GRDC Podcast

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/fine-tuning-legume-agronomy-to-benefit-sa-growers

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What we’ve learned about lentil pod loss

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:58:00 -0000

In this episode, agronomist Sam Trengove, from Trengove Consulting, and lentil farmer Tim Millard talk about one of the greatest challenges for legume growers - lentil pod loss. Lentil pod loss can be devastating to a crop. In some instances, farmers can lose up to 60 percent and the main cause, wind, is out of their hands to control. GRDC has invested in a multi-year grain legume project in South Australia, in part looking at how to prevent such dramatic lentil seed pod losses between maturity and harvest. While researchers found no silver bullets, they emphasise controlling what you can and using harvest timing, machinery setup, and awareness of conditions to capture as much of the crop as possible, while research continues to search for longer term solutions.

In addition to the comments within this episode, agronomist Sam Trengove emphasises the question of what growers can do now in terms of timing of desiccation and timeliness of harvest with respect to wind events. He states that growers with large programs should stagger their desiccation times in line with their harvest capacity, so that they don't have all their lentil crop ready to harvest on the same day when it will take them 10 days to harvest. For example, if they have capacity to harvest 100ha of lentil per day and 1000ha of lentils to harvest, then staggering the desiccation time over a 10-day period may help to reduce the risks of having the whole crop ready and vulnerable if it is all sprayed within a couple days. A range of sowing dates and/or mix of variety maturities may also help to stagger the desiccation timing.

The South Australian Grain Legume Project, is a joint initiative between South Australian Research and Development Institute, or SARDI and GRDC, led by the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

Contact: Sam Trengove

Trengove Consulting Pty Ltd

samtrenny34@hotmail.com

Tim Millard

Grower in Goalpara, South Australia

tmillard01@hotmail.com

More Information:

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/closing-the-economic-yield-gap

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/chemical-regulation/herbicide-tolerant-lentils-registration-and-impacts

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/legume-challenges-addressed

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/less-haste,-more-speed-for-lentil-desiccation-timing

Project Code: UOA2105-013RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: James Hillcoat

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:58:00 -0000

James Hillcoat didn’t grow up on a farm. His journey began cycling five miles to a Lincolnshire farm in England, evolved through painting houses and teaching sailing in France, and eventually led him to Australian grain consulting via Marcus Oldham.

Today, as a Partner at Pinion Advisory, his work sits at the intersection of profit, people and perspective. In this conversation, James shares what truly drives high-performing farm businesses, why communication is the hidden lever in family enterprises, and how emotion, succession and robotics will shape the next era of Australian grain.

This episode explores:

● What separates the top 20% of grain businesses

● Why technical skill is only 30% of modern consulting

● Emotion in family farming – and how to harness it productively

● Lessons from the Country Fire Service on leadership under pressure

● The succession challenge facing Australian agriculture

● What “Consultant 3.0” looks like Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bdIpp-iCacE Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube:

More information

James Hillocat, Pinion Advisory: https://www.pinionadvisory.com/

https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2025/03/grdc-farm-business-update,-online-should-i-own-trucks-assessing-the-commercial-benefit

GRC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.

GRDC Project Code

- https://grdc.com.au/research/partnerships-and-initiatives/major-initiatives/grain-automate

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Grain Automate: The Autonomous Agronomist

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:58:00 -0000

This episode of GRDC’s Grain Automate series speaks with Tim Neale, an expert agronomist and the director of Data Farming, a precision farming company based out of Toowoomba in southern Queensland. Tim works to help the industry get smarter about how to work with technology and managing the influx of automation available now and into the future. Agronomists can spend up to 75 per cent of their time driving, which can be frustrating and unproductive, prompting many of them to look at alternative monitoring options. But Tim is quick to reiterate the autonomous solutions aren't about replacing boots on the ground.

Contact:

Tim Neale

Data Farming

tim@datafarming.com.au

More Information:

- Autonomy proves a game changer | GroundCover

- Expo steps gowers nearer to tomorrow | GroundCover

- https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/are-you-ready-for-autonomy

- https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/partnerships-and-vision-are-key-to-an-autonomous-future

Project Code:

SPA2404-002RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Edward Scott

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:58:00 -0000

Ed Scott grew up on a mixed farming property on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, but his path into agriculture wasn’t a straight line. What began with an interest in animal health and pasture production soon led him deeper into the soil beneath it all. Today, Ed works at the intersection of soils, precision agriculture, automation and sustainability, helping growers better understand what’s happening below the surface and how to turn that knowledge into smarter decisions on the farm.

In this conversation, Ed shares how the grains industry has evolved from treating soil as something to work around to seeing it as one of the biggest untapped opportunities in modern farming. He unpacks why variable rate adoption is still slower than expected, how harvest yield and protein data can sharpen nitrogen decisions, and why the next big gains may come from making better use of the data growers already collect.

This episode explores: - How Ed’s early fascination with soils turned into a career in soil-focused agronomy - Why soils are still one of the biggest untapped opportunities in grain production - What growers can learn from digging soil pits and testing to depth - Why variable rate technology remains underused despite its potential - How spatial grain quality and protein mapping can improve nitrogen management - The link between automation, precision ag and better on-farm decision making - How sustainability reporting and emissions data are starting to shape farm business conversations - Why the best-performing businesses will be the ones that manage risk with better information

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e1xdGTy2Xsw

More information:

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/expo-steps-growers-nearer-to-tomorrow

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2024/07/leveraging-protein-for-profitability

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/02/dry-sowing-in-the-mid-north-lessons-from-the-dry-2024-season

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.

GRDC Project Code:

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/profitable-legumes-becoming-a-reality)

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Legume marketing: How it works in the west

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:58:00 -0000

Legume marketing has long been considered a chicken and egg scenario. What comes first? The market or the grower collaborations? This episode explores this concept and how growers can collaborate to gain market access. A GRDC investment with the Grower Group Alliance is aiming to increase grower confidence in using legumes in Western Australia. This episode is part of a four-part series investigating the agronomy, profitability, marketing and harvesting of various legume crops. In this instalment, we’ll hear how to market legume crops with John Orr from Premium Grain Handlers based at Fremantle, Erin Cahill a grower and AgVivo agronomist in Moora WA, and Timm House a grower in Gnowangerup WA.

Contact:

John Orr

Manager, Premium Grain Handlers

pgh@pgh.com.au

Erin Cahill

Grower & AgVivo agronomist, Moora, Western Australia

erin@agvivo.com.au

Timm House

Grower, Gnowangerup, Western Australia

timmhouse23@gmail.com

More Information:

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/shift-in-planting-time-offers-new-market-opportunity

Project Code:

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/climate/global-search-helps-heat-tolerance-gains-to-be-made-in-wheat

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GRDC in Conversation: James Walter

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:58:00 -0000

James Walter is the bioinformatics lead at Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), working at the intersection of genetics, data science and plant breeding. His role focuses on turning vast amounts of genomic and field data into practical insights that help breeders make better decisions and ultimately deliver improved crop varieties to growers.

In this episode, James takes us behind the scenes of the plant breeding pipeline, unpacking the journey from initial crosses in the glasshouse through to years of field trials, quality testing and eventual commercial release. He explains how modern breeding balances resilience and performance, why stability across seasons is critical, and how the explosion of data and new technologies is reshaping how varieties are developed.

This episode explores:

● James’ pathway from agricultural science into bioinformatics and plant breeding

● What a role in genomics and data science looks like in agriculture

● How plant breeding programs work from glasshouse to commercial release

● Why it takes 8–10 years to develop a new crop variety

● The importance of stability versus peak performance in different seasons

● How genetics and field data are combined to guide breeding decisions

● The role of large-scale field trials across multiple environments

● How new technologies, AI and data are transforming plant breeding

● The sheer scale of data involved in modern breeding programs

● Career opportunities in agriculture beyond traditional farm roles

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hEJmhVcDmtg

More information:

https://www.agtbreeding.com.au/

GRDC Project Code:

navneet.a⁠⁠ggarwal@sa.gov.au⁠⁠

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Herbicide safety and weed management in pulses

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:58:00 -0000

This episode explores how to set pulse crops up for success, because they really don't forgive shortcuts with herbicides. Navneet Aggarwal, a senior research agronomist for the South Australian Research and Development Institute or SARDI, has been a part of the South Australian Grain Legume Project looking specifically at herbicide safety and weed management in pulses. He says preparation is key, but if those crucial steps are missed, what are the options?

The SA Grain Legume Project: ‘Development and extension to close the economic yield gap and maximise farming systems benefits from grain legume production in South Australia’ is led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, alongside a number of project partners.

Contact:

Navneet Aggarwal

South Australian Research and Development Institute

More Information: ⁠

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2024/07/broadleaf-weed-management-in-lentil-grown-on-different-soil-types-in-south-australia⁠⁠https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/sa-research-push-to-close-pulse-yield-gaps⁠

⁠https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/fine-tuning-legume-agronomy-to-benefit-sa-growers⁠

⁠htt ps://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=UOA2105-013RTX&_gl=1*yrqwkq*_ga*ODQxMzgxOTU0LjE3NzI1MDg1NjY.*_ga_ZTGWWXHVRC*czE3NzMxMDAzODYkbzckZzEkdDE3NzMxMDE5MjgkajI0JGwwJGgw

Project Investment Code:

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/resources/sandy-soils

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Improving pulse productivity in sandy soil with amelioration

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

This episode focuses on sandy soils and how to unlock their potential to successfully grow pulses, which have traditionally been a challenge. GRDC's investment in the South Australian Grain Legume project has led to a targeted approach to trialling a variety of methods for sandy soil improvement. Agronomist, Jason Brand, has worked closely on this project, previously with Agriculture Victoria and Frontier Farming Systems, but more recently as a director of GEM Agronomy.

Contact:

Jason Brand

Director, Gem Agronomy

jason@gemagronomy.com.au

More Information: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/legume-challenges-addressed

Project Investment Code:

operations@nickollspartners.net

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Pulse agronomy foundations: Getting pulses right from the start

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

Get pulse agronomy foundations right on your farm to reduce risk and build long term profitability. This episode explores examples from the South Australian Grain Legume Project, a GRDC investment. We speak with Sarah Day, communications and extension manager with Mallee Sustainable Farming, and Wade Nickolls, whose family farms pulses at Pinnaroo in the Southern Mallee of South Australia and Victoria. Wade says while the pulse industry and agronomy has changed a lot in the last 30 years, the key drivers for success are still the same.

Sarah Day

Mallee Sustainable Farming

Communication and Extension Manager

sarah@msfp.org.au

Wade Nickolls

Grower

Project Investment Code:

Farming systems project to inform decision making for southern growers https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/farming-systems-project-to-inform-decision-making-for-southern-growers

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GRDC in Conversation: Ashley Amourgis

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC in Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ashley Amourgis, General Manager of Southern Farming Systems, just west of Geelong.

Growing up on a dairy farm near Deloraine in Tasmania, Ashley developed a deep appreciation for agriculture as a way of life. That grounding has shaped her journey into the grains industry, where she now works at the intersection of research, extension and farming systems in Victoria’s high rainfall zone.

Ashley shares her pathway from university uncertainty and early rejection to nearly a decade in grains, reflecting on confidence, mentorship and stepping into leadership.

The conversation explores nitrogen management in high rainfall environments, the importance of long-term Farming Systems research, the role of drainage in transforming southwest Victoria, and why every farm requires context rather than cookie cutter advice.

Ashley also offers advice for young professionals entering agriculture and explains why, despite advances in AI and technology, people remain at the heart of the industry.

Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bMjm1-wQzMQ

More information:

Southern Farming Systems projects https://sfs.org.au/farming-systems/projects

GRDC Project Code:

 emma.ayliffe@summitag.com.au

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Grain Automate: From data to decisions

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

This episode is part two in the GRDC Grain Automate initiative series and is led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA). Emma Ayliffe, a grower and director with Summit Ag in New South Wales Central West, takes us through a pragmatic approach to autonomy and agronomy. She covers how farm data can be structured and interpreted to support confident, actionable decision making rather than just generating dashboards. Emma is adamant growers need to be using more structure when assessing what to prioritise on farm. And at the top of that list is data.

Contact:

Emma Ayliffe

Grower, Lake Cargelligo NSW

More Information:

Grain Automate

Are you ready for Autonomy?

Major initiatives - Grain Automate

SPAA Webinar – Paving the way for on-farm autonomy

Project Code:

SPA2404-002RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Darcy Warren

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Darcy Warren, a leading researcher at Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia based in Geelong. Darcy’s entry into agriculture was far from traditional; growing up in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Greensborough, he discovered agricultural science almost by accident at a university open day. From those early sparks of curiosity, Darcy has built a distinguished career, starting with a joint GRDC and Agriculture Victoria graduate program and progressing to help lead a national research team.

The conversation explores the rapid growth of Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia from a small team of four to a national organisation. Darcy reflects on the "career-defining" Hyper Yielding Cereals project in Tasmania, the complexities of managing disease burdens, and the shifting landscape of fungicide resistance. Beyond the technical science, Darcy discusses the "people side" of agriculture—the importance of mentorship, the challenges of a travel-heavy career, and why he encourages the next generation of "city kids" to find their place in the grains sector.

Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube.

More information

Far Australia

GRDC Project Code:

Satellites deployed to pintpoint summer weeds

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weedSAT: how satellite imagery is being used to pinpoint weeds

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode, Tim Neale from DataFarming explains a new precision ag tool, weedSAT. WeedSAT is a satellite-powered weed detection tool developed with investment from GRDC through the Grain Automate initiative. It uses high-resolution commercial satellite imagery to identify larger, hard-to-kill weeds across broadacre paddocks. This enables targeted spraying using existing boom spray section control systems before growers even enter the field. We also hear from Precision Ag consultant Bindi Isbister, who has been trialling the technology with Western Australian growers with good success.

Contacts:

Tim Neale

Datafarming

tim@datafarming.com.au

Bindi Isbister

Agrarian Management

bindi@agrarian.com.au

More Information:

weedSAT turning your conventional boom into a spot sprayer using ultra high resolution satellite imagery

Project Investment Code:

DFL2304-002RTX

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Supporting young grower groups

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode, facilitators Amy Wright and Lucy Pedler talk about the rise of young grower groups across South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Supported by AIR EP and the Future Drought Fund, these peer-to-peer networks are creating safe spaces for young growers to build skills, confidence and leadership capacity.

Participants prioritise topics such as soils, technology adoption, drought resilience and business management—while also valuing connection, collaboration and time off-farm with peers. Amy and Lucy highlight increased confidence among members, with some stepping into leadership roles, industry panels and research committees.

With study tours planned and momentum building, these groups are not only strengthening individual businesses but fostering the next generation of resilient, connected agricultural leaders. GRDC is proud to support many of these growers to attend study tours.

Contacts:

Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Inc ralf@airep.com.au

George Pedler Ag lucy@georgepedlerag.com.au

More Information:

GRDC Sponsorship

AIR EP

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Legume harvesting (lentils): Tips and tricks for growers

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:58:00 -0000

Have you been thinking of adding a legume to your rotation? In this episode, we are joined by Calingiri legume grower John Young and Glen Reithmuller who is from DPIRD in WA. John shares his experience with implementing legumes into his rotation and Glen shares the surprising efficiency of legume harvestability.

Contacts:

John Young

WA Grower

johnyoung@wmfarm.com.au 

Glen Reithmuller

DPRID

Glen.Riethmuller@dpird.wa.gov.au

More Information:

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA
Legume Harvesting video

Project Investment Code:

dennis.hoiberg@lessonslearntconsulting.com

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Bushfire response: Coping, rebuilding & future-proofing

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:58:00 -0000

As we recorded this podcast, the bushfire threat in Victoria was ongoing with lives, homes, and thousands of hectares of cropping land still at risk. In this episode, we hear from Dennis Hoiberg from Lessons Learned Consulting and get some strategies for looking after your mental health in traumatic times such as a bushfire event. We also speak to South Australian grower, Andy Barr, who has firsthand experience dealing with the loss and devastation bushfires can cause.

Contacts:

Andy Barr

Grower, South Australia

arhebarr@baonline.com.au

Dennis Hoiberg

Lessons Learned Consulting

More Information:

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2023/reducing-harvest-fires

https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2025/10/grdc-farm-business-update,-online-reducing-the-risk-of-harvest-fires

https://lessonslearntconsulting.com

https://www.lifeline.org.au

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

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What the eef are EEFs? Unlocking the potential of enhanced efficiency fertilisers

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:58:00 -0000

What the eef are EEFs? This episode dives deep into not only what EEFs are, but how they can change modern grain farming. On the face of it, they are enhanced efficiency fertilisers, but what it can mean is farmers are able to take control over fertiliser loss in their paddocks and be a lot closer to meeting global emissions targets. A four year multi-million dollar co-investment is aiming to explore how Australian grain growers can improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce on farm greenhouse gas emissions. In this podcast we speak to project lead, Dr Arjun Pandey from The University of Melbourne and also grower, Russell Zwar who has experience using EEFs.

Contact:

Dr Arjun Pandey

The University of Melbourne

arjun.pandey@unimelb.edu.au

More Information:

Optimising the use of enhanced fertilisers

Project Investment Code:

UoM2404-007RTX

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Grain automate: Getting started with autonomy

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

Adapting new technology on farm has always been vital to farming success. As modern Australian farming moves further into the digital age, fully automated systems are being considered and in this new Grain Automate podcast series, we'll be exploring innovative stories showing practical real-world examples of autonomy in grain farming. This episode emphasises that autonomy isn't about buying the newest robot. It's about building the right environment for automation to succeed and understanding why each change matters. Looking at the five foundational building blocks of autonomy and the structured process-first thinking required for successful implementation. Listen to Emma Leonard from AgriKnowHow, a consultancy company that specialises in helping farmers deal with change.

Contact:

Dr Emma Leonard

AgriKnowHow

emma.leonard@bigpond.com

More Information:

https://grainautomate.grdc.com.au

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/are-you-ready-for-autonomy

Project Investment Code:

SPA2404-002RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Wayne Pech

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, mixed farmer Wayne Pech shares the sustainable farming practices he’s weaving into his business North Stirling Downs in WA’s Great Southern region; more specifically his focus on emission management, and the importance of family involvement in agriculture.

Host Oli Le Lievre asks Wayne about the on-farm changes he’s made to improve water efficiency, and how his team of core staff members allows him to outsource daily tasks to his manager and free his mind to plan for the bigger picture of his business.

More information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Sandy soil amelioration on the Eyre Peninsula

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode, grower Tristan Baldock and agronomist Brett Masters from EPAG Research in South Australia talk about why growers on the Eyre Peninsula are trialling modification practices in a bid to combat their sandy soil constraints. Trials are taking place across more than 20 farms in the GRDC southern region, and it's all part of an ongoing co-investment between GRDC and CSIRO in collaboration with other research partners.

Contacts:

Brett Masters

Research Agronomist, EPAG Research

brett@epagresearch.com.au

Tristan Baldock

Grower

tristan@karinyaag.com.au

More Information:

Buckleboo Deep Ripping Trial

Helping growers manage Sandy Soils

Project Investment Code:

CSP2403-017RTX

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Durum: Gross margins and role in rotation

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

There are new tools available for durum wheat growers, presenting opportunities to close the yield gap with bread wheat. With a major pasta processing company in South Australia, durum is particularly sought after.

The average area sown over the past five years in SA has been around the 50-thousand-hectare mark, but that area is now being extended into non-traditional durum growing regions such as the southeast of the state.

With its natural genetic resistance to stripe rust and septoria tritici, and new varieties with improved yield potential, along with advanced techniques for crown rot management and weeds, durum is showing promise. In this podcast we hear from agronomist, Darcy King and local durum grower, Simon Ballinger.

Contact:

Darcy King

Nutrien Ag

darcy.king@nutrien.com.au

More Information: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/cereals/padthaway-durum-outclasses-bread-wheat-in-trial

Trials support durum as a profitable alternative to bread wheat | GroundCover

Project Investment Code:

SAD2204-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ian Longson

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

Ian Longson reflects on his incredible career in the grains sector spanning 55 years, servicing farmers and agriculture businesses and passionately advocating for the industry. Through various roles in economics and policy, he’s developed a deep respect for grain farmers; not just for the value they bring to the nation’s economy, but the contribution they make to the social fabric of regional areas.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats to Ian about his childhood visits to his uncle’s dairy farm sparking a lifelong love for farming, the rapid pace of change in the grains industry and how he’s witnessed farmers move with the times and rapidly adopt the technology available to them.

More information

GRDC Project Code:

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/educational

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Cultivating learning: Ag education for Aussie kids

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:58:00 -0000

According to a survey done by the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA), 75 per cent of surveyed students say they know nothing or little about the grains industry - despite it being one of Australia’s largest exports.

In this episode, PIEFA CEO Luciano Mesiti outlines one of their key aims; to increase student knowledge and understanding through boosting teachers’ confidence with agricultural content. This is a concept shared by GRDC and reflected in their long-term relationship with PIEFA - a national not-for-profit company that advocates and works with industry groups to develop and promote the importance of food and fibre and agricultural education in schools.

Contact:

Luciano Mesiti, CEO Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA)

ceo@piefa.edu.au

More information:

https://www.Primezone.edu.au

https://www.careerharvest.com.au

https://www.piefa.edu.au/

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/industry-insights/lessons-awaken-students-interest-in-grains

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/opportunities-abound-in-a-growing-industry

Project Investment code:

PIE2408-001SAX

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From idea to investment: The rigour behind every GRDC project

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:58:00 -0000

GRDC has a rigorous process in and around how it invests. GRDC is constantly engaging with growers and looking for opportunitiesto take an idea, ground truth it and find out if there is a way to invest that will lead to a positive impact for growers. In this podcast GRDC southern panel Chair, Andrew Russell and senior regional manager for the southern region, Courtney Ramsey take us through GRDC’s process - from idea to investment.

Contacts:
Courtney Ramsey

Senior Regional Manager - South courtney.ramsey@grdc.com.au

Rebecca Raymond

Senior Regional Manager - North

rebecca.raymond@grdc.com.au

Peter Bird

Senior Regional Manager - West

peter.bird@grdc.com.au

More Information:

GRDC investments

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GRDC in Conversation: Clint Della Bosca

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:58:00 -0000

It doesn’t get much more marginal than Yilgarn, on the eastern fringe of WA’s wheatbelt, and it takes a certain kind of farmer to remain profitable and up for the challenge of a drying climate. Fourth generation grain farmer Clint Della Bosca has made some strategic decisions in recent years to steer his business in a more positive direction, as the next generation emerges.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Clint about the evolution of this farming practices - why he’s removed livestock from his system to focus on his cropping program and how new technology like variable rate is dramatically improving soil health and crop yields. Like many farmers, Clint is pinning his hopes on automation to help with labour shortages, but he explains the need for more technically skilled staff in the industry to keep up with changing farming operations.

More information:

GRDC Project Code:

office@oneshotharvest.com.au

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Harvest headaches: Managing regrowth in crops

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Many growers are currently facing the challenges that come with paddocks that are split. Some nearly ready for harvest, others showing significant regrowth. In this episode, we talk about the ins and outs of managing regrowth in crop during harvest and hear from Matthew Sparke, an agronomist with Sparke Agricultural and Associates based in Victoria, and harvest specialist, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen.

Contacts:

Matthew Sparke

Sparke Agriculture

matthew@sparkeag.com.au

Kassie Van Der Westhuizen

One Shot Harvest

More Information:

GRDC Harvester Guide

GRDC website

Project Investment Code:

PRS2005-001SAX

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A practical guide to tramline renovation machines

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Permanent tramlines in a controlled-traffic farming system offer a range of benefits including less soil compaction across the whole paddock, fuel savings, higher yields and better in-crop access. Over time, tramlines can compact deeper than the rest of the paddock and can become rutted, with ridges forming where tyres push soil to the sides of the tramline.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bindi Isbister from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and grower Cameron Johnson as part of a GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. Together, we talk about the process of renovating these tramlines to keep them flat and even, as well as the different machinery options to get the job done.

Contact:

Bindi Isbister

DPIRD (WA)

bindi.isbister@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information:

Permanent tramlines in CTF systems need maintenance

Renovating to prevent tramline erosion is now a key priority for CTF grower

Developing a controlled traffic (tramline) farming system

Project Code:

PLT2409-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Courtney Piesse

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Much like mechanics might have cars in a less-than-ideal state, agronomists often have the messiest crops, with their attention going to their customers first. Kojonup grain farmer and agronomist Courtney Piesse isn’t too worried though, as his own agronomy business keeps the bills paid and his mind connected to the people and innovation alive in the industry.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Courtney about pivoting from his dream of being a fighter pilot to returning to ag, and his love of applying agronomy skills to care for different crops across the vast state of WA, from wheat in the Great Southern to irrigated horticulture in the far north.

More information:

GRDC Project Code:

Garden beauty turns into paddock pain

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Updates on Gazania control

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Vibrant, colourful blooms and an attractive daisy-like appearance make them a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. But unfortunately, quick growing gazanias are actually a weed, one that's jumped the fence and is now invading the paddocks of grain growers. GRDC has identified gazania as a weed threat and is responding by investing in research to determine its distribution and abundance, review current control methods, and inform management strategies for the grains industry. In this podcast we hear from Dr Ali Bajwa, senior lecturer in weed science and agronomy at Melbourne's La Trobe University and South Australian grower Robin Schaefer on this episode.

Contact:

Dr Ali Bajwa, La Trobe University

a.bajwa@latrobe.edu.au

Robin Schaefer, Bulla Burra Grower

rsc10092@bigpond.net.au

More Information:

Project Investment Code:

ULA2402-002RTX

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Predicting weeds using multi-layer analytics

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Groundbreaking innovation tends to happen through multidisciplinary approaches and a range of expertise. That statement has never been truer than in a new national project bringing together precision technologies, remote sensing, and modern machine capabilities with knowledge of weed ecology and population dynamics to predict the emergence of weed patches across paddocks. This project is part of the Grain Automate initiative bringing together weed science expertise from the University of Western Australia and Bayer Crop Science, drone imaging technology from Australian start up InFarm, and geospatial analytics from Canadian start up Geco Agriculture. This episode features Mike Ashworth from the UWA node of the Weed Management Initiative, Tom Giles, GRDC Enabling Technologies Senior Manager, and grower John Young.

Contact:

Dr Mike Ashworth Australian Herbicide resistance initiative, University of Western Australia mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au

Tom Giles GRDC tom.giles@grdc.com.au
John Young

Grower and GRDC western panel member johnyoung@wmfarm.com.au

More Information:

Machinery innovations to revolutionise weed control
Partenerships and vision are key to an autonomous future

Geco Agriculture

InFarm

Bayer Crop Science

Project Investment Code:

UWA2307-005RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Shannen Davies

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Shannen Davies’ idyllic childhood in Geraldton gave her a deep connection to the regions, and an appreciation for the innovation and growth happening in the farming space. Knowing agriculture has an incredible story to tell, Shannen uses her role as Communications Manager at InterGrain to ensure the groundbreaking research and innovation is given the platform it deserves.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Shannen about her life-changing Nuffield scholarship journey and her infectious excitement for the grains industry, which she says is on the cusp of the next breeding revolution.

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How to collect a rust sample

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:41:00 -0000

Have you ever wondered how to collect the perfect sample of cereal rust? This is the episode for you. Listen as Matthew Williams and Margarita Pietilainen from the Australian Cereal Rust survey team at the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute give a detailed description on how to gather and prepare rust samples from the paddock for postage. You’ll also hear from Dr Mumta Chhetri who leads the project. They analyse up to 1700 rust samples per year sent by growers and their agronomists from all over Australia, a vital GRDC investment.

Contact: Dr Mumta Chhetri Research Fellow in Cereal Rust Pathology, University of Sydney mumta.chhetri@sydney.edu.au Matthew Williams Australian Cereal Rust Survey Team matthew.williams@sydney.edu.au Margerita Pietilainen Australian Cereal Rust Survey Team margerita.pietilainen@sydney.edu.au More Information: More information on the Australian Cereal Rust Survey: https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/our-research/research-areas/life-and-environmental-sciences/cereal-rust-research/rust-reports.html Visit the Australian Cereal Rust Survey 2025 Pathogen Map (interactive): https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1O9jxjzCUzlallX_981PIlJEuvWPTYvQ&ll=0%2C0&z=4 GRDC’s rust sample collection guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2025/how-to-collect-a-rust-sample Or log into https://my.grdc.com.au/

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Breeding ground for disease resistance

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

This episode explores the rise in fungicide resistance in Australian crops like wheat and barley by discussing work being done at Horsham Smart Farm in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Scientists from the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) including plant pathology research leader Dr Joshua Fanning and research scientist Melissa Cook are intentionally creating conditions to attract diseases to help decipher which varieties are more susceptible to disease.

The Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) is a GRDC investment led by Curtin University.

Contact:

Dr Joshua Fanning

Plant Pathology Research Leader, Agriculture Victoria

Joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au

More information:

AFREN website

Horsham Smart Farm

Groundcover article - Finding strategies to preserve disease resistance Agriculture Victoria - Cereal disease guide 2025

GRDC - Wheat disease update- rust and Septoria

Project Code:

nick.poole@faraustralia.com.au

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GRDC in Conversation: Julianne Hill

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:58:00 -0000

With farming roots deep in the south coast of WA, Julianne Hill’s career path has taken many twists and turns. Supporting farmers to reach their full potential has always been her focus, and that’s helped greatly by the long-term relationships she’s built over many rides in headers and cups of tea around kitchen tables. Having led the GRDC grower networks for more than a decade, she knows the impact meaningful research can have on on-farm outcomes.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Julianne about the challenges of starting farming from scratch, the loss of identity she felt after selling her farm and what life after farming looks like for Julianne, which is just as energised as ever!

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To spray or not to spray?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Think twice when it comes to prophylactic spraying. That's the advice to southern growers this season. When disease pressure is low, reducing spraying means reducing costs. But just how should growers make the often-risky decision not to spray? To find out more we spoke to Nick Poole from FAR Australia and the Australian Fungicide Resistance Network, otherwise known as AFREN.

Contact:

Nick Poole

FAR Australia & AFREN

More Information:

andrea.Hills@dpird.wa.gov.au

FAR Australia

Project Investment Code:

UR2302-002RTX

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Look out for barley scald in Western Australia

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Growers in Western Australia need to be on the lookout for barley scald as it is increasing in prevalence and severity, including virulence onto varieties that have previously been rated as resistant. In this podcast we talk to senior research scientists at WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Andrea Hills and Dr Kithsiri Jayasena about what growers can do to combat barley scald in the season ahead.

AFREN is a GRDC initiative to empower growers to mitigate the impact of fungicide resistance in Australian crops. WA DPIRD is a partner in this network, which is coordinated by the CCDM at Curtin University.

Contacts:

Andrea Hills, DPRID

Dr Kithsiri Jayasena, DPIRD

kithsiri.jayasena@dpird.wa.gov.au

More Information:

Understanding Funcicide Resistance

AFREN Management Guide

Fungicide resistance in barley

Project Investment Code:

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GRDC in Conversation: Fritz Bolten

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Fritz Bolten is so dedicated to making agriculture work in Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley region he’s tried growing more than 26 different crops. He owns Oasis Farms, a 573 ha irrigated cropping enterprise in the Ord Valley growing chia, corn, chickpeas, mungbeans, cotton and sorghum forage seed.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Fritz about why he’s transitioning to an exclusively cotton and corn rotation. His ‘have a go’ approach to farming has led to some big wins, but also some losses along the way, as he navigates the extreme monsoon weather conditions, logistical hurdles and limited infrastructure of the vast subtropical north.

GRDC Project Code:

nola.dsouza@curtin.edu.au

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Behind the scenes of fungicide resistance testing

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:58:00 -0000

It’s an ever-present challenge for Australian grain growers, but understanding how fungicide resistance develops, and what can be done to manage it, is key to protecting crops, and keeping disease pressure low. In this episode at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University, Dr Nola D’Souza explains how her team detects and tracks fungicide resistance in the lab, the role of AFREN, and the practical steps growers can take to slow its spread.

The Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) is a GRDC investment, led by Curtin University. CCDM is a partnership between GRDC and Curtin University.

Contact:

Dr Nola D’Souza 
Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), Curtin University 

More Information:

AFREN
CCDM

Project Investment Code:

Profitable legumes becoming a reality

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Legume agronomy: How to grow them in the west

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Growers in Western Australia are well aware of the benefits of growing legumes in their rotation, but often have concerns about their reliability and can lack confidence in their production. A GRDC investment with the Grower Group Alliance is aiming to change that, and in a four-part series, we'll be tackling the agronomy, profitability, marketing, and harvesting of growing legumes in WA. In this episode, we tackle the first part of that equation: how to grow them. Joined by agVivo agronomist, and Moora grower, Erin Cahill, listen to how he grows lentils and lupins, plus some agronomic advice for growing other key legumes.

Contact:

Erin Cahill

agVivo

erin@agvivo.com.au

More Information:

Project Investment Code:

Stirling.Roberton@csiro.au

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NVT new variety series 2025 - Wheat

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials, or NVT, new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2026 growing season. When it comes to choosing the right variety, NVT is the only independent variety information source trusted by Australian growers. In GRDC's 2025 grower survey, nine out of 10 growers accessed NVT information, and 94 per cent of those said it influenced their variety selection. Every variety featured in this podcast has been trialled through NVT, the largest independent trial program in the world. This podcast focuses on wheat. There is a separate podcast for other crops, including barley, canola and chickpea.

Contact:

LongReach Plant Breeders

Australian Grain Technologies (AGT)

Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds)

RAGT

InterGrain

More Information:

You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au , alongside individual breeder websites.

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NVT new variety series 2025 - Barley, canola and chickpea

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials, or NVT new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2026 growing season. When it comes to choosing the right variety, NVT is the only independent variety information source trusted by Australian growers. In GRDC's 2025 grower survey, nine out of 10 growers accessed NVT information, and 94 per cent of those said it influenced their variety selection. Every variety featured in this podcast has been trialled through NVT, the largest independent trial program in the world. This podcast focuses on barley, canola, and chickpea. There's a separate podcast for wheat.

Contacts:

Australian Grain Technologies (AGT)

InterGrain

Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds)

Pioneer

BASF Australia Nuseed

Nutrien Ag Solutions (Dyna-Gro)

NSW Department of Primary Industries (Chickpea Breeding Australia)

More Information:

You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au , alongside individual breeder websites.

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Fertiliser storage dos and don’ts

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

When it comes to storing fertiliser on-farm, small mistakes can turn into big problems. In this GRDC podcast, Grain Storage Extension Team member, Ben White shares practical advice on the dos and don’ts of fertiliser storage. From choosing quality product and limiting handling, through to managing moisture and avoiding dangerous silo blockages. He also highlights the safety risks growers need to be aware of, and where to find trusted resources to help with planning ahead.

Contact:

Ben White

Grain Storage Extension Team

ben@storedgrain.com.au

More Information:

GRDC publication Investing in fertiliser storage infrastructure, authors Cussons Media and Fertiliser Australia

Project Investment Codes:

CMP2202-001SAX

PRB2412-001SAX 

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Soil health in Australia

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

No matter what crop you grow, or livestock you run, the soil beneath your boots is the foundation of your farm's productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. And while soil has always been a cornerstone for grain growers, there's never been a consistent way to define, measure, monitor, or report on soil health in Australia. That's why GRDC has invested in the development of a national Soil Health Framework to close this gap and give growers the tools they need to manage soil more effectively. The work is being led by CSIRO in collaboration with a network of research partners. To find out more, this podcast features project lead, CSIRO's Dr Mark Farrell, Dr Stirling Roberton, who is a research scientist, also at CSIRO, and from the University of Western Australia, Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott.

Contacts:

Dr Mark Farrell

Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO

Mark.farrell@csiro.au

Dr Stirling Roberton

Research Scientist, CSIRO

Lynette Abbott

Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia

lynette.abbott@uwa.edu.au

More Information:

National Blueprint to standardise soil health across Australian agriculture

Development of a soil health framework for Australian agricultural production systems

Project Investment Code:

CSP2504-015RTX 

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Different angles on re-ripping: There is no right or wrong

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Growers around the Eradu area of Western Australia's northern growing region have been deep ripping for many years. Now they're going back and re-ripping for a second, third, fourth, and even fifth time with different machinery as it has progressed over the years. It's all about getting highly alkaline surface soil down deeper in the profile to address subsoil acidity, and at the same time, managing compaction to greater depths. This episode features Craig Topham from Agrarian Management and is part of a five-part GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. Craig has three clients in the Eradu area, all aiming to achieve the same result, but doing it with different machinery and varied approaches.

*A note for listeners. This podcast does not cover all products in the market. Different products may have different costs and benefits.

Contact:

Craig Topham

Agrarian Management

craig@agrarian.com.au

More Information:

Agrarian

Project Investment Code:

PLT2409-001SAX 

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Managing WPM fungicide resistance in the west

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Fungicide resistance is a serious threat to cropping. When all available registered fungicides are no longer effective at managing disease, options for widespread disease control become limited, and the result is high yield losses. So, when a gateway mutation, the first step toward fungicide resistance in wheat powdery mildew (WPM), was detected in samples collected in Western Australia, alarm bells went off. In this episode we speak to Andrea Hills, research scientist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia, about what growers can do to help.

This podcast is a part of the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN).

Contact:

Andrea Hills

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Andrea.hills@dpird.wa.gov.au

More Information:

Potential for fungicide resistance detected in Experance wheat powdery mildew

Project Investment Code:

Phosphine best management practices

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Pre-harvest prep: Protecting stored grain

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Don't wait until harvest to consider how you are going to protect your stored grain. That's the message from GRDC's stored grain extension team. When it comes to grain storage, the more you invest in pre-harvest preparation, the better the outcome. This episode features Chris Warrick from the Stored Grain Extension Team who talks about the most important strategies to implement.

Contact:

Chris Warrick

Stored Grain Storage Extension Team

chris@storedgrain.com.au

More Information:

2024 Webinar - Pre-harvest grain storage health check

2024 story - Give grain storage a pre-harest health check

1800 WEEVIL

Stored Grain

Project Investment Code:

PRB2412-001SAX

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Nail the snails: An ID guide

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Do you want to nail those snails in the crop? Well, naming those snails is the first step. In this episode, Prue Adams is in York Peninsula, on the snail trail and speaking with Dr Kym Perry, research fellow in entomology at the University of Adelaide. He goes into detail about the four main snail culprits in crops, how to identify, and what to do about them.

Contact:

Dr Kym Perry

The University of Adelaide

0421 788 357

More Information:

Nail The Snails

Snail Management

Project Investment Code:

UOA2205-005RTX

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Redlegged earth mite: Management guide

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:58:00 -0000

At just one millimetre long, redlegged earth mites are tiny, but that doesn't stop them from causing significant damage across Australia, especially in regions with cool, wet winters. To find out how growers can best manage this pest – we talk to Dr Paul Umina from Cesar Australia. The project ' Leading practice management of the Redlegged earth mite (RLEM)' is a GRDC investment that is led by Cesar Australia alongside other project partners.

Contact:

Paul Umina

Cesar Australia

Pumina@cesaraustralia.com

More Information:

Redlegged earth mite best management practice guide

Cesar Australia

Project Investment Code:

CES2503-001RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Andrew and Marie Fowler

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Oli Le Lievre interviews Andrew and Marie Fowler about their innovative farming practices in Esperance, Western Australia. The Fowlers, who met through Andrew's Nuffield Scholarship, have expanded their family farm significantly. They focus on crop-livestock rotations, emphasizing no-till farming and crop grazing. Andrew discusses their current drainage project, which involves installing tile pipes to mitigate waterlogging and improve crop yields. The Fowlers also highlight the importance of community collaboration and the challenges of managing a large workforce.

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Changing the game: On farm agtech solutions

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Justine Baillie and Michael Scobie are the co-leads of the Ag Technology Adoption program at the University of Southern Queensland. They’re trialling and investigating a range of different types of technology to help growers boost crop quality and yield, in a bid to revolutionise farming. The project is providing tools and capacity for drought preparedness through the integration of digital technologies, data management, artificial intelligence and smart machinery including drones. The program is a collaboration between GRDC, the University of Southern Queensland (SQNNSW Drought and Innovation Hub) and Qld Cropping Research (QCR).

Contacts:

Michael Scobie, Program Director

Co-Lead, Ag Tech Adoption team 

University of Southern Queensland

Michael.Scobie@unisq.edu.au

Justine Baillie, Lecturer

Co-Lead, Ag Tech Adoption team 

University of Southern Queensland

Justine.Baillie@unisq.edu.au

More Information:

Find out more about USQ Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management

Ag Tech Adoption team can be contacted 

Video: Changing the game: On farm agtech solutions

Project Investment Code:

USQ2211-002RMX

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Organic or not? Considering alternative phosphorus sources

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

At GRDC's National Grower Network (NGN) forums, growers have been asking for information about the cost of inorganic P fertilisers and potential lower cost options of organic P fertilisers. A GRDC investment to explore this topic has delivered some interesting outcomes and to find out the details we speak to Maurie Street from the Grain Orana Alliance, and Dr Tim McLaren from the University of Queensland.

Contacts:

Maurie Street

CEO, Grain Orana Alliance

maurie.street@grainorana.com.au

Dr Timothy McLaren

Senior Lecturer in Soil Science, The University of Queensland 

tim.mclaren@uq.edu.au

Project Investment Codes:

GOA2006-001RTX, UOQ2203-006RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ash Wiese

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Ash Wiese is a farmer, food producer and agribusiness innovator from Western Australia. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ash to explore his fascinating journey from studying accounting to returning to his family farm and revolutionising the way grains are marketed. Ash shares insights from his Nuffield Australia Scholarship, highlighting lessons learned from global agricultural leaders and how he applies them to his own farming enterprise.

Throughout the conversation, Ash discusses his transition from bulk commodity production to more value-added, consumer-connected approaches, particularly through his work in the quinoa and oat industries. He talks about the importance of fostering direct relationships with processors and consumers, creating more sustainable and profitable markets and the challenges of navigating the global food industry.

More information

GRDC Project Code:

merrill.ryan@daf.qld.gov.au

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Flying high with new mungbean varieties

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

We know Brolga and Kookaburra are great Australian birds but they are also the names of two new, game changing varieties of mungbeans. To find out how growers can access these higher yielding mungbean varieties, we speak to Queensland Department of Primary Industries principal plant breeder, Dr Merrill Ryan. Also during this podcast we talk to Allora grower, Tim Thorne, who is considering the varieties for his next rotation.

Contact:

Dr Merrill Ryan, Principal Scientist: Crop Genetics

QLD Department of Primary Industries 

More Information:

Flying high with two new mugbean varieties brolga and kookaburra

Variety Management Packages

Setting up your mungbean crop for success

Project Investment Code:

DAQ2201-004RTX

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Kate Witham: 2025 Emerging Leader award – West

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Kate Witham is a research agronomist in Western Australia and has a passion for broad acre cropping. She’s also the 2025 recipient of GRDC'S “Emerging Leader Award” in the West.

So far, Kate’s career highlight has been her role as the SLR lead working on GRDC’s Long Coleoptile Wheat project, led by CSIRO. She's a dynamic operator in the industry, helping growers reap the benefits of her ongoing research across agricultural regions of Western Australia, and around the country.

Contact:

Kate Witham

Research Agronomist, SLR Agriculture

kate_witham@outlook.com

More information:

Western Seed of Light, Emerging Leader announced at GRDC Update

Visit https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/western-seed-of-light,-emerging-leader-announced-at-grdc-update

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GRDC in Conversation: Brad Egan

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Brad Egan, a forward-thinking grain grower from Esperance, Western Australia. Brad shares insights into the evolution of his family farm, the challenges of farming in a changing climate, and how data-driven decision-making is helping to improve productivity despite declining rainfall.

From using drones to optimise spraying efficiency to a long-term soil amelioration project that has transformed low-performing soils into some of the best on the farm, Brad discusses the power of innovation in agriculture. He also highlights the importance of precision agriculture, farm data management, and the role of technology in the future of farming.

Additionally, Brad talks about his involvement in supplying barley to Lucky Bay Brewery, bringing local produce to craft beer, and the potential of AI and automation in shaping the next generation of Australian farming.

GRDC Project Code:

HAG2308-001SAX

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Green on green case study: Precision weed management

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Precision weed management is where optical sensors and remote and sensor weed mapping systems are used to target weeds and therefore cut herbicide costs. The technology is becoming more widely available, which is why GRDC is investing in a series of case studies, to explore the benefits and costs related to these technologies. With green on brown systems, weeds can be detected in a fallow field. And now there's also green on green technology, which uses an algorithm to differentiate between weeds and crops. Tim Rethus operates a zero till cropping business in Horsham in Victoria's Wimmera region. Tim's invested in both green on brown and green on green technology. We caught up with Tim to find out more about his decision to integrate these systems into his farming practices, and whether he thinks the return on investment has been worth it.

Contact:

Tim Rethus, Grower

tim.rethus@gmail.com

More in Precision weed management series:

Video, Green on green case study

Podcast, Green on brown case study

Video, Green on brown case study

Podcast, Drone weed mapping case study

Video, Drone weed mapping case study

Project Investment Code:

SRE2310-001SAX

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Strategies to manage turnip yellows virus

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:58:00 -0000

In Australian canola crops, turnip yellows virus is the one of the most widespread and economically damaging viruses, and over the past decade, epidemics have commonly occurred in different regions causing considerable losses. 

Turnip yellows virus is particularly challenging to manage because it is transmitted by green peach aphid and needs just a few aphids per plant to cause substantial spread.

A GRDC investment led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia has been looking at management options and developed new data and guidelines around seed treatments and foliar insecticides.

In this episode, we’re joined by senior research scientist Ben Congdon to find out more.

Contact:

Ben Congdon, DPIRD

benjamin.congdon@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information:

Turnip yellows virus and its vector, the green peach aphid, in canola: the 2024 epidemic in southern New South Wales and management options

Green peach aphid - best management practice guide

Project Codes:

DAW2305-003RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Callum Wesley

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Callum Wesley, a third-generation farmer from Southern Cross, WA. They discuss Callum’s innovative approach to farming in a low-rainfall zone and his journey collaborating with researchers that has led to a nationwide research project which could revolutionise seeding strategies for dryland farmers across Australia.

Callum shares his journey from working in agricultural research to returning home and implementing cutting-edge techniques that maximise water use efficiency and improve productivity in challenging conditions.

More information

GRDC Project Code:

Practical guidelines for sustained productivity in sandy soils

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Sandy soils: What next?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

GRDC, CSIRO and University of South Australia have done a lot of work on how to deal with the sandy soil situation. Hot off the back of a huge investment, culminating in a series of workshops in 2023, they're scaling up, taking the machines and expertise to more than 20 farms across the southern region. It's a project with a great deal of grower involvement and targeted to making that sandy stuff work for growers, not against them. In this podcast we speak to CSIRO research team leader, Therese McBeath and South Australian grower Andrew Thomas.

Contact:

Therese McBeath, CSIRO

therese.mcbeath@csiro.au

More Information:

Project Investment Code:

CSP2403-017RTX

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Audrey Delahunty: 2025 Emerging Leader award – South

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

A passion for pulses and in particular a love of lentils has inspired the career of research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty. Growers are already benefiting from Dr Delahunty’s research into genetic solutions for heat tolerance in lentils, and now she's extending into frost quality technology and other pulses. Meantime, Dr Delahunty is also the recipient of this year’s GRDC “Emerging Leader Award” in the South.

Contact:

Dr Audrey Delahunty

audrey.j.delahunty@agriculture.vic.gov.au

More Information:

Victorian agronomist and scientist each win grains award

GRDC awards

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GRDC in Conversation: Gemma Walker

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Gemma Walker is a mover and shaker in the Western Australian grains industry, literally! If she isn’t moving from a board meeting in one city to the next, she’s flying back home to the family sheep and wool property in Munglinup. Gemma is at the forefront of WA’s ag industry, promoting sustainable practices for the future as well as getting her hands dirty on the farm.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Gemma about her passion for the grains industry. The conversation explores the importance of innovation, community and leadership in agriculture, as well as the value of collaboration across different industries. Gemma emphasises the need for nurturing the next generation of leaders and the significance of vulnerability in leadership roles.

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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How researchers are developing sclerotinia stem rot resistant canola

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Sclerotinia stem rot is a canola disease that is challenging to manage using rotation due to the wide range of crops that play host to the fungus that causes it. Since there are no Australian canola cultivars with sclerotinia resistance, the disease is usually managed with preventative fungicide sprays at flowering. However, fungicides can be costly, and their return on investment is difficult to predict.

In an ideal world, Australian growers would have access to canola cultivars with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot. And that’s exactly what researchers at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment of GRDC and Curtin, are trying to develop. In this episode, we’re joined by Senior Research Fellow and Project Lead, Mark Derbyshire, to find out how.

Contact:

Mark Derbyshire, CCDM

mark.derbyshire@curtin.edu.au

More information:

New breeding lines and field screening methods for developing sclerotinia stem rot resistant canola cultivars

Project Code:

CUR1403-002BLX

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Green on brown case study: Precision weed management

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Precision weed management is where optical sensors and remote and sensor weed mapping systems are used to target weeds and therefore cut herbicide costs. GRDC is investing in a series of case studies to explore the benefits and costs related to precision weed management technologies. One of those case studies is Warakirri Cropping, one of Australia's largest grain growers with 11 cropping farms across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. We chat to a few of the Warakirri team, including Junior Assistant Farm Manager, Patrick Anderson, Farm Manager, Jono Robinson, Southern Regional Manager, John Stevenson and Warakirri Cropping's Sustainability Officer, Jess Sleigh.

Contacts:

Jess Sleigh, Sustainability Officer, Jessica.Sleigh@warakirricropping.com.au

John Stevenson, Farm Manager John.Stevenson@warakirricropping.com.au

Watch the video:

https://youtu.be/AleO-NRv5EM

Project Investment Code:

SRE2310-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ray Harrington

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Ray Harrington has always had an eye on the battle taking place in the fields of Aussie agriculture, the war on weeds and pests. So, he and a group of like-minded farmers, researchers and innovators took up the torch to solve it once and for all.

In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Ray about his journey to inventing the Harrington Seed Destructor, one of the most effective tools in dealing with weed resistance in the market. In their chat, they cover the significant issues facing farmers today including weed management, herbicide resistance, declining rural communities and succession. Ray insists the key is for the next generation to have a plan for the future, and he shares the significance of community in farming life.

Please be advised that today's conversation includes more colourful language than usual, which may be inappropriate for some listeners.

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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From risk to response: Managing sclerotinia in lupin in WA

Tue, 27 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Sclerotinia in lupin is a sporadic disease found across the WA grainbelt. When weather conditions favour disease spread, it can cause significant loss of yield and grain quality.

With GRDC investment, collaborative research by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, and the Mingenew-Irwin Group has been looking at ways lupin growers can learn to recognise risky scenarios and employ management strategies to reduce impact of the disease.

To find out what the team has discovered, we’re joined on this episode by DPIRD research scientist Ciara Beard.

Contact:

Ciara Beard

Research Scientist, DPIRD

ciara.beard@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information:

Sclerotinia management in WA’s lupin crops

Lupin sclerotinia disease risk assessment guide

SclerotiniaCM - Sclerotinia Management App

Project Codes:

DAW2104-002RTX

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Profitable fallow strategies to consider

Tue, 20 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

A GRDC National Grower Network investment, based in Western Australia, has been working to improve knowledge of fallow management and the economic value of fallows in cropping rotations.

Through this project, it has been identified that there are four key objectives growers should take into account when considering fallow – profitability, moisture, weeds, and nitrogen.

In this episode, Laconik founder Darren Hughes explains that by understanding these objectives, growers will be in the best place to understand the most profitable fallow strategies they should consider this year.

Contact:

Darren Hughes

Laconik

darren.hughes@laconik.com.au

More information:

Fallow Management and the Economic Costs

Maximising the profitability of fallow

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GRDC in Conversation: Neil Wandel

Sun, 18 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Neil Wandel moved to Esperance in 1979 with his wife, one kid, and another on the way. Their operation was a tough lot to crack, but through gumption and careful planning, they navigated the highs and lows of starting a successful farm before becoming Esperance Quality Grains.

In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Neil on how the many years of working in the grain industry have affected the community of Esperance. Neil shares his story of dropping out of school to help his father on the farm before beginning his own journey in Western Australia. He highlights the importance of working with your neighbours, seeking leadership roles, the joys of working alongside family, and planning for an increasingly challenging industry.

More information

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Svetlana Micic: 2025 Seed of Light award – West

Tue, 13 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Svetlana Micic has spent the past 22 years as an entomologist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where she has been an exceptional communicator of GRDC-invested project work around insect pest monitoring, surveillance and integrated pest management.

That dedication to ensuring information is shared with those who need it most has led her to be highly respected by growers, agronomists and consultants.

It’s also the reason why she was named GRDC’s 2025 Seed of Light recipient for the West at the Grains Research Updates in Perth.

Contact:

Svetlana Micic

DPIRD

svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information:

Western Seed of Light, Emerging Leader announced at GRDC Update

Visit link: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/western-seed-of-light,-emerging-leader-announced-at-grdc-update

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Future-proofing Australia’s soybean industry

Tue, 06 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

An ambitious GRDC investment, being led by the University of Adelaide, is working to develop new high yielding soybean varieties for a broader range of growing environments.

Worth $6 million, this significant investment builds on the achievements of past breeding programs and will accelerate the delivery of new varieties to growers by ‘speed breeding’ - harnessing new technology to improve germplasm evaluation and other key breeding processes.

In this podcast, we hear from lead breeder University of Adelaide, Dr Anh Pham, as well as grower and Soybean Industry Development Officer at Soy Australia, Judy Plath.

The University of Adelaide is keen to hear from growers about the problems they are facing so please contact Dr Anh Pham directly by emailing anh.pham@adelaide.edu.au⁠

Contact

Dr Anh Pham

Soybean breeder

The University of Adelaide

⁠anh.pham@adelaide.edu.au⁠

Judy Plath

Soybean Industry Development Officer

Soy Australia

⁠judy@soyaustralia.com⁠

More information

GRDC invests $3 million in soybean breeding

Visit https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/grdc-invests-$3-million-in-soybean-breeding for more info.

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GRDC in Conversation: Tom Longmire

Sun, 04 May 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Tom Longmire from Beaumont, Western Australia, has dedicated himself to driving sustainability and efficiency on the family farm through innovation. Through combining his learnings from Marcus Oldham College and his experience working farms across Australia, he is discovering exactly how cutting-edge technology and data-driven decision-making can improve the farm for years to come.

In this episode of GRDC in Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Tom about his passion for precision agriculture and emerging technologies, which have positioned him at the forefront of modern farming. He delves into how his family has been integrating autonomous farming equipment and variable rate fertilization to optimize productivity. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of adopting new technologies and how they are reshaping the future of agriculture.

More information

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Mark Congreve: 2025 Seed of Light award – North

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Each year, the GRDC Seed of Light Award recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication, and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry.

At the Goondiwindi GRDC Grains Research Update event in March 2025, Mark Congreve was presented with the prestigious award for his valuable work in the agricultural extension space. Mark is a senior consultant at Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN) and in this podcast he shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of agricultural extension, and what the Seed of Light award recognition means to him.

Contact

Mark Congreve

Senior Consultant, ICAN

mark@icanrural.com.au

More information

Industry consultant honoured with GRDC award

Cam Nicholson: 2025 Seed of Light award – South

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Get on the front foot with crown rot

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:58:00 -0000

Fusarium crown rot in cereals is often associated with a tough finish, but the characteristic whiteheads are far from the full picture. It’s a significant disease with hidden yield impacts even in a good year, so pro-active management at pre-sowing is a must.

In this podcast, senior researcher with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Dr Steven Simpfendorfer shares the latest research and advice to reduce disease impacts. Then, Riverine Plain’s Kate Coffey shares why the Riverine Plain’s area is surprisingly susceptible to the disease and local grower, Lee Menhenett, shares his experience managing the disease on-farm.

Contact

Dr Steven Simpfendorfer

Senior researcher, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

steven.simpfendorfer@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Kate Coffey

Senior project manager, Riverine Plains

kate@riverineplains.org.au

More information

GRDC investment code

RPI2309-002SAX

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Drone weed mapping case study: Precision weed management

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:58:00 -0000

New precision weed management technologies are helping Australian grain growers to more effectively target weeds and ultimately reduce their total herbicide costs.

Optical sensors as well as ‘remote and sensor’ weed mapping systems are becoming more widely available, and that’s why GRDC is investing in a series of case studies to explore the benefits and costs related to these technologies.

In this podcast we look at a new system developed out of necessity by the Single family in New South Wales and we also hear from Wade Bistrup, a Queensland grower who has been experimenting with this technology.

Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ3hyVg3Fv0

Contact:

Ben Single, Single Ag

bensingle@singleagriculture.com.au

More Information:

Single Ag

Project Code: SRE2310-001SAX

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20-year yarns: NVT over the years - Steve Jefferies

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:58:00 -0000

The National Variety Trials (NVT) Program was established by GRDC in 2005 and since then it has evolved into the largest coordinated variety trial network in the world. Each year, more than 640 trials are conducted across over 300 locations nationwide, encompassing 10 different crop species.

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of NVT – a great time to reflect on the evolution and success of the program. In this podcast we speak to prominent plant breeder and former GRDC managing director, Dr Steve Jefferies about the value of the NVT to growers and breeding companies.

Contact

nvt@grdc.com.au

More Information

GroundCover Supplement - Celebrating 20 years of NVT

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Cam Nicholson: 2025 Seed of Light award - South

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Victorian agricultural consultant, Cam Nicholson, has had a career spanning more than four decades – and over the years he’s learned a lot but mostly he spends his time passing on his knowledge to others.

And that’s one of the reasons Cam has received this year’s GRDC “Seed of Light Award” in the south, which recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry. We caught up with Cam to discuss the importance of head, heart and gut when it comes to decision making and see if he has any tips or advice for up-and-coming agronomists.

Contact

Cam Nicholson

cam@niconrural.com.au

0417 311 098

More Information

Victorian agronomist and scientist each win grains award

GRDC awards

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Spot on fungicide application for rhizoctonia

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Rhizoctonia is an important disease of cereals in southern and western growing regions, especially in low rainfall areas. Losses have been estimated at about $15 per hectare for wheat and $12 per hectare for barley in the southern region.

Unfortunately, fungicide control of rhizoctonia has proven to be difficult, often with mixed results with seed treatments.

In February 2025, we sat down with Blake Gontar from the South Australian Research and Development Institute to talk about a previous GRDC investment that showed streaming fungicide above and below the seed was an effective way to protect cereals from rhizoctonia and get the greatest yield responses.

Contact

Blake Gontar, SARDI

blake.gontar@sa.gov.au

More information

Fungicide control of Rhizoctonia

South Australian cereal root disease update

Project Code

DAS00125

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Get bang for your herbicide buck

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:58:00 -0000

With the ever-increasing cost of farming, getting bang for your herbicide buck is an important consideration when it comes to chemical handling and sprayer set-up.

In this podcast Victorian grower, Richard Stecher, shares his experience with getting professional advice on correct sprayer set-up. We also hear from Nutrien Ag agronomist, Chris Dunn, who shares his thoughts on how agronomists and growers can get good advice on chemical usage.

