GRDC Podcast

A new grain cleaning method is being trialled in WA to enable growers to further reduce the presence of snails in their harvested grain and oilseeds. It’s a snail roller, in common use in Victoria, but new to WA. On this podcast Nathan Dovey from Stirlings to the Coast Farmers talks about the advantages and some of the drawbacks that farmers will have using a snail roller. Contact: Nathan Dovey 0429 468 030 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC’s nutrition decisions following a dry season project is looking at a variety of ways to fix multiple soil constraints – pH, sodicity and salinity. The second year of the five year project has thrown up some interesting results which makes researchers optimistic that they may be able to deliver a sub-soil amelioration package for growers. Contact: Ehsan Tavakkoli 02 6938 1992 [email protected] More information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/nutrition-decisions-following-a-dry-season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esperance-based grower Gavin Egan started using clay spreading, delving and deep ripping to ameliorate soil water repellence and compaction issues seven years ago. For Gavin, the results have paid off. What was typical Western Australian flat Mallee country, producing around 2t/ha cereal crops, is now delivering double those yields. This topic was the focus of the GRDC investment Soil Constraints West project. The project is a collaboration between the GRDC and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and aims to help improve soil constraints and lift yields and grain grower returns. More info: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Related GRDC project codes - DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projects DAW00252, DAW00236 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a glance you can now determine just how much your local climate has changed over the past 60 years. The Bureau of Meteorology has published climate guides based on your Natural Resource Management (NRM) area. The guides are a part of the Federal Government’s Drought Initiative. On this podcast we speak to one of the authors of the guides and he reveals some data that may – or may not – surprise you. Contact: Joel Lisonbee [email protected] Climate Guides www.bom.gov.au/climate/climate-guides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Western Australia’s eastern wheatbelt the sand plain soils are prone to acidification. To neutralise the acidity grain growers apply coastal lime usually sources from sites hundreds of kilometres away from their farms. However as part of a project initiated by the Kwinana East Regional Cropping Solution Network group research is being done to locate and assess on-farm lime sources as an alternative to coastal lime. Further information: Greg Shea, DPIRD Great Eastern Highway, Merredin WA 6415 m: 0427 449 398 e: [email protected] GRDC project code: LIE1803-002SAX USEFUL RESOURCES: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/locating-and-assessing-on-farm-lime-sources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not everyone can be in the Top 20 percent of growers. But YOU can. And the scale of your operation won’t put you into, or keep you out of, that exclusive club. On this podcast, we hear about some practical ways for you to judge and improve your financial performance. And it’s information that you already have. Contact: James Hillcoat 08 8841 4500 Twitter @JamesHillcoat Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/opportunity-for-profit-management-guideline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An astounding $90 million worth of canola is estimated to be lost from the back of harvesters every year in Western Australia. In this podcast Planfarm consultant and harvest loss expert, Peter Newman, talks about practical steps and resources WA canola and cereal growers can use to minimise harvest losses and maximise capacity. Peter is leading a targeted GRDC extension project on this issue, and has developed a harvest loss calculator and popular Twitter handle for sharing information and solutions. He also works directly with grain growers. Further information: Peter Newman m: 0427 984 010 ph: 08 9964 1170 email: [email protected] GRDC project code – PLN1803-001SAX Join the conversation @harvestloss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pulse growers consistently report a greater boost in cereal production following a pulse crop than they would normally get from manufactured nutrients like nitrogen. Why is that? What is so special about the nitrogen delivered to the soil by a pulse crop. Soil scientist Cassie Schefe thinks she has the answer. Contact: Cassandra Schefe 0419 238 798 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decisions around lime applications to acid soils have suddenly become a lot easier with the availability of the iLime Calculator, a smartphone app that is easy to use and reveals the tangible benefits of applying lime over time. The app can be customised to incorporate your own inputs. On this podcast Chris Gazey, the Soil Science and Crop Nutrition Portfolio Manager with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Region Development, explains how it works and the benefits of the new iLime app. Contact: Chris Gazey 0429 107 976 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Increasing herbicide use over the last two decades has led to concerns over the potential effects herbicides (and their residues) have on soil health. This concern has led to significant, national GRDC investment over the past five years into the potential impacts of increased herbicide use on key soil biological processes. This is being achieved by benchmarking the level of herbicide residues in cropping soils and generating new knowledge about the fate, behaviour and risk of herbicides to productivity and soil biological function. In this podcast we hear the latest project from NSW Department of Primary Industries research scientist, Dr Mick Rose. Contact: Mick Rose [email protected] More information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/herbicide-residues-in-soil-what-is-the-scale-and-significance https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/impacts-of-residual-herbicides-on-soil-biological-function GRDC project code: DAN00180 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fungicide resistance is inevitable. That’s a tough message to accept, but experts say resistance is like a train travelling to a destination – nothing will stop it arriving but we can slow it down. On this podcast, fungicide specialist, Nick Poole, suggests a new timetable for the fungicide resistance train. Contact: Nick Poole [email protected] More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/protecting-the-longevity-of-new-fungicides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC is leading a $16 million project focused boosting the resilience of mixed farms via successful incorporation of pasture legume species currently not widely grown. In today’s podcast, Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior research scientist, Angelo Loi, shares his key steps to successful sowing and establishment of pasture legumes in summer/autumn. Contact: Dr Angelo Loi, DPIRD [email protected] More information: Twin sowing and summer sowing: alternative techniques to introduce annual legumes into pastures https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pasture-establishment/twin-sowing-and-summer-sowing-alternative-techniques-introduce-annual-legumes Pasture Legumes Project To Grow The Fortunes Of Mixed Farms https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/national/2017/10/pasture-legumes-project-to-grow-the-fortunes-of-mixed-farms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big is definitely the case when it comes to spray nozzle sizes, particularly when spraying in sensitive areas during summer. On this podcast, spray expert Bill Gordon details new label requirements, including nozzle sizes, when using 2-4D chemistries. Bill also re-assures us that it’s still possible to do a good spray job with larger nozzles. Further Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/changes-to-2,4-d-registrations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sandy soils account for five million hectares of Australia’s southern grain growing region. Crop water use and productivity on these sandy soils are commonly limited by a range of soil constraints that affect root growth. In this podcast we hear from CSIRO’s Senior Research Scientist Dr Lynne Macdonald who leads GRDC’s sandy soils program in the southern region. The program aims to improve the diagnosis and management of underperforming sandy soil in the Southern Region. Project code: CSP00203 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A leading science communicator says rather than educating the general public about farming, farmers should ensure that urban people trust farmers to have their best interests at heart. Heather Bray, from the University of Western Australia, says trust in farmers is more important than how deeply city people understand the business of farming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liming to maintain good soil pH levels and avoiding yield losses is just as important as applying fertiliser for maximising yields. If growers let soil pH levels in the topsoil run-down (pH in CaCl2 < 5.0) they are at risk of creating soil acidity issues at depth which are harder and more expensive to treat. In general, not enough lime has been applied frequently enough to address acidification occurring within the whole soil profile, so soil test to depth and calculate lime requirements for 0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm, not just the top 10cm of soil. Contact: Lisa Miller Southern Farming Systems 23 High St, Inverleigh, Vic 3321 0488 600 226 [email protected] Further Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/lime-and-liming-managing-soil-health http://www.sfs.org.au/SoilAcidityLimeResponse https://agex.org.au/project/soil-acidity/ https://grdc.com.au/legumes-in-acidic-soils https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-acidity/soil-acidity-frequently-asked-questions-faqs http://vlpa.asn.au/w/product-specification/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research undertaken by the Northern Grower Alliance has cast new light on the timing and method of nitrogen application. On this podcast, NGA’s Richard Daniel outlines the latest thinking when it comes to applying nitrogen to crops. Contact: Richard Daniel 0428 657 782 [email protected] Links: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2017/08/tips-for-developing-an-effective-nitrogen-strategy-its-all-about-the-rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snails may be slow to move, but they are quick to survive baits during late Spring and Summer. This surprising development has been revealed as a result of research into snail mortality on the York Peninsula. This fact and several other tips for managing snails are explained by entomologist Helen Brodie on this podcast. Contact: Helen Brodie 08 8429 0557 [email protected] Link: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-138-january-february-2019/autumn-baiting-timely-for-snail-control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A common pest for canola growers to monitor each Spring is the Cabbage Aphid. DPRID research officer Dusty Severtson describes where within the crop to check for the aphid and the use of monitoring tools such as the