In this episode, Stephen heads to the West Coast for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Reefton coal mine to see firsthand how mining by-products are transformed into valuable inputs for regenerative farming.

Joined by the mine team, Stephen follows the journey from freshly mined coal through the wash plant, stockpiles, rehabilitation areas, and fertilizer blending operation, uncovering the geology, engineering, and innovation behind products now being used on farms across New Zealand.

The tour highlights how materials once considered waste are now being repurposed into EcoFarm soil products, while also showcasing mine restoration, environmental management, and the people driving practical solutions on the ground.

Through the EFA lens, this episode explores the intersection of mining, soil biology, and agriculture, demonstrating how collaboration between industries can unlock new opportunities for farmers.

We discuss:

• A full behind-the-scenes tour of the Reefton coal mine
• How coal is processed, washed, and prepared for different industries
• The surprising journey from mine by-products to EcoFarm fertilizers
• Soluble silica, humates, papa rock, and mineral blending
• Mine rehabilitation and restoring land after extraction
• How EcoFarm products are mixed and shipped around New Zealand
• The people, machinery, and innovation behind one of New Zealand's most unique farming partnerships

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Purchase Our E-Book!⁠https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/⁠Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Jimmy, a lifelong West Coast coal mining expert, to explore the surprising connections between geology, mining, soil health, and modern agriculture.

What begins as a conversation about coal quickly expands into the history of New Zealand's geology, the science behind different coal types, mine rehabilitation, and how mining by-products are helping improve soil function and farm productivity.

Drawing on decades of experience in the mining industry, Jimmy shares insights into how coal is formed, processed, and used far beyond energy production, while also challenging common perceptions around environmental impact, land restoration, and the future of New Zealand's mineral resources.

Through the EFA lens, this episode examines how overlooked natural resources, practical problem-solving, and independent thinking can create opportunities for both farming and industry.

We discuss:
• How coal is formed and why different coal types have different uses
• Mine rehabilitation and restoring land back to productive use
• The surprising role of coal by-products in improving soil health
• Clean coal, energy efficiency, and common misconceptions about mining
• Why soluble silica and coal humates are becoming valuable farm inputs
• The future of New Zealand's mining industry and primary sector
• What farming and mining can learn from each other

Purchase Our E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠

In this episode, Stephen and Ewan are joined by Robin Claire, host of Cultivated Audio, for a fascinating conversation exploring soil health, regenerative agriculture, and the hidden forces shaping the future of farming.

What begins as a discussion around farming systems and mineral balancing expands into a deeper exploration of soil biology, electrical conductivity, microbial life, livestock health, and the complex relationships connecting soil, plants, animals, and people.

Drawing on decades of hands-on farming experience, Ewan shares the observations and discoveries that led him to investigate the electrical properties of soil and how minerals, biology, and natural systems work together to drive productivity, resilience, and ecosystem health.

Through the EFA lens, this episode challenges conventional agricultural thinking and highlights the importance of observation, curiosity, and farmer-led innovation in building healthier farms and food systems.

We discuss:
• The hidden electrical activity within healthy soils
• How minerals influence plant, animal, and human health
• The role of cyanobacteria, microbes, and biology in regenerative farming
• Why observation and on-farm experimentation matter
• Building resilient farming systems that work with nature

Guest:
Robin Claire
Host of Cultivated Audio

Website:
https://cultivatedaudio.com/

Listen to Cultivated Audio:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4ydCU8Rh44ZcSXz0tfZgOz?si=ada90fb16e5a4cd0

Purchase Our E-Book! https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/product/6-crucial-links-for-boosting-soil-health-and-farm-profit/

Listen To An EcoFarmer’s Discovery

:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=b4aa009579a34ac1⁠