BioActive Soils’ Steve Ellison recently spoke with Andy on The Muster on Hokonui, a rural radio programme covering farming, agribusiness and issues affecting New Zealand’s rural communities.
In the interview, Steve spoke about the BioActive Soils story, the thinking behind the company’s locally made solid ag fertiliser, and how its products are designed to support healthier soils, stronger pasture growth and more resilient farm systems.
Listen to Steve’s full interview with Andy on The Muster below.
“We feed the biomass and that’s the challenge”
For Steve, one of the central ideas behind the BioActive Soils system is supporting the biology already present in the soil.
BioActive Soils’ products are solid rather than liquid, made locally at its Kennington factory using marine-based inputs including crustaceans, fish and seaweed.
Rather than treating the soil simply as a medium for delivering nutrients, the focus is on creating conditions where its biological activity can support nutrient cycling, plant growth and pasture resilience.
Steve said one of the practical signs farmers can notice is pasture holding its colour rather than quickly yellowing off, reflecting the broader focus on maintaining an active soil system.
“We kick urea into touch”
Steve also discussed BioFish™ N and the company’s approach to nitrogen.
Rather than focusing solely on supplying soluble nutrients directly to the plant, BioActive Soils takes a biology-led approach designed to encourage activity within the soil.
BioFish™ N is part of that approach and is being positioned as a spring option for farmers looking at early pasture growth, soil health and fertiliser value.
Locally made in Southland
BioActive Soils has seen strong demand over recent months, following a particularly busy period around Southern Field Days.
“We got cleaned out,” Steve said. “All our fertiliser went out over the last few months. But we’re busy doing overtime, refilling, restocking.”
The strong run has kept the Kennington operation busy as the team rebuilds stock and prepares for continued demand heading into spring.
Content animals and more leisure and quality time for farmers
Healthier soils and better pasture can support both animal wellbeing and more resilient farming families.
“Farmers hate moving cows or discontented animals,” Steve said. “The animals are content. They don’t need to eat as much to get a full tummy.”
Ultimately, the goal is better outcomes for the soil, animals and the people running the farm.
“It’s good to see a lot of our farmers are off overseas,” Steve said. “It’s good for them to have leisure time.”
Get a natural pest resistance going
Steve discussed pests including grass grub, porina, clover weevil and greasy cutworm, and how a healthier biological soil environment can make conditions less favourable for them.
Rather than focusing only on controlling pests, the BioActive approach is about creating a more resilient soil and plant system. Steve said farmers may begin noticing changes within around three weeks, with three to five weeks being more typical.
