GRDC Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact of cotton production on grain production in the north. Transitioning from dryland cotton back into a cereal or pulse crop can be problematic for growers with residual issues associated with the harvested cotton crop. On this program Jon Baird from NSW DPI at Narrabri discusses trials he has undertaken on differing sowing options following a cotton crop. Contact: Jon Baird 02 6799 1520 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early sowing of canola has clear advantages as is reflected by the number of growers choosing to position their canola seeding program first. On this podcast, NSW DPI Agronomist, Col McMaster outlines the latest research findings and reminds us of the key issues to consider. Contact: Col McMaster, NSWDPI [email protected] Resources 10 tips to early sown canola guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/ten-tips-to-early-sown-canola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by what he saw a neighbouring doing and with GRDC's investment in the Soils Constraints West project & DPIRD support, Corrigin based grain grower Simon Wallwork bought a mouldboard plough from the UK and began a soil amelioration program that is resulting in improved water penetration and better grain yields. Note: related GRDC project codes - DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projects DAW00252, DAW00236 Further information: Simon Wallwork email: [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When used strategically, soil amelioration can help grain growers overcome a suite of soil and agronomic constraints, including acidity, water repellence and high weed populations. In this podcast the focus is on crop establishment challenges after soil amelioration, including the use of pre-emergent herbicides. Tom Edwards, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been part of the statewide Soil Constraints West project an investment by GRDC and DPIRD to help improve soil constraints and lift yields and grain grower returns. Further information: Tom Edwards Research officer Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 3 Melijinup Rd Esperance WA 6450 0427 849 393 P - (08) 9083 1151 [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Australian grain growers face a lot of constraints when it comes to the soils they work to grow the grain we demand.In this podcast we’ll look back at the recently concluded Soil Constraints West project, a GRDC 5 year investment to improve soil structure and health, thereby lifting productivity and growers’ profitability. Leader of the Subsoil constraints component of the project is David Hall from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Esperance office. Further information: David Hall, Senior Research Officer (Soil Management) 0447 914 013 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In frost-prone areas, it is important to have a comprehensive frost management strategy as part of annual farm planning. In this podcast, Dr Ben Biddulph from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shares his considerations and pre-seeding checklist for grain growers. Contact: Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRD [email protected] More information: Frost Damaged Crop Salvage Options And Seed Retention podcast: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/frost-damaged-crop-salvage-options-and-seed-retention Identifying Frost Damage & Options Post Frost video: https://youtu.be/_V1l06xDLTw Frost Identification Guide: https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide 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

As part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s investment in the Soil Constraints West project, water harvesting on sodic soils is one of the many facets of research this 5 year project has focussed on. In this podcast Dana Mulvany, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development, talks about her work researching sodic soils in low rainfall environments and the impact of water harvesting on crop yields. Further information: Dana Mulvany Soils Research officer Grains Research and Innovation Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 1 Mitchell Street, Merredin WA 6415 m +61 (0)476 842 063 | w dpird.wa.gov.au https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hydrophobic, or water-repellent soils are soils coated in organic compounds, which prevent water from properly infiltrating the soil. Usually affecting sandy soils, these compounds can come from plant wax and oils, or microorganisms in the soil, causing patchy and staggered crop establishment for grain growers. In this podcast, Dr Stephen Davies from WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development talks to Lucinda Jose about outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that can help growers better manage water-repellent soils. Further information: Dr Stephen Davies Soil Constraints West Initiative Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530 m: 0408 439 497 email: [email protected] Resources: AGRIC Managing soils > ROSA: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/managing-soils/ranking-options-soil-amendments-tool AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellence AGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compaction AGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidity GRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soil is made up of organic and mineral particles and in between these particles are tiny air pockets containing water, soil microbes and fauna. These are essential components for healthy soil and root and crop development. When soil is compacted, the air pockets are squeezed out, compressing the particles closer together making it firmer and more difficult to penetrate. This in turn creates a hostile environment for roots and soil fauna. In this podcast, Wayne Parker, from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Soil Compaction project leader, talks to Lucinda Jose about the causes of soil compaction and the outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that growers can adopt to improve their soils. Contact information: Wayne Parker Leader of the Soil Compaction Project Soil Constraints West Initiative Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530 m: 0429 080 074 email: [email protected] More info: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Useful Resources AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellence AGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compaction AGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidity GRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils http://www.ctfcalculator.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield. At Matt’s early sowing trial site near Premer on the NSW Liverpool Plains the paddock has a 50-metre variation in elevation. In part two of this podcast Matt moves to the top end of the slope and compares the difference in crop performance and frost risk and discusses what that means for a sowing strategy. And grain grower Tom Simpson who has been involved in the trials tells of his experience on a broad acre scale. Further information: Matt Gardner – AMPS Research AMPS Agribusiness 46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 PO Box 3493 West Tamworth NSW 2340 Ph: 02 6762 2677 e: [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are in the final stages of identifying a new commercial acid tolerant rhizobia strain for Group F. This strain will offer new hope to southern growers looking to enhance nitrogen fixation of pea, bean and lentil crops in low pH soils. In this podcast, SARDI Senior Research Officer Liz Farquharson takes us through the latest rhizobia strain research and related management options available for southern growers. While commercial release of the strain may seem like a while away, there is still plenty that growers can do to promote nodulation of winter pulse crops. Contact: Liz Farquharson SARD [email protected] More information: Improving The Performance Of Rhizobial Inoculants In Suboptimal Conditions: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/fixing-more-n-improving-the-performance-of-rhizobial-inoculants-in-suboptimal-conditions Inoculating legumes: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/bookshop/2015/07/inoculating-legumes Legumes and nitrogen fixation: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2017/06/tips-and-tactics-legumes-and-nitrogen-fixation Nitrogen fixation in field pea: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/nitrogen-fixation-in-field-pea Legumes In Acidic Soils - maximising production potential: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/legumes-in-acidic-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some grain growers the potential risk of a frost event damaging their cereal crop can result in a conservative sowing strategy. But sowing late to avoid frost damage can result in less than optimal grain yields at the end of the season. In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield. And in part-one Matt deals with frost risk versus heat stress. Further information: Matt Gardner – AMPS Research AMPS Agribusiness 46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 PO Box 3493 West Tamworth NSW 2340 Ph: 02 6762 2677 e: [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grain growers in central and southern NSW cannot afford to ignore crown rot inoculum levels in their paddocks. Allowing inoculum levels to build even for just one year can create a problem that may take several years to resolve. In this podcast, Crown Rot scientist Steven Simpfendorfer, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries at Tamworth, explains the case for eternal vigilance. Contact: Steven Simpfendorfer 0439 581 672 [email protected] Resources: PreDicta B soil testing service that helps grain and pulse producers identify soil-borne pathogens to minimise risk of yield loss: http://pir.sa.gov.au/research/services/molecular_diagnostics/predicta_b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NVT is the largest coordinated field trial work of its kind in the world, with 650 trials per year and 1.3 million plot measurements available. Since 2005, NVT covers; Wheat, Barley, Canola, Chickpea, Field pea, Lentils, Faba beans, Lupins, Oats and more recently Sorghum. All varieties are tested within 2 years of commercial release to help growers and advisers get ahead start on emerging varieties and how they may perform in their circumstances. The GRDC’s National Variety Trial (NVT) program evaluates approximately 2000 released and near- released varieties across the nation each year. The data is collated and displayed on NVT’s website, creating a valuable and constantly evolving resource for grain growers. This podcast focuses on accessing and using the wealth of information on the NVT website to make informed variety selection decisions. Manager NVT Systems, Neale Sutton says the site makes it easy for growers to connect with crop trial results specific to their location and unique environment. Get started at https://nvtonline.com.au Further information: Neale Sutton Manager – NVT Systems GRDC Melbourne 1216B Toorak Road, Camberwell 3124, Victoria 0438 579 992 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new resource for canola growers will help them better identify insect pests in establishing canola crops, enabling more sustainable and effective control strategies. Find out more on this podcast and watch out for a series of introductory workshops being held across canola growing areas of NSW. To obtain a copy of 'Insect pests of establishing canola in NSW' contact Phil Bowden. Contact: Phil Bowden 0427 201 946 [email protected] Links: http://www.australianoilseeds.com/ http://www.australianoilseeds.com/oilseeds_industry/whats-on/managing_early_season_canola_pests2 https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2019/2/hands-on-tips-for-managing-early-season-canola-pests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sometimes hear about the rundown of Phosphorus nutrient deep in the soil profile and a deal of research is being conducted right now into Deep P Placement and the benefits derived from that. Well just recently research in south eastern Australia has attempted to address another issue deep in the soil profile and that is soil acidity or low pH and its effect on legume yields. Work undertaken by Dr Helen Burns and Mark Norton from NSW DPI has looked closely at this problem and a new GRDC publication will detail this complex issue for growers and their advisers. Download the Publication 'Legumes in acidic soils - maximising production potential' here: https://grdc.com.au/legumes-in-acidic-soils Further information: Dr Helen Burns (02) 6938 1947 [email protected] More info: https://grdc.com.au Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indonesia is, by far, Australia’s biggest single wheat customer. Each year, on average, Indonesia buys 4.2 million tonnes of Australian wheat, worth 1.2 billion dollars. That’s nearly one quarter of all Australian wheat exports. But the threat from low-cost wheat producers, such as Russia and Ukraine – as well as ongoing competition from premium suppliers like Canada and the US – is putting the squeeze on Australian exports to Indonesia. AEGIC, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, is an initiative of GRDC and the WA State Government that exists to increase the value of Australian grain. In this podcast AEGIC CEO Richard Simonaitis talks about the opportunities and challenges facing Australian wheat exports to Indonesia. Further information: Keir Tunbridge AEGIC Communications Coordinator 0409 991 817 (08) 6168 9904 [email protected] www.aegic.org.