GRDC Podcast

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

Both yield and performance rely heavily on good crop establishment, which is why GRDC is investing in a range of projects to determine the key factors affecting crop establishment. Getting crops established in hot, dry conditions is the focus of this research, which also looks at soil textures and deep sowing across multiple environments. In this podcast we speak to CSIRO farming systems researcher, Dr Kenton Porker, who provided an update on the current learnings and advancements in crop establishment. Contact [email protected] More Information Crop establishment and precision planting Project Codes CSP2212-005RTX,CSP2212-007RTX,CSP2303-017BGX,CSP2307-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's podcast, machinery specialist Jack Desbiolles from the University of South Australia runs through important considerations for seeder set-up when sowing long coleoptile wheat varieties. The work is part of a major national GRDC project, led by CSIRO, exploring integrating long coleoptile wheat into Australian farming systems. Research partners include the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, DPIRD, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research. Contact Dr Greg Rebetzke [email protected] More information GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat Investment - Integrating long coleoptile wheat into Australian farming systems through an integrated understanding of genetics, management and environment GRDC project code CSP2212-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listeners are advised that this podcast contains references to suicide There’s no shortage of stressors in farming, and while crop destruction is often clearly visible, the impact on grower mental health can be less apparent. Although awareness and access to rural mental health services is growing, agronomists can sometimes find themselves on the frontline witnessing or discussing issues with growers that go beyond the paddock. In this GRDC podcast, University of South Australia Associate Professor Kate Gunn shares her insight on how agronomists can handle tough conversations with growers who could be experiencing mental ill health. If you or anyone you know needs help you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Contact Dr Natasha Caulfield Program Manager, University of South Australia [email protected] More information How to support others Farmer friendly mental health resources What to do in a crisis Beyond Blue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Significant research is underway to help Western Australian farmers sustain their own on-farm nitrogen factory though growing and harvesting pasture legume seed. The Harvestable Annual Legume Options (HALO) project is a Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration project with GRDC investment. It brings together the pasture legume breeding, agronomy and bio-economic modelling expertise of Murdoch University, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DPIRD and CSIRO. In this podcast, research scientist at DPIRD and Murdoch University, Robert Harrison, shares the latest update on this multifaceted project. Contact Robert Harrison, Research scientist DPIRD and Murdoch University [email protected] More information HALO project shines light on Broomehill nitrogen needs Harvestable Annual Legume Options (HALO) project GRDC investment code UMU2303-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wheat powdery mildew is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, in part because there’s widespread resistance to the available chemicals. So, what to do? It’s a complex matrix of deciding whether it’s worth growing a disease resistant variety which doesn’t yield so well or go with the susceptible variety and hope your fungicides will do the job. There is some hope on the horizon in the form of new products, but they’re specific to mildew so you’d still need to apply your other fungicides ... and of course that’s an additional cost. In this podcast we hear from agronomist Sam Trengove in the Southern Region, who has headed a GRDC investment looking at this issue and from FAR Australia’s Nick Poole who also works with the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN). Contact Nick Poole, FAR Australia [email protected] Sam Trengove, Trengove Consulting Pty Ltd [email protected] More Information Understand how fungicide resistance develops Project Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warm conditions across much of Western Australia and variable rainfall in 2024 contributed to mixed levels of fungal disease severity in the State’s cereal, pulse and oilseed crops. With this in mind, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia, with investment from GRDC, is urging growers to start thinking about their integrated disease management strategies for the 2025 season as soon as possible. In this episode, DPIRD plant pathologist Geoff Thomas joins us to discuss the problematic diseases from 2024, and how to get ahead of them for the 2025 growing season. Contact Geoff Thomas DPIRD, Plant pathologist [email protected] More information Paddock Practices: Start managing 2025 disease risks now Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network Decision support tools aid disease management decisions Project codes DAW2104-001RTX, DAW2104-002RTX, DAW2404-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Merrie Carlshausen, a former nurse turned essential advocate for farming communities in Western Australia. Merrie shares her journey from her beginnings in nursing to her work with rural financial counseling and the Liebe Group, where she has facilitated impactful change in farming practices and family dynamics. Merrie highlights the importance of succession planning, the role of family meetings, and the collaborative nature of farming families. She discusses her work with the Rural Financial Counseling Service, her contributions to the Liebe Group’s research efforts, and her commitment to empowering women and youth in agriculture. Through her stories and insights, Merrie provides invaluable advice on navigating family relationships in farming and staying adaptive to agricultural innovation. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube More information Liebe Group GRDC Succession Planning and Communication fact sheet Rural Financial Counseling Service 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

