GRDC Podcast

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

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre talks to Ryan Skamp, a former carpenter-turned-farmer and co-founder of an ag-tech startup. Ryan shares his unconventional journey from city life in Perth to establishing a career in agriculture, driven by a passion for problem-solving and efficiency. Now the co-founder of "Skan," Ryan and his team develop technology solutions to optimise farm operations, cutting down on inefficiencies and offering time-saving tools to farmers. This episode provides insights into his transition from a tradie lifestyle to farming and entrepreneurship, the challenges of work-life balance in agriculture, and his vision for innovation in the industry. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube More information GRDC GroundUp Program 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

Rhizoctonia is a soil borne disease that causes a huge impact for farmers in Australia, particularly in the low and medium rainfall zones, with yield loss in the vicinity of $150 million for wheat and barley annually. With GRDC investment, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia is developing disease risk and management strategies that are practical and economical for growers to reduce the impact of rhizoctonia in the Southern and Western cereal growing regions. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Daniel Hüberli from DPIRD to learn about the integrated and cost-effective approach of cultural, chemical and biological management strategies that the research team is working to create. Contact Dr Daniel Hüberli Research Scientist, DPIRD [email protected] More information Epidemiology and management of Rhizoctonia in low and medium rainfall zones New project to reduce Rhizoctonia impact in low and medium rainfall zones Project Code DAW2206-006RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of GRDC’s In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre chats with Erin Cahill. Erin is a fourth-generation farmer and agronomist from Moora, Western Australia. Erin shares his journey from working with agronomy giant CSBP to starting his own farming business which started with a few humble hectares and scaled drastically through the years. It hasn’t been without challenge though. His farm has been at the mercy of Western Australia's varying soil types and weather. But through the evolution of precision agriculture, and the role of agronomy in making informed decisions for farm profitability, Erin shares how you can stand out as WA farmers in this trying Australian agricultural landscape. Tune in to hear Erin’s insights on farming, agronomy, and the importance of staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube More information CSBP 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

For many farmers, it’s been a tight finish to the season due to dry conditions or frost. This makes preparing the books and finances for the year ahead more challenging, but as we’ll explore in this podcast, help is available and there are practical steps you can take to get ahead. Tony Hudson is the Director and Founder of Hudson Facilitation. A key part of his business is private financial consulting for farmers across Australia and he has practical advice to share on forward planning with reduced seasonal returns. Contact Tony Hudson [email protected] More Information ‘Planning forward on reduced seasonal returns’ webinar, GRDC Farm Business Update online Project Code ORM2401-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More about this podcast In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, we’re joined by Brianna Peake, Chief Stakeholder Relations Sustainability and Strategy Officer at CBH Group. Brianna’s journey of growing up in Western Australia, shapes how she approaches sustainability today in one of nation’s largest agricultural cooperatives. Enriched with travel and a diverse set of experiences she shares her leadership style and how it aims to address the rapid needs of the industry. We explore her thoughts on women in leadership, the role of cooperatives in sustainability, and the importance of professionals in ag. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f3gbskXMRZU More information CBH Group Australian Rural Leadership Program 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

When a new variety of lentil came out that was a bit more boron tolerant, Scott Wandel thought it was time to give the legume another go. Farming at Mount Ridley, near Grass Patch in WA, Scott increased the hectares planted to lentils quickly after their introduction. As a member of SEPWA, the South East Premium Wheatgrowers Association, Scott is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. In this episode, Scott tells us how a trip to Horsham in Victoria inspired him to give lentils a go. Contact Scott Wandel, Grower [email protected] More information Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA Legume Leader bios and contact details Project Code GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More about this podcast In this episode, we sit down with Bec Kelly, a third-generation farmer from Mingenew, WA, who shares her journey from global adventurer to dedicated farmer. After traveling through America, South America, and Europe, Bec returned to the family farm in 2018, where she has since embraced the highs and lows of agriculture. She talks about the unpredictability of farming, her passion for wheat, canola, and lupin production, and the importance of surrounding herself with the right team of advisors. As a recent Nuffield Scholar, Bec has also explored how farmers can better negotiate with energy companies, and she offers insights from her global research on the subject. If you're curious about what it’s like to take over a family farm and the role of innovation in modern agriculture, this episode will inspire and inform. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhKiHATX7DY More information Nuffield Australia Grains Research & Development Corporation Mingenew Irwin Group 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

While new innovations in farming technology and machinery offer growers incredible increases to productivity and profitability, many of these innovations are released without growers having any hands-on experience with how they work or understanding how they can add value to their farming systems. That’s why a GRDC National Grower Network investment for Live Machinery Demo Days was created. The first event was hosted the Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers Association (WANTFA) at Cunderdin, with a focus on precision agriculture and variable rate technology. In this episode, we’re joined by David Minkey from WANTFA and Frankland River grower Ben Beech to find out more about the benefits of hands-on opportunities and practical demonstrations for growers. Contact David Minkey Executive Director, WANTFA [email protected] More information WANTFA and GRDC's Cunderdin demo day a huge hit with Wheatbelt growers Hands-on with the latest farm machinery innovations Project Code WAN2310-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More about this podcast In this episode of the GRDC In Conversation podcast, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Ben White, a highly respected agricultural engineer, researcher, and extension specialist. Ben is known for his work at the Kondinin Group, where he has spent over 20 years testing agricultural machinery, developing cutting-edge research, and providing farmers with practical solutions to improve their operations. The conversation delves into Ben's early life growing up on a sheep and cattle farm, his passion for machinery, and how he transitioned into the grains industry. Ben talks about his work across a variety of fields, including grain storage, harvester setup, and mobile communications testing. He also shares stories about hands-on research, such as developing glow-in-the-dark bait for mouse baiting trials and reflects on the importance of communication and collaboration in translating complex research into practical advice for farmers. From mobile phone testing to preventing harvester fires, Ben’s work has had a broad and lasting impact on Australian agriculture. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/nqpw9hRW6P0?si=QNkfURUKGgwwPVFg More information Kondinin Group – Farming Ahead GRDC Harvester Setup Guide GRDC Stored Grain Information Hub or call 1800 WEEVIL GRDC 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

Long coleoptile wheat varieties have the potential to deliver increased yield and therefore profit to Australian growers. That’s why GRDC is investing in extensive research to future proof the crop. Steve Simpfendorfer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries is part of the nationwide project team, and his area of specialty is looking at how disease interacts with deep sowing. This four-year long coleoptile wheat project, made possible with GRDC investment, is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, DPIRD, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research. Contact Dr Steve Simpfendorfer [email protected] More information GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat GRDC project code CSP2212-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season. This podcast focuses on lentil, field pea and lupin – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, oats, sorghum and wheat. The varieties mentioned in this podcast have all been trialled through NVT – a program to help Australian grain growers make informed varietal decisions by providing comparative information on topics like yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality. More information Visit the NVT website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Yuna, in Western Australia’s northern growing region, Jason Batten started growing vetch about three years ago, and so far, he’s been impressed with how well the crop grows in his corner of the world. As a member of the Yuna Farm Improvement Group, Jason is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. In this episode, Jason tells us about how experimenting with serradella led him to growing vetch and how its stacks up in terms of productivity and profitability. Contact Neil Smith, Grower [email protected] More information Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA Legume Leader bios and contact details Project Code GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season. This podcast focuses on wheat – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats and sorghum. The varieties mentioned in this podcast have all been trialled through NVT – a program to help Australian grain growers make informed varietal decisions by providing comparative information on topics like yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality. More information Visit the NVT website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 2013, an unidentified weevil has been reported by growers and advisers to be repeatedly causing damage to canola crops in localised areas of Dongara and Mingenew in WA's northern grain growing region. As part of a two-year GRDC investment, the critter was recently scientifically identified and described as a new pest weevil species of unknown origin, representing a new genus of broad-nose weevil. In this podcast, Christiaan Valentine from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shares the latest insight on its distribution and management. Contact Christiaan Valentine DPIRD, Research Scientist [email protected] More information Science pins elusive Dongara weevil GRDC investment code DAW2212-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season. This podcast focuses on canola – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats, sorghum and wheat. The varieties mentioned in this podcast have all been trialled through NVT – a program to help Australian grain growers make informed varietal decisions by providing comparative information on topics like yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality. More Information Visit the NVT website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Assisting growers to work smarter with their inputs to increase profitability is the focus of many GRDC investments. Recently, Australian maize growers have found there's a peak in the nitrogen response curve, beyond which there is no measurable effect on yield. Meantime, irrigation discussion groups expanded into paddock scale demonstration, which provided growers with the opportunity to further investigate key management options. This podcast explores the outcomes of those recent trials into irrigated grains, specifically maize. Contact Melinda Mann Events and Communications, Irrigation Farmers Network [email protected] More Information Grain maize good management guide Project Investment Code ICF2308-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season. This podcast focuses on sorghum, barley and oats – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for canola, field pea, lentil, lupin and wheat. The varieties mentioned in this podcast have all been trialled through NVT – a program to help Australian grain growers make informed varietal decisions by providing comparative information on topics like yield performance, disease resistance ratings and grain quality. More information Visit the NVT website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Widespread frosts on top of a very dry season mean that southern growers are having to make some tough decisions. We speak to consulting agronomist, Martin Culbert, who is traveling across the southern region and helping growers with their post frost decision making. Martin advice is to approach the situation logically, and to get out there and conduct an assessment of the entire paddock in order to get a grasp of where the worst impact is – before making a salvage decision. There may be areas within the paddock that growers can portion out - to get next year's seed. Martin has also developed a spreadsheet/in-paddock calculator that just requires time and some basic maths to conduct. Growers can use it to make a data based decision - as to what their next step is. Contact Martin Colbert, Consulting Agronomist [email protected] More Information Frost Management Resources Mallee Sustainable Farming - Better Frost Decisions webinar (25/9/2024) IFarmWell LifeLine - 13 11 44 (available 24 hours/ 7 days a week) Project Investment Codes AIP2404-001RTX, FAR2204-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Belinda Cay. Belinda Cay is an experienced agricultural communicator. Across her career she has had a breadth of experience that has uniquely put her in the position to “put others in the spotlight” in a way that has supported them and in turn the broader agricultural industry. She grew up on a family farm and was influenced by her father, who was a plant breeder. Belinda's early connections to agriculture included riding bikes around the Department of Agriculture and helping with seeding. With a passion and interest in science, she pursued further education and discovered a passion for science communication, which led her to work at the famous Questacon in Canberra producing a kids science show. In being awarded a GRDC Seed of Light Award, GRDC Southern Panel Chair and Victorian grain grower Andrew Russell said, “Ms Cay is an outstanding advocate for the grains industry, making research and development accessible and relatable to growers through her expert communications – ensuring that growers are engaged and can reap the benefits”. Download the transcript for this episode 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

