Phyllis Tichinin
As an eco-nutritionist with a passion for regenerative farming practices, I’m a consultant for the production of nutrient-dense food that enhances, rather than detracts from the environment. I have specialised knowledge in the fields of soil fertility, biological agriculture, dairy health and hazardous substances policy. With qualifications in environmental and soil management, plus a range of experiences in biodynamic, organic, and ethical farming practices, I have a wealth of academic knowledge, combined with hands-on practical experience of running my own farm. My aim is to support New Zealand dairying in moving to the production of dairy products of medicinal quality, resulting in better environmental, animal and human wellbeing. This means revising how we fertilise our soils so that they can grow high brix, diverse, carbon sequestering pastures that fully nourish cows so they can give us high fat soluble vitamin cream with no need for antibiotics or pesticides. My soul is rooted in the soil, having spent my formative years in rural California, where I saw the cherry orchards of Santa Clara morph to the urban sprawl of Silicone Valley. In my late teens I spent a fascinating year on a dairy farm on the Argentine Pampas, where the seeds of my interest in the sector were sown. Since then I have consulted to both industry and the farming community in the areas of resource management and conservation; the dangers of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and antibiotics; and approaches to ‘future proofing’ farms. I am a life-long learner and educator, committed to sharing my knowledge with farmers, legislators and influencers. I also practice what I preach, having spent the last decade raising cows on my organically-certified 48 hectare farm outside Havelock North, NZ. My diverse, high-brix pastures nurture my Jersey herd without the need for vaccines, drenches, antibiotics, grains or chemical sprays.
I established True Health at the urging of Dr Dettloff, to help the NZ dairy industry wean itself off its reliance on antibiotics. I provide highly regarded, imported, organically-certified tinctures, essential oils and aloe vera products to support the health of dairy cows. True Health animal remedies are part of the bigger picture of helping NZ agriculture to establish microbially robust soils growing premium, diverse pastures that reverse climate change. Ruminants grown on these grasses will be capable of producing medicinal, organic milk high in fat soluble Vitamins A, D and K2... milk that truly nourishes both people and the planet. BSc Environmental Management & Soils (University California at Davis) Weston A. Price Foundation Chapter Leader Hawke’s Bay Diploma Te Reo & Matauranga Maori (Te Wananga o Raukawa) Numerous courses in biological agriculture and soil microbiology Executive Committee Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group Recent articles by Phyllis Tichinin
Pure Advantage: http://pureadvantage.org/news/2017/12/07/farming-nutrient-density-honour-microbes-dont-kick-cow/ http://pureadvantage.org/news/2018/03/14/sacred-cows-of-agriculture/ Part 3 Farming for Resilience http://pureadvantage.org/news/2018/06/26/farming-for-resilience/ |
Dr Paul Dettloff
Dr Paul Dettloff (deceased 2023) was a much appreciated holistic dairy veterinarian with over 50 years of experience. He pioneered herbal remedies for treating cows organically. He owned a 5 vet practice in Central Wisconsin and in the 90’s took a position as consulting vet for the 1400+ farms in the Organic Valley Cooperative – the world’s largest organic cooperative dairy cooperative. His passions were to:
Dr Dettloff travelled extensively in the United States, visiting dairies, educating farmers and advocating a return to natural methods of soil and animal treatment. He shared his knowledge with New Zealand dairy farmers during three visits and is well remembered for his practical knowledge, keen insights and deep caring. He was skilled in a wide range of treatment modalities – herbal remedies, animal acupuncture, and stray current management. He was a pioneer in developing various plant based tinctures and essential oil blends that harness and amplify the healing properties of plant biochemicals = they really work! He is deeply missed but continues to inspire all who learned from him. Phyllis Tichinin There's more about Dr Dettloff and his work in this superb interview on the Rootstock Radio website: |