Crop Scout app to accurately calculate aphid numbers. Contact: Dusty Severtson Research Officer – Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development m: 0427 196 656 email: [email protected] Further information: https://grdc.com.au/CropAphidsBackPocketGuide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nitrogen fertiliser is arguably a farmer’s biggest variable cost, year on year. Providing the correct amount of nitrogen to a growing crop is the key to success. But how best to deliver that nitrogen without seeing it lost to the environment before it reaches the crop? That was the key question for some recent research in western Victoria – research that is still ongoing in many parts of the southern and northern region. Contact: Ash Wallace [email protected] More Information: https://communities.grdc.com.au/crop-nutrition/mid-row-banding-promising-for-in-crop-nitrogen/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farmers in blackleg prone areas of Australia are generally competent in managing the disease in their canola crops. That is until the recent advent of blackleg infection of the upper canopy. This new way blackleg has developed ways to attack canola crops is the focus of this podcast featuring Steve Marcroft from Marcroft Pathology. Contact: Steve Marcroft 03 5381 2294 0409 978 941 [email protected] https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5956950/plan-to-beat-upper-canopy-blackleg-infection-in-canola/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valuable frost research is equipping grain growers with practical information on how to identify frost damage in cereal crops. In this podcast WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development research officer, Dr Ben Biddulph, discusses what to look for, when and where, to identify frost damage. According to Dr Biddulph grain growers need to be alert, but not alarmed about frost, and know what management options are available to reduce or mitigate frost risk. Further information: Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRD Grains Directorate 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151 m: 0428 920 654 e: [email protected] GRDC project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236 A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website: Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide Frost - Frequently Asked Questions, a DPIRD publication produced in collaboration with GRDC at https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq The GRDC YouTube frost playlist which includes segments about the emotional cost of frost and managing the effects of frost https://www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-Video-NationalFrostInitiativePlaylist GRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRisk More information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes Frost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support and https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blackleg is a common yet economically serious canola disease in Western Australia (WA). While it has the potential to cause severe yield loss, the good news is that it can be successfully managed. Dr Ravjit Khangura from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is an expert in this area, and advocates an integrated disease management approach. Dr Khangura joins Deb Bishop to discuss blackleg management tactics and GRDC resources that are available to help WA growers combat the disease. Contact: Dr Ravjit Khangura DPIRD [email protected] Additional resources: BlacklegCM app (https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/blacklegcm-a-new-app-to-manage-blackleg-in-canola) 2018 Blackleg Management Guide (https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/blackleg-management-guide) – National Variety Trials (https://www.nvtonline.com.au/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With water such a valuable commodity nowadays, it’s little wonder that irrigators ask themselves whether they are better off selling their water or using it to grow out a crop. It’s a tough question. So GRDC last year asked the Irrigated Cropping Council to see if they could come up with some answers. Contact: Damian Jones 0409 181 099 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diamondback Moth is an occasional pest of canola, but severe infestations of adults and/or caterpillars can cause up to 80 per cent yield losses in canola and other brassica crops. This pest can also rapidly develop insecticide resistance and an integrated pest management plan is advised for sustainable control. Further information: Dusty Severtson Research Officer – Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development m: 0427 196 656 email: [email protected] Resources: GRDC Factsheet, Resistance Management Strategy For Diamondback Moth In Australian Canola. https://grdc.com.au/fs-resistancestrategydiamondbackmoth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trials are underway to determine accurate control thresholds for Russian Wheat Aphid under Australian conditions. The national trials are also looking at the potential impact of the insect on Australian yields. On this podcast, SARDI Entomologist Maarten van Helden discusses this important work. Contact: Maarten van Helden, SARDI [email protected] Resources: Russian wheat aphid green bridge surveillance https://youtu.be/xA2RB5Mw5jE Russian Wheat Aphid: Tactics For Future Control https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2017/07/russian-wheat-aphid-tactics-for-future-control Tips & Tactics: Russian Wheat Aphid https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/tips-and-tactics-russian-wheat-aphid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is focussed on the second research component of the Frost Mapping project, assessing frost damage before its visible to the naked eye, using the Electromagnetic spectrum. This is a collaborative project involving Mick Faulkner, the University of Western Australia, Agriculture Victoria and grain growers, including David Mitchell from Mintaro in South Australia’s north eastern grain growing zone. The Frost Mapping project is one of a number of projects related to GRDC’s key investment target strategy for frost. Further information: Mick Faulkner Agrilink Agricultural Consultants PO Box 118, Watervale SA 5452 Ph: 08 88434282 Mob: 0428 857378 Email: [email protected] A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website: Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide GRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRisk More information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A research effort led by CSIRO, with GRDC investment, has developed a modeling tool that could in future years help growers rapidly understand the extent of crop damage following a frost event to aid with timely decision-making post-frost. The Frost Mapping project is one of a number of projects related to GRDC’s key investment target strategy for frost. Further information: David Gobbett Senior Experimental Scientist / Spatial Data Analyst Integrated Agricultural Systems CSIRO Agriculture & Food Phone: +61 8 8303 8741 | Mobile: 043 887 5531 | [email protected] | http://people.csiro.au/G/D/David-Gobbett.aspx | Postal: Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia | Site: CSIRO Waite Campus, Gate 4, Waite Rd, Urrbrae, SA 5064 GRDC project code: CSP00198 A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website: Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide GRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRisk More information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using a GRDC/RCSN ‘local project’ investment into tactical fungicide use involving a local western region farm adviser is addressing the issue of managing spot form of net blotch (SFNB) in barley crops. This disease is a R&D priority for the Regional Cropping Solutions Network Kwinana West (RCSN) group and for the GRDC Western Regional Panel. This podcast highlights how local research results are providing solutions for this disease, especially the economics of fungicide use. Contact: Garren Knell, ConsultAg agronomist [email protected] 0427 442 887 To report episodes of fungicide resistance: * Contact the Centre for Crop and Disease Management at Curtin University, Perth WA [email protected] (08) 9266 4818 More information: * https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/barley-west * https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/the-incidence-of-fungicide-resistance-in-spot-form-net-blotch-sfnb-and-its-implications * https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/spot-form-net-blotch-impact-of-resistance-and-epidemic-severity-on-yield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glyphosate resistance is on the rise in Australia’s grain growing regions. With 17 key weed species already identified as resistant, sustainable herbicide practices have never been so important. In this podcast Andrew Storrie from AGRONOMO discusses what herbicide resistance (or susceptibility) testing options are available to WA growers. Further information: Andrew Storrie PO Box 5944 Albany WA 6332 Phone +61 (8) 9842 3598 Mobile: 0428 423 577 [email protected] @AgronomoOz AGSWG web site www.glyphosateresistance.org.au For information on herbicide sustainability visit the WeedSmart information hub at www.weedsmart.org.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grain growers in Tasmania could be averaging cereal yields of 7 tonnes per hectare. The top 10 percent of those growers could be doing double that tonnage. This is a major outcome the Hyper Yielding Cereals project wants to see after 5 years of Research, Development and Extension. This podcast will take you to Hagley in northern Tasmania where the GRDC has invested in a major trial to lift feed wheat and barley yields, as well as improve grain quality and reduce the need for the island state to import cereals. Leading the Hyper Yielding Cereals R&D team is Nick Poole from FAR Australia. Further information: https://www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projects Nick Poole Managing Director Foundation for Arable Research Australia 23 High Street, Inverleigh, Victoria, 3321, Australia Ph: +61 3 5265 1290 Fax: +61 3 5265 1601 Mobile: +61 499 888 066 Web: www.far.org.nz (http://www.far.org.nz/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are testing the law of unintended consequences – in this case whether wheat varieties that stay greener longer are also prolonging the feeding of aphids on wheat plants. On this podcast, Entomologist, Melina Miles and her team take us into the tiny world of aphids. Contact: Melina Miles Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) 0407 113 306 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many central western NSW grain growers in 2018, the decision to graze their cereal crops reaped big rewards. But it’s not as simple as letting a mob of sheep loose on your best farming paddock. On this podcast, Peter Matthews, a Technical Specialist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries discusses the tactical and strategic decisions you need to take for a successful cereal grazing program. Contact: Peter Matthews 0427 007 395 [email protected] Resources: Dual purpose crops boost farm income: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-132-january-february-2018/dual-purpose-crops-boost-farm-income Dual purpose cereal variety performance in NSW farming systems: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/dual-purpose-cereal-variety-performance-in-nsw-farming-systems Dual purpose cereals varieties and management for the northern slopes and plains: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2013/02/dual-purpose-cereals-varieties-and-management-for-the-northern-slopes-and-plains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After identifying a need to lift cereal yields to take advantage of the extensive soil amelioration work that’s been happening in Western Australia and newfound opportunities to sow early crops, a group of innovative Esperance growers were keen to investigate options. Quenten Knight a member of the Soil Constraints West steering committee and an agronomist with Agronomy Focus in Esperance put together a study tour plan for the group and with a GRDC Grower Development award, the Esperance growers had the means to travel. Their destination was the Hyper Yielding Cereals trial site in New Zealand. Further information: GRDC - Grower and Adviser development: https://grdc.com.au/about/scholarships-sponsorships-awards/grower-and-adviser-development FAR - Research and Extension projects: https://www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projects Quenten Knight Agronomist Agronomy Focus 9 Currong Street PO Box 2418 Esperance WA 6450 M - 0427 720004 P - (08) 9072 0542 F - (08) 9072 0726 E - [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monitoring a crop is an integral part of a growers integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Not only does it reveal if any damage is occurring, it also helps in determining pest and beneficial presence and abundance. In this podcast, agronomist Phil Bowden explores these insect monitoring methods in detail, to help growers and advisors make an informed risk assessment and to decide if chemical control is warranted. It’s also detailed in the publication Insect Pests Of Establishing Canola In NSW guide developed by cesar (developer of Pestfacts) and the GRDC. Contact: Phil Bowden [email protected] Resources: Insect Pests Of Establishing Canola In NSW guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/insect-pests-of-establishing-canola-in-nsw GrowNotes Canola - North: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-north GrowNotes Canola - South: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-south GrowNotes Canola - West: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-west Detecting and managing blackleg in canola crops video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arU7pr0ygqA Keep an eye out for Monitoring for insects in early season canola video series on the GRDC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/theGRDC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) seeder demonstration day was held in April 2019 to compare six commercially-available conventional seeders and precision planters in establishing canola at two sowing rates. In this podcast, the GRDC’s Andrew Etherton talks through the event and the GRDC investment behind it - a four-year industry collaboration aiming to increase the profitability of growers in Australia’s southern and western grain producing areas. The trial data will be analysed later in the growing season by BCG, and the outcomes shared with growers so they can make improvements to seeding machinery and quantify the value of precision planters in optimising plant establishment and yield. Contact: Andrew Etherton [email protected] Resources: Birchip Cropping Group seeder demo day video: https://youtu.be/m7VM3BC4tnE More information: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2019/4/seeder-demonstration-day-at-birchip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grain yields in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) have always posed a paradox, remaining far lower than modelling had predicted. However, that is now changing as a result of a comprehensive new research program covering farm-management practices, soil nutrition and plant biology and the development of tools that are helping to better predict the yield and economic benefits of applying inputs in the high-rainfall zone. Further information: Dr Penny Riffkin Dept. Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resource - Victoria 0418 514 815 03 5573 0926 [email protected] Malcolm McCaskill 03 5573 0957 [email protected] Useful resources: https://communities.grdc.com.au/crop-nutrition?s=HRZ+decision+support+tools Visit https://extensionaus.com.au More resources GRDC Podcast, Lifting HRZ cereal yields: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/lifting-hrz-cereal-yields GRDC project code: DAV00141 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s actually not about luck. Controlling Crown Rot is about good management. On this podcast, senior plant pathologist, Andrew Milgate, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, explains that the control of Crown Rot in southeastern Australia needs a specific strategy to prevent inoculum levels climbing to the point that reducing the impact of the disease could take years. Contact: Dr Andrew Milgate Senior Plant Pathologist Department of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, NSW 02 6938 1900 [email protected] Resources: GRDC Crop variety guides: https://grdc.com.au/crop-variety-guides NSW DPI Winter crop sowing guide: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/guides/publications/winter-crop-variety-sowing-guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hagley in northern Tasmania is the site of an extensive trial dedicated to helping the state’s grain growers to achieve higher yields of quality feed grain. It’s also the location of an annual field day that showcases its research into new cereal lines and agronomy strategies to lift feed grain productivity. On this podcast Tasmanian grower and Southern Panel member Michael Chilvers discusses the major constraints to cereal production in high rainfall areas, and how he is using the latest germplasm research and fungicide management strategies to help achieve the potential yield for his region. The trial and field day are part of the GRDC’s Hyper Yielding Cereals Project, that aims to increase average red feed wheat yields in Tasmania from 4.4 t/ha to 7t/ha by 2020 and have 10% of commercial Tasmanian feed wheat crops yielding 14t/ha by 2020. Resources: GRDC Update paper: Hyper yielding cereal project - What has performed well over two contrasting seasons? https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/hyper-yielding-cereal-project YouTube video: Comparing long & short season feed-grain barley varieties sown on the same date: https://youtu.be/cM4cMIoyd9E YouTube video: See the difference - comparing seeding rates at the Hyper Yielding Cereals trial: https://youtu.be/Oi78unbEZR0 YouTube video: Showing the level of disease resistance between fungicide treated and untreated cereals: https://youtu.be/l3g14Vot-d8 GRDC Southern panel: https://grdc.com.au/about/what-we-do/region-panels/southern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winter wheat varieties allow wheat growers in the Southern Region to sow much earlier than currently practised, meaning a greater proportion of farm can be sown on time. The GRDC’s Management of Early Sown Wheat project focuses on which varieties have the best yield, adaptation in different environments and their optimal sowing window. Associate Professor at La Trobe University, James Hunt, is involved in the project and talks us through the results of an experiment and their significance for growers. Contact: James Hunt [email protected] More information: Emerging Management Tips For Early Sown Winter Wheats update paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/emerging-management-tips-for-early-sown-winter-wheats GRDC project code: 9175069 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Regional Cropping Solutions Network encourages West Australian grain growers to voice local farming concerns and put forward research ideas to help increase grower profitability in their local port zone. In this podcast, WA grain grower and western region RCSN co-ordinator, Julianne Hill outlines the network’s collaborative structure and how it makes the best use of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's investment of grower R&D dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Managing herbicide resistant weeds has become a major concern for grain growers, especially in the northern region which has the highest number of glyphosate resistant weed species. These are mainly summer weed species. It was for this reason that GRDC invested in the tactical tillage project and called for a non-chemical means of weed control for use in an integrated weed management system. Answering the call, the University of Western Australia proposed it would engineer a machine that could see weeds and chip them out of the soil. Further information: Dr Andrew Guzzomi, Senior Lecturer Inaugural Agricultural Engineer, School of Engineering The University of Western Australia 6488 3883 [email protected] https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5872966/mechanical-chipper-added-to-weeds-arsenal/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The push to develop perennial cereals suitable for the Australian landscape is gathering pace with longevity of a new generation of plants being a key focus of researchers. On this podcast Matthew Newell from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) takes us into the heart of ongoing trial work at the Cowra Research Station. Matthew discusses the significance of home grown Australian perennial crops and explores traits with potential to bring higher returns to growers servicing a range of markets. Contact: Matthew Newell, Researcher NSW DPI 02 6342 3862 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new online publication is available for Western Australia’s southern grain growers who have a snail, slug or slater problem in their crops. Crop damage caused by Gastropods and slaters has increased over the past decade and the Albany and Esperance port zone GRDC Regional Cropping Solution Network has identified the issue as an R&D priority. So the Stirlings to Coast Farmers grower group, independent consultants and a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development entomologist have been running trials to evaluate baiting and other controls measures. Svetlana Micic is DPIRD’s Albany based entomologist and has been running snail baiting trials with local farmers and researching snail reproduction. In this podcast, Svetlana talks specifically about the snail problem and what baiting strategies growers should use to help manage this crop pest issue. Further information: Svetlana Micic | Entomologist Research, Development & Innovation Industry & Economic Development Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 444 Albany Hwy, Albany WA 6330 t +61 (0)8 9892 8591 | m +61 (0)427 772 051 | w dpird.wa.gov.au ‘Mitigating snails, slugs and slaters in southern Western Australia’ is available on the GRDC website at http://bit.ly/2V1GC7d and hard copies are available. To obtain a hard copy, contact the GRDC Perth office on [email protected] or call 08 9230 4600. Useful Resources Snail and slug baiting guidelines: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/286735/Snail_and_slug_baiting_guidelines.pdf Mitigating snails, slugs and slaters in southern Western Australia: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/mitigating-snails,-slugs-and-slaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, CSIRO’s Steve Henry outlines the research he has been doing with mice in