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could confidently predict that a decision you made in the paddock today would deliver agronomic and financial benefits three years into the future. In a nutshell that’s what GRDC’s Farming Systems Project is all about – testing real decisions a farmer might take and how that affects the profitability of a farm now and into the future. On this podcast the CSIRO’s Dr Lindsay Bell takes us through just some of the scenarios being examined at the main trial site at Pampas on the Darling Downs. Contact: Dr Lindsay Bell 0409 881 988 [email protected] Resources: http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/images/sampledata/2017/113_ASA2017_Bell_Lindsay_Final.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a form of weed control in crops reducing row spacing can have a significant impact on weed populations. By reducing crop row spacing the biomass of the weed are reduced but what’s even more important is weed seed numbers are dramatically reduced. These were key messages delivered to grain growers at a Weedsmart conference where Paul McIntosh from the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative was a speaker. Also addressing the growers was a farmer from NSW who told of his experience with overcoming a serious weed issue on his property by reducing crop row spacing. Chris Roche and Paul McIntosh pass on their experiences in this podcast. Further information: Paul McIntosh AHRI Agronomist 0429 566 198 [email protected] More info: https://weedsmart.org.au/the-big-6/ Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe Events: https://grdc.com.au/events GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WA’s sand plain soils feature multiple constraints including water repellence, acidity and compaction, all focus points of GRDC’s $33-million-dollar investment in the Soil Constraints West Project. Soil constraints result in lost grain production worth more than $4 billion annually, just in WA. A key project outcome is that growers should consider treating multiple constraints over smaller areas, rather than working on one constraint at a time. The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business. Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils GRDC project codes: DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projectsDAW00252, DAW00236 Further information: Dr Stephen Davies 0408 439 497 08 9956 8515 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changing weather patterns mean WA growers are often attempting to sow and get crops established in a warming and dry period. Although, there is often a reasonable level of subsoil moisture from summer rains, which are more common than in the past, to help boost establishment if accessed by roots. Geraldton and Kwinana East port zone growers are particularly interested in examining the factors that could be impacting on crop emergence. Most of these involve deeper seed placement for access to subsoil moisture, although crops vary in their ability to handle deeper sowing. GRDC has invested in a case study/booklet project aiming to provide an overview of the latest research into crop establishment for these regions - as well as examples of the successful management practices/tactics being used by growers in the regions. Seeing what others are doing should help growers to make informed decisions to achieve improved crop germination and establishment in a drying soil profile, lessening the risk of crop failure and reduced returns. Further information: Dylan Hirsch Latham WA 0408 790 816 email: [email protected] GRDC project code: 9176147 Tactics to improve crop establishment in a drying soil profile for Geraldton and Kwinana East port zone growers: An Initiative of the Regional Cropping Solutions Network. Julieanne Hill RCSN Co-ordinator 0447 261 607 email: [email protected] grdc.com.au/rcsn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soil constraints are reducing grain grower profitability in Western Australia. Soil compaction, low pH and water repellence are estimated to cost the state’s grains industry a billion dollars annually in lost productivity. That is why the GRDC invested in a multi-organisation 5 year R&D program called the Soil Constraints West Initiative. Now in its final year and with up to $33 million invested, changes are happening on farm. Chris Gazey from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is Soils and Nutrition portfolio manager with the Department and oversees the Soil Constraints West projects. The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business. Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils YouTube playlist, Soil Constraints: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHHe0RZUASSU6fpCtkpHK6vL Further information: Chris Gazey 0429107976 [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From time to time a grain grower might be in the position of needing temporary on-farm grain storage. One options for storing grain is a Bunker or grain pad. In this podcast Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider if planning to construct a bunker or grain storage pad. Further information: Philip Burrill Senior Development Agronomist, Postharvest Grain Protection Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 0427 696 500 [email protected] www.daf.qld.gov.au Hermitage Research Facility 604 Yangan Rd., Warwick QLD. 4370 DAF Customer Service Centre 13 25 23 More info: http://storedgrain.com.au Adding grain storage video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHEXfx7v0hPuJXJ_8y5P8jCD Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices