GRDC Podcast

Groundbreaking innovation tends to happen through multidisciplinary approaches and a range of expertise. That statement has never been truer than in a new national project bringing together precision technologies, remote sensing, and modern machine capabilities with knowledge of weed ecology and population dynamics to predict the emergence of weed patches across paddocks. This project is part of the Grain Automate initiative bringing together weed science expertise from the University of Western Australia and Bayer Crop Science, drone imaging technology from Australian start up InFarm, and geospatial analytics from Canadian start up Geco Agriculture. This episode features Mike Ashworth from the UWA node of the Weed Management Initiative, Tom Giles, GRDC Enabling Technologies Senior Manager, and grower John Young. Contact: Dr Mike Ashworth Australian Herbicide resistance initiative, University of Western Australia [email protected] Tom Giles GRDC [email protected] John Young Grower and GRDC western panel member [email protected] More Information: Machinery innovations to revolutionise weed controlPartenerships and vision are key to an autonomous future Geco Agriculture InFarm Bayer Crop Science Project Investment Code: UWA2307-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannen Davies’ idyllic childhood in Geraldton gave her a deep connection to the regions, and an appreciation for the innovation and growth happening in the farming space. Knowing agriculture has an incredible story to tell, Shannen uses her role as Communications Manager at InterGrain to ensure the groundbreaking research and innovation is given the platform it deserves. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Shannen about her life-changing Nuffield scholarship journey and her infectious excitement for the grains industry, which she says is on the cusp of the next breeding revolution. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how to collect the perfect sample of cereal rust? This is the episode for you. Listen as Matthew Williams and Margarita Pietilainen from the Australian Cereal Rust survey team at the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute give a detailed description on how to gather and prepare rust samples from the paddock for postage. You’ll also hear from Dr Mumta Chhetri who leads the project. They analyse up to 1700 rust samples per year sent by growers and their agronomists from all over Australia, a vital GRDC investment. Contact: Dr Mumta Chhetri Research Fellow in Cereal Rust Pathology, University of Sydney [email protected] Matthew Williams Australian Cereal Rust Survey Team [email protected] Margerita Pietilainen Australian Cereal Rust Survey Team [email protected] More Information: More information on the Australian Cereal Rust Survey: https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/our-research/research-areas/life-and-environmental-sciences/cereal-rust-research/rust-reports.html Visit the Australian Cereal Rust Survey 2025 Pathogen Map (interactive): https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1O9jxjzCUzlallX_981PIlJEuvWPTYvQ&ll=0%2C0&z=4 GRDC’s rust sample collection guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2025/how-to-collect-a-rust-sample Or log into https://my.grdc.com.au/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode explores the rise in fungicide resistance in Australian crops like wheat and barley by discussing work being done at Horsham Smart Farm in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Scientists from the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) including plant pathology research leader Dr Joshua Fanning and research scientist Melissa Cook are intentionally creating conditions to attract diseases to help decipher which varieties are more susceptible to disease. The Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) is a GRDC investment led by Curtin University. Contact: Dr Joshua Fanning Plant Pathology Research Leader, Agriculture Victoria [email protected] More information: AFREN website Horsham Smart Farm Groundcover article - Finding strategies to preserve disease resistance Agriculture Victoria - Cereal disease guide 2025 GRDC - Wheat disease update- rust and Septoria Project Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With farming roots deep in the south coast of WA, Julianne Hill’s career path has taken many twists and turns. Supporting farmers to reach their full potential has always been her focus, and that’s helped greatly by the long-term relationships she’s built over many rides in headers and cups of tea around kitchen tables. Having led the GRDC grower networks for more than a decade, she knows the impact meaningful research can have on on-farm outcomes. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Julianne about the challenges of starting farming from scratch, the loss of identity she felt after selling her farm and what life after farming looks like for Julianne, which is just as energised as ever! GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think twice when it comes to prophylactic spraying. That's the advice to southern growers this season. When disease pressure is low, reducing spraying means reducing costs. But just how should growers make the often-risky decision not to spray? To find out more we spoke to Nick Poole from FAR Australia and the Australian Fungicide Resistance Network, otherwise known as AFREN. Contact: Nick Poole FAR Australia & AFREN [email protected] More Information: AFREN FAR Australia Project Investment Code: UR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers in Western Australia need to be on the lookout for barley scald as it is increasing in prevalence and severity, including virulence onto varieties that have previously been rated as resistant. In this podcast we talk to senior research scientists at WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Andrea Hills and Dr Kithsiri Jayasena about what growers can do to combat barley scald in the season ahead. AFREN is a GRDC initiative to empower growers to mitigate the impact of fungicide resistance in Australian crops. WA DPIRD is a partner in this network, which is coordinated by the CCDM at Curtin University. Contacts: Andrea Hills, DPRID [email protected] Dr Kithsiri Jayasena, DPIRD [email protected] More Information: AFREN AFREN Management Guide Understanding Funcicide Resistance Fungicide resistance in barley Project Investment Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fritz Bolten is so dedicated to making agriculture work in Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley region he’s tried growing more than 26 different crops. He owns Oasis Farms, a 573 ha irrigated cropping enterprise in the Ord Valley growing chia, corn, chickpeas, mungbeans, cotton and sorghum forage seed. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Fritz about why he’s transitioning to an exclusively cotton and corn rotation. His ‘have a go’ approach to farming has led to some big wins, but also some losses along the way, as he navigates the extreme monsoon weather conditions, logistical hurdles and limited infrastructure of the vast subtropical north. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an ever-present challenge for Australian grain growers, but understanding how fungicide resistance develops, and what can be done to manage it, is key to protecting crops, and keeping disease pressure low. In this episode at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University, Dr Nola D’Souza explains how her team detects and tracks fungicide resistance in the lab, the role of AFREN, and the practical steps growers can take to slow its spread. The Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) is a GRDC investment, led by Curtin University. CCDM is a partnership between GRDC and Curtin University. Contact: Dr Nola D’Souza Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), Curtin University [email protected] More Information: AFRENCCDM Project Investment Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers in Western Australia are well aware of the benefits of growing legumes in their rotation, but often have concerns about their reliability and can lack confidence in their production. A GRDC investment with the Grower Group Alliance is aiming to change that, and in a four-part series, we'll be tackling the agronomy, profitability, marketing, and harvesting of growing legumes in WA. In this episode, we tackle the first part of that equation: how to grow them. Joined by agVivo agronomist, and Moora grower, Erin Cahill, listen to how he grows lentils and lupins, plus some agronomic advice for growing other key legumes. Contact: Erin Cahill agVivo [email protected] More Information: Profitable legumes becoming a reality Project Investment Code: GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials, or NVT new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2026 growing season. When it comes to choosing the right variety, NVT is the only independent variety information source trusted by Australian growers. In GRDC's 2025 grower survey, nine out of 10 growers accessed NVT information, and 94 per cent of those said it influenced their variety selection. Every variety featured in this podcast has been trialled through NVT, the largest independent trial program in the world. This podcast focuses on barley, canola, and chickpea. There's a separate podcast for wheat. Contacts: Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) InterGrain Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds) Pioneer BASF AustraliaNuseed Nutrien Ag Solutions (Dyna-Gro) NSW Department of Primary Industries (Chickpea Breeding Australia) More Information: You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au , alongside individual breeder websites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials, or NVT, new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2026 growing season. When it comes to choosing the right variety, NVT is the only independent variety information source trusted by Australian growers. In GRDC's 2025 grower survey, nine out of 10 growers accessed NVT information, and 94 per cent of those said it influenced their variety selection. Every variety featured in this podcast has been trialled through NVT, the largest independent trial program in the world. This podcast focuses on wheat. There is a separate podcast for other crops, including barley, canola and chickpea. Contact: LongReach Plant Breeders Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds) RAGT InterGrain More Information: You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au , alongside individual breeder websites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to storing fertiliser on-farm, small mistakes can turn into big problems. In this GRDC podcast, Grain Storage Extension Team member, Ben White shares practical advice on the dos and don’ts of fertiliser storage. From choosing quality product and limiting handling, through to managing moisture and avoiding dangerous silo blockages. He also highlights the safety risks growers need to be aware of, and where to find trusted resources to help with planning ahead. Contact: Ben White Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] More Information: GRDC publication Investing in fertiliser storage infrastructure, authors Cussons Media and Fertiliser Australia Project Investment Codes: CMP2202-001SAX PRB2412-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter what crop you grow, or livestock you run, the soil beneath your boots is the foundation of your farm's productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. And while soil has always been a cornerstone for grain growers, there's never been a consistent way to define, measure, monitor, or report on soil health in Australia. That's why GRDC has invested in the development of a national Soil Health Framework to close this gap and give growers the tools they need to manage soil more effectively. The work is being led by CSIRO in collaboration with a network of research partners. To find out more, this podcast features project lead, CSIRO's Dr Mark Farrell, Dr Stirling Roberton, who is a research scientist, also at CSIRO, and from the University of Western Australia, Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott. Contacts: Dr Mark Farrell Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO [email protected] Dr Stirling Roberton Research Scientist, CSIRO [email protected] Lynette Abbott Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia [email protected] More Information: National Blueprint to standardise soil health across Australian agriculture Development of a soil health framework for Australian agricultural production systems Project Investment Code: CSP2504-015RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers around the Eradu area of Western Australia's northern growing region have been deep ripping for many years. Now they're going back and re-ripping for a second, third, fourth, and even fifth time with different machinery as it has progressed over the years. It's all about getting highly alkaline surface soil down deeper in the profile to address subsoil acidity, and at the same time, managing compaction to greater depths. This episode features Craig Topham from Agrarian Management and is part of a five-part GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. Craig has three clients in the Eradu area, all aiming to achieve the same result, but doing it with different machinery and varied approaches. *A note for listeners. This podcast does not cover all products in the market. Different products may have different costs and benefits. Contact: Craig Topham Agrarian Management [email protected] More Information: Agrarian Project Investment Code: PLT2409-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fungicide resistance is a serious threat to cropping. When all available registered fungicides are no longer effective at managing disease, options for widespread disease control become limited, and the result is high yield losses. So, when a gateway mutation, the first step toward fungicide resistance in wheat powdery mildew (WPM), was detected in samples collected in Western Australia, alarm bells went off. In this episode we speak to Andrea Hills, research scientist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia, about what growers can do to help. This podcast is a part of the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN). Contact: Andrea Hills Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development [email protected] More Information: Potential for fungicide resistance detected in Experance wheat powdery mildew Project Investment Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't wait until harvest to consider how you are going to protect your stored grain. That's the message from GRDC's stored grain extension team. When it comes to grain storage, the more you invest in pre-harvest preparation, the better the outcome. This episode features Chris Warrick from the Stored Grain Extension Team who talks about the most important strategies to implement. Contact: Chris Warrick Stored Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] More Information: 2024 Webinar - Pre-harvest grain storage health check 2024 story - Give grain storage a pre-harest health check 1800 WEEVIL Stored Grain Phosphine best management practices Project Investment Code: PRB2412-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to nail those snails in the crop? Well, naming those snails is the first step. In this episode, Prue Adams is in York Peninsula, on the snail trail and speaking with Dr Kym Perry, research fellow in entomology at the University of Adelaide. He goes into detail about the four main snail culprits in crops, how to identify, and what to do about them. Contact: Dr Kym Perry The University of Adelaide 0421 788 357 More Information: Nail The Snails Snail Management Project Investment Code: UOA2205-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just one millimetre long, redlegged earth mites are tiny, but that doesn't stop them from causing significant damage across Australia, especially in regions with cool, wet winters. To find out how growers can best manage this pest – we talk to Dr Paul Umina from Cesar Australia. The project ' Leading practice management of the Redlegged earth mite (RLEM)' is a GRDC investment that is led by Cesar Australia alongside other project partners. Contact: Paul Umina Cesar Australia [email protected] More Information: Redlegged earth mite best management practice guide Cesar Australia Project Investment Code: CES2503-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oli Le Lievre interviews Andrew and Marie Fowler about their innovative farming practices in Esperance, Western Australia. The Fowlers, who met through Andrew's Nuffield Scholarship, have expanded their family farm significantly. They focus on crop-livestock rotations, emphasizing no-till farming and crop grazing. Andrew discusses their current drainage project, which involves installing tile pipes to mitigate waterlogging and improve crop yields. The Fowlers also highlight the importance of community collaboration and the challenges of managing a large workforce. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justine Baillie and Michael Scobie are the co-leads of the Ag Technology Adoption program at the University of Southern Queensland. They’re trialling and investigating a range of different types of technology to help growers boost crop quality and yield, in a bid to revolutionise farming. The project is providing tools and capacity for drought preparedness through the integration of digital technologies, data management, artificial intelligence and smart machinery including drones. The program is a collaboration between GRDC, the University of Southern Queensland (SQNNSW Drought and Innovation Hub) and Qld Cropping Research (QCR). Contacts: Michael Scobie, Program Director Co-Lead, Ag Tech Adoption team University of Southern Queensland [email protected] Justine Baillie, Lecturer Co-Lead, Ag Tech Adoption team University of Southern Queensland [email protected] More Information: Find out more about USQ Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management Ag Tech Adoption team can be contacted Video: Changing the game: On farm agtech solutions Project Investment Code: USQ2211-002RMX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At GRDC's National Grower Network (NGN) forums, growers have been asking for information about the cost of inorganic P fertilisers and potential lower cost options of organic P fertilisers. A GRDC investment to explore this topic has delivered some interesting outcomes and to find out the details we speak to Maurie Street from the Grain Orana Alliance, and Dr Tim McLaren from the University of Queensland. Contacts: Maurie Street CEO, Grain Orana Alliance [email protected] Dr Timothy McLaren Senior Lecturer in Soil Science, The University of Queensland [email protected] Project Investment Codes: GOA2006-001RTX, UOQ2203-006RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ash Wiese is a farmer, food producer and agribusiness innovator from Western Australia. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ash to explore his fascinating journey from studying accounting to returning to his family farm and revolutionising the way grains are marketed. Ash shares insights from his Nuffield Australia Scholarship, highlighting lessons learned from global agricultural leaders and how he applies them to his own farming enterprise. Throughout the conversation, Ash discusses his transition from bulk commodity production to more value-added, consumer-connected approaches, particularly through his work in the quinoa and oat industries. He talks about the importance of fostering direct relationships with processors and consumers, creating more sustainable and profitable markets and the challenges of navigating the global food industry. More information GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know Brolga and Kookaburra are great Australian birds but they are also the names of two new, game changing varieties of mungbeans. To find out how growers can access these higher yielding mungbean varieties, we speak to Queensland Department of Primary Industries principal plant breeder, Dr Merrill Ryan. Also during this podcast we talk to Allora grower, Tim Thorne, who is considering the varieties for his next rotation. Contact: Dr Merrill Ryan, Principal Scientist: Crop Genetics QLD Department of Primary Industries [email protected] More Information: Flying high with two new mugbean varieties brolga and kookaburra Variety Management Packages Setting up your mungbean crop for success Project Investment Code: DAQ2201-004RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Witham is a research agronomist in Western Australia and has a passion for broad acre cropping. She’s also the 2025 recipient of GRDC'S “Emerging Leader Award” in the West. So far, Kate’s career highlight has been her role as the SLR lead working on GRDC’s Long Coleoptile Wheat project, led by CSIRO. She's a dynamic operator in the industry, helping growers reap the benefits of her ongoing research across agricultural regions of Western Australia, and around the country. Contact: Kate Witham Research Agronomist, SLR Agriculture [email protected] More information: Western Seed of Light, Emerging Leader announced at GRDC Update Visit https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/western-seed-of-light,-emerging-leader-announced-at-grdc-update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Brad Egan, a forward-thinking grain grower from Esperance, Western Australia. Brad shares insights into the evolution of his family farm, the challenges of farming in a changing climate, and how data-driven decision-making is helping to improve productivity despite declining rainfall. From using drones to optimise spraying efficiency to a long-term soil amelioration project that has transformed low-performing soils into some of the best on the farm, Brad discusses the power of innovation in agriculture. He also highlights the importance of precision agriculture, farm data management, and the role of technology in the future of farming. Additionally, Brad talks about his involvement in supplying barley to Lucky Bay Brewery, bringing local produce to craft beer, and the potential of AI and automation in shaping the next generation of Australian farming. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Precision weed management is where optical sensors and remote and sensor weed mapping systems are used to target weeds and therefore cut herbicide costs. The technology is becoming more widely available, which is why GRDC is investing in a series of case studies, to explore the benefits and costs related to these technologies. With green on brown systems, weeds can be detected in a fallow field. And now there's also green on green technology, which uses an algorithm to differentiate between weeds and crops. Tim Rethus operates a zero till cropping business in Horsham in Victoria's Wimmera region. Tim's invested in both green on brown and green on green technology. We caught up with Tim to find out more about his decision to integrate these systems into his farming practices, and whether he thinks the return on investment has been worth it. Contact: Tim Rethus, Grower [email protected] More in Precision weed management series: Video, Green on green case study Podcast, Green on brown case study Video, Green on brown case study Podcast, Drone weed mapping case study Video, Drone weed mapping case study Project Investment Code: SRE2310-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Australian canola crops, turnip yellows virus is the one of the most widespread and economically damaging viruses, and over the past decade, epidemics have commonly occurred in different regions causing considerable losses. Turnip yellows virus is particularly challenging to manage because it is transmitted by green peach aphid and needs just a few aphids per plant to cause substantial spread. A GRDC investment led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia has been looking at management options and developed new data and guidelines around seed treatments and foliar insecticides. In this episode, we’re joined by senior research scientist Ben Congdon to find out more. Contact: Ben Congdon, DPIRD [email protected] More information: Turnip yellows virus and its vector, the green peach aphid, in canola: the 2024 epidemic in southern New South Wales and management options Green peach aphid - best management practice guide Project Codes: DAW2305-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Callum Wesley, a third-generation farmer from Southern Cross, WA. They discuss Callum’s innovative approach to farming in a low-rainfall zone and his journey collaborating with researchers that has led to a nationwide research project which could revolutionise seeding strategies for dryland farmers across Australia. Callum shares his journey from working in agricultural research to returning home and implementing cutting-edge techniques that maximise water use efficiency and improve productivity in challenging conditions. More information GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC, CSIRO and University of South Australia have done a lot of work on how to deal with the sandy soil situation. Hot off the back of a huge investment, culminating in a series of workshops in 2023, they're scaling up, taking the machines and expertise to more than 20 farms across the southern region. It's a project with a great deal of grower involvement and targeted to making that sandy stuff work for growers, not against them. In this podcast we speak to CSIRO research team leader, Therese McBeath and South Australian grower Andrew Thomas. Contact: Therese McBeath, CSIRO [email protected] More Information: Practical guidelines for sustained productivity in sandy soils Project Investment Code: CSP2403-017RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A passion for pulses and in particular a love of lentils has inspired the career of research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty. Growers are already benefiting from Dr Delahunty’s research into genetic solutions for heat tolerance in lentils, and now she's extending into frost quality technology and other pulses. Meantime, Dr Delahunty is also the recipient of this year’s GRDC “Emerging Leader Award” in the South. Contact: Dr Audrey Delahunty [email protected] More Information: Victorian agronomist and scientist each win grains award GRDC awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gemma Walker is a mover and shaker in the Western Australian grains industry, literally! If she isn’t moving from a board meeting in one city to the next, she’s flying back home to the family sheep and wool property in Munglinup. Gemma is at the forefront of WA’s ag industry, promoting sustainable practices for the future as well as getting her hands dirty on the farm. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Gemma about her passion for the grains industry. The conversation explores the importance of innovation, community and leadership in agriculture, as well as the value of collaboration across different industries. Gemma emphasises the need for nurturing the next generation of leaders and the significance of vulnerability in leadership roles. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sclerotinia stem rot is a canola disease that is challenging to manage using rotation due to the wide range of crops that play host to the fungus that causes it. Since there are no Australian canola cultivars with sclerotinia resistance, the disease is usually managed with preventative fungicide sprays at flowering. However, fungicides can be costly, and their return on investment is difficult to predict. In an ideal world, Australian growers would have access to canola cultivars with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot. And that’s exactly what researchers at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment of GRDC and Curtin, are trying to develop. In this episode, we’re joined by Senior Research Fellow and Project Lead, Mark Derbyshire, to find out how. Contact: Mark Derbyshire, CCDM [email protected] More information: New breeding lines and field screening methods for developing sclerotinia stem rot resistant canola cultivars Project Code: CUR1403-002BLX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Precision weed management is where optical sensors and remote and sensor weed mapping systems are used to target weeds and therefore cut herbicide costs. GRDC is investing in a series of case studies to explore the benefits and costs related to precision weed management technologies. One of those case studies is Warakirri Cropping, one of Australia's largest grain growers with 11 cropping farms across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. We chat to a few of the Warakirri team, including Junior Assistant Farm Manager, Patrick Anderson, Farm Manager, Jono Robinson, Southern Regional Manager, John Stevenson and Warakirri Cropping's Sustainability Officer, Jess Sleigh. Contacts: Jess Sleigh, Sustainability Officer, [email protected] John Stevenson, Farm Manager [email protected] Watch the video: https://youtu.be/AleO-NRv5EM Project Investment Code: SRE2310-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Harrington has always had an eye on the battle taking place in the fields of Aussie agriculture, the war on weeds and pests. So, he and a group of like-minded farmers, researchers and innovators took up the torch to solve it once and for all. In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Ray about his journey to inventing the Harrington Seed Destructor, one of the most effective tools in dealing with weed resistance in the market. In their chat, they cover the significant issues facing farmers today including weed management, herbicide resistance, declining rural communities and succession. Ray insists the key is for the next generation to have a plan for the future, and he shares the significance of community in farming life. Please be advised that today's conversation includes more colourful language than usual, which may be inappropriate for some listeners. GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sclerotinia in lupin is a sporadic disease found across the WA grainbelt. When weather conditions favour disease spread, it can cause significant loss of yield and grain quality. With GRDC investment, collaborative research by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, and the Mingenew-Irwin Group has been looking at ways lupin growers can learn to recognise risky scenarios and employ management strategies to reduce impact of the disease. To find out what the team has discovered, we’re joined on this episode by DPIRD research scientist Ciara Beard. Contact: Ciara Beard Research Scientist, DPIRD [email protected] More information: Sclerotinia management in WA’s lupin crops Lupin sclerotinia disease risk assessment guide SclerotiniaCM - Sclerotinia Management App Project Codes: DAW2104-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A GRDC National Grower Network investment, based in Western Australia, has been working to improve knowledge of fallow management and the economic value of fallows in cropping rotations. Through this project, it has been identified that there are four key objectives growers should take into account when considering fallow – profitability, moisture, weeds, and nitrogen. In this episode, Laconik founder Darren Hughes explains that by understanding these objectives, growers will be in the best place to understand the most profitable fallow strategies they should consider this year. Contact: Darren Hughes Laconik [email protected] More information: Fallow Management and the Economic Costs Maximising the profitability of fallow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neil Wandel moved to Esperance in 1979 with his wife, one kid, and another on the way. Their operation was a tough lot to crack, but through gumption and careful planning, they navigated the highs and lows of starting a successful farm before becoming Esperance Quality Grains. In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Neil on how the many years of working in the grain industry have affected the community of Esperance. Neil shares his story of dropping