cropping systems. Part of that project, which GRDC has invested in, involves bait trials aimed at getting better uptake of Zinc Phosphide the chemical used in mouse baits. The podcast was recorded during a break between sessions at the Bendigo Update and starts with an update on the situation in the paddocks at the Bendigo Update, February 2019. Further information: Steve Henry, CSIRO 0428 633 844 [email protected] GRDC Research Code: IAC00002 Mr Henry encourages growers and advisers to report and map mouse presence, absence and level of activity using MouseAlert (www.mousealert.org.au) so others can see the scale and extent of localised mouse activity. MouseAlert also provides access to fact sheets about mouse control and forecasts of the likelihood for future high levels of mouse activity in each grain-growing region. The GRDC-funded mouse monitoring project is a collaboration between Landcare Research (New Zealand), CSIRO Agriculture and Food and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. Observations can be directed to Mr Henry via Twitter, @MouseAlert. Information about mouse control is available via the MouseAlert website, www.mousealert.org.au, or the GRDC Fact Sheet on mouse control. Update papers – Bendigo 2019 Mice status, baiting and forecast threat: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/mice-status,-baiting-and-forecast-threat Useful Resources Mouse Control: https://grdc.com.au/mousecontrol Better Mouse Management: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2017/07/tips-and-tactics-better-mouse-management Monitoring Mice in Australia: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/monitoring-mice-in-australia Controlling Mice - Baiting Strategies: https://agex.org.au/media/controlling-mice-baiting-strategies/ Video: Mice Control - a challenge for conservation farming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQxKXWzkKjQ Mouse Chew Card: https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/307961/Mouse_card_A4web_compressed.pdf GRDC Mouse Control webinar and Q&A from 28th of March: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/webinars/mouse-control-webinar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maximising the benefit derived from applied fertiliser has never been more important as nutrient demands increase. Researchers in southern central NSW have tested several different nitrogen application methods and their findings challenge the current industry practice. On this podcast, NSW DPI researcher Graeme Sandral discusses work undertaken over several years and the resulting conclusion that mid row banding of nitrogen has proved to be the most cost efficient application method. Contact: [email protected] Links: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/improving-nitrogen-fertiliser-use-efficiency-in-wheat-using-mid-row-banding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fungicide Resistance in cereal crops such as barley could become as significant an issue for the Australian grains industry as Herbicide resistance in weeds. Powdery Mildew alone costs many millions a year in crop yield losses according to the industry. Researchers at the Centre for Crop Disease Management, a national research centre co-supported by WA’s Curtin University and the Grains Research & Development Corporation are leading the way in developing new technology and fungicide management strategies to address fungicide resistance in grain crops. Contact: Dr Fran Lopez-Ruiz Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Perth Western Australia m: 0468 766 584 ph: (08) 9266 3061 e: [email protected] GRDC project code: CUR00023 More information: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sclerotinia stem rot costs western and southern canola growers around $59 million dollars in crop losses annually. In today’s podcast, Dr Lars Kamphuis from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) shares the latest research on pre-breeding efforts to develop resistant varieties. Supported by the GRDC, researchers from the CCDM have sourced diverse canola genotypes from around the globe in a bid to discover germplasm with better genetic resistance. Contact: Carole Kerr, CCDM [email protected] More information: CCDM Sclerotinia hub: http://ccdm.com.au/sclerotinia/ GRDC Grains Research Update papers: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers GRDC Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Canola fact sheet: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2014/03/grdc-fs-sclerotinia GRDC Western Region Canola GrowNotes™: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-west DPIRD Sclerotinia hub: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/canola/managing-sclerotinia-stem-rot-canola NVT Online: https://nvtonline.com.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following a dry 2018 what is the likelihood of disease risk this season. According to the experts, the risk of disease this year can not be ignored. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria scientists, Grant Hollaway and Joshua Fanning, outline the risks and how to minimise them over the coming months. Contact: Grant Hollaway, Agriculture Victoria [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/cereal-foliar-and-root-disease-update-2019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just how close is Australia’s grains industry to being able to incorporate robotics into a weed control program? Well a lot closer than perhaps many people think. On this podcast we speak with Guy Coleman from Sydney University on the practical advancements in the field of robotics and discover that making face recognition software applicable to weeds is one of the final hurdles. Contact: Guy Coleman 02 8627 7157 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices