Biological Farming Roundtable

In episode 50 of the Biological Farming RoundTable, host Nakala Maddock sits down with ECTOL founder and ag scientist John McKay. John walks us through the discovery of osmo protectants in marine algae, the first commercial frost protection applications in Australia, and how foliar nutrition evolved from horticulture into broadacre cropping and pasture systems. Along the way, he unpacks the big picture: why nutrient inefficiency and crop stress quietly and significantly robs agriculture of their true potential yield, why nitrogen efficiency matters more than ever, and how products like ECTOL are designed to support healthier, more resilient plants without the boom and bust cycle of heavy urea use.

Biological Farming RoundTable host Nakala Maddock is joined by David Hardwick from Soil Land Food and Luke Harrington from Re‑Gen Farming in Episode 48. In part one of this two‑part series, they explore the motivations and challenges behind transitioning to regenerative farming. They also reveal some unexpected factors to watch for — insights that can help you regain confidence and control in your farm management journey.

In Episode 46 of the Biological Farming RoundTable Podcast, Nakala and Shelley travel to Pingrup, in the southeast of the WA wheatbelt. They are joined by David Steele and his wife, Deb, who are multigenerational farmers running a cropping and sheep enterprise. David and Deb recall when the soil had that earthy smell and have their sights set upon bringing the aroma back to the farm.When David relied mainly on synthetic fertilisers, he watched his soil health steadily decline. He shares the steps he’s taken, such as addressing all of his plants’ nutrient needs, including trace elements, with a mineral fertiliser, and more recently adding biology to the mix. He has watched his topsoil steadily increase and he still has some tools up his sleeve to add to the system.

In this eye-opening episode of the Biological Farming RoundTable podcast, host Nakala Maddock sits down with regenerative vet Dr Gundi Rhoades to explore the profound ripple effects of historical decisions and technological advancements on soil biology and by extension, human and animal health.Gundi shares her remarkable journey of discovery, revealing how disruptions in soil microbes have led to nutrient imbalances linked to disease, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, and depression. In Part 1 of this two-part series, she dives into the crucial roles bacteria and fungi play in producing minerals, amino acids, and vitamins essential to wellbeing. It is a powerful conversation that reframes wellness through a biological lens, starting from the ground up.

In this compelling continuation, Nakala and John Kempf delve into the concept of Active Immunity in plants—a state made possible by biologically active soils rich in diverse microorganisms. Discover how microbial compounds, such as lipids and phytochemicals play a pivotal role in fostering complete resilience against diseases and pests. Tune in to uncover how soil health drives plant vitality!

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Kittredge, farmer, founder of the Bionutrient Association, and educator behind the world’s first Certificate-Level Masterclass in Nutrient-Dense Food. Dan is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, measuring and defining food quality—and linking it directly to how it’s grown. This conversation dives deep into the medicinal potential of food, exploring how growing food in the the right growing conditions can not only enhance human health but also reverse chronic disease, reward farmers producing high-quality food, and contribute to climate restoration. Dan is currently on a world tour, bringing his Certificate-Level Masterclass in Nutrient-Dense Food to Australia this April. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a global leader in regenerative agriculture. Check out the dates, locations, and ticket links below! Cowaramup, Western Australia, April 3 –4, 2025. https://www.dankittredge.com/events/western-australia Glazier’s Bay, Tasmania, April 12– 13th 2025. https://www.dankittredge.com/events/tasmania Drysdale, Victoria, April 16th – 17th, 2025. https://www.dankittredge.com/events/victoria Boorowa, New South Wales, April 23th – 24th https://www.dankittredge.com/events/boorowa Kandanga, Queensland, April 28th to 29th. Here is the website to the Bionutrient Association where you can explore their research: https://www.bionutrient.org/ Here is the link to Dan’s website where you can find out more about the Certificate level Masterclass in Nutrient Dense Food. https://www.dankittredge.com

In this episode we give you an inside view of what WORM FEST 2024 is about. How it came to be, why and what to expect! Joel Williams talks about his love of amino acids and biostimulants with nutrient delivery and how at WORM FEST 2024 he is going to be diving into the science of what powerful tools lie beneath these often-mysterious names. WORM FEST 2024 is likened to Ground Swell a UK, Festival that provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems. Can WORM FEST 2024 be this BIG?! Take a listen to find out.

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the story of Callum Lawson, a visionary who transformed a struggling 3000-acre grazing property in North Central Victoria into a flourishing ecosystem. Facing the challenge of an overstocked land, Callum embarked on a mission to revive the farm. This journey wasn’t just about restoring the land; it was a commitment to producing healthy food, fostering environmental sustainability, and ensuring profitability. Discover the strategic steps Callum took, the valuable courses he attended, and the essential networks he engaged with. His story is a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture and its positive impact on our food system, the environment, and human health.

This month's podcast takes the Biological Farming Roundtable podcast to Ingham QLD, for the Regenerative Cane Farmers Forum. Host Nakala Maddock is joined by agroecologist David Hardwick from Soil Land Food, they speak with cane farmer Ray Zamora from Tully about addressing soil compaction and declining soil health in the sugar cane industry. Ray shares his soil health learning journey, and how invention, biology and networking earnt him the right to farm with less Nitrogen, without compromising profits.

In episode 32 of the Biological Farming Roundtable host Nakala Maddock is joined by Robin Tait an independent consultant in Tasmania, as they chat with Aiden and Sarah Coombes. Aiden manages Westmore a 3400 ha grazing property owned by Greenhams and is involved in implementing the Never Ever Beef Program, while Sarah manages properties owned by the Coombes. Located in the northwest of Tasmania the climate has a unique set of challenges, which the couple meets head-on and are thriving. The podcast explores how expanding knowledge, thinking outside the square and pushing boundaries, along with a team approach are aiding their journey to producing nutrient-dense food while staying profitable.

Jacob Wolki is an entrepreneur from Albury Wodonga. Treating animals with respect, family and medicinal food drive his quest to build a community where farmers and consumers are connected by shared values. He raises animals, processes them, sells online, has a self-serve butchery, and runs farm tours. He is changing the system of how farmers share their produce, which is what we discuss in this episode.

In Episode 28 of the Biological Farming Roundtable podcast Nakala and David Hardwick speak with Western Australian farmer Rob Hetherington from Lake King. Rob’s grandparents first moved to the region in 1927 battling scrub and deep sodic soils and managed to carve a future for the family of farmers when many others walked off the land. We follow the Hetherington’s amazing journey and discuss the changes to management over nearly 100 years, which have resulted in Rob recently being awarded the Wheatbelt NRM Soil Health Champion for 2022.

Nakala speaks to agroecologist David Hardwick Soil Land Food and Luke Harrington from Re-Gen Farming about the skyrocketing Phosphorous prices and how to unlock the phosphorous reserves in your soil to protect your profit margin.