An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 6: Where To From Here
Welcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.
You're invited to read along. Get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
In This Episode:
Between exploding tallow drums, homemade schnapps, and explosive new ideas in soil health, Ewan recalls a chaotic yet pivotal period of his farming life. Surrounded by a tight-knit rural community, he began asking deeper questions about independence, soil fertility, livestock health, and questions that conventional wisdom couldn’t answer.
What starts as kitchen-table experiments with mineral licks and “crazy” homemade brews soon reveals powerful truths about biology, balance, and the interconnectedness of soil, plant, and animal health.
We explore:
The hilarious and hazardous art of making homemade lick blocks (and why two of them exploded!)
Lessons from a community where everyone farmed the same way and got the same average results
How Peter Lester’s soil fertility insights set Ewan on a new path of discovery
The surprising power of basic slag and the hidden role of silicon in soil fertility
How mineralised cows doubled their market value and transformed animal health
Why healthy soils lead to healthy animals and fewer “weeds”
How observation, curiosity, and financial hardship forged the EcoFarm philosophy
Full of explosions, laughter, and light-bulb moments, this chapter captures the spirit of practical innovation. Where mistakes become experiments, and every setback sparks a new discovery.
Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmer’s Discovery.
Watch us on video: Episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video.
So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.
Useful Links & Info
• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: On Spotify
• Book / Audiobook details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa (www.efa.nz)
Soil Health: The Real Cure for Facial Eczema
The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 6)
When a facial eczema outbreak tore through Ewan Campbell’s dairy herd in the late 1980s, it became a make-or-break moment on the farm. Cows were peeling, milk production was crashing, and the conventional advice—more zinc, more maize, more fungicides—wasn’t working. Then one old farmer offered the simplest, most game-changing advice of all: “Just put some lime on.”
In this episode, Ewan and Stephen unpack how a crisis in animal health revealed a deeper truth about soil. What started as a desperate search for a cure led to a breakthrough understanding: that facial eczema isn’t just a pasture disease—it’s a soil problem rooted in acidity, imbalance, and over-reliance on chemicals.
We discuss:
• The shocking reality of facial eczema outbreaks and why prevention starts underground
• How one “lime experiment” dropped spore counts from 300,000 to under 20,000 in days
• The hidden role of soil pH, nitrates, and fungal balance in livestock disease
• Why quick fixes like zinc and fungicides only mask the real issue
• The true cost of ignoring soil biology — in money, animal welfare, and mental strain
• Why farmers need to think critically, ask questions, and reclaim independence from “expert” advice
With humour, honesty, and decades of hands-on experience, Ewan and Stephen explore how solving facial eczema starts with healthy soils, balanced biology, and a shift in thinking.
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan Campbell
Powered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz
Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions that are transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.
An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 5: Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire
Welcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.
You're invited to read along – get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle – and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
In This Episode:
In this episode of “An Eco Farmer’s Discovery,” Ewan and Stephen discuss the next big leap in Ewan’s farming story, leaving the flat peatlands behind and starting over on a rugged 200-hectare hill-country block in Waihi.
Trading the dairy shed for open pastures, Ewan discovers that the challenges of new land bring valuable lessons in observation, adaptability, and soil understanding. Between runaway tractors, waterlogged paddocks, and hard-earned experiments, this chapter is about learning by doing and letting nature become the teacher.
We explore:
The move from dairy farming to beef and the freedom it brought
Early lessons from farming on hill country and managing rainfall
Using livestock to control weeds and improve pasture health
The first on-farm fertilizer trials that sparked a lifelong curiosity
Why soil biology, not chemicals, is the key to fertility
Understanding that profit comes from balance, not production
How turning mistakes into experiments shaped the EcoFarm philosophy
Full of humour, humility, and hands-on wisdom, this episode marks a turning point in Ewan’s journey, where his farm became his classroom, and his curiosity became his greatest tool.
Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmer’s Discovery.
Watch us on video: Episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video.
So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.
