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 for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health.

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