Contact

Chris Dunn

Agronomist, Nutrien Ag

chris.dunn@nutrien.com.au

More information

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Applied N under irrigation - what’s the magic number?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 22:00:00 -0000

More is not always better when it comes to adding nitrogen (N) to your irrigated wheat crop. That's one of the key messages from a GRDC investment that’s been set up to investigate profitable, irrigated farming systems.

In this podcast, FAR Australia Managing Director, Nick Poole, Pinion Advisory senior consultant, Brendan Wallace and Francis grower, Wayne Hawkins, share some surprising findings from focus paddock trials as well as some insights on how to get the most out of applied N under irrigation for a range of crop types.

This research is part of the GRDC investment, “Facilitated action learning groups to support profitable irrigated farming systems in the northern and southern regions.”

*Note: this podcast was recorded in July 2023

Contact

Nick Poole, FAR Australia

Nick.Poole@faraustralia.com.au

GRDC investment code

ICF1906-002RTX

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Farming systems in low and medium rainfall areas of WA

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:58:00 -0000

A major farming systems initiative, spanning five years, is underway in the low and medium-rainfall regions of Western Australia.

Its aim is to support growers in navigating evolving climatic conditions, enabling them to make informed business and agronomic choices to bolster both on-farm profitability and sustainability.

In this episode, we get an overview of the results from the first two-seasons of the project from grower and trial host Kevin Naisbitt and DPIRD’s Martin Harries.

Contact

Martin Harries

DPIRD

Martin.Harries@dpird.wa.gov.au

Kevin Naisbitt

Grower

jenakora@bigpond.com

More information

New farming systems project for WA grain growers

Comprehensive strategies to enhance western farming systems

Improving farming system profitability, management of greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience in the low and medium rainfall zones of WA: Grower Perspectives

Western Australian Farming Systems project

Project Codes

DAW2204-003RTX

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Crop establishment essentials

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Both yield and performance rely heavily on good crop establishment, which is why GRDC is investing in a range of projects to determine the key factors affecting crop establishment. Getting crops established in hot, dry conditions is the focus of this research, which also looks at soil textures and deep sowing across multiple environments. In this podcast we speak to CSIRO farming systems researcher, Dr Kenton Porker, who provided an update on the current learnings and advancements in crop establishment.

Contact

Kenton.Porker@csiro.au

More Information

Crop establishment and precision planting

Project Codes

CSP2212-005RTX,CSP2212-007RTX,CSP2303-017BGX,CSP2307-002RTX

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Long coleoptile wheat: Deep sowing seeder set up

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:58:00 -0000

In this week's podcast, machinery specialist Jack Desbiolles from the University of South Australia runs through important considerations for seeder set-up when sowing long coleoptile wheat varieties.

The work is part of a major national GRDC project, led by CSIRO, exploring integrating long coleoptile wheat into Australian farming systems.

Research partners include the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, DPIRD, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research.

Contact

Dr Greg Rebetzke

Greg.Rebetzke@csiro.au

More information

GRDC project code

CSP2212-007RTX

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Skills for agronomists to handle tough conversations

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Listeners are advised that this podcast contains references to suicide

There’s no shortage of stressors in farming, and while crop destruction is often clearly visible, the impact on grower mental health can be less apparent.

Although awareness and access to rural mental health services is growing, agronomists can sometimes find themselves on the frontline witnessing or discussing issues with growers that go beyond the paddock.

In this GRDC podcast, University of South Australia Associate Professor Kate Gunn shares her insight on how agronomists can handle tough conversations with growers who could be experiencing mental ill health.

If you or anyone you know needs help you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Contact

Dr Natasha Caulfield

Program Manager, University of South Australia

natasha.caulfield@unisa.edu.au

More information

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Grow your own nitrogen: harvestable annual legume options

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Significant research is underway to help Western Australian farmers sustain their own on-farm nitrogen factory though growing and harvesting pasture legume seed.

The Harvestable Annual Legume Options (HALO) project is a Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration project with GRDC investment.

It brings together the pasture legume breeding, agronomy and bio-economic modelling expertise of Murdoch University, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DPIRD and CSIRO.

In this podcast, research scientist at DPIRD and Murdoch University, Robert Harrison, shares the latest update on this multifaceted project.

Contact

Robert Harrison, Research scientist

DPIRD and Murdoch University

robert.harrison@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information

GRDC investment code

UMU2303-005RTX

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What to do - about wheat powdery mildew

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Wheat powdery mildew is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, in part because there’s widespread resistance to the available chemicals. So, what to do? It’s a complex matrix of deciding whether it’s worth growing a disease resistant variety which doesn’t yield so well or go with the susceptible variety and hope your fungicides will do the job.

There is some hope on the horizon in the form of new products, but they’re specific to mildew so you’d still need to apply your other fungicides ... and of course that’s an additional cost.

In this podcast we hear from agronomist Sam Trengove in the Southern Region, who has headed a GRDC investment looking at this issue and from FAR Australia’s Nick Poole who also works with the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN).

Contact

Nick Poole, FAR Australia

Nick.Poole@faraustralia.com.au

Sam Trengove, Trengove Consulting Pty Ltd

samtrenny34@hotmail.com

More Information

Understand how fungicide resistance develops

Project Code:

Geoff.J.Thomas@dpird.wa.gov.au

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Getting a jump start on managing 2025 disease risks

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Warm conditions across much of Western Australia and variable rainfall in 2024 contributed to mixed levels of fungal disease severity in the State’s cereal, pulse and oilseed crops.

With this in mind, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia, with investment from GRDC, is urging growers to start thinking about their integrated disease management strategies for the 2025 season as soon as possible.

In this episode, DPIRD plant pathologist Geoff Thomas joins us to discuss the problematic diseases from 2024, and how to get ahead of them for the 2025 growing season.

Contact

Geoff Thomas

DPIRD, Plant pathologist

More information

Paddock Practices: Start managing 2025 disease risks now

Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network

Decision support tools aid disease management decisions

Project codes

DAW2104-001RTX, DAW2104-002RTX, DAW2404-005RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Merrie Carlhausen

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 21:58:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Merrie Carlshausen, a former nurse turned essential advocate for farming communities in Western Australia.

Merrie shares her journey from her beginnings in nursing to her work with rural financial counseling and the Liebe Group, where she has facilitated impactful change in farming practices and family dynamics. Merrie highlights the importance of succession planning, the role of family meetings, and the collaborative nature of farming families.

She discusses her work with the Rural Financial Counseling Service, her contributions to the Liebe Group’s research efforts, and her commitment to empowering women and youth in agriculture. Through her stories and insights, Merrie provides invaluable advice on navigating family relationships in farming and staying adaptive to agricultural innovation.

alex@cruralconsulting.com.au

More information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Getting grain storage right

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:58:00 -0000

Chris Warrick and Alex Conway are part of the GRDC's grain storage extension team. Their task is to help growers with their on-farm storage, as well as undertake development activities to try and understand tools and equipment that can be used to better store grain on-farm.

On this podcast episode, Chris and Alex talk about three topics on grain storage - fumigating and venting in grain bags, recirculation systems for large storage when fumigating with phosphine, and monitoring grain temperature in storage.

Contact

Alex Conway

GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

Chris Warrick

GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

chris@primarybusiness.com.au

More information

Stored Grain Information Hub

Project Codes

PRB2011-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: David Tropiano

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we sit down with David Tropiano, a grain farmer from Mullewa, WA, as he shares his journey from a reluctant start in farming to running a multi-generational operation.

David opens up about the realities of farming in Western Australia, from handling different soil types and the competitive land market to the impact of weather on crops.

He also reflects on the evolution of farming practices, the importance of long-term leasing agreements, and how he and his family are planning for the future.

GRDC Project Code

Plant Breeding: securing the world's future food production capability

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Plant breeding and genetics: Understanding the basics

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 22:00:00 -0000

According to Dr Greg Rebetzke, Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO, plant breeding is the key cornerstone of modern agriculture. Unless we have the best varieties, giving us the capacity to breed high yielding crops, then there's greater risk in farming. This podcast delves into the history of plant breeding and Dr Rebetzke brings us up to date with the latest research into breeding and explains plant genetics.

Watch the video here https://youtu.be/gDFBnz3mz1c

Contact

Dr Greg Rebetzke, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO

greg.rebetzke@csiro.au

More Information

Breeding investments

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GRDC in Conversation: Fiona Dempster

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Fiona Dempster, a researcher and grower from Mingenew, Western Australia. Fiona’s unique background in natural resource management and her ongoing research with the University of Western Australia bring fascinating insights into the intersection of scientific study and hands-on farming.

Fiona shares her journey from city life in Perth to rural farm life, her work on projects that tackle herbicide resistance and risk management in grain farming, and her role in the BeefLinks project, which aims to improve cattle industry practices. Her work highlights the importance of connecting research with practical on-ground needs, and she emphasises the complex decision-making growers face every day.

More information

GRDC Project Code

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Agricultural study around the world: insights from a GRDC supported Horizon scholar

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program provides a bursary of $5000 a year during the final two years of a degree, along with professional development, work placements and networking opportunities.

Supported by the GRDC, the scholarship program fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders who are interested in contributing to the Australian grains industry's success.

In this podcast, we hear from Horizon scholarship recipient, Grace Moloney on how the experience has opened doors for her professionally here in Australia and abroad.

Contact

Grace Moloney, AgriFutures Horizon scholar

gimoloney@icloud.com

More information

GRDC investment code

RDC2303-002AWX

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GRDC in Conversation: Mike Ewing

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Mike Ewing, a scientist with over 40 years of experience in agricultural research, particularly in farming systems, break crops and whole-farm profitability.

Mike discusses his long-standing passion for plants and their unique adaptations, especially in the challenging environment of Western Australia's grain-growing regions. He shares insights from his career that has trotted the globe and ultimately landed him back in Western Australia to transform the agriculture industry. His research helped introduce and integrate lupins into the farming system as a sustainable legume crop.

Through collaboration between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders Mike believes the models and systems they work on together can drive meaningful innovation for the future.

More information

GRDC Project Code

Bait spreading methods examined to combat mouse damage in crops

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The how-to of effective mouse baiting - techniques, machinery and safety

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Mouse populations across a large part of grain growing regions were higher than average across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, requiring an increased effort in mouse management from growers.

To help Australian grain growers reduce crop losses due to mouse damage, a GRDC investment is examining mouse bait application techniques to better understand the performance and likely efficacy of various options.

In this episode, we’re joined by agricultural research engineer Ben White who is leading the project team, as well as CSIRO mouse expert Steve Henry who starts us off with a bit of a history lesson.

Contact

Steve Henry, Mouse expert

CSIRO

steve.henry@csiro.au

Ben White, Agricultural research engineer

ben@bmwhite.com.au

More information

Mouse tracking project in WA

Project Codes

BVW2302-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Steve Davies

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Steve Davies, a soil scientist and researcher based in Western Australia. Steve’s love of dirt spawned from his quirky teacher in high school. That small moment budded into a 20+ year career investigating how to make grain farming more sustainable and productive.

In this episode, Steve explains how he collaborates with researchers, advisers and growers to address some of the west’s most challenging soil constraints. He also reflects on the evolution of the industry, crediting growers' contributions to advancements and discussing the incremental and significant changes in agricultural practices.

More information

GRDC Project Code

liz@meteoraagronomy.com.au

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Finding your feet as an agronomist

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Being an agronomist is a role with many hats, and while the in season can be demanding, with the right network and support it can be hugely rewarding work.

In this podcast we hear from two successful agronomists that came to the profession in very different ways, Meteora Agronomic Consulting independent agronomist Liz Lobsey and Platinum Ag Services senior agronomist Matthew Howell. They have their own unique stories and recommendations for anyone starting their agronomy career.

Contact

Liz Lobsey - Independent agronomist

Meteora Agronomic Consulting

Matthew Howell - Senior agronomist

Platinum Ag Services

mhowell@platinumops.com.au

More information

Help never far away in the wide-ranging agronomy network

GRDC investment code

ORM1906-002SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ryan Skamp

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre talks to Ryan Skamp, a former carpenter-turned-farmer and co-founder of an ag-tech startup. Ryan shares his unconventional journey from city life in Perth to establishing a career in agriculture, driven by a passion for problem-solving and efficiency.

Now the co-founder of "Skan," Ryan and his team develop technology solutions to optimise farm operations, cutting down on inefficiencies and offering time-saving tools to farmers. This episode provides insights into his transition from a tradie lifestyle to farming and entrepreneurship, the challenges of work-life balance in agriculture, and his vision for innovation in the industry.

More information

GRDC GroundUp Program

GRDC Project Code

daniel.huberli@dpird.wa.gov.au

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Managing rhizoctonia in low and medium rainfall zones

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Rhizoctonia is a soil borne disease that causes a huge impact for farmers in Australia, particularly in the low and medium rainfall zones, with yield loss in the vicinity of $150 million for wheat and barley annually.

With GRDC investment, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia is developing disease risk and management strategies that are practical and economical for growers to reduce the impact of rhizoctonia in the Southern and Western cereal growing regions.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Daniel Hüberli from DPIRD to learn about the integrated and cost-effective approach of cultural, chemical and biological management strategies that the research team is working to create.

Contact

Dr Daniel Hüberli

Research Scientist, DPIRD

More information

Epidemiology and management of Rhizoctonia in low and medium rainfall zones

New project to reduce Rhizoctonia impact in low and medium rainfall zones

Project Code

DAW2206-006RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Erin Cahill

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Erin Cahill. Erin is a fourth-generation farmer and agronomist from Moora, Western Australia. Erin shares his journey from working with agronomy giant CSBP to starting his own farming business which started with a few humble hectares and scaled drastically through the years.

It hasn’t been without challenge though. His farm has been at the mercy of Western Australia's varying soil types and weather. But through the evolution of precision agriculture, and the role of agronomy in making informed decisions for farm profitability, Erin shares how you can stand out as WA farmers in this trying Australian agricultural landscape.

Tune in to hear Erin’s insights on farming, agronomy, and the importance of staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

More information

CSBP

GRDC Project Code

tony@hudsonfacilitation.com.au

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Reduced returns? Plan your finances for 2025 now

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

For many farmers, it’s been a tight finish to the season due to dry conditions or frost. This makes preparing the books and finances for the year ahead more challenging, but as we’ll explore in this podcast, help is available and there are practical steps you can take to get ahead. Tony Hudson is the Director and Founder of Hudson Facilitation. A key part of his business is private financial consulting for farmers across Australia and he has practical advice to share on forward planning with reduced seasonal returns.

Contact

Tony Hudson

More Information

‘Planning forward on reduced seasonal returns’ webinar, GRDC Farm Business Update online

Project Code

ORM2401-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Brianna Peake

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

More about this podcast

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, we’re joined by Brianna Peake, Chief Stakeholder Relations Sustainability and Strategy Officer at CBH Group. Brianna’s journey of growing up in Western Australia, shapes how she approaches sustainability today in one of nation’s largest agricultural cooperatives. Enriched with travel and a diverse set of experiences she shares her leadership style and how it aims to address the rapid needs of the industry. We explore her thoughts on women in leadership, the role of cooperatives in sustainability, and the importance of professionals in ag.

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f3gbskXMRZU

More information

GRDC Project Code

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

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Legume Leaders – Scott Wandel: Growing and marketing lentils

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

When a new variety of lentil came out that was a bit more boron tolerant, Scott Wandel thought it was time to give the legume another go. Farming at Mount Ridley, near Grass Patch in WA, Scott increased the hectares planted to lentils quickly after their introduction.

As a member of SEPWA, the South East Premium Wheatgrowers Association, Scott is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC.

In this episode, Scott tells us how a trip to Horsham in Victoria inspired him to give lentils a go.

Contact

Scott Wandel, Grower

scott@ridleyplains.com

More information

Project Code

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GRDC in Conversation: Bec Kelly

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

More about this podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Bec Kelly, a third-generation farmer from Mingenew, WA, who shares her journey from global adventurer to dedicated farmer. After traveling through America, South America, and Europe, Bec returned to the family farm in 2018, where she has since embraced the highs and lows of agriculture.

She talks about the unpredictability of farming, her passion for wheat, canola, and lupin production, and the importance of surrounding herself with the right team of advisors. As a recent Nuffield Scholar, Bec has also explored how farmers can better negotiate with energy companies, and she offers insights from her global research on the subject. If you're curious about what it’s like to take over a family farm and the role of innovation in modern agriculture, this episode will inspire and inform.

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhKiHATX7DY

More information

GRDC Project Code

david.minkey@wantfa.com.au

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The latest and greatest machinery for growers at Live Demo Days

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

While new innovations in farming technology and machinery offer growers incredible increases to productivity and profitability, many of these innovations are released without growers having any hands-on experience with how they work or understanding how they can add value to their farming systems.

That’s why a GRDC National Grower Network investment for Live Machinery Demo Days was created. The first event was hosted the Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers Association (WANTFA) at Cunderdin, with a focus on precision agriculture and variable rate technology.

In this episode, we’re joined by David Minkey from WANTFA and Frankland River grower Ben Beech to find out more about the benefits of hands-on opportunities and practical demonstrations for growers.

Contact

David Minkey

Executive Director, WANTFA

More information

WANTFA and GRDC's Cunderdin demo day a huge hit with Wheatbelt growers

Hands-on with the latest farm machinery innovations

Project Code

WAN2310-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ben White

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0000

More about this podcast

In this episode of the GRDC In Conversation podcast, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ben White, a highly respected agricultural engineer, researcher, and extension specialist. Ben is known for his work at the Kondinin Group, where he has spent over 20 years testing agricultural machinery, developing cutting-edge research, and providing farmers with practical solutions to improve their operations. The conversation delves into Ben's early life growing up on a sheep and cattle farm, his passion for machinery, and how he transitioned into the grains industry.

Ben talks about his work across a variety of fields, including grain storage, harvester setup, and mobile communications testing. He also shares stories about hands-on research, such as developing glow-in-the-dark bait for mouse baiting trials and reflects on the importance of communication and collaboration in translating complex research into practical advice for farmers. From mobile phone testing to preventing harvester fires, Ben’s work has had a broad and lasting impact on Australian agriculture.

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/nqpw9hRW6P0?si=QNkfURUKGgwwPVFg

More information

Kondinin Group – Farming Ahead
GRDC Harvester Setup Guide
GRDC Stored Grain Information Hub or call 1800 WEEVIL

GRDC Project Code

steven.simpfendorfer@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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Long coleoptile - Disease interaction and deep sowing

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Long coleoptile wheat varieties have the potential to deliver increased yield and therefore profit to Australian growers. That’s why GRDC is investing in extensive research to future proof the crop.

Steve Simpfendorfer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries is part of the nationwide project team, and his area of specialty is looking at how disease interacts with deep sowing.

This four-year long coleoptile wheat project, made possible with GRDC investment, is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, DPIRD, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research.

Contact

Dr Steve Simpfendorfer

More information

GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat

GRDC project code

CSP2212-007RTX

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NVT new variety series – Lentil, Field Pea and Lupin

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season.

This podcast focuses on lentil, field pea and lupin – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, oats, sorghum and wheat.

The varieties mentioned in this podcast have all been trialled through NVT – a program to help Australian grain growers make informed varietal decisions by providing comparative information on topics like yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality.

More information

Visit the NVT website

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Legume Leaders – Jason Batten: Growing vetch on high pH soils

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

At Yuna, in Western Australia’s northern growing region, Jason Batten started growing vetch about three years ago, and so far, he’s been impressed with how well the crop grows in his corner of the world.

As a member of the Yuna Farm Improvement Group, Jason is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC.

In this episode, Jason tells us about how experimenting with serradella led him to growing vetch and how its stacks up in terms of productivity and profitability.

Contact

Neil Smith, Grower

jjnjbatten@bigpond.com

More information

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

Project Code

Christiaan.Valentine@dpird.wa.gov.au

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NVT new variety series – Wheat

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season.

This podcast focuses on wheat – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats and sorghum.

More information

Visit the NVT website

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Dongara Weevil – A newly named pest in WA's northern grainbelt

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Since 2013, an unidentified weevil has been reported by growers and advisers to be repeatedly causing damage to canola crops in localised areas of Dongara and Mingenew in WA's northern grain growing region.

As part of a two-year GRDC investment, the critter was recently scientifically identified and described as a new pest weevil species of unknown origin, representing a new genus of broad-nose weevil. In this podcast, Christiaan Valentine from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shares the latest insight on its distribution and management.

Contact

Christiaan Valentine

DPIRD, Research Scientist

More information

Science pins elusive Dongara weevil

GRDC investment code

DAW2212-001RTX

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NVT new variety series – Canola

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season.

This podcast focuses on canola – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats, sorghum and wheat.

More Information

Visit the NVT website

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Rethinking applied N for irrigated maize

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Assisting growers to work smarter with their inputs to increase profitability is the focus of many GRDC investments. Recently, Australian maize growers have found there's a peak in the nitrogen response curve, beyond which there is no measurable effect on yield. Meantime, irrigation discussion groups expanded into paddock scale demonstration, which provided growers with the opportunity to further investigate key management options. This podcast explores the outcomes of those recent trials into irrigated grains, specifically maize.

Contact

Melinda Mann

Events and Communications, Irrigation Farmers Network

mel@irrigationfn.com.au

More Information

Grain maize good management guide

Project Investment Code

ICF2308-001SAX

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NVT new variety series – Sorghum, Barley and Oats

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0000

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season.

This podcast focuses on sorghum, barley and oats – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for canola, field pea, lentil, lupin and wheat.

More information

Visit the NVT website.

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Recovering from frost

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Widespread frosts on top of a very dry season mean that southern growers are having to make some tough decisions. We speak to consulting agronomist, Martin Culbert, who is traveling across the southern region and helping growers with their post frost decision making. Martin advice is to approach the situation logically, and to get out there and conduct an assessment of the entire paddock in order to get a grasp of where the worst impact is – before making a salvage decision. There may be areas within the paddock that growers can portion out - to get next year's seed. Martin has also developed a spreadsheet/in-paddock calculator that just requires time and some basic maths to conduct. Growers can use it to make a data based decision - as to what their next step is.

Contact

Martin Colbert, Consulting Agronomist

martincolbert@yahoo.com.au

More Information

Frost Management Resources

Mallee Sustainable Farming - Better Frost Decisions webinar (25/9/2024)

IFarmWell

LifeLine - 13 11 44 (available 24 hours/ 7 days a week)

Project Investment Codes

AIP2404-001RTX, FAR2204-001RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Belinda Cay

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Belinda Cay.

Belinda Cay is an experienced agricultural communicator. Across her career she has had a breadth of experience that has uniquely put her in the position to “put others in the spotlight” in a way that has supported them and in turn the broader agricultural industry.

She grew up on a family farm and was influenced by her father, who was a plant breeder. Belinda's early connections to agriculture included riding bikes around the Department of Agriculture and helping with seeding. With a passion and interest in science, she pursued further education and discovered a passion for science communication, which led her to work at the famous Questacon in Canberra producing a kids science show.

In being awarded a GRDC Seed of Light Award, GRDC Southern Panel Chair and Victorian grain grower Andrew Russell said, “Ms Cay is an outstanding advocate for the grains industry, making research and development accessible and relatable to growers through her expert communications – ensuring that growers are engaged and can reap the benefits”.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Tools for tackling blackleg of canola: AFREN - fungicide resistance management strategies for blackleg of canola.

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Blackleg is the most serious disease in Australian canola, and while fungicides are commonly used to help manage this disease, there are concerns that an overreliance on fungicides could encourage fungicide resistance. In order to explore this further, GRDC is making a significant investment into fungicide resistant management strategies in blackleg in canola. Extensive research is taking place at the Grains Innovation Park in Horsham in Victoria's Wimmera region. We catch up with Dr Angela van de Wouw who is one of Australia's leading researchers into blackleg in canola and PhD student Alec McCallum, whose research is examining the emergence and management of fungicide resistance to blackleg.

Contact:

Angela van de Wouw , University of Melbourne

apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au

More Information:

UCI Blackleg upper canopy infection management App

Blackleg Management Guide

Project Investment Code: CUR2302-002RTX

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GRDC In Conversation: Ross Kingwell

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ross Kingwell

Ross Kingwell has had a long and distinguished career as an agricultural economist, with over 150 published journals and book chapters and 350 conference papers and major policy and industry reports.

In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Ross shares years of wisdom in research, science, agro-politics and some pivotal moments that shaped who he is today. His early years were influenced by family exposure to agriculture and then lecturers who taught critical thinking and effective communication.

He discusses his key collaborative achievements, including the development of a farming systems model and the introduction of endpoint royalties in the grains industry. Ross is offered an opportunity to reflect on his journey as he talks about receiving the GRDC Seed of Light award in 2024.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Legume Leaders – Neil Smith: Lessons learned about chickpeas

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Neil Smith farms at Merredin in Western Australia and after dabbling in chickpeas in the early 2000s, he has now been growing the crop continuously for the past four years.

As president of MADFIG, the Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group, Neil is a big advocate of peer-to-peer learning and is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC.

In this episode, Neil shares the challenges and benefits of growing chickpeas, as well as his key tips for growers wanting to incorporate them into their farming system.

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

Contact:

Neil Smith

Grower

neilmcsmith2@bigpond.com

More information:

Project Code:

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GRDC In Conversation: Ben Single

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ben Single

Ben Single, founder of Single Ag, discusses his journey from studying aerospace engineering to developing a weed mapping system using drones. This GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre explores the importance of controlling chemical-resistant weeds in agriculture and the challenges of implementing new technology on the farm.

Ben highlights the role of his family in the business, the need for clear communication and defined roles and the turning point when he decided to commit full-time to Single Ag and the subsequent growth and success of the company.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Precision Ag in Practice: Boardman Agriculture – applying electromagnetic mapping

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Shane Boardman and his family moved from Victoria to northern New South Wales in the late eighties. Not long after their move, they started dabbling in precision agriculture technologies. In the mid-nineties he commissioned an electromagnetic survey of one of his paddocks. At the time, he didn't have the machinery to take the EM data and apply VR technologies. It was when Boardman Ag took over Glen Ayr properties south of Goondiwindi, that they embarked on the next steps and turned their attention to variable rate technologies. This podcast explores the Boardman’s trials, and the benefits of using precision ag technology including how it's transformed yield on their broadacre cropping enterprise.

Society of Precision Agriculture

Contact:

Christian Capp

christian@grohag.com.au

More Information:

Project Investment Code: SPA2201-001SAX

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GRDC In Conversation: Loretta Serafin

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Loretta Serafin

Loretta Serafin is a research agronomist with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Loretta discusses her work in the summer grains industry and her passion for providing quality research results to growers.

She talks about her love of plants, the challenges and rewards of working in agriculture and the importance of access to reliable information.

Loretta is currently working on her PhD and she highlights the potential for expanding the production of summer grains in Australia and the focus on water use efficiency and early sowing techniques.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Making decisions about spot form net blotch in barley in WA's low rainfall zone

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Instances of spot form net blotch in barley crops across the low rainfall zones of Western Australia have been increasing in recent years, mainly due to the increased area of barley on barley, and the use of more susceptible varieties in these areas.

A GRDC investment with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is aiming to quantify the yield impact of spot form net blotch in these low rainfall environments, as well as provide growers critical info on the disease's response to fungicide applications and if one is even needed at all.

In this episode, we sat down with DPIRD's Geoff Thomas to discuss what they're looking into in terms of stubble and disease carry over, economic analysis, and the impact of variety resistance.

geoff.j.thomas@dpird.wa.gov.au

Contact:

Geoff Thomas

More information:

Spot Form Net Blotch Factsheet

Paddock Practices: Variety selection key to controlling SFNB in low-rainfall barley

Project Code:

DAW2104-001RTX

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GRDC In Conversation: Jan Edwards

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Jan Edwards

Jan Edwards is the Director of Agronomy and Ideation at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Jan talks about her varied upbringing in different areas of regional Australia and her following career journey.

Jan has worked in both the private and public sectors and was part of early climate change research. Today, Jan is occupied by team management, planning and improving decision support systems in her role. The conversation concludes with a discussion with a focus on opportunities, which Jan narrows down to efficiency and cost-effectiveness for product development and materials in fertiliser being incorporated into a circular economy.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Precision Ag in Practice: Mike Smith – Letting data do the work

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Variable rate technology falls under the umbrella of precision agriculture and it includes a range of tools that are not only becoming commonplace, but also constantly evolving. New South Wales grower, Mike Smith has been using variable rate technologies for more than 20 years and has some valuable insights. We visit Mike on his property just southeast of Moree, and he explains how technology and the data it provides helps him increase yields and profitability.

Contact:

Angelique McAvoy

eo@spaa.com.au

More Information: Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA)

GRDC Code: SPA2201-001SAX

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GRDC In Conversation: Tom and Melissa Andrews

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tom and Melissa Andrews

Tom and Melissa Andrews, founders of Connected Farms, discuss the importance of connectivity in agriculture and how it can improve technology adoption, operational efficiency, farm safety and overall well-being. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, The Andrews highlight the role of connectivity in enabling the adoption of AgTech and data-driven decision-making on farms and emphasise how connectivity is the foundation for digital agriculture.

They share their personal backgrounds in Scotland, northern New South Wales, marketing and the military, and how these experiences have shaped their work in the industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of connectivity in the grain sector, including the integration of robotics, edge computing, and shared data for informed decision-making.

More Information:

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Legume Leaders – Mark Preston: Using faba beans to help with disease control

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Wanting to incorporate more legumes into the rotation, West Cranbrook grower Mark Preston has found faba beans were suited to more soil types on his farm than what lupins has been. He did a lot of research before starting to grow the new crop and has found they fit into the operation relatively seamlessly.

Mark is a member of Stirlings to Coast Farmers and is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC.

In this episode, Mark tells us his secrets to success when incorporating faba beans into the plan.

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

Contact:

Mark Preston

Grower

mwpres85@gmail.com

More information:

Project Code: GGA2110-002SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Maurice Hayes

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙 Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Maurice Hayes.

Maurice Hayes pioneered a lot of spray machinery and was involved in the evolution of farming towards zero-till practices.

In this particularly insightful GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Maurice, or ‘Cutter’ as he is well known, shares his remarkable journey in the grains industry, which started off after High School driving tractors and living in a caravan with no electricity.

Back in his day, R&D was done through networking at the local hotel and he was in an area where people embraced innovation. To this day, Maurice emphasises the importance of perseverance, teamwork and enjoying the journey.

Maurice believes that the future of farming lies in soil science and nutrition and encourages young people to seize opportunities and contribute to their communities.

Please be advised that today's conversation includes more colourful language than usual, which may be inappropriate for some listeners.

More information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Finding the future in the present

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

What images or themes come to mind when you think Australian agriculture in 10…20….50 years’ time?

In this podcast Futurist at Work Futures, Reanna Browne, offers up new perspective and practical advice for the grains industry to approach the future as something in the present, not a distant concept. Reanna was the keynote speaker at the recent 2024 Victorian GRDC farm business updates and encouraged the audience to challenge their assumptions about the future and think about change in practical ways.

reanna@workfutures.com.au

Contact

Reanna Browne

Work Futures

More information

GroundCover – Spotlight on high performance farming

GRDC Code: ORM2401-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Georgie Pengilley

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Agriculture and plants have been ingrained in Georgie Pengilley’s life since the beginning on a farm in Tasmania. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Georgie talks about how her career progressed into agronomic research with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, a PhD and to now as the CEO of the Rice Breeding Australia. Georgie, her father and her husband have all been involved in GRDC panels across eastern Australia. She discusses the importance of building relationships, embracing change, and working together to overcome challenges in the industry. Georgie also highlights the need for sustainable practices and the role of genetics in developing varieties that can thrive in a changing climate.

More Information

GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Soybean success

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 01:04:00 -0000

The Australian soybean industry has received a boost with a new online soybean manual and a series of workshops. The initiatives are part of GRDC’s investment which aims to reinvigorate the soybean industry, particularly in the northern region. The investment is also supporting growers to optimise the production and reliability of soybean yield and also identify the key agronomic practice and future opportunities required for the sustainable growth in the Australian soybean industry. GRDC has partnered with Soy Australia, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to develop the online Soybean Production Manual: A complete guide to growing soybean in Australia.

Soybean Production Manual

Contact:

Judy Plath

Soy Australia

 judy@soyaustralia.com

More information:

Soy Australia

GRDC Codes: DP12111-019RTX, DAQ2111-003RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: John Woods

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with John Woods.

John is a business owner and farmer at his home property ‘Booroola’ in Northern New South Wales. He is well known to many in GRDC circles as the Chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

He is a fun, charismatic person known for his ability to get things done and have a laugh along the way.

In this chat we chat to him about his tenure as chair of GRDC, his farming business, how he has seen Australian Grain Producers evolve over the years and potentially his most important question: Where is God’s country?

More Information

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Everything you want to know about crop protection products and GRDC

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0000

GRDC invests in many different approaches to the control of weeds, pests and diseases, including crop protection products.

The world of chemical regulation can be complicated, and GRDC’s role in it is something many growers would like a better understanding of.

In this episode, Bencubbin grower and GRDC Western Panel Member Nick Gillett interviews GRDC Manager Chemical Regulation Gordon Cumming about GRDC’s role in chemical regulation.

gordon.cumming@grdc.com.au

Contact

Gordon Cumming

GRDC

More information

GRDC YouTube – Your questions answered | GRDC and crop protection products

GroundCover – Grains industry scores A-plus for chemical residue compliance

GRDC Update Paper – Chemical restrictions on export grain and the impacts on trade

GRDC News and Media – Meet Gordon, Manager Chemical Regulation

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Legume Leaders – Peter Daw: growing field peas for profit

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0000

At Ravensthorpe in Western Australia, about 200km west of Esperance, field peas seem to grow well on the high pH, high clay content soils of Peter Daw's farm. While getting the legume established in the farming system involved a bit of trial and error, after more than ten years, they are now often Peter's highest gross margin crop.

Peter is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. These leaders are sharing their insights on the various legume crops over a seven-part series throughout 2024.

In this episode, Peter tells us about the pros and cons of growing field peas and shares some tips for those thinking about whether the crop is the right fit for their operation.

Contact

Peter Daw

Grower

malleevalley3@gmail.com

More information

Grower Group Alliance – Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

GRDC Code: GGA2110-002SAX

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Long coleoptile – Going to great depths to avoid rhizoctonia

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0000

New research insights suggest that deep sown long coleoptile wheat (LCW) varieties is an effective way to avoid rhizoctonia infection.

It’s one of the many added benefits of LCW emerging as part of a $12.7 million GRDC investment to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to integrate LCW into their farming systems once the genetics become commercially available.

In this podcast we hear all about the rhizoctonia research from two project participants, Dr Jonathan Anderson and Michael Lamond. This four-year long coleoptile wheat project, made possible with GRDC investment, is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research.

jonathan.anderson@csiro.au

Contact

Dr Jonathan Anderson

CSIRO

Michael Lamond

SLR Agriculture

michael.lamond@slragriculture.com.au

More information

GroundCover – GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat

Investment – Integrating long coleoptile wheat into Australian farming systems through an integrated understanding of genetics, management and environment

GRDC Code: CSP2212-007RTX

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Emerging leader – Jana Freebairn

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0000

The GRDC Emerging Leader Award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than ten years’ experience in the grains industry. At the Adelaide GRDC update event in February 2024, Jana Freebairn (nee Dixon) was presented with the Emerging Leader Award for her work as an agronomy consultant helping deliver benchmarking and on-farm management succession services. Since finishing a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Adelaide five years ago, Jana has quickly become a highly regarded agronomic advisor in South Australia's lower and mid-north grain growing regions.

In addition to her work as an agronomy consultant for Pinion Advisory, Jana investigated sustainable weed control practices and helped deliver the GRDC Weedsmart initiative which led her to play a key role in organising the National WeedSmart Conference in South Australia in 2020.

Download the transcript of this episode

Contact

Jana Freebairn (nee Dixon)

jfreebairn@pinionadvisory.com

More information

GroundCover – Communications expert and agronomist each win grains industry awards

GRDC website – GRDC RD&E capacity and ability: Awards

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Sowing conventional wheat deep

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0000

For the 2024 growing season, some Western Australian growers are chasing moisture deeper than ever before, by successfully planting conventional wheat varieties down to around 60 to 80mm.

This new thinking stems from positive findings from long coleoptile wheat (LCW) research. In this podcast, we hear from Tammin-based grower, Simon York, and SLR agriculture CEO Michael Lamond, on the benefits LCW will have accessing deep moisture and the success growers are having with planting conventional varieties deep this year.

There's currently a four-year national GRDC investment underway to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to integrate long coleoptile wheat into their farming systems once the genetics become commercially available.

The $12.7 million investment is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, NSW Department of Primary Industries, QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the University of South Australia and EPAG Research.

Image courtesy of ABC Midwest Wheatbelt/Jo Prendergast

michael.lamond@slragriculture.com.au

Contact

Michael Lamond

SLR Agriculture

More information

GroundCover – GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat

GRDC Code: CSP2212-007RTX

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Legume Leaders – Ed Naisbitt: getting the most from your lupin crop

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

In the Lake Grace area, grower Ed Naisbitt has been growing lupins on the family farm for 40 years. It was a crop initially established by his father, and one that has remained a constant in the rotation as the years have gone by.

Ed is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. These leaders are sharing their insights on the various legume crops over a seven-part series throughout 2024.

In this episode, Ed tells us about why he has stuck with lupins for four decades and the many benefits they bring to his farming operation.

Contact

Ed Naisbitt, Grower

naisbitt2@bigpond.com

More information

Grower Group Alliance – Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

Airtable – Legume Leader bios and contact details

GRDC Code: GGA2110-002SAX

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Why the long coleoptile?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Long coleoptile wheat (LCW) varieties are proving to be a good insurance policy to ensure emergence in ameliorated soil.

This is one of the many positive findings so far from the national $12.7m GRDC investment to help Australian growers integrate long coleoptile wheat into their farming systems once the genetics are commercially available.

In this podcast, we hear from Dr Stephen Davies from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the CSIRO’s Dr Greg Rebetzke on the trial results and insights on how long coleoptile wheat varieties can improve establishment in ameliorated soils.

stephen.davies@dprid.wa.gov.au

Contact

Dr Greg Rebetzke

greg.rebetzke@csiro.au

Dr Stephen Davies

More information

GroundCover – GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat

GRDC Code: CSP2212-007RTX

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Regenerative – it’s just a word

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Does the term 'regenerative agriculture' make you want to high-five the farmer next to you, or send you running for the hills?

In this week's podcast we talk to Dr Hanabeth Luke (Southern Cross University) and Victorian grain grower and GRDC Southern Panel member Tim McClelland about regenerative agriculture - what it means and what indicators we could use to measure progress towards improved soil health and farm resilience.

The research team is looking for a broad range of growers to get involved, whether they see the type of farming they are doing as regenerative, sustainable, or something in between. To start with growers can help by doing survey.

Contact

Dr Hanabeth Luke, Southern Cross University

hanabeth.luke@scu.edu.au

More information

Farming practice survey

GRDC Code: SCU2307-001RTX 

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GRDC in Conversation: Steve Madden

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Steve Madden

Steve Madden has over 30 years experience as an agronomist and is the inventor of an insect management device called Crop Capsule. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Steve discusses his career progression, advancements in agricultural technology, using beneficial insects to manage pests in crops, the process in commercialising a product, agricultural community, evolutions and opportunities in the sector and learning from the generations before.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information

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Emerging leader – Robert Harrison

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

The GRDC Emerging Leader Award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than ten years’ experience in the grains industry. At the Perth GRDC update event in February 2024, Robert Harrison was presented with the Emerging Leader Award for his valuable work in legume and pasture agronomy.

Robert is a research scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Murdoch University.

Contact

Robert Harrison, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)

More information

GroundCover – WA grains extension and innovation recognised with GRDC awards

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GRDC in Conversation: Tony Lockrey

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tony Lockrey

Tony Lockrey is both a farmer and agronomist based in the farming community of Moree, New South Wales. Tony's contributions extend beyond aiding farmers with their cropping programs; he has emerged as a prominent figure in fostering safe spaces and facilitating important conversations. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Tony discusses farming practises and cropping rotations in the area, his career path in agronomy and farming, innovation and sustainability, mentorships, importance of community and connection, fostering relationships, religion, legacy and a near-death experience in a helicopter accident.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Improving input use – a case study with James Venning and Andrew Sargent

Tue, 28 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Precision agriculture has been around for a while and it's meant to make a difference for the better, but does it always? In this episode we’re joined by two growers in similar parts of South Australia who have different takes on the value of precision ag or PA. James Venning, near Bute, has continually experimented with everything from variable-rate seeders to protein monitors. Nearby at Crystal Brook, Andrew Sargent's family were early adopters of precision ag.

andrew@brookparkag.com.au

Contact

James Venning  

Bute grower

barungagrains@gmail.com

Andrew Sargent

Crystal Brook grower

More information

GroundCover – What value can precision ag tools bring to your business?

GroundCover – New SPAA manual brings grower insight to precision ag

GRDC Code: SPA2201-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: John Hamparsum

Mon, 27 May 2024 03:15:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with John Hamparsum

John Hamparsum farms on black soil plains near Gunnedah, New South Wales, in partnership with his sister. His father purchased the property from a soldier-settler in 1961 and it is now 1500 hectares of mostly irrigated land. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, John discusses his family history, the challenging period and learnings following his fathers passing, sustainable farming practices, soil health, business and emotional implications from adversity and mental health support through fishing.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Surveillance, flies and snails: new technologies for snail monitoring and control

Tue, 21 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Research into snails over the past decade has largely focussed on baiting and while a lot has been learned, baiting is only one part of an effective integrated management strategy for snails.

That's why a new national GRDC investment is tackling the snail problem from multiple angles by combining technology and biological research to inform control management.

The project is being led by the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute or SARDI, and involves setting up cameras in paddocks to track snail movements and migration habits, while for biological control, a parasatoid fly has been released in WA for the first time to help suppress conical snails.

Download the transcript for this episode

Contact:

Kim Perry, SARDI

kim.perry@sa.gov.au

Stirlings to Coast Farmers

ceo@scfarmers.org.au

SEPWA

eo@sepwa.org.au

More information:

GroundCover – Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops

GRDC Code: UOA2205-005RTX

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GRDC In Conversation: Matthew Durack

Sun, 19 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Matthew Durack

Matthew Durack started his career as a Veterinarian, but always wanted to try his hand at farming. When he was offered the management position on a property near Moree, New South Wales, he jumped at the opportunity and has been addicted ever since. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Matthew discusses decision making and learnings throughout his career, water-use efficiency, challenges and opportunities in the grains industry, supply chain transparency and vertical integration and empowering the next generation.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Maximising the profitability of fallow

Tue, 14 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

What are the reasons to use fallow in rotations and just what is the economic value of this farming practice? These are just some of the questions asked by growers in the west – questions that are now being answered by a current GRDC investment - Maximising the profitability of fallow. Dr Darren Hughes from Laconik – is leading this investment – and has some advice for growers on how to get the most out of fallow.

darren.hughes@laconik.com.au

Contact

Dr Darren Hughes

GRDC Code: LAK2301-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Ben Taylor

Sun, 12 May 2024 23:13:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ben taylor.

Ben Taylor returned to the family farm near Condamine in 2000. They operate a structured cropping program in their broadacre operation and have some irrigated country. In the last ~20 years, they have invested heavily in a levelling program to mitigate the impact of Summer storms on their dryland country. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Ben discusses their long-term farming decisions and investment, managing a team and staff, learnings from farming culture in Canada, prioritising work-life balance and his role in establishing a grower group in his farming community.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information

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Risks of pre-emergent herbicide degradation when dry sowing

Tue, 07 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a dry start to Western Australia's 2024 growing season.

It's a prediction that’s seeing many growers kick into gear early with dry seeding. But without the knock down herbicide opportunity, growers are relying heavily on their pre-emergent herbicide choice to remove weeds from the system after the breaking rain.

In this podcast, we hear from consultant Blake O’Meagher and research agronomist Dr Mike Ashworth on their recommendations to growers and the latest pre-emergent herbicide degradation research.

Contacts

Dr Mike Ashworth

AHRI, University of Western Australia

mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au

Blake O’Meagher

Farmanco Consultants

blake@farmanco.com.au

More information

GroundCover – Spotlight on pre-emergent herbicides for early sown wheat

GRDC Paddock Practice – Dry sowing and pre-emergent herbicides

GRDC code: UOA1711-005RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Stuart and Lyndall Tighe

Sun, 05 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Stuart and Lyndall Tighe

Stuart and Lyndall Tighe found home farming in Moree, New South Wales. They built their farming scale through share-farming, contracting and more recently a direct to customer business model. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Stuart and Lyndall Tighe discuss their backgrounds, supply chain optimisation and farming models, business ownership and growth, developing a product their customer cares about, mindset and dedication to business and ideas around sustainability and carbon.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More information:

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Legume Leaders – Introduction: benefits and constraints to the adoption of grain legumes

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

A cohort of Legume Leaders has been established by the Grower Group Alliance in Western Australia, with investment from GRDC and the help of grower groups located from Yuna to Esperance. The Legume Leaders will be sharing their insights over a seven-part series, which will be released throughout 2024.

In this introductory episode, we’re joined by GGA project manager Daniel Kidd and DPIRD senior research scientist Mark Seymour to discuss the benefits and constraints to adoption of grain legumes in the farming system, as well as the overall aims and outputs of the project.

Download the transcript for this episode.

Contacts:

Daniel Kidd

Grower Group Alliance

Daniel.kidd@gga.org.au

Mark Seymour

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Mark.seymour@dpird.wa.gov.au

More information:

Grower Group Alliance – Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA

WA 'Legume Leaders' Gallery

GRDC Code: GGA2110-002SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Greg Rummery

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Greg Rummary

Greg Rummery is an agronomist at Walgett, New South Wales. He has 30+ years experience in dryland grain production and pasture management in northern and western New South Wales. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Greg discusses how the area manages their variable environment, the evolution in farming practises in the area, his role in transitioning the science to practical on-farm solutions, farming resilience, innovation and technology, his involvement in the community and where he sees opportunities in the future.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More Information:

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Late sowing of cereals due to waterlogging

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Autumn and Winter waterlogging is relatively common in WA’s Albany and Esperance port zones, but it can severely impact grain production. But new research is giving growers greater confidence to sow late season cereal varieties or reseed in a challenging season.

The research, made possible with GRDC investment, involves Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Fitzgerald Biosphere Group and Southeast Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA). In this podcast, Lizzie Von Perger from Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Dave Cook from SEPWA talk us through the research findings and the insight collected so far.

Contacts:

Lizzy Von Perger

Stirlings to Coast Framers

ceo@scfarmers.org.au

Michelle Hendley

South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA)

michelle@sepwa.org.au

More Information:

GRDC YouTube – Late sowing of cereals due to waterlogging

GRDC farm trials portal – Results from this investment

GRDC Codes: SCF2208-001SAX, SCF2306-005SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Tom Coggan

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tom Coggan.

Tom Coggan is a fifth-generation farmer at Meandarra, Queensland, with integrated enterprises of cropping, cattle and sheep. Tom has recently returned to the farm and has a Masters in Agribusiness. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Tom discusses the importance of communication, his approach to managing their biggest asset being people, his aspirations in the family business, succession and evolution of the farm, balancing investments in innovation with the fundamentals of on-farm decision making, succession planning and technology adoption.

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast on YouTube

More Information:

GRDC Code: HAG2308-001SAX

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Carbendazim use and its alternatives

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 01:01:00 -0000

Carbendazim is a broad spectrum fungicide used to control a range of diseases on pulses. But as a schedule 7 chemical with restrictions on its use, there's growing uncertainty about maximum residue limits in some international markets.

In this podcast, GRDC ‘s Gordon Cumming and Agriculture Victoria’s Dr Joshua Fanning, discuss the current situation on Carbendazim use in Australia and alternative chemical options.

Dr Fanning is leading national research on integrated disease management strategies to reduce the impact of Ascochyta blight and Botrytis diseases on lentil and faba bean.

The investment is being led by Agriculture Victoria, with co-investment from GRDC and support from New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Field Applied Research Australia (FAR) and Trengove Consulting.

gordon.cumming@grdc.com.au

Contact

Gordon Cumming

Manager Chemical Regulation

Dr Joshua Fanning

Research Leader Plant Pathology

joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au

More information

Paddock Practices – Carbendazim fungicide and its continued use in Australia

GRDC Code: DJP2304-004RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: Anna Madden

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Anna Madden.

Anna Madden and her husband Steve own and operate an irrigated farm in Wee Waa, New South Wales. While studying Rural Science, a lecturer told Anna about the role plants will play in feeding the world's growing population, and so her career projection pivoted from the livestock industry into plants and she hasn’t looked back. In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Anna discusses her career progression, mentors, the balance between environment and production, their business in using biologicals to reduce the need for synthetics, learnings from overseas travel, the evolution of women’s influence in agronomy and inspiring the next generation.

Anna is the brother to previous In Conversation guest, Mark Swift.

This episode of GRDC in Conversation is available as a podcast and a video:

Join the conversation visually and see our reactions on the video podcast

Download the transcript for this episode

GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Boosting soil productivity using the Australian Synchrotron

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000

The Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne is a super high-tech operation that produces powerful beams of light a million times brighter than the sun.

In a partnership between GRDC, the University of South Australia and the University of Queensland, researchers have been given access to the Australian Synchrotron and it's giving them a perspective on soil they've never had before. They're using the Synchrotron's imaging and medical beamline to produce high-quality 3D imagery of roots growing directly into large, undisturbed soil cores. To find out more, we caught up with the University of South Australia's Dr Casey Doolette and Dr Peter Kopittke from the University of Queensland.

casey.doolette@unisa.edu.au

Contacts:

Dr Peter Kopittke

University of Queensland

p.kopittke@uq.edu.au

Dr Casey Doolette

University of South Australia

More Information:

GRDC YouTube – Crop root research taken to the next level

GroundCover – Synchrotron looks deep into wheat’s nutritional value

GroundCover – Synchrotron technology sheds light on root distribution

GRDC Code: UOQ1910-003RTX

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Adapting technology with bots – a case study with WA grower Brad Jones

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Tammin grower was an early adapter of the SwarmBot technology from SwarmFarm. GRDC’s GrainInnovate program has played a key role in supporting SwarmFarm’s progress and with Brad only the third person in WA to bring a bot on-farm, he has been able to harness the power of this innovation to streamline his farming operations, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.

We spoke to Brad at a field day held on his farm as part of the 2023 Australian Precision Agriculture Symposium, hosted by SPAA and supported by GRDC. 

Download the transcript for this episode.

Contact:

Brad Jones 

Tammin grower

brad@bungulla.com.au

More Information:

GRDC YouTube – Precision Ag in Practice: Brad Jones | Adapting technology with bots

GroundCover – Bots on the ground – farming’s new army

GroundCover – Hope springs from GrainInnovate pipeline

GroundCover – Clocking up a week’s work in just one day

GroundCover – Grower insights bolster variable rate technology workshops

GRDC Code: SPA2308-001AWX, ART1903-001OPX

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Fall armyworm insights for when the season feels unmanageable

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:00:00 -0000

This summer has seen high numbers of fall armyworm (FAW) across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. In some late sown crops, FAW has had a disastrous impact and caught many growers and advisers off-guard.

Dr Melina Miles, Principal Entomologist at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, shares her insights on what can be done to manage this pest in such a challenging season, and what it means for future plantings.

Contact:

Dr Melina Miles

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland

Melina.Miles@daf.qld.gov.au

More information

The Beatsheet – Fall armyworm

GRDC Resources – Fall armyworm

GRDC Webinar – Fall armyworm management tips and tactics

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Integrated management strategies for net form of net blotch

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Net form of net blotch is an important foliar fungal disease of barley and its impact on yield and decreased profitability has prompted a new GRDC co-investment: Integrated management strategies for net form net blotch in low, medium, and high rainfall zones. This investment aims to develop and deliver cost effective integrated disease management strategies across the northern and southern regions. Nick Poole from FAR Australia gives an insight into the disease and the new research development and extension surrounding it.

nick.poole@faraustralia.com.au

Contact:

Nick Poole

FAR Australia

More Information:

Fungicide resistance in barley fact sheet

FAR Australia

GRDC YouTube – Net form net blotch: Integrated disease management in barley

GRDC Code: DAQ2304-008RTX

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Raising the bar on crop nutrition

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Raising the bar on crop nutrition in northern New South Wales is the aim of a new partnership between Outlook Ag and GRDC. Field trials have been established to help combat very area-specific problems and improve yield in a range of crops. In this episode, we speak with three of the lead consultants from Outlook Ag – Mitch Cuell in Narrabri, Greg Giblett on the Liverpool Plains, and Greg Rummery in the Northwest.

Content:

Mitch Cuell

Outlook Ag

mitch@outlookag.com.au

Greg Rummery

Outlook Ag

gregr@outlookag.com.au

Greg Giblett

Outlook Ag

gregg@outlookag.com.au

More information:

Outlook Ag

GRDC Code: OAG2305-001RTX

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Managing green peach aphids and the emerging turnip yellows virus risk in canola

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:10:27 -0000

It’s 2024 and we’re looking at similar conditions across a wide portion of the country, particularly in Victoria and South Australia. There is enough soil moisture that self-sown canola will now survive until the sowing window creating the perfect green bridge for both aphids and virus.

To help growers mitigate the risk over the upcoming sowing period, we speak to independent agronomist Craig Davis and research scientist Ben Congdon from WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

benjamin.congdon@dpird.wa.gov.au

Contact:

Ben Congdon

Senior Research Scientist, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Craig Davis

Independent Agronomist

craig.davis.nominees@outlook.com

More information:

Insecticidal control of green peach aphid and turnip yellows virus – resistance threats, limitations and future alternatives

GRDC Code: DAW2305-003RTX

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AFREN podcast series – The why and how of rotating fungicides to minimise the risk of resistance

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:19:16 -0000

In this podcast, Associate Professor Fran Lopez, Program Leader for Fungicide Resistance Management and Disease Impacts at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management at Curtin University, talks about the importance of rotating fungicides to minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in your paddocks. He outlines strategies for growers to implement on farm including planning ahead, understanding regional resistance concerns, disease pressure and risks, fungicide availability and the use of tools such as the AFREN Management Guide and apps to guide fungicide decisions.

sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au

Contact:

Dr Anna-Sheree Krige

AFREN

Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz

AFREN/CCDM, Curtin University

fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au

More information:

Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance

GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX

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Acid soil management – 5cm rule for soil pH testing

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

While previous acid soil testing practice was to not test as deep, new research, has identified greater acidic layering, where crop roots remain under the soil not benefiting from the full potential of amelioration. In this episode, we talk to Mark Richards from NSW DPI, and grower Andrew Lord about the new 5cm rule for testing soil pH. It allows the hidden acidity in lower layers to be recognised and treated, giving growers increased productivity and profit.

GRDC webinar – Grains Research Update, online – Managing soil acidity – Identifying pH stratification to guide lime rates, acid soil management strategies and cropping programs

Contact:

Mark Richards

NSW DPI

mrichards@nswdpi.com.au

More information:

Groundcover – Fixing acidity puts yields on the fast track

NSW DPI – What is an acidic soil?

NSW LLS – Managing soil acidity in the cropping zone

GRDC YouTube – Acid soil management: New practices for better soil constraint identification

Weedsmart – Competitive and profitable crops from fixing sub-soil acidity

GRDC Code: UCS2204-001RTX

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AFREN podcast series – Mung bean powdery mildew; fungicide sensitivities and management for Queensland growers (2/3)

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this podcast, University of Southern Queensland’s Centre for Crop Health Director Professor Levente Kiss talks about the challenges of managing powdery mildew in mung bean crops. Recent research trials have further validated the Powdery Mildew MBM management app and shown there is often no economic benefit in spraying the crop.

As Professor Kiss points out, controlling powdery mildew in mung bean is difficult because there are limited fungicide options, and all mung bean varieties are susceptible to some degree. However, planting early is the best non-chemical way to reduce disease pressure, and growers can download and use the Powdery Mildew MBM app to determine if fungicide will deliver a benefit.

sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au

Contact:

Dr Anna-Sheree Krige

AFREN

Professor Levente Kiss

University of Southern Queensland

levente.Kiss@unisq.edu.au

Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz

AFREN/CCDM

fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au

More information:

AFREN website

Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance

University of Southern Queensland Centre for Crop Health

GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX

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Getting the most out of deep ripping

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Deep ripping is an expensive investment and a slow process, so it’s important to do it right the first time. Whether a grower is a first time or long-time ripper, it can always be done better. In this episode, Debra Bishop catches up with engineer Peter Nunn from Nufab to discuss all things ripping, as well as grower Brady Green about his first count experience of what to look out for.

Technology considerations for cost-effective subsoil loosening

Contact:

Peter Nunn

Nufab

pnunn@nufab.com.au

More information:

If, and when, to deep rip again

GRDC YouTube – Get the most out of deep ripping: Tips on choice, set up and use of deep rippers

GRDC Code: PLT1909-001SAX

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AFREN podcast series – Rusts and managing rusts with fungicides (1/3)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

In this podcast, Professor Robert Park, University of Sydney, talks about rusts and managing rusts with fungicides. Until now, there have been very few cases of resistance to fungicide in rusts. However, recent research has shown insensitivity in the barley and wheat leaf rust pathogens to Group 3 DMI fungicides. At this stage, there have been no known in-field failures of fungicides for rust but this does represent a shift.

As Professor Park points out, the foundation of controlling rusts in crops needs to be based on genetics and selecting varieties with high levels of genetic resistance. The other elements of the Fungicide Resistance Five – crop rotation, non-chemical control methods, strategic spraying and rotating fungicide modes of action – are also important when controlling rusts.

sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au

Contact:

Dr Anna-Sheree Krige

AFREN

Professor Robert Park

University of Sydney

robert.park@sydney.edu.au

Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz

AFREN/CCDM

fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au

More information:

AFREN website

Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance

University of Sydney Rust Laboratory

GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX

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2023 Emerging Leader for the Northern Region: Mathew Dunn

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

GRDC's Emerging Leader Award for the Northern Region in 2023 was taken home by established research agronomist Mathew Dunn. Mathew has been working as part of a farming systems research team that is looking at identifying agronomic and management factors that drive profit and optimise returns from a long-term, whole system approach. In this episode, we chat with Mathew about his research, as well as GRDC Grower Relations Manager Graeme Sandral about why Mathew was such a worthy recipient.

mathew.dunn@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Contact:

Mathew Dunn

NSW DPI

Graeme Sandral

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North

graeme.sandral@grdc.com.au

More information:

GRDC recognises young agronomist as a prominent, emerging leader

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National Grower Network Forums – have your say

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0000

GRDC's National Grower Network Forums or NGNs provide opportunities for growers to meet and inform GRDC face-to-face about issues, constraints or research ideas that are acutely relevant to their farming system and location. The forums are all about designing and delivering research that's been identified and prompted from local grower feedback, drawing together local growers, regional advisors, and industry professionals to discuss local issues in a relaxed and local workshop environment. In this episode, we catch up with Luke Dawson, GRDC's Grower Relations Manager, after a constructive and spirited NGN Forum at Nyabing in WA's south-eastern Wheatbelt.