Useful Links & Info
• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: On Spotify
• Book / Audiobook details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa (www.efa.nz)
What Really Saved My Cows
The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 5)
When 25-year-old Ewan Campbell faced a devastating facial eczema outbreak on his dairy farm, it nearly cost him everything. Cows were dying, money was vanishing, and the standard advice wasn’t working, until one old farmer’s suggestion changed everything: “Just put some lime on.”
In this episode, Ewan and Stephen revisit the story that shaped a lifetime of discovery. What began as a crisis became a turning point, revealing how soil health, not quick fixes, holds the true key to animal wellbeing and farm success.
We discuss:
• The shocking impact of facial eczema and how it nearly broke the farm
• The moment lime proved to be the unexpected cure
• Why soil balance and complete proteins matter more than chemicals
• How high nitrates and poor soil structure fuel disease
• Why prevention, not reaction, is the real solution
With honesty, humour, and hard-earned lessons, this episode unpacks how one farmer’s challenge became a breakthrough in understanding the deep connection between soil health, livestock vitality, and farming resilience.
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan Campbell
Powered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz
Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions.
An EcoFarmers Discovery Chapter 4: The Land Of Milk And Honey
Welcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.
You're invited to read along - get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle - and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
In This Episode:
In this episode of “An Eco Farmer’s Discovery,” Ewan and Stephen revisit the turning point where Ewan’s independence and his philosophy on farming truly began.
With his brother gone south, Ewan takes full ownership of the herd and begins questioning the endless grind of conventional dairying. Through long days, hot summers, and hard lessons, he discovers that more work doesn’t always mean more success.
We explore:
The simplicity and success of a neighbouring “model farm”
How overwork and high inputs trap modern farmers in debt and stress
The shocking revelations from a maize seminar that changed Ewan’s thinking
Why healthy soil and earthworm life are worth more than any chemical input
How questioning authority (and asking the right questions) leads to real progress
The moment Ewan decided to break free, sell up, and start again on new ground
Full of honesty, humour, and practical insight, this episode marks the moment Ewan stopped farming by convention and started farming by observation.
Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmers Discovery.
Watch us on video: episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify video.
So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter and listen or watch the episode after reading the chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.
Useful Links & Info
• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: on Spotify
Book / Audiobook purchase & details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa www.efa.nz
Minerals For The Genetic Code
The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 4)
Minerals don’t just build soil, they build life.
In this episode, we explore how the arrangement of minerals forms the foundation of DNA, shaping the health of our soil, animals, and ourselves. From Walter Russell’s revolutionary “10 Octaves” concept to the surprising harmony between elements and biology, this conversation reveals the deep connection between soil chemistry, energy, and life itself.
We discuss:
How minerals create the structure and rhythm of DNA
Why too much of a “good thing” can throw everything off balance
The real link between soil minerals and human or animal health
How understanding harmony in nature outperforms chemical “sledgehammer” fixes
Why a healthy environment is the key to genetic strength and farm resilience
With science, storytelling, and a touch of humour, this episode uncovers the elegant design of nature’s mineral code and how farmers can work with it rather than against it.
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by:
EcoFarm Aotearoa - www.efa.nz
Subscribe for weekly conversations that explore soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions.
An EcoFarmers Discovery Chapter 3: Trying Times
Welcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.
You're invited to read along - get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle - and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
In This Episode:
In this episode of “An Eco Farmer’s Discovery,” Ewan and Stephen unpack a turbulent chapter in Ewan’s farming journey — one marked by hard lessons, brotherly banter, and a devastating outbreak of facial eczema.
We explore:
The two-herd solution that kept family harmony (and sanity!) intact
How facial eczema exposed deep issues in soil management
Why short-term “Band-Aid fixes” like fungicides fail long-term
The crucial role of lime in healing both soil and livestock
How one student’s science project proved what the system ignored
Real-world proof that regenerative methods dramatically reduce nitrate runoff
Through crisis, experimentation, and classic Kiwi humour, this chapter reveals how Ewan turned frustration into innovation — showing that nature’s solutions are often simpler, cheaper, and far more effective than we’ve been told.
Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmers Discovery.
Watch us on video: episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify video.
So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter and listen or watch the episode after reading the chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.
Useful Links & Info
• Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works — available here: on Spotify
Book / Audiobook purchase & details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa www.efa.nz
What Is An Atom, And Why Does It Matter: The Science Beneath It All (Ep. 3)
Episode 3:
Everything from the soil underfoot to the food on your plate starts with atoms. But how do these invisible building blocks actually shape the health of our land, animals, and ourselves?
In this episode, we explore how the tiniest particles in the universe form the foundation of farming, life, and balance. From the role of subatomic energy and magnetism to the biology of soil microbes and cyanobacteria, this conversation connects the dots between physics, nature, and everyday food production.
We unpack:
What atoms and subatomic particles really are
How minerals in the soil create harmony or chaos in plants and animals
Why “more” isn’t always better when it comes to fertiliser
The surprising connection between soil biology, DNA, and farm health
How understanding atoms can make farming simpler, more natural, and more profitable
It’s part science, part philosophy, and a reminder that every great farm and every healthy ecosystem begins with the smallest things done right.
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by:
EcoFarm Aotearoa - www.efa.nz
Subscribe for weekly conversations that explore soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions.
An EcoFarmers Discovery Chapter 2: Time To fly
Welcome to An EcoFarmer's Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell's journey.
You're invited to read along - get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer's Discovery) or grab it on Kindle - and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
Episode - Chapter 2:
In this episode of "An Eco Farmer’s Discovery," Ewan shares his eye-opening experiences as a young farmer spreading his wings — both figuratively and literally.
From flying the family plane across the North Island to working the land in rural Britain, Ewan reflects on the lessons, observations, and cultural contrasts that shaped his unconventional approach to farming.
We follow his journey through:
The early days of dairy farming in New Zealand
Learning to fly and running the farm solo
Working on English and Welsh farms and seeing striking differences in soil, grass growth, and farm culture
Discovering the power of observation, timing, and community collaboration in agriculture
First signs of deeper ecological patterns that would later guide his regenerative journey
Packed with humour, insights, and surprising anecdotes, this episode reveals how a curious young Kiwi began connecting the dots between soil health, farm systems, and what nature was quietly trying to show him all along.
Subscribe or follow to hear more from Ewan’s 26-chapter journey into natural farming wisdom from his book An EcoFarmers Discovery.
Watch us on video: episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify video.
So, grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter and listen or watch the episode after reading the chapter as we expand, reflect, and add context.
Useful Links & Info • Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer's Discovery: How the Soil Really Works - available here: on Spotify
Book / Audiobook purchase & details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa www.efa.nz
Nitrate Poisoning: Farmers Blamed, but What’s the REAL Cause?
The EcoFarm Podcast (Ep. 2)
Is nitrate really the villain behind blue baby syndrome, sick livestock, and rising cancer rates, or have we been pointing fingers in the wrong direction? In this episode, Ewan Campbell and Stephen Brunton dive into New Zealand’s nitrate crisis and ask the hard questions no one else will.
From Environment Canterbury’s recent “nitrate emergency” to the ongoing debate between professors and farmers, we unpack the real science behind nitrate poisoning, synthetic nitrogen use, and how it is impacting our water, soil, animals, and human health.You’ll discover: - The difference between nitrate and ammonia in healthy soil systems.
- Why livestock suffer from oxygen deprivation and what that means for methane production.
- How synthetic nitrogen and irrigation create toxic imbalances in our food chain.
- What “blue baby syndrome” reveals about our water quality
- Real on-farm results showing how regenerative practices can fix the nitrate problem quickly.
- This episode isn’t about blame. It’s about truth, responsibility, and practical solutions that start in the soil. If you care about clean water, healthy animals, and food you can trust, this conversation will change the way you see farming.
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz
Subscribe for weekly conversations that explore soil health, biology, and regenerative farming solutions.
#EcoFarmPodcast #NitratePoisoning #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #BlueBabySyndrome #WaterQuality #SustainableFarming #FarmersVsScience #NitrogenPollution #NZFarming #EcoFarmAotearoa #HealthySoilsHealthyPeople
Discovery Chapter 1: The Philosopher’s Stone Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive deep into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.
You’re invited to read along — get the audiobook via Spotify (search An EcoFarmer’s Discovery) or grab it on Kindle — and explore each chapter with us as we unpack the stories, ideas, and principles of regenerative farming. A new episode drops each Friday, covering 26 chapters across 26 weeks.
Whether you listen while driving, on the tractor, or watch on YouTube/Spotify — we’re here with you.
Episode — Chapter 1:
The Philosopher’s Stone - In today’s first episode, we launch into Chapter 1: The Philosopher’s Stone - the idea that soil is more than chemistry, that there is a living intelligence, and that transformation in farming begins with seeing the invisible. We’ll discuss:
• What “The Philosopher’s Stone” metaphor means for farming and soil health
• How Ewan’s early observations shaped his thinking
• Why conventional approaches miss the living dynamics beneath the surface
• Practical implications: where do you begin to “tune into” the life of soil
• Questions we’ll carry forward as the journey continues Tune in as we set the foundation for the rest of our chapter-by-chapter voyage through An EcoFarmer’s Discovery. Useful Links & Info • Listen / read along on Spotify (Audiobook): An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: How the Soil Really Works - available here: on Spotify
• Book / Audiobook purchase & details: check out the official page at EcoFarm Aotearoa ecofarmaotearoa.nz
• Watch us on video: episodes are also published in full on YouTube and Spotify Video How to Get the Most from This Series
1. Grab the audiobook on Spotify or Kindle and read along with each chapter
2. Listen or watch the episode after reading the chapter - we expand, reflect, and add context
3. Pause to think about the questions we pose (or journal them)
4. Engage with us: send feedback, questions, or “aha” moments Reach out to us at www.efa.nz
Can soil organisms really act like alchemists - transforming one element into another? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and controversial work of French researcher Louis Kervran and his theory of Biological Transmutation. From unexplained shifts in calcium levels to the mysterious role of microbes and roots, we explore what this means for soil health, farming practices, and the future of regenerative agriculture.
👉 Could your soil actually be creating minerals out of thin air? Let’s find out.
🌱 What you’ll learn in this episode: What biological transmutation is and why it matters for farmers How Kervran’s equations connect with real-world soil health observations The debate between mainstream science and regenerative practice Practical farmer takeaways you can use right now
🎧 Good news—we’re now available on all leading podcast platforms! Take us with you while you’re out on the farm, in the tractor, or working with stock. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast players.
💬 Got soil stories or unexplained shifts in your tests? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
Ecofarm Aotearoa is online at www.efa.nz
The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast has just dropped! Subscribe in your Podcast Player now so you can watch weekly episodes here on Youtube or listen out in the field on your podcast player.Subscribe today to the EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast, launching Wednesday the 8th with new episodes twice a week.Available in video on YouTube and Spotify, and in audio on all major podcast platforms.Learn the science behind regenerative farming and practical steps to improve your soil, your stock, and your success.Get in Touch at www.efa.nz
Get subscribed now!
The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast officially launches Wednesday the 8th, with new episodes released twice weekly.
Join us on YouTube and Spotify for full video episodes, or tune in through all major podcast platforms for the audio-only experience.
Whether you’re out on the tractor, in the shed, or just curious about better farming, there’s something here for you. Listen for inspiration — or watch for the details.
Get in Touch with EcoFarm at www.efa.nz
Welcome to EcoFarm Aotearoa — practical conversations for real-world farming in New Zealand and beyond. Ewan Campbell turns good science into better practice: nitrate and water quality, soil biology, mineral balance, genetics, pasture growth, animal health, and profitability. Real stories, clear takeaways—ready for the ute, cowshed, or tractor. Subscribe in your favourite podcast app. Notes & links: efa.nz. (Hosted by Ewan Campbell, with co-host Stephen Brunton.)