Blackleg is the most serious disease in Australian canola, and while fungicides are commonly used to help manage this disease, there are concerns that an overreliance on fungicides could encourage fungicide resistance. In order to explore this further, GRDC is making a significant investment into fungicide resistant management strategies in blackleg in canola. Extensive research is taking place at the Grains Innovation Park in Horsham in Victoria's Wimmera region. We catch up with Dr Angela van de Wouw who is one of Australia's leading researchers into blackleg in canola and PhD student Alec McCallum, whose research is examining the emergence and management of fungicide resistance to blackleg. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Angela van de Wouw , University of Melbourne [email protected] More Information: AFREN UCI Blackleg upper canopy infection management App Blackleg Management Guide Project Investment Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ross Kingwell Ross Kingwell has had a long and distinguished career as an agricultural economist, with over 150 published journals and book chapters and 350 conference papers and major policy and industry reports. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Ross shares years of wisdom in research, science, agro-politics and some pivotal moments that shaped who he is today. His early years were influenced by family exposure to agriculture and then lecturers who taught critical thinking and effective communication. He discusses his key collaborative achievements, including the development of a farming systems model and the introduction of endpoint royalties in the grains industry. Ross is offered an opportunity to reflect on his journey as he talks about receiving the GRDC Seed of Light award in 2024. Download the transcript for this episode 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

Neil Smith farms at Merredin in Western Australia and after dabbling in chickpeas in the early 2000s, he has now been growing the crop continuously for the past four years. As president of MADFIG, the Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group, Neil is a big advocate of peer-to-peer learning and is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. In this episode, Neil shares the challenges and benefits of growing chickpeas, as well as his key tips for growers wanting to incorporate them into their farming system. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Neil Smith Grower [email protected] More information: Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA Legume Leader bios and contact details Project Code: GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ben Single Ben Single, founder of Single Ag, discusses his journey from studying aerospace engineering to developing a weed mapping system using drones. This GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre explores the importance of controlling chemical-resistant weeds in agriculture and the challenges of implementing new technology on the farm. Ben highlights the role of his family in the business, the need for clear communication and defined roles and the turning point when he decided to commit full-time to Single Ag and the subsequent growth and success of the company. Download the transcript for this episode 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