In this episode of Where Inches Matter, we sit down with coastal dairy farmer Stu Russell to talk soil compaction, nitrogen decisions, and what actually changed on farm after trialling Bio-N.
 
From half-paddock trials to replicated data, Stu shares what he saw when he stepped back from routine urea use and gave biology a chance to do the work. We unpack how Bio-N fits into a real farming system, what the numbers are saying so far, and why reliability matters more than promises.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, we sit down with coastal dairy farmer Stu Russell to talk soil compaction, nitrogen decisions, and what actually changed on farm after trialling Bio-N. &nbsp; From half-paddock trials to replicated data, Stu shares what he saw when he stepped back from routine urea use and gave biology a chance to do the work. We unpack how Bio-N fits into a real farming system, what the numbers are saying so far, and why reliability matters more than promises.

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

Ep 6 - Proof in the paddock with Stu Russell

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan Piercy interviews Gerhard Vermaak of Custom Chemistry, developer of BioN - a patented biological nitrogen fixation technology. Over the past three years, replicated New Zealand pasture trials have shown statistically significant results, with BioN matching or exceeding urea performance under commercial conditions.

Topics covered include:
• The energy equation behind nitrogen fixation
• Why microbes need carbon and how photosynthetic bacteria supply it
• The 1000:1 carbon-to-nitrogen relationship explained
• Water rates, soil volume and macro-porosity
• The role of molybdenum, cobalt and iron in nitrogenase function
• Cold weather performance
• Glyphosate, copper and microbial sensitivity
• Why this behaves like a true slow-release nitrogen source
• Patent status and global rollout

This is a technical discussion grounded in field data and real farm experience.

Subscribe for more episodes focused on practical, evidence-based agronomy.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan Piercy interviews Gerhard Vermaak of Custom Chemistry, developer of BioN - a patented biological nitrogen fixation technology. Over the past three years, replicated New Zealand pasture trials have shown statistically significant results, with BioN matching or exceeding urea performance under commercial conditions.
Topics covered include: &bull; The energy equation behind nitrogen fixation &bull; Why microbes need carbon and how photosynthetic bacteria supply it &bull; The 1000:1 carbon-to-nitrogen relationship explained &bull; Water rates, soil volume and macro-porosity &bull; The role of molybdenum, cobalt and iron in nitrogenase function &bull; Cold weather performance &bull; Glyphosate, copper and microbial sensitivity &bull; Why this behaves like a true slow-release nitrogen source &bull; Patent status and global rollout
This is a technical discussion grounded in field data and real farm experience.
Subscribe for more episodes focused on practical, evidence-based agronomy.

Ep 8 - Replacing Urea with Biology? The Science Behind BioN

Dion Gordon manages three dairy farms in Canterbury, milking 3,500 cows across a range of soil types.

What began with closer soil testing and questioning fertiliser use led to changes in how nitrogen is supplied across the farm.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Dion talks about reducing fertiliser inputs, why BioN made sense as an alternative to urea, and how the system is still delivering the same pasture growth, with a lower footprint.

Listen to the full episode now.

Dion Gordon manages three dairy farms in Canterbury, milking 3,500 cows across a range of soil types.
What began with closer soil testing and questioning fertiliser use led to changes in how nitrogen is supplied across the farm.
In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Dion talks about reducing fertiliser inputs, why BioN made sense as an alternative to urea, and how the system is still delivering the same pasture growth, with a lower footprint.
Listen to the full episode now.

Ep7 - Dairy Farmer Cuts Fertiliser Use Without Losing Growth | Dion Gordon’s Story

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.

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

Ep 6 - Proof in the paddock with Stu Russell

Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

In 1 playlist(s)

Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips