In Episode 4 of The Sea2Soil Podcast, Grant James is joined by Joel Williams, internationally respected soil health educator and founder of Integrated Soils. Together, they explore where soil conditioners fit into regenerative systems, the role of carbon-based inputs like fish hydrolysates, and the long-term gains farmers can expect when feeding both plants and soil biology. Soil conditioners: a catalyst for soil health In this conversation, we stumble onto the reawakening of farmers' interest in soil health, with Joel talking about the growing recognition of soil conditioners as a valuable t...

In Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast, James Warne of Soil First Farming described the soil’s microbial life as “livestock below the surface” - billions of unseen workers breaking down residues, cycling nutrients, and supporting crop growth. But, just like the livestock above ground, these microbes need to be fed. The challenge for farmers isn’t only about what to feed them, but when. The Spring Wake-Up As temperatures rise in early spring, microbial life begins to stir after its winter dormancy. Add moisture from rainfall events, and suddenly the soil biology “switches back on.” T...

In this episode, we hear from James Warne, a farmer in Devon and Managing Director of Soil First Farming, a consultancy business providing invaluable advice as well as agronomy packages for farmers looking to improve soil health and cultivation practices on their farms. James gives some great advice around ways to improve the microbial activity in soils and how feeding the ‘underground livestock’ in our soils is crucial to promoting and supporting healthy crops above-ground. Watch on Youtube or listen on Spotify....

In the far north of Scotland, near Halkirk in Caithness, John Mackay runs a mixed arable and livestock farm across several sites spanning more than 300 acres. With a background that spans engineering, the nuclear industry, and now an offshore career, John has always returned to farming whenever he’s home. That mix of experiences has shaped his perspective on how to best manage the land.  “Because I’m away offshore for long stretches, I’ve had to rethink how we farm,” John explains. “It’s about making the system work smarter, not harder. Improving soil health while reducing...

In Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast, Grant James is joined by James Warne from Soil First Farming to dig into the fascinating – and often overlooked – world of microbial activity in soils. Healthy soils are alive with billions of microscopic organisms – often described as “livestock beneath the surface.” These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down residues, cycling nutrients, and supporting profitable crop production. But, as James explains, they need the right environment to thrive. Moisture, aeration, and good soil structure are the starting points. Once that environment...