In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan takes you straight to the paddock for a hands-on discussion about soil health, pasture growth, and the direct impact on farm profitability with South Canterbury farmer, Andrew Grant .

We visit a farm near Geraldine that once struggled with highly compacted soils, heavy nitrogen use, and poor-quality pasture that the cows didn’t want to eat. But through strategic soil management and reducing synthetic fertiliser inputs, this farm has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Our guest farmer shares his experience of moving away from high nitrogen and phosphorus applications, which were leading to compacted soils, poor plant nutrition, and animal health issues. Since cutting back on synthetic inputs and improving soil structure with products like Envirocare and Comcat, he has seen incredible changes:

✔ Healthier Soil Structure – The once rock-hard, compacted ground is now loose, well-aerated, and teeming with worms.
✔ Better Pasture Growth – Grass is thriving, and cows are more willing to eat it, leading to higher intakes and better milk production.
✔ Improved Animal Health – Reduced metabolic issues and lameness, with healthier cows performing at their best.
✔ More Efficient Water Use – With better soil structure, water retention has improved, meaning less irrigation is needed.

We also dive into grass growth measurement techniques, including the use of plant meters and AgriNet for tracking pasture performance, forecasting, and planning silage cuts. The farmer explains how independent fertiliser advice has been a game-changer, helping him make more informed decisions without over-reliance on synthetic inputs.

This episode is a must-listen for any farmer looking to improve pasture quality, cut input costs, and boost farm productivity through better soil management.

🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan takes you straight to the paddock for a hands-on discussion about soil health, pasture growth, and the direct impact on farm profitability with South Canterbury farmer, Andrew Grant&nbsp;.
We visit a farm near Geraldine that once struggled with highly compacted soils, heavy nitrogen use, and poor-quality pasture that the cows didn&rsquo;t want to eat. But through strategic soil management and reducing synthetic fertiliser inputs, this farm has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Our guest farmer shares his experience of moving away from high nitrogen and phosphorus applications, which were leading to compacted soils, poor plant nutrition, and animal health issues. Since cutting back on synthetic inputs and improving soil structure with products like Envirocare and Comcat, he has seen incredible changes:
✔ Healthier Soil Structure &ndash; The once rock-hard, compacted ground is now loose, well-aerated, and teeming with worms. ✔ Better Pasture Growth &ndash; Grass is thriving, and cows are more willing to eat it, leading to higher intakes and better milk production. ✔ Improved Animal Health &ndash; Reduced metabolic issues and lameness, with healthier cows performing at their best. ✔ More Efficient Water Use &ndash; With better soil structure, water retention has improved, meaning less irrigation is needed.
We also dive into grass growth measurement techniques, including the use of plant meters and AgriNet for tracking pasture performance, forecasting, and planning silage cuts. The farmer explains how independent fertiliser advice has been a game-changer, helping him make more informed decisions without over-reliance on synthetic inputs.
This episode is a must-listen for any farmer looking to improve pasture quality, cut input costs, and boost farm productivity through better soil management.
🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health.

Soil health is the foundation of productive & profitable farming, but why aren't we focused on fixing soil structure and nutrients to improv animal health?

The answers lies just a few inches beneath the surface Where Inches Matter.

Hosted by Allan Piercy—dairy veterinarian-turned-soil nutrient advisor—dives deep into the unseen factors of poor cow performance that are hindering New Zealand dairy farms success.

Drawing on decades of experience in his own rural veterinary practice and hands-on work with farmer's cow health issues.

Allan explores the critical connection between soil compaction, nutrient imbalances, and livestock health. From the unintended consequences of urea use to global insights on soil restoration, this series uncovers practical solutions that can transform pastures, improve crop yields, and enhance animal wellbeing.

Join Allan as he shares his real-world experiences, farmer interviews, and innovative strategies to help farmers build healthier soils and more sustainable operations. Because in farming, small changes beneath the surface can lead to big results above it.

For more information about Agraforum, visit https://agraforum.co.nz/ 

Soil health is the foundation of productive &amp; profitable farming, but why aren't we focused on fixing soil structure and nutrients to improv animal health?
The answers lies just a few inches beneath the surface Where Inches Matter.
Hosted by Allan Piercy&mdash;dairy veterinarian-turned-soil nutrient advisor&mdash;dives deep into the unseen factors of poor cow performance that are hindering New Zealand dairy farms success.
Drawing on decades of experience in his own rural veterinary practice and hands-on work with farmer's cow health issues.
Allan explores the critical connection between soil compaction, nutrient imbalances, and livestock health. From the unintended consequences of urea use to global insights on soil restoration, this series uncovers practical solutions that can transform pastures, improve crop yields, and enhance animal wellbeing.
Join Allan as he shares his real-world experiences, farmer interviews, and innovative strategies to help farmers build healthier soils and more sustainable operations. Because in farming, small changes beneath the surface can lead to big results above it.
For more information about Agraforum, visit <a href="https://agraforum.co.nz/">https://agraforum.co.nz/</a>&nbsp;

How fixing the soil can improve dairy cow health & performance

Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

FARMER SPECIAL: Andrew Grant - From Compacted Soils to Thriving Pastures

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a2570606-bd96-4ab1-a090-af2d0043a8bb/clips/787db501-3237-4ac8-86d9-b297017a3c85/transcript

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