Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

About Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

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/ (https://agraforum.co.nz/)

Publisher

Agraforum NZ

Category

business · science

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

9 Mar 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Ep 9 - BioN vs urea. What did the trials show?

   When Agraforum first started using BioN, the early paddock results looked promising. But as Dr Gordon Rajendram told Allan Piercy at the time, looking promising and proving something are two very different things. In this episode, Allan sits down with Gordon to talk through what happened next: setting up proper replicated trials, what they learnt during the first year, why water and timing made such a difference, and what the completed programme ultimately showed when BioN was put up against urea. Gordon also talks about his approach to trial design after 22 years with AgResearch, the role clover plays in the wider nitrogen story, and what the next round of BioN research is looking to answer. It’s a straightforward conversation about how BioN went from something that looked like it worked in the paddock to something Agraforum was prepared to put through proper scientific testing, and why that work is continuing. Listen to the full conversation to hear how the trials were run, what changed along the way, and what Agraforum is testing next. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

2. 

   24 Mar 2026

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

   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. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

3. 

   24 Mar 2026

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

   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. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

4. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Where Inches Matter – Episode 6 | Proof in the paddock with Stu Russell

   Dairy farmer Stu Russell discusses his experiences with Bio-N, sharing data from on-farm trials and explaining how it fits into his farming system in an interview.

5. 

   10 Mar 2025

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

   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. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

6. 

   10 Mar 2025

   Ep 4 - Unlocking your soil structure means more milk in the vat!

   In this episode of Where Inches Matter, host Allan Percy takes us deep into the hidden mechanics of soil health and why compacted soil could be holding your pasture back from their true potential! When soil is too tight, plant roots struggle to grow, bacteria can’t thrive, and critical nutrients become locked away. But with the right approach, you can transform your soil, boost pasture growth, and improve your herd’s health—all by focusing on what’s happening beneath the surface. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌱 Why Soil Structure Matters – Healthy soil isn’t just about nutrients; it’s about structure. Compaction limits oxygen flow, stifles beneficial microbes, and reduces water absorption. Allan explains how poor soil structure leads to stunted plant growth and why loosening the soil can dramatically improve your farm’s productivity. 🛠 Simple Tools for Measuring Soil Health – Learn how farmers assess soil compaction using a penetrometer, a tool that measures pressure in the ground. If your soil is too compacted (above 300 psi), feeder roots can’t spread, and beneficial fungi can’t support plant growth. Allan also shares a simple visual test you can do right in the paddock to check for compaction. ⚡ How Calcium Works as a Soil "Detonator" – Discover how applying EnviroCal (a product similar to GSR) can help loosen soil structure. Allan explains how calcium, when applied correctly, triggers a chain reaction that breaks up soil compaction and allows nutrients to move freely. Timing is everything—this process works best in wet conditions because water helps conduct the necessary electrical reactions. 🐄 Real-Life Results: More Grass, Healthier Cows – Hear about actual farms that have improved their soil with this method. Two long-term treated farms saw pasture production increase to over 3.4 tons per hectare, compared to untreated farms that struggled to grow even 700 kg. The farmers also reported healthier cows, reduced lameness, and fewer metabolic issues—all thanks to better soil structure. 📊 Scientific Validation: Measuring Soil Health with Macroporosity – Ellen discusses research conducted with soil scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendra. Using macroporosity testing, they found a direct correlation between soil aeration and pasture growth. Farms with healthy, flocculated soil had macroporosity levels of 25-26%, while compacted soils were as low as 7%, leading to major reductions in grass production. Why This Matters for Your Farm If your cows aren’t thriving, if you’re battling poor pasture growth, or if your soil feels like concrete, the problem isn’t just on the surface—it’s underneath. Fixing soil compaction can lead to: ✅ More productive pasture growth ✅ Better nutrient uptake for healthier cows ✅ Reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers like urea ✅ A stronger, more resilient farm 🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz (https://www.agraforum.co.nz)for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health. 🎙 Stay tuned! Next episode, we’ll hear directly from a Canterbury farmer who’s seen the benefits firsthand. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

7. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Ep 3 - How to truly read a soil test to be effective with your fertiliser

   Not all soil tests are created equal and the advice you are being given maybe connected to someone also wanting to sell you fertiliser. In this episode of Where Inches Matter, host Alan Piercy from Agraforum breaks down the science behind soil testing and why it’s crucial to look into it deeper for getting the best results on your farm. Alan explains what to ask for in a soil test, including key elements like pH, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), and ASC (Anion Storage Capacity), which help determine how nutrients behave in your soil. Using a classic beer analogy, Alan illustrates how different soils hold onto or lose nutrients like phosphorus and sulfur. If you’re in the South Island, chances are your soil isn’t holding onto these elements effectively, meaning much of your fertiliser could be washing away before your plants even use it! He also dives into the importance of oxygen in soil structure, how plants take up nutrients, and why timing matters when applying fertilisers. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to interpret your soil tests, make smarter fertiliser decisions, and ultimately improve plant and animal health. Key Topics: ✔ Why soil testing is essential (and what to watch out for) ✔ Understanding ASC and how it affects nutrient loss ✔ How oxygen impacts nutrient uptake and plant health ✔ The connection between soil fertility and animal nutrition 🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz (https://www.agraforum.co.nz)for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

8. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Ep 2 - Compacted soils are chocking your potential

   Healthy soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a living, breathing system that relies on air pockets, bacteria, and delicate chemical balances to function properly. In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan Piercy breaks down the unseen physics behind soil structure in simple terms, explaining why good soil should be like a well-built card house, full of space for oxygen, water, and thriving microbes. Allan explores how fertilisers and agrochemicals—many of which are salts—can disrupt this natural balance, causing soil particles to collapse and limiting the availability of essential nutrients. He also demystifies electrical conductivity (EC), a crucial but often overlooked measure of soil health. Using relatable analogies, he explains how EC determines plant growth, why spring brings a natural nutrient boost, and how compacted soils struggle to support crops without costly inputs. If you’ve ever wondered why some soils naturally sustain plant growth while others require constant fertilisation, this episode will give you the answers. Tune in to learn how to restore your soil’s natural ability to support healthy pastures and crops—without breaking the bank. 🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz (https://www.agraforum.co.nz)for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

9. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Ep 1 - How a vet found dark green grass patches where leading to issues in cow health

   Welcome to the debut episode of Where Inches Matter, a podcast by Agraforum, hosted by Allan Piercy. In this episode, Allan shares his journey from veterinary practice to soil science, revealing how his years as a rural vet led him to question unexplained lameness , milk fever and liver abscesses in dairy cows. He noticed their grazing behaviour and began connecting the dots between animal health issues and the urea levels in the soil beneath their feet. Allan discusses the long-term effects of urea use on soil structure and how it disrupts the delicate balance of nutrients, leading to compacted ground, inefficient plant growth, and ultimately, animal health complications. Drawing from his firsthand experiences in New Zealand and abroad, he introduces key solutions to restore soil integrity, reduce reliance on artificial inputs, and improve both plant and livestock health. Discover how the difference between a thriving farm and one struggling with compaction, poor pasture, and animal health challenges. Tune in to discover how changes underground can make the biggest difference above - where inches matter. 🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz (https://www.agraforum.co.nz)for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

92

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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