Chris Warrick and Alex Conway are part of the GRDC's grain storage extension team. Their task is to help growers with their on-farm storage, as well as undertake development activities to try and understand tools and equipment that can be used to better store grain on-farm. On this podcast episode, Chris and Alex talk about three topics on grain storage - fumigating and venting in grain bags, recirculation systems for large storage when fumigating with phosphine, and monitoring grain temperature in storage. Contact Alex Conway GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] Chris Warrick GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] More information Stored Grain Information Hub Project Codes PRB2011-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with David Tropiano, a grain farmer from Mullewa, WA, as he shares his journey from a reluctant start in farming to running a multi-generational operation. David opens up about the realities of farming in Western Australia, from handling different soil types and the competitive land market to the impact of weather on crops. He also reflects on the evolution of farming practices, the importance of long-term leasing agreements, and how he and his family are planning for the future. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube 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

According to Dr Greg Rebetzke, Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO, plant breeding is the key cornerstone of modern agriculture. Unless we have the best varieties, giving us the capacity to breed high yielding crops, then there's greater risk in farming. This podcast delves into the history of plant breeding and Dr Rebetzke brings us up to date with the latest research into breeding and explains plant genetics. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/gDFBnz3mz1c Contact Dr Greg Rebetzke, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO [email protected] More Information Breeding investments Plant Breeding: securing the world's future food production capability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Fiona Dempster, a researcher and grower from Mingenew, Western Australia. Fiona’s unique background in natural resource management and her ongoing research with the University of Western Australia bring fascinating insights into the intersection of scientific study and hands-on farming. Fiona shares her journey from city life in Perth to rural farm life, her work on projects that tackle herbicide resistance and risk management in grain farming, and her role in the BeefLinks project, which aims to improve cattle industry practices. Her work highlights the importance of connecting research with practical on-ground needs, and she emphasises the complex decision-making growers face every day. More information University of Western Australia BeefLinks Project RiskWise Project 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

The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program provides a bursary of $5000 a year during the final two years of a degree, along with professional development, work placements and networking opportunities. Supported by the GRDC, the scholarship program fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders who are interested in contributing to the Australian grains industry's success. In this podcast, we hear from Horizon scholarship recipient, Grace Moloney on how the experience has opened doors for her professionally here in Australia and abroad. Contact Grace Moloney, AgriFutures Horizon scholar [email protected] More information Cold, wet conditions an eye-opener for travelling grains scholar AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship GRDC investment code RDC2303-002AWX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Mike Ewing, a scientist with over 40 years of experience in agricultural research, particularly in farming systems, break crops and whole-farm profitability. Mike discusses his long-standing passion for plants and their unique adaptations, especially in the challenging environment of Western Australia's grain-growing regions. He shares insights from his career that has trotted the globe and ultimately landed him back in Western Australia to transform the agriculture industry. His research helped introduce and integrate lupins into the farming system as a sustainable legume crop. Through collaboration between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders Mike believes the models and systems they work on together can drive meaningful innovation for the future. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube More information FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Cottesloe Coast Care 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

Mouse populations across a large part of grain growing regions were higher than average across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, requiring an increased effort in mouse management from growers. To help Australian grain growers reduce crop losses due to mouse damage, a GRDC investment is examining mouse bait application techniques to better understand the performance and likely efficacy of various options. In this episode, we’re joined by agricultural research engineer Ben White who is leading the project team, as well as CSIRO mouse expert Steve Henry who starts us off with a bit of a history lesson. Contact Steve Henry, Mouse expert CSIRO [email protected] Ben White, Agricultural research engineer [email protected] More information Bait spreading methods examined to combat mouse damage in crops Mouse tracking project in WA Project Codes BVW2302-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Steve Davies, a soil scientist and researcher based in Western Australia. Steve’s love of dirt spawned from his quirky teacher in high school. That small moment budded into a 20+ year career investigating how to make grain farming more sustainable and productive. In this episode, Steve explains how he collaborates with researchers, advisers and growers to address some of the west’s most challenging soil constraints. He also reflects on the evolution of the industry, crediting growers' contributions to advancements and discussing the incremental and significant changes in agricultural practices. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube More information CSIRO Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) University of Western Australia Urrbrae Agricultural High School 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

Being an agronomist is a role with many hats, and while the in season can be demanding, with the right network and support it can be hugely rewarding work. In this podcast we hear from two successful agronomists that came to the profession in very different ways, Meteora Agronomic Consulting independent agronomist Liz Lobsey and Platinum Ag Services senior agronomist Matthew Howell. They have their own unique stories and recommendations for anyone starting their agronomy career. Contact Liz Lobsey - Independent agronomist Meteora Agronomic Consulting [email protected] Matthew Howell - Senior agronomist Platinum Ag Services [email protected] More information Help never far away in the wide-ranging agronomy network GRDC investment code ORM1906-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices