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Practical Lessons From the Soil: Conan Moynihan's Regenerative Farming Series

  • Jul 24
  • 2 min read

One of the highlights of our second Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Group Workshop in Central Canterbury was hearing from Conan Moynihan of Groundshift, whose practical, easy-to-understand explanations helped bring regenerative farming concepts to life. Hosted by Vanessa Bragan at Bragan Farming on 7 May 2026, the workshop focused on real-world observations that farmers can take back to their own properties. Rather than presenting theory, Conan used simple analogies and examples to explain how healthier soils can improve pasture performance, water management, and long-term farm resilience.


To help share these ideas more widely, we have been releasing a series of short videos from the workshop through the Mountain River Community Instagram page. So far, the series has explored:


  • A V8 Engine, a Pantry and Better Soil – using simple analogies to explain why soil chemistry, biology, and structure all need to work together to unlock the full potential of a farming system: www.instagram.com/p/DZi52ljvmY0/ 

  • What if Weeds Are Trying to Tell Us Something? – encouraging farmers to view weeds as indicators of what is happening beneath the surface rather than simply something to eliminate: www.instagram.com/p/DZyYpj2viws/ 

  • Just 1% More Carbon. 144,000 More Litres. – demonstrating how increasing stable soil carbon can significantly improve rainfall capture, reduce runoff, and help retain valuable nutrients: www.instagram.com/p/DaEYNtevP0N/ 

  • Root Diversity Builds Better Soil – showing how diverse plant species and deeper rooting systems improve soil structure, water movement, and pasture resilience over time: www.instagram.com/p/DaohgdlPNmr/ 

  • Sniff Your Soil – highlighting how simple observations such as the smell, structure, moisture, and biological activity of soil can provide valuable clues about soil health and the balance of life beneath the surface: www.instagram.com/p/DbMcn8DPJVX/ 


Throughout the workshop, Conan's message was consistent: many of the answers already exist within the farming system itself. By understanding how soils function, observing what nature is telling us, and making thoughtful management decisions, farmers can build healthier, more resilient, and more productive farms.


The remaining workshop videos will be released over the coming weeks, offering more practical insights into regenerative farming and soil health.


Thank you, Conan Moynihan and the Groundshift team, for generously sharing your knowledge and helping make regenerative farming concepts practical, relevant, and accessible for New Zealand farmers.


We encourage everyone to follow the Mountain River Community Instagram page to watch each new reel as it is released and join the conversation.

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