Contact:

Luke Dawson, GRDC Grower Relations Manager - West

luke.dawson@grdc.com.au

More information:

GRDC – Events

GRDC Code: PIW2207-001SAX

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Ameliorating sandy soils to increase production

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Dealing with sandy soils has long been the bane of many grain growers. But a six-year GRDC investment in sandy soil amelioration in the southern region has come up with a raft of research and grower options which are providing impressive on-farm results. Because of it, affected growers are increasingly turning to deep ripping and spading to improve productivity. In this episode, we speak with some of the experts involved in the project and hear about getting the most out of your sandy soils. 

chris.saunders@unisa.edu.au

Contact:

Therese McBeath 

CSIRO 

therese.mcbeath@csiro.au

Dr Melissa Fraser 

Soil Function Consulting 

mel@soilfunction.com.au

Dr Chris Saunders

UniSA STEM

Royce Pitchford

PINION Advisory

rpitchford@pinionadvisory.com

More information:

GRDC – Investment list

CSIRO – Sandy Soils Southern Region

GRDC – Trial summary

SANDBOX App

GRDC Code: CSP1606-008RMX 

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Longevity benefits after soil amelioration

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Almost six million hectares of WA's sand-plain soils in the medium and high-rainfall zones feature multiple constraints, including water repellence, acidity, and compaction. An estimated 250,000 hectares of those six million have been ameliorated, typically involving strategic one-off deep tillage. A GRDC investment is helping to determine the longevity benefits following soil amelioration, looking at crop rotations, species choice and seedbed preparation. We hear from Dr. Stephen Davies from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, on the project's initial findings.

stephen.davies@dpird.wa.gov.au 

Contact:

Stephen Davies

DPIRD

More information:

How does soil amelioration affect weed management?

Unlocking WA soils' potential: Maintaining benefits of soil amelioration

GRDC Code: DAW1901-006RTX

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Behavioural insights and motivations into spraying

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0000

A GRDC investment focused on grower decision making for summer spraying has revealed several insights into the behaviours that motivate different spray decisions. It’s hoped that the outcomes of this research will help growers to better understand what might be affecting their decision making and influencing the effectiveness of their spray programs. This podcast will be followed by a series of workshops to be held mid-2024, that will include planning and management tools and strategies for growers.

admin@hartfieldsite.org.au

Contact

Sandy Kimber

Hart Field-Site Group

Lynette McLeod

UNE

lmcleod7@une.edu.au

More information

Spray Drift

Hazardous inversion

Workshop details to be published on the GRDC website later this year.

GRDC Code: HFS2306-002SAX

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Rutherglen bug: risk forecasting and management

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0000

Although it may be native to the northern region, the Rutherglen bug has, in recent years, changed its behaviour and its diet has expanded. It can now do significant damage to a range of summer crops. Very little is known about the ecology of the Rutherglen Bug; and as part of a GRDC investment, CSIRO has partnered with New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and the University of Queensland to help the industry better understand and improve its management. In this episode, we hear from Dr Hazel Parry, a research scientist with CSIRO and leader of this project, about this native bug that seems to have a taste for the exotic.

zorica.duric@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Contact:

Dr Hazel Parry

CSIRO

hazel.parry@csiro.au

Dr Zorica Duric

NSW Department of Primary Industries

More Information:

The main source of project information is the webpage on the CSIRO Agroecology team website – this is also where handouts are available for download.

The Beatsheet

Project Code: CSP2104-007RTX

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Measuring the impact of organic soil ameliorants

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:00:00 -0000

Incorporating readily available organic-soil ameliorants to boost productivity of sandy soils, has been the focus of a three-year GRDC investment in the medium to high rainfall zones of Western Australia's Wheatbelt. The experiments, using organic ameliorates such as hay, stubble straw, and manure, monitored effects of amelioration on crop growth and yield with results varying across trial sites. The trials and investment are almost complete with data currently being collated for year three.

We talked to Professor Richard Bell from Murdoch University, and Veronica Crouch, the Executive Officer from the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group, who explain how the locally led trials, utilising readily available products on-farm, were eagerly adopted by this grower-driven, inspired group.

Download the transcript of this episode

Contact:

Veronika Crouch, Corrigin Farm Improvements Group

eo@cfig.org.au

Richard Bell, Murdoch University

r.bell@murdoch.edu.au

More Information:

GRDC

Corrigin Farm Improvement Group

Facey Group

West Midlands Group

GRDC Code: CFG2003-001SAX

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Genetic gains in wheat

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:00:00 -0000

A trial near Bolgart in WA is showcasing historic wheat varieties, allowing growers to look back in time to measure yield and genetic gains that wheat breeders have achieved over the past 50 years. The trial site features 48 varieties starting from the late 60s, up to the most recent varieties of two to three years ago, including bread wheat, Clearfield-tolerant wheat, and udon wheat varieties.

The different varieties see improved grain size, disease resistance, weight, and crop height, bringing with them harvesting changes over the years. GRDC has a long history in wheat breeding and pre-breeding, including partnerships with wheat breeding companies.

In this episode, we caught up with AGT wheat breeder, Dion Bennett about the trial’s revelations over half a century.

dion.bennett@agtbreeding.com.au

Contact:

Dion Bennett, Wheat Breeder

More Information:

AGT wheat varieties

GRDC Code: AGT2108-001RTX

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GRDC in Conversation: David Robb

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with David Robb.

David Anthony Robb is an Irrigation Advisor for Goanna Ag. He is also a grain producer, agricultural enthusiast, and UQ Agribusiness & Agricultural Science graduate. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, David talks about life growing up on his family’s grain and cattle property west of Goondiwindi. David spent 14 years working on the farm before pursuing university and challenging himself to grow beyond the family business.

GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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On-farm Grain Storage podcast series – Silo maintenance (3/3)

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:00:00 -0000

Gas-tight sealable silos are the preferred system of grain storage and like all on-farm machinery, they require an annual maintenance health check, including pressure testing the silo. How can we ensure our silo’s health and avoid problems such as weather damage, wear, corrosion, deterioration to inlet and outlet seals and leaks? In this episode, we hear from GRDC's Grain Storage Extension team members, Ben White and Alex Conway on a detailed rundown and timing for that all-important annual silo maintenance checklist.

GRDC Stored Grain webpage

Contact:

Ben White, GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

ben@storedgrain.com.au

Alex Conway, Toowoomba QLD

alex@storedgrain.com.au

More information:

Stored Grain homepage

Grain Storage Extension Team hotline – 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845)

GRDC Code: PRB2011-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Paul McIntosh

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:00:00 -0000

🎙 Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Paul McIntosh.

Mention the name Paul McIntosh to anyone in the northern grains industry and it’s almost guaranteed to invoke a smile, a humorous quip or an anecdote about his seemingly-boundless agronomic knowledge.

Mr McIntosh, or Macca as he’s better known to many, is one of the region’s most recognised and respected agronomists and has been a luminary in broadening the understanding, adoption and community recognition of best practice farming throughout his 40-year career.

In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Paul discusses his work as an industry development agronomist and how the grains industry has changed over the years.

GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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On-farm Grain Storage podcast series – Masks and meters (2/3)

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

Phosphine fumigation is commonly used in gas-tight, sealed silos to control weevils in grain. While phosphine is dangerous, it can be used safely with responsible handling and management. In this episode, we chat with Grain Storage Extension Project lead Chris Warrick, along with Alex Conway about the significant safety around phosphine, including masks and meters, which remains the most relied upon fumigant to control stored grain pests in Australia’s grain production systems.

GRDC Stored Grain webpage

Contact:

Chris Warrick – National Coordinator, GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

info@storedgrain.com.au

Alex Conway – Queensland project delivery officer

alex@storedgrain.com.au

More information:

Stored Grain homepage

Grain Storage Extension Team hotline – 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845)

GRDC Code: PRB2011-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Mark Swift

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Mark Swift.

Mark Swift and his family farm 13 different cereal, oilseed, pulse and fibre crops across 4,000 hectares at Parkes, in Central West NSW. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Mark discusses the family’s farming operation, the intellectual and physical challenges of farming, and the balance of technology, tradition, and innovation in agriculture.

Please be advised that today's conversation includes more colourful language than usual, which may be inappropriate for some listeners.

GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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National Variety Trials (NVT) New Variety Podcast series – Canola

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers in varietal decision making by providing comparative information of commercially available grain varieties, including on yield performance, on disease resistance ratings and on grain quality.

In this four-part series we will hear from a range of breeders – across seven crop types – and each one will provide information on newly commercialised cultivars in the NVT program that will be available to growers for the first time in the upcoming season.

This podcast is all about canola – and we are hearing from five plant breeders from across the country.

GRDC Stored Grain webpage

More information: visit the NVT website.

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On-farm Grain Storage podcast series – Storage and aeration (1/3)

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

From cone and flat-bottomed silos, to sheds, bunkers, bags, and pits, grain storage options today are seemingly endless. It is not always the case that the cheapest option will be the most cost effective over time. Nor will the most expensive always be the most appropriate for your needs. On top of this, there is the need to keep your grain free from moisture, condensation, mould, and insects, which an aeration system can do by maintaining lower temperatures and consistent conditions. So, when choosing which grain storage option to invest in, where do we begin? We caught up with Ben White and Chris Warrick from the GRDC Grain Storage Extension Project to find out the starting points around grain storage options, along with the economics of aeration.

Contact:

Ben White

GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

ben@storedgrain.com.au

Chris Warrick

National Coordinator - GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team

info@storedgrain.com.au

More information:

Stored Grain homepage

Grain Storage Extension Team hotline - 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845).

Project Code: PRB2011-001SAX

Read the podcast transcript.

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GRDC in conversation: Maree Crawford

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

Maree Crawford is a passionate contributor to the Australian agricultural industry with a focus on delivering solutions through research, technology and best practice. She is a Technical Services Manager with Elders, and Non-Executive Director at Tosari Crop Research Centre. In this episode, Maree discusses what it was like growing up with 10 brothers, her love of sports, career influences, and the importance of upskilling young people in agriculture.

View the transcript for this episode.

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National Variety Trials (NVT) New Variety podcast series – Barley and Oats

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

This podcast is all about barley and oats – and we are hearing from three plant breeders from across the country.

For more information, visit the NVT website.

Download the podcast transcript.

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Preventing harvester fires in lentils

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

With growers in the middle of harvest around the country, harvester fires are somewhat inevitable at this time of year. However, there are actions we can take to mitigate the risk. With lentil crops particularly susceptible to harvester fires, we spoke to Ben White from the Kondinin Group, as well as Adrian McCabe, a grower from South Australia, to find out why and what steps can be taken to reduce the chance of these incidents occurring.

First up Ben explains the primary causes of harvester fires.

ben.white@kondinin.com.au

Contact:

Ben White

Kondinin Group

More Information:

GRDC Resources – Reducing harvest fires: The Back Pocket Guide

GroundCover – Prepare to minimise fire risk this harvest

GRDC Code: PRS2005-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Tim Neale

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 22:05:44 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tim Neale.

For more than 20 years, Tim Neale has been running his own businesses and managing research, development and extension projects for broad spectrum of clients across a variety of agricultural sectors. He's was recognised as the Australian rural consultant of the year in 2018 and he is the co-founder of Data Farming – an ag technology company which services more than 35,000 farms across 50 countries with satellite imagery and insights.

GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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National Variety Trials (NVT) New Variety podcast series – Lentil, lupin and sorghum

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

This podcast is all about lentil, lupin and sorghum – and we are hearing from four plant breeders from across the country.

Visit the NVT website for more information.

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The Australian Grains Genebank

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) is the centrepiece of grain crop genetic resources for the Australian grains industry.

Since it's opening in 2014, it has been a partnership between the Victorian Government (Agriculture Victoria) and GRDC. An additional $30M will support digital innovation and connectivity to international genebanks, improve the operational function, and establish new long term seed storage, laboratories and work areas.

Join the AGG leader Dr Sally Norton and plant pathologist Dr Joshua Fanning discuss the scope of the genebank and how it delivers for grain growers.

Contact:

Please use our online catalogue to make a query or place an order.

For any other queries, please email agg.info@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

More information:

GRDC YouTube – Australian Grains Genebank: Conserving diversity for future crop development

Agriculture Victoria – The Australian Grains Genebank

GRDC Code: DEE2206-009OPX

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GRDC in conversation: Roy Hamilton

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Roy Hamilton.

Roy is a long-standing northern panel member who operates a 4400-ha mixed family farming enterprise near Rand in NSW’s Riverina with his wife Leanne and son Michael. In this episode, Roy speaks about the life experiences, influences and lessons that have shaped him into person he is today, and the advice he has for future generations of Australian grain growers.

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National Variety Trials (NVT) New Variety podcast series – Wheat

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0000

This podcast is all about wheat – and we are hearing from six plant breeders from across the country.

Visit the NVT website for more information.

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Beneficials Chemical Toxicity table: Use it or lose ‘em

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0000

Beneficial insects play an important role in providing natural pest suppression for growers in cereal crops across Australia. Until recently there was no scientifically proven guide to help growers monitor the impacts of commonly used insecticides on beneficial insects. Rosie Knapp, from Cesar Australia, explains the new resource for growers.

rknapp@cesaraustralia.com

Contact:

Rosie Knapp

Cesar Australia

More Information:

Cesar Australia – The Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table

GRDC Podcast:

Natural enemies: beneficials, insect friends with benefits

Endosymbionts – game changing bacteria in insect species

Novel solutions for pest management

Video:

GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts – Game changing bacteria in insect species

GRDC Code: UOM1906-002RTX

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Implementing variable rate technology on-farm

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The Longmire’s farm at Beaumont, near Esperance in Western Australia, have been experimenting with variable rate technology for more than 20 years. As pros at using precision agriculture, Tom and Phil presented at workshops across WA earlier this year to share their experience implementing the technology on-farm. Tom joins us on this episode to tell us more.

craig.scanlan@dpird.wa.edu.au

Contact:

Tom Longmire

Beaumont grower

t.longmire@outlook.com

More information:

GroundCover article – Grower insights bolster variable rate technology workshops

GroundCover article – Variable-rate technology adds input efficiency to cropping, experts say

GRDC Code: SPA2201-001SAX

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Plant Nutrition: the final Soil Quality ebook

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The Soil Quality ebook series, developed by SoilsWest with GRDC investment, draws upon a wealth of scientific published information, knowledge from dedicated soil science practitioners, industry perspectives and first-hand experience of growers.

The 10th and final book in the series, covering the topic of plant nutrition, was released in October 2023 and the entire series is available to download for free from Apple Books.

We sat down with Craig Scanlan from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to find out what the final book has to tell us about the status of macro and micronutrients in WA.

Contact:

Craig Scanlan  

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

More information:

Soil Quality ebook downloads from Apple

Soil Quality ebook information

GroundCover article – Gravel soil explored in new ebook launched at national conference

GRDC code: UWA1806-008SAX

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Precision fertiliser decisions in a tight economic climate

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The price of fertiliser has reached record highs over the past few seasons, so any option to reduce the amount of inputs being used on-farm, without impacting yield or productivity, can only be a good thing.

With GRDC investment, the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia has been hosting a series of face-to-face workshops around the country to try and help growers do just that.

To find out more, we speak to Bindi Isbister, a precision ag specialist from Agrarian Management in Western Australia.

Contact:

Bindi Isbister

Decision Agriculture Specialist, Agrarian Management

bindi@agrarian.com.au

More information:

GRDC publication – Embracing precision agriculture

GroundCover article – What value can precision ag tools bring to your business?

Project Code: SPA2201-001SAX

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Natural enemies: beneficials, insect friends with benefits

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:00:00 -0000

The second tier of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) looks at beneficial insects in Australian grain crops as an alternate pest control option. With the use of endosymbionts, the team at the University of Melbourne’s Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG) are using new technology to help increase beneficial insect populations and supress plant virus transmission.

joshua.thia@unimelb.edu.au

Contact:

Dr Josh Thia

University of Melbourne

PEARG

More information:

Cesar Australia – How to send off samples

Cesar Australia – Beneficial chemical toxicity table

University of Melbourne – Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG)

GRDC Podcast – Novel pest solutions podcast

Cesar Australia – AGPIP

GRDC Podcast – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species Podcast

GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species Video

GRDC code: UOM1906-002RTX

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Impact of investment on Australia’s lentil industry

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Join Dr Arun Shanmugam and Dr Gary Rosewarne from Agriculture Victoria as they discuss the impact of GRDC’s investment on the Australian Lentil Industry since its establishment in the 1990’s. This podcast also looks at the increased scale in operations and infrastructure to deliver new varieties for growers and also how new GRDC investment is expanding lentil production as a national program, into new areas of Australia, including WA.

arun.shunmugam@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Contact:

Dr Arun S Shunmugam

Lentil Breeder

Agriculture Victoria

More Information:

Agriculture Victoria – Big boost for lentil breeding

GRDC Podcast – Heat Tolerant Chickpea: update on heat tolerant chickpea lines

GRDC Podcast – Expanding chickpeas in the west

Video:

GRDC YouTube – Lentils in Western Australia

GRDC Code: DJP2104-003OPX

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Managing changing MRLs and export implications

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Growers at the GRDC Grains Research Updates at Minyip in Victoria in July 2023 were told by Gerard McMullen from the National Working Party on Grain Protection that applying chemicals according to the label rate did not necessarily mean grain would meet export market requirements.

Gerard joins us on this podcast to talk about changing MRLs, the chemical review being undertaken by the APVMA and why products such as carbendazim should never be used off label.

gerard@mcmullengrainagricultural.com

Contact:

Gerard McMullen

National Working Party on Grain Protection

More Information:

GroundCover article – Grains industry scores A-plus for chemical residue compliance

GroundCover article – EU changes residue limit for haloxyfop on canola

Project Code: ORM1906-001SAX

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Data Partnerships Initiative

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

A virtual goldmine of data generated from thousands of research, development and extension projects – all supported by GRDC – will soon be discoverable, accessible and able to be used to accelerate research outcomes.

GRDC’s Data Partnerships Initiative is a $2.8 million investment over 18 months and it brings together 12 Australian research organisations that are currently working on projects in which GRDC has invested.

Decades of data has been collected on a range of topics including yield, soils, genetics and climate - and this new initiative will collate existing data as well as provide a roadmap for improving data management in the future.

We speak to Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader – Associate Professor Glenn Fitzgerald – and Alexis Tindall Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library.

glenn.fitzgerald@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Contact:

Glenn Fitzgerald, Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader

Alexis Tindall, Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library

alexis.tindall@adelaide.edu.au

More information:

GroundCover article – Data partnership builds expertise to harness data treasure trove

GRDC Code:

DJP2201-004RTX, CUR2206-001SAX, DAW2206-007SAX, UMU2210-002BGX, DPI2206-024BGX, UOA2210-002BGX, UOA2206-008SAX, UOQ2301-004BGX, UOS2208-001BGX, UWA2206-005SAX

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Emerging cereal diseases in the south, with a focus on Septoria Tritici Blotch (STB)

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Spring is a critical time for disease detection in order to avoid or at least minimise yield losses; and already we are seeing higher infection levels than in previous years.

Dr Hari Dadu is a senior research scientist with Agriculture Victoria has nearly a decade of experience working with crop diseases and is now leading the Septoria tritici blotch research in wheat, in the low and medium rainfall areas of the southern region.

And in addition to this research, GRDC is also investing in three more projects in this space to develop new genetic resources – that will allow growers to have multiple solutions to reduce crop losses in near future.

hari.dadu@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Contact:

Dr Hari Dadu

Agriculture Victoria

More Information:

Disease ratings can be found on GRDC’s National Variety Trials website > nvt.grdc.com.au
Agriculture Victoria produces its Cereal Disease Guide which can be accessed through
The Australia Fungicide Resistance Extension Network’s website is AFREN.com.au
Advancing genetic solutions for crop protection in Australian wheat: identifying novel resistance genes to Septoria tritici blotch
Dissecting the molecular basis of disease and resistance to Septoria tritici blotch

Project Code: FTS2006-001SAX, DJP2104-004RTX

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Seasonal diseases update for canola and pulses: Northern region

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) at Wagga Wagga, discusses the challenges for growers when assessing disease risk this season.

What signs should growers be looking for, how is and does weather affect decision making and what are the considerations for fungicide application?

Kurt’s key message for growers this season around disease detection is to get out there and walk among their crops and observe any signs of disease.

kurt.lindbeck@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Contact:

Kurt Lindbeck

NSW DPI

More Information:

Crop diagnostic service runs out of DPI Tamworth and Wagga, that extends to providing advice for growers, dpi.nsw.gov.au

GRDC Code: DPI2207-002RTX, DPI2206-023RTX

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Measuring and preventing harvest losses in the western region

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Data recently collected as part of the GRDC investment "Measuring Harvest Losses in the western region," has helped to identify opportunities for growers to reclaim grain that is lost during harvest. A report published on the back of this investment shows that more than $320 million dollars’ worth of grain was lost in Western Australia during the 2022/23 harvest. The podcast explores the data and what growers can do about lowering those losses.

Measuring harvest losses in the WA region 2022/23 Final report

Contact:

Daniel Kidd

Grower Group Alliance

daniel.kidd@gga.org.au

Ben White

Kondinin Group

ben@bmwhite.com.au

More Information:

View more information on the GRDC Events page

GRDC harvest setup workshops which will commence in September in the following locations:

September 12, Hyden
September 13, Dunn Rock
September 14, Nyabing
September 15, Beverley
September 22, Cunderdin Agricultural College.

Project Code: GGA2211-001SAX

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Urea supply and nitrogen decision making

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Join agricultural procurement specialist and speaker at a recent GRDC Farm Business Update Rob Dawes talk about the urea supply and how to prevent getting caught short again. And then Horsham agronomist Matthew Sparke will share his insights on the strategic application of what nitrogen you do have to get the most out of it.

Lack of urea supply is a major issue for growers, particularly in the south east of the country. A number of factors have contributed to the supply chain issue, and we speak to Robert Dawes from Robert Dawes Consulting to find out what happened and how to plan for next season. Meantime, agronomist Matthew Sparke from Sparke Ag Consulting talks about what growers can do now to make the most of their available nitrogen; and tips for future nitrogen decision making.

$8.2m national project to boost canola

Contact:

Robert Dawes – rob@robdawes.com.au

Matthew Sparke – matthew@sparkeag.com.au

More Information:

GroundCover Article – Resource released to help with nitrogen decision-making in season 2020

GRDC YouTube – Predicting nitrogen loss

Project Code: ORM1906-002SAX

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Successfully establishing canola in Western Australia’s LRZ

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000

At GRDC Grower Network Forums in the Western region, the issue of poor canola establishment was raised by growers in the low rainfall zone who mainly flagged problems when the crop is dry sown.

This investment aimed to validate and extend previous agronomic and management research on how to successfully establish canola in those regions and conditions.

To find out more, we speak to Living Farm’s Andrew Wherrett, who has been leading the project, along with Merredin grower Phillip Gray who has a trial site located on his farm.

Contact: Andrew Wherrett

Senior Research Scientist, Living Farm

E: andrew@livingfarm.com.au

More Information:

Risks and rewards of very early sown canola

Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide

GRDC Code: LIV2112-001SAX

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Improving claying efficiency on poor soils in WA

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 05:04:31 -0000

Trials taking place in Western Australia aim to provide growers with information and resources to increase the effectiveness of claying on poor soil. In this podcast, Dan Fay from Stirlings to Coast Farmers discusses the benefits and long-term soil amelioration that can be achieved by claying and grower Ben Webb shares his experiences with the trials and how it has positively affected yields.

Contact:

Dan Fay

Stirlings to Coast Farmers

ceo@scfarmers.org.au

Watch the Improving claying efficiency on poor soil types WA video.

More Information:

Stirlings to Coast Farmers.

GRDC Project Code: SCF2203-003SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Terry Horan

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Terry Horan.

Joining us from central Tasmania this week is agronomic specialist Terry Horan, in our last episode of Series 2 of the GRDC podcast In Conversation. For more than 40 years, Terry has been actively involved in agronomy in the low, medium and high rainfall cropping areas. He grew up in between Trundle and Parks, NSW, studied in Wagga, then his career took him from Temora to Tassie and from across the government to the private sector. But it has been his love of the grains industry that has been his constant.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Endosymbionts – game changing bacteria in insect species

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

As part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program’s (AGPIP) blue sky approach to tackling insect pests in Australian grain crops, endosymbionts are being used to influence an insect’s ability to transmit crop viruses and resist pesticides. Dr Perran Ross from the University of Melbourne’s Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR–G) explains what endosymbionts are, how they are being used and what impact they will have; and PhD student, Eloise Ansermin explains the new behavioural studies that have never been trialled before.

Contact:

Dr Perran Ross

University of Melbourne

PEAR -G

Perran.ross@unimelb.edu.au

More Information:

How to send off samples

Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR-G)

Novel pest solutions – podcast

AGPIP

Video:

GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species

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GRDC in conversation: Allan Mayfield

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Allan Mayfield.

In 2021, Allan was granted the GRDC Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award for the southern region for his long-standing input and commitment to the nation’s grains industry. And it's not just the grains industry he's impressed, with Allan named as SA's Australia Day Citizen of the Year 2020. Allan grew up on the Eyre Peninsula, going onto become a researcher in plant pathology and eventually starting his own consultancy. Allan's also a middle-distance runner of acclaim - so get shoes on and join us for this cracker of a conversation.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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10 years of WeedSmart and the ‘Big 6'

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

WeedSmart provides solutions to control crop weeds using the ‘Big 6’ principles utilising herbicide, mechanical and cultural tactics. 2023 marks ten years of the WeedSmart program, with a focus on spray efficacy as part of the ‘Big 6’. WeedSmart agronomists, Jana Dixon and Greg Condon discuss the benefits of the WeedSmart ‘Big 6’ as they prepare for WeedSmart Week on 1 August in Dubbo, New South Wales.

jdixon@pinionadvisory.com

Contact:

Jana Dixon

WeedSmart high rainfall zone agronomist

Greg Condon

WeedSmart southern extension agronomist

greg@grassrootsag.com.au

More Information:

WeedSmart

Registration for WeedSmart Week 2023 – Dubbo

Project Code: UWA2007-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Lynne MacDonald

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Lynne MacDonald.

Dr Lynne MacDonald is a research scientist with CSIRO where she leads a portfolio of research on soil carbon and low emissions agriculture. Her early love of agriculture and childhood memories of playing in the dirt stem back to Scotland. Years later, she was awarded a fellowship which saw her move to Canada, but she eventually landed in South Australia to study intensive cropping systems, and she has made it our country her home too. And we're grateful she did as she's been having a real impact into the future of the Aussie grains industry.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Insights to maintain a healthy mindset under pressure

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Across the country, many growers have not had much of a break between harvest and this season's operations… and this comes on top of a tough couple of years that included the unpredictability of mother nature, as well as a global pandemic. This podcast explores strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset while under pressure. We spoke to Kim Huckerby from ‘The Wellbeing Affect’ who shares practical advice and steps that everyone can take.

hello@thewellbeingaffect.com.au

Contact:

Kim Huckerby

The Wellbeing Affect

More Information:

The Wellbeing Affect

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GRDC in conversation: James Hunt

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with James Hunt.

James Hunt is a Professor of agronomy at the University of Melbourne, but his journey there was interesting and included touring Europe as part of a heavy metal rock band and some home brewing detours. He grew up on a farm in western Victoria and has done quite a bit in the world of grain crop research and farming systems. James talks about the challenge of going from a researcher to a lecturer, how passionate he is about attracting researchers into agriculture and nurturing the next generation of researchers and agronomists.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Nail the Snails! More effective control of pest snails in Australian grain crops

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Dr Kym Perry from SARDI discusses all things snails including how they got to Australia and have spread across the whole country. He also discusses the new GRDC investment looking at monitoring techniques, biological control and a multifaceted approach to dealing with the widespread problem affecting the grains industry.

Contact:

Dr Kym Perry

SARDI Entomology

Project leader

kym.perry@sa.gov.au

More Information:

Groundcover Article – Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops

GRDC Publications – Nail the Snails! (New)

GRDC Publications – Burn’Em, Bash’Em, Bait’Em

Project Code: UOA2205-005RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Lawrence Richmond

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Lawrence Richmond.

Growing up in Watchem in western Victoria, Lawrence Richmond had no idea that there were opportunities to be a farmer beyond his farm gate. But at 21, he picked up work in the world of corporate agriculture, opening his eyes to a world of possibility. Fast forward to today and Lawrence joins us from Romania, where he consults and helps to manage properties with farmers in Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. His story is a great one.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Identifying and managing soilborne disease

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Soilborne disease and root health in cereals and pulses often doesn't get the attention it deserves because it's quite literally out of sight, out of mind.

In this podcast, researchers Blake Gontar and Dr Liz Farquharson of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, share their insight on identifying and managing soilborne diseases in cereals and pulses.

They’re involved in a series of national grower workshops on soilborne disease and root health that have taken place over the past few years, made possible by a GRDC investment and collaboration with grower groups and other industry bodies.

liz.farquharson@sa.gov.au

Contact:

Blake Gontar

Senior Research Officer

SARDI

blake.gontar@sa.gov.au

Dr Liz Farquharson

Research Scientist

SARDI

More Information:

GRDC YouTube – Identifying and managing soilborne disease

GRDC Project Code: FLR1912-003RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Tanja Morgan

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tanja Morgan.

Twenty years ago, Tanja took up a job in the Mallee for a better work opportunity but was ‘devastated’ to move to the area. However, the place grew on her and farming in the Mallee has since become a large part of her life. She’s even moved further away from the big smoke residing in the little town of Geranium where she is a dog trainer, farmer and communicator. With an optimistic outlook on life and a refreshing approach to life’s challenges, Tanja has become an influential and involved part of the Mallee farming community.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Soil amelioration in Irrigated crops

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

GRDC, the Irrigated Cropping Council and the NSW Department of Primary Industries have teamed up to explore the influence of soil amelioration and soil amendments on crop yield and profitability in irrigated farming systems. So far there have been mixed results from the project which aims to give growers an understanding of the costs and benefits of deep ripping on sodic soils.

Irrigated Cropping Council

Contact:

Damian Jones

damian.jones@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au

More Information:

Irrigated Cropping Council Research – Optimising Irrigated Grains

Project Code: ICF1906-002RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Andy Barr

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Professor Andrew Barr.

Andy is a valued SA local and well-known across the grains industry. He joins us to talk about his childhood memories on a mixed farm, where he developed a love for innovation, inspiring him to study agricultural science that led to a 30-year career in plant breeding. Andy shares his experiences of travelling the world and supporting grains research-for-development across some of the most interesting parts of the planet. Despite his successful career, Andrew's ultimate goal was to return to the family farm, which he eventually did. This year Andy was awarded GRDC's greatest honour - a Seed of Gold award - in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Australia’s grain industry.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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2023 Southern region slug update

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

The southern region is experiencing its worst season of slug infestation. GRDC is so aware of the problems growers are having with slugs, that it currently has a tender out to invest further in slug research. Meantime we catch up with agronomist, Tim Pohlner and invertebrate ecologist, Dr Michael Nash to discuss trouble shooting the problem now and in future seasons.

Contact:

Dr Michael Nash

Invertebrate Ecologist

whatbugsyou@gmail.com

More Information:

GRDC Resources – Slugs and Snails

GRDC Factsheets – Slug Control

GRDC Publications – Slugs in Crops: The Back Pocket Guide

GRDC Tenders – Optimising slug management

Project Code: MAN2204-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Terry Enright

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:05:00 -0000

🎙️ Terry is the chair of Grains Australia Limited and this year was presented with a GRDC Seed of Gold award.

In this episode, Terry talks about his passion for agriculture and how he started his career in the 1970s in Mount Barker, WA. Despite challenges like the collapse of the wool industry, Terry and his peers persevered, transitioning to grain and livestock. He shares his insights into WA’s Great Southern region, such as its Mediterranean climate and its reliance on winter rainfall for dryland agriculture, and his support for the West Coast Eagles football team.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Sub-surface drainage ROI trial (The war on waterlogging)

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Camilla Plunkett attends a demonstration day at Dalyup, WA to look at the latest in tile ploughing, a solution being used in the GRDC investment trial exploring sub-surface drainage ROI. Project officer Sophie Willsher from South Coast Natural Resource Management and grower, Rohan Marold discuss all things sub-surface drainage, including a ‘how to’ for growers; and the challenges and rewards of this method.

sophiew@southcoastnrm.com.au

Contact:

Sophie Willsher, South Coast Natural Resource Management

More Information:

GRDC Podcast – Rising interest in sub-surface drainage

Project Code: SCF2005-001SAX

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GRDC in conversation: Kevin Moore

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Kevin Moore.

A renowned plant pathologist, Kevin was recognised in 2023 with GRDC's highest accolade - a Seed of Gold award - for his work in crop protection. His extensive 55-year career has had long-lasting effects on the grains industry, with his research outcomes and pulse disease management strategies still actively used by fellow researchers and growers to improve profitability to this day.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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New genetics for improved canola establishment

Tue, 30 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Deborah Bishop finds out about the latest in canola genetics from CSIRO’s Dr Matt Nelson. Dr Nelson gives an insight into the GRDC invested genetics project exploring the key genetic traits contributing to successful canola establishment. The project also aims to provide canola breeders with improved genetics from overseas varieties and selection tools to accelerate the breeding of varieties with better establishment potential.

Contact:

Dr Matthew Nelson

CSIRO

matthew.nelson@csiro.au

More Information:

GroundCover Article – Canola establishment under the scope

Project Code: CSP1907-001RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Dan Bingham

Sun, 28 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dan Bingham.

Dan runs a large-scale contracting and farming business Bingham Agriculture, from his home base in Skipton, Victoria. He loves the balance of the contracting and farming, lights up when he talks about supporting young people enter the industry and get their start, and says it's the "happy faces and good crops" that are his inspiration.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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South to West: key learnings for growers across regions

Tue, 23 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Sarah Sanderson catches up with Tom De Mattia, from Delta Ag and learns about the 3000km GRDC funded study tour which took a group of growers and advisors from Wagga Wagga NSW to Esperance WA to learn about the similarities and differences in management strategies for each area and highlight the ‘peer-learning’ approach of growers learning from growers.

Contact:

Tom De Mattia

Delta Ag

tdemattia@deltaag.com.au

Project Code: DEL2206-002AWX

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GRDC in conversation: Cassandra Schefe

Sun, 21 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Cassandra Schefe.

In the Forbes RSL using coasters and the RSL carpet as a reference, Cassie and two big names in agricultural sustainability came up with the idea for the Cool Soil Initiative, which now supports farmers explore practices to improve soil health. It's no surprise she brought such an idea to life, she grew up around farming and found a love for science and soils early on in her career and now runs her consultancy AgriSci Pty Ltd. She’s got a great story, acres of passion and a heap of knowledge, that she explains to us with the utmost care.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Update on herbicide resistance in WA weed species

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Deborah Bishop interviews Mechelle Owen from AHRI, Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative about herbicide resistance in weed species in Western Australia and the data collected from the GRDC funded survey conducted during the 2020 harvest.

Download the transcript for this episode

Contact:

Mechelle Owen

AHRI, University of WA

mechelle.owen@uwa.edu.au

More Information:

GRDC Podcast – Annual ryegrass resistance to pre-emergent herbicides snapshot

Project Code: UCS2008-001RTX

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GRDC in conversation: David "DJ" Jochinke

Sun, 14 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with David "DJ" Jochinke.

DJ is the vice president of the National Farmers’ Federation, third generation grain and livestock farmer and an incredibly passionate advocate for the agriculture industry. This conversation feels like one motivational pep talk and we hear all about his education journey, why he cares so much about the work he does and the incident that inspired him to live life to the fullest.

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Re-thinking management options for redlegged earth mite

Tue, 09 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Deborah Bishop catches up with Dr Lizzy Lowe from Cesar Australia to discuss redlegged earth mite resistance and the surveillance measures being taken to develop up to date management recommendations and help with maintaining the effectiveness of current chemical control options.

Contact

Lizzy Lowe

Cesar Australia

llowe@cesaraustralia.com

More Information

GroundCover article – Growers urged to test redlegged earth mite for resistance

GRDC Factsheet – Resistance management strategy for the Redlegged Earth Mite in Australian grains and pastures

Cesar Australia – Redlegged earth mite management survey

GRDC Project Code: CES2010-001RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Ann McNeill

Sun, 07 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ann McNeill.

A semi-retired soil scientist Ann started life in the UK, spent time in Syria working in dryland agriculture, and landed in Australia where she’s done a lot of work and research with farmers to help improve their crops. She has fascinating stories about research, her pathway into academia and the love she found along the way – have you ever gone for the same job as your partner? Ann has... and it’s interesting to hear how she navigated it.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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GroundUp Agtech Accelerator

Tue, 02 May 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Darryl Anderson comes live from Showcase Day at the Agtech and Logistics Hub in Toowoomba, Queensland. Darryl speaks with Agtech coordinator, Thomas Hall about the innovation behind some of the most current, up and coming products and services in agriculture and also catches up with participants from this year’s GroundUp, agribusiness accelerator program.

thomas.hall@agrifoodconnect.com.au

Contact: 

Thomas Hall

Agtech and Logistics Hub

More information:

GRDC Podcast – Agtech and Logistics hub accelerator

Agtech and Logistics Hub – GroundUp Homepage

Video:

GRDC YouTube – GroundUp Accelerator Program | Innovation Showcase

Project Code: ACL2205-001SAX

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GRDC in Conversation: Lou Flohr

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Lou Flohr.

Lou is a mixed cropping and livestock farmer running her enterprise alongside her parents and partner in Lameroo in the Southern Mallee of South Australia. With three young children, family is a huge part of Lou’s life, as is her commitment to ensuring women are represented in the ag sector and support for them encouraged. She is a member of the GRDC Southern Panel and deeply cares about agriculture and the people in it. She is truly inspiring.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Predicting Nitrogen Loss – better data better decisions

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Darryl Anderson interviews Professor Mike Bell and Dr David Lester to find out about GRDC’s $11.9 million investment into predicting nitrogen cycles and losses in Australian cropping systems.

This video looks into the use of the APSIM farming system simulation model which measures the nitrogen cycle; and how this GRDC trial is looking to create a national data set of nitrogen loss across all regions of Australia.

david.lester@daf.qld.gov.au

Contact: 

Professor Mike Bell

University of Queensland

m.bell@uq.edu.au

Dr David Lester

Queensland Department Agriculture and Fisheries

More information:

GRDC Podcast Episode – Predicting Nitrogen cycling and losses in Australian cropping systems

Project Code: UOQ2204-010RTX

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GRDC in conversation: Harm van Rees

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Harm van Rees.

Harm’s story starts in the Netherlands where he was raised until he was 14. Then his father got an engineering job in Australia, bringing the family with him. When his dad got another job back in the UK, Harm was not ready to leave. He studied science and biochemistry which took him all around the world, and when he got back to Australia, he headed to Victoria’s high country to study cattle grazing, but that’s only the beginning. Harm was a touchstone for no till farming in the 1990s and won a GRDC Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award in 2020 which saw him seek new insights into attitudes towards, and usage of, glyphosate around the world.

Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.

GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX

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Novel solutions for pest management

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0000

It’s estimated the Australian grains industry loses more than $350 million a year – due to insects.

GRDC has invested in the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) a joint initiative with the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia – set up to tackle pest management problems in the grains industry.

More novel approaches and solutions pest control are needed – Associate Professor Paul Umina from Cesar Australia and the University of Melbourne – provided an update on the ground-breaking research currently underway.