilla Rutherford.