out of school to help his father on the farm before beginning his own journey in Western Australia. He highlights the importance of working with your neighbours, seeking leadership roles, the joys of working alongside family, and planning for an increasingly challenging industry. More information GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Svetlana Micic has spent the past 22 years as an entomologist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where she has been an exceptional communicator of GRDC-invested project work around insect pest monitoring, surveillance and integrated pest management. That dedication to ensuring information is shared with those who need it most has led her to be highly respected by growers, agronomists and consultants. It’s also the reason why she was named GRDC’s 2025 Seed of Light recipient for the West at the Grains Research Updates in Perth. Contact: Svetlana Micic DPIRD [email protected] More information: Western Seed of Light, Emerging Leader announced at GRDC Update Visit link: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/western-seed-of-light,-emerging-leader-announced-at-grdc-update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An ambitious GRDC investment, being led by the University of Adelaide, is working to develop new high yielding soybean varieties for a broader range of growing environments. Worth $6 million, this significant investment builds on the achievements of past breeding programs and will accelerate the delivery of new varieties to growers by ‘speed breeding’ - harnessing new technology to improve germplasm evaluation and other key breeding processes. In this podcast, we hear from lead breeder University of Adelaide, Dr Anh Pham, as well as grower and Soybean Industry Development Officer at Soy Australia, Judy Plath. The University of Adelaide is keen to hear from growers about the problems they are facing so please contact Dr Anh Pham directly by emailing [email protected]⁠ Contact Dr Anh Pham Soybean breeder The University of Adelaide ⁠[email protected]⁠ Judy Plath Soybean Industry Development Officer Soy Australia ⁠[email protected]⁠ More information GRDC invests $3 million in soybean breeding Visit https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/grdc-invests-$3-million-in-soybean-breeding for more info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Longmire from Beaumont, Western Australia, has dedicated himself to driving sustainability and efficiency on the family farm through innovation. Through combining his learnings from Marcus Oldham College and his experience working farms across Australia, he is discovering exactly how cutting-edge technology and data-driven decision-making can improve the farm for years to come. In this episode of GRDC in Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Tom about his passion for precision agriculture and emerging technologies, which have positioned him at the forefront of modern farming. He delves into how his family has been integrating autonomous farming equipment and variable rate fertilization to optimize productivity. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of adopting new technologies and how they are reshaping the future of agriculture. More information GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each year, the GRDC Seed of Light Award recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication, and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry. At the Goondiwindi GRDC Grains Research Update event in March 2025, Mark Congreve was presented with the prestigious award for his valuable work in the agricultural extension space. Mark is a senior consultant at Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN) and in this podcast he shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of agricultural extension, and what the Seed of Light award recognition means to him. Contact Mark Congreve Senior Consultant, ICAN [email protected] More information Industry consultant honoured with GRDC award Cam Nicholson: 2025 Seed of Light award – South Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fusarium crown rot in cereals is often associated with a tough finish, but the characteristic whiteheads are far from the full picture. It’s a significant disease with hidden yield impacts even in a good year, so pro-active management at pre-sowing is a must. In this podcast, senior researcher with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Dr Steven Simpfendorfer shares the latest research and advice to reduce disease impacts. Then, Riverine Plain’s Kate Coffey shares why the Riverine Plain’s area is surprisingly susceptible to the disease and local grower, Lee Menhenett, shares his experience managing the disease on-farm. Contact Dr Steven Simpfendorfer Senior researcher, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development [email protected] Kate Coffey Senior project manager, Riverine Plains [email protected] More information Webinar: New opportunities for crown rot management Fusarium crown rot in central and southern cropping systems: it’s all a numbers game GRDC investment code RPI2309-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New precision weed management technologies are helping Australian grain growers to more effectively target weeds and ultimately reduce their total herbicide costs. Optical sensors as well as ‘remote and sensor’ weed mapping systems are becoming more widely available, and that’s why GRDC is investing in a series of case studies to explore the benefits and costs related to these technologies. In this podcast we look at a new system developed out of necessity by the Single family in New South Wales and we also hear from Wade Bistrup, a Queensland grower who has been experimenting with this technology. Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ3hyVg3Fv0 Contact: Ben Single, Single Ag [email protected] More Information: Single Ag Project Code: SRE2310-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Variety Trials (NVT) Program was established by GRDC in 2005 and since then it has evolved into the largest coordinated variety trial network in the world. Each year, more than 640 trials are conducted across over 300 locations nationwide, encompassing 10 different crop species. This year marks the 20-year anniversary of NVT – a great time to reflect on the evolution and success of the program. In this podcast we speak to prominent plant breeder and former GRDC managing director, Dr Steve Jefferies about the value of the NVT to growers and breeding companies. Contact [email protected] More Information GroundCover Supplement - Celebrating 20 years of NVT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victorian agricultural consultant, Cam Nicholson, has had a career spanning more than four decades – and over the years he’s learned a lot but mostly he spends his time passing on his knowledge to others. And that’s one of the reasons Cam has received this year’s GRDC “Seed of Light Award” in the south, which recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry. We caught up with Cam to discuss the importance of head, heart and gut when it comes to decision making and see if he has any tips or advice for up-and-coming agronomists. Contact Cam Nicholson [email protected] 0417 311 098 More Information Victorian agronomist and scientist each win grains award GRDC awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhizoctonia is an important disease of cereals in southern and western growing regions, especially in low rainfall areas. Losses have been estimated at about $15 per hectare for wheat and $12 per hectare for barley in the southern region. Unfortunately, fungicide control of rhizoctonia has proven to be difficult, often with mixed results with seed treatments. In February 2025, we sat down with Blake Gontar from the South Australian Research and Development Institute to talk about a previous GRDC investment that showed streaming fungicide above and below the seed was an effective way to protect cereals from rhizoctonia and get the greatest yield responses. Contact Blake Gontar, SARDI [email protected] More information Fungicide control of Rhizoctonia South Australian cereal root disease update Project Code DAS00125 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the ever-increasing cost of farming, getting bang for your herbicide buck is an important consideration when it comes to chemical handling and sprayer set-up. In this podcast Victorian grower, Richard Stecher, shares his experience with getting professional advice on correct sprayer set-up. We also hear from Nutrien Ag agronomist, Chris Dunn, who shares his thoughts on how agronomists and growers can get good advice on chemical usage. Contact Chris Dunn Agronomist, Nutrien Ag [email protected] More information Preventing off target spray drift video GRDC resources - spray drift GroundCover - Practical tips support safe effective spraying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More is not always better when it comes to adding nitrogen (N) to your irrigated wheat crop. That's one of the key messages from a GRDC investment that’s been set up to investigate profitable, irrigated farming systems. In this podcast, FAR Australia Managing Director, Nick Poole, Pinion Advisory senior consultant, Brendan Wallace and Francis grower, Wayne Hawkins, share some surprising findings from focus paddock trials as well as some insights on how to get the most out of applied N under irrigation for a range of crop types. This research is part of the GRDC investment, “Facilitated action learning groups to support profitable irrigated farming systems in the northern and southern regions.” *Note: this podcast was recorded in July 2023 Contact Nick Poole, FAR Australia [email protected] GRDC investment code ICF1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major farming systems initiative, spanning five years, is underway in the low and medium-rainfall regions of Western Australia. Its aim is to support growers in navigating evolving climatic conditions, enabling them to make informed business and agronomic choices to bolster both on-farm profitability and sustainability. In this episode, we get an overview of the results from the first two-seasons of the project from grower and trial host Kevin Naisbitt and DPIRD’s Martin Harries. Contact Martin Harries DPIRD [email protected] Kevin Naisbitt Grower [email protected] More information New farming systems project for WA grain growers Comprehensive strategies to enhance western farming systems Improving farming system profitability, management of greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience in the low and medium rainfall zones of WA: Grower Perspectives Western Australian Farming Systems project Project Codes DAW2204-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices