GRDC Podcast

Dealing with sandy soils has long been the bane of many grain growers. But a six-year GRDC investment in sandy soil amelioration in the southern region has come up with a raft of research and grower options which are providing impressive on-farm results. Because of it, affected growers are increasingly turning to deep ripping and spading to improve productivity. In this episode, we speak with some of the experts involved in the project and hear about getting the most out of your sandy soils. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Therese McBeath CSIRO [email protected] Dr Melissa Fraser Soil Function Consulting [email protected] Dr Chris Saunders UniSA STEM [email protected] Royce Pitchford PINION Advisory [email protected] More information: GRDC – Investment list CSIRO – Sandy Soils Southern Region GRDC – Trial summary SANDBOX App GRDC Code: CSP1606-008RMX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost six million hectares of WA's sand-plain soils in the medium and high-rainfall zones feature multiple constraints, including water repellence, acidity, and compaction. An estimated 250,000 hectares of those six million have been ameliorated, typically involving strategic one-off deep tillage. A GRDC investment is helping to determine the longevity benefits following soil amelioration, looking at crop rotations, species choice and seedbed preparation. We hear from Dr. Stephen Davies from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, on the project's initial findings. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Stephen Davies DPIRD [email protected] More information: How does soil amelioration affect weed management? Unlocking WA soils' potential: Maintaining benefits of soil amelioration GRDC Code: DAW1901-006RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A GRDC investment focused on grower decision making for summer spraying has revealed several insights into the behaviours that motivate different spray decisions. It’s hoped that the outcomes of this research will help growers to better understand what might be affecting their decision making and influencing the effectiveness of their spray programs. This podcast will be followed by a series of workshops to be held mid-2024, that will include planning and management tools and strategies for growers. Download the transcript for this episode Contact Sandy Kimber Hart Field-Site Group [email protected] Lynette McLeod UNE [email protected] More information Spray Drift Hazardous inversion Workshop details to be published on the GRDC website later this year. GRDC Code: HFS2306-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although it may be native to the northern region, the Rutherglen bug has, in recent years, changed its behaviour and its diet has expanded. It can now do significant damage to a range of summer crops. Very little is known about the ecology of the Rutherglen Bug; and as part of a GRDC investment, CSIRO has partnered with New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and the University of Queensland to help the industry better understand and improve its management. In this episode, we hear from Dr Hazel Parry, a research scientist with CSIRO and leader of this project, about this native bug that seems to have a taste for the exotic. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Hazel Parry CSIRO [email protected] Dr Zorica Duric NSW Department of Primary Industries [email protected] More Information: The main source of project information is the webpage on the CSIRO Agroecology team website – this is also where handouts are available for download. The Beatsheet Project Code: CSP2104-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Incorporating readily available organic-soil ameliorants to boost productivity of sandy soils, has been the focus of a three-year GRDC investment in the medium to high rainfall zones of Western Australia's Wheatbelt. The experiments, using organic ameliorates such as hay, stubble straw, and manure, monitored effects of amelioration on crop growth and yield with results varying across trial sites. The trials and investment are almost complete with data currently being collated for year three. We talked to Professor Richard Bell from Murdoch University, and Veronica Crouch, the Executive Officer from the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group, who explain how the locally led trials, utilising readily available products on-farm, were eagerly adopted by this grower-driven, inspired group. Download the transcript of this episode Contact: Veronika Crouch, Corrigin Farm Improvements Group [email protected] Richard Bell, Murdoch University [email protected] More Information: GRDC Corrigin Farm Improvement Group Facey Group West Midlands Group GRDC Code: CFG2003-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A trial near Bolgart in WA is showcasing historic wheat varieties, allowing growers to look back in time to measure yield and genetic gains that wheat breeders have achieved over the past 50 years. The trial site features 48 varieties starting from the late 60s, up to the most recent varieties of two to three years ago, including bread wheat, Clearfield-tolerant wheat, and udon wheat varieties. The different varieties see improved grain size, disease resistance, weight, and crop height, bringing with them harvesting changes over the years. GRDC has a long history in wheat breeding and pre-breeding, including partnerships with wheat breeding companies. In this episode, we caught up with AGT wheat breeder, Dion Bennett about the trial’s revelations over half a century. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dion Bennett, Wheat Breeder [email protected] More Information: AGT wheat varieties GRDC Code: AGT2108-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with David Robb. David Anthony Robb is an Irrigation Advisor for Goanna Ag. He is also a grain producer, agricultural enthusiast, and UQ Agribusiness & Agricultural Science graduate. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, David talks about life growing up on his family’s grain and cattle property west of Goondiwindi. David spent 14 years working on the farm before pursuing university and challenging himself to grow beyond the family business. Download the transcript for this episode GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gas-tight sealable silos are the preferred system of grain storage and like all on-farm machinery, they require an annual maintenance health check, including pressure testing the silo. How can we ensure our silo’s health and avoid problems such as weather damage, wear, corrosion, deterioration to inlet and outlet seals and leaks? In this episode, we hear from GRDC's Grain Storage Extension team members, Ben White and Alex Conway on a detailed rundown and timing for that all-important annual silo maintenance checklist. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Ben White, GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] Alex Conway, Toowoomba QLD [email protected] More information: GRDC Stored Grain webpage Stored Grain homepage Grain Storage Extension Team hotline – 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845) GRDC Code: PRB2011-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙 Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Paul McIntosh. Mention the name Paul McIntosh to anyone in the northern grains industry and it’s almost guaranteed to invoke a smile, a humorous quip or an anecdote about his seemingly-boundless agronomic knowledge. Mr McIntosh, or Macca as he’s better known to many, is one of the region’s most recognised and respected agronomists and has been a luminary in broadening the understanding, adoption and community recognition of best practice farming throughout his 40-year career. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Paul discusses his work as an industry development agronomist and how the grains industry has changed over the years. Download the transcript for this episode GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phosphine fumigation is commonly used in gas-tight, sealed silos to control weevils in grain. While phosphine is dangerous, it can be used safely with responsible handling and management. In this episode, we chat with Grain Storage Extension Project lead Chris Warrick, along with Alex Conway about the significant safety around phosphine, including masks and meters, which remains the most relied upon fumigant to control stored grain pests in Australia’s grain production systems. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Chris Warrick – National Coordinator, GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] Alex Conway – Queensland project delivery officer [email protected] More information: GRDC Stored Grain webpage Stored Grain homepage Grain Storage Extension Team hotline – 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845) GRDC Code: PRB2011-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Mark Swift. Mark Swift and his family farm 13 different cereal, oilseed, pulse and fibre crops across 4,000 hectares at Parkes, in Central West NSW. In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Mark discusses the family’s farming operation, the intellectual and physical challenges of farming, and the balance of technology, tradition, and innovation in agriculture. Download the transcript for this episode Please be advised that today's conversation includes more colourful language than usual, which may be inappropriate for some listeners. GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers in varietal decision making by providing comparative information of commercially available grain varieties, including on yield performance, on disease resistance ratings and on grain quality. In this four-part series we will hear from a range of breeders – across seven crop types – and each one will provide information on newly commercialised cultivars in the NVT program that will be available to growers for the first time in the upcoming season. This podcast is all about canola – and we are hearing from five plant breeders from across the country. Download the transcript for this episode More information: visit the NVT website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From cone and flat-bottomed silos, to sheds, bunkers, bags, and pits, grain storage options today are seemingly endless. It is not always the case that the cheapest option will be the most cost effective over time. Nor will the most expensive always be the most appropriate for your needs. On top of this, there is the need to keep your grain free from moisture, condensation, mould, and insects, which an aeration system can do by maintaining lower temperatures and consistent conditions. So, when choosing which grain storage option to invest in, where do we begin? We caught up with Ben White and Chris Warrick from the GRDC Grain Storage Extension Project to find out the starting points around grain storage options, along with the economics of aeration. Contact: Ben White GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] Chris Warrick National Coordinator - GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team [email protected] More information: GRDC Stored Grain webpage Stored Grain homepage Grain Storage Extension Team hotline - 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845). Project Code: PRB2011-001SAX Read the podcast transcript. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maree Crawford is a passionate contributor to the Australian agricultural industry with a focus on delivering solutions through research, technology and best practice. She is a Technical Services Manager with Elders, and Non-Executive Director at Tosari Crop Research Centre. In this episode, Maree discusses what it was like growing up with 10 brothers, her love of sports, career influences, and the importance of upskilling young people in agriculture. View the transcript for this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers in varietal decision making by providing comparative information of commercially available grain varieties, including on yield performance, on disease resistance ratings and on grain quality. In this four-part series we will hear from a range of breeders – across seven crop types – and each one will provide information on newly commercialised cultivars in the NVT program that will be available to growers for the first time in the upcoming season. This podcast is all about barley and oats – and we are hearing from three plant breeders from across the country. For more information, visit the NVT website. Download the podcast transcript. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With growers in the middle of harvest around the country, harvester fires are somewhat inevitable at this time of year. However, there are actions we can take to mitigate the risk. With lentil crops particularly susceptible to harvester fires, we spoke to Ben White from the Kondinin Group, as well as Adrian McCabe, a grower from South Australia, to find out why and what steps can be taken to reduce the chance of these incidents occurring. First up Ben explains the primary causes of harvester fires. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Ben White Kondinin Group [email protected] More Information: GRDC Resources – Reducing harvest fires: The Back Pocket Guide GroundCover – Prepare to minimise fire risk this harvest GRDC Code: PRS2005-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tim Neale. For more than 20 years, Tim Neale has been running his own businesses and managing research, development and extension projects for broad spectrum of clients across a variety of agricultural sectors. He's was recognised as the Australian rural consultant of the year in 2018 and he is the co-founder of Data Farming – an ag technology company which services more than 35,000 farms across 50 countries with satellite imagery and insights. GRDC Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers in varietal decision making by providing comparative information of commercially available grain varieties, including on yield performance, on disease resistance ratings and on grain quality. In this four-part series we will hear from a range of breeders – across seven crop types – and each one will provide information on newly commercialised cultivars in the NVT program that will be available to growers for the first time in the upcoming season. This podcast is all about lentil, lupin and sorghum – and we are hearing from four plant breeders from across the country. Download the transcript for this episode Visit the NVT website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) is the centrepiece of grain crop genetic resources for the Australian grains industry. Since it's opening in 2014, it has been a partnership between the Victorian Government (Agriculture Victoria) and GRDC. An additional $30M will support digital innovation and connectivity to international genebanks, improve the operational function, and establish new long term seed storage, laboratories and work areas. Join the AGG leader Dr Sally Norton and plant pathologist Dr Joshua Fanning discuss the scope of the genebank and how it delivers for grain growers. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Please use our online catalogue to make a query or place an order. For any other queries, please email [email protected]. More information: GRDC YouTube – Australian Grains Genebank: Conserving diversity for future crop development Agriculture Victoria – The Australian Grains Genebank GRDC Code: DEE2206-009OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Roy Hamilton. Roy is a long-standing northern panel member who operates a 4400-ha mixed family farming enterprise near Rand in NSW’s Riverina with his wife Leanne and son Michael. In this episode, Roy speaks about the life experiences, influences and lessons that have shaped him into person he is today, and the advice he has for future generations of Australian grain growers. Download the transcript for this episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers in varietal decision making by providing comparative information of commercially available grain varieties, including on yield performance, on disease resistance ratings and on grain quality. In this four-part series we will hear from a range of breeders – across seven crop types – and each one will provide information on newly commercialised cultivars in the NVT program that will be available to growers for the first time in the upcoming season. This podcast is all about wheat – and we are hearing from six plant breeders from across the country. Visit the NVT website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beneficial insects play an important role in providing natural pest suppression for growers in cereal crops across Australia. Until recently there was no scientifically proven guide to help growers monitor the impacts of commonly used insecticides on beneficial insects. Rosie Knapp, from Cesar Australia, explains the new resource for growers. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Rosie Knapp Cesar Australia [email protected] More Information: Cesar Australia – The Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table GRDC Podcast: Natural enemies: beneficials, insect friends with benefits Endosymbionts – game changing bacteria in insect species Novel solutions for pest management Video: GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts – Game changing bacteria in insect species GRDC Code: UOM1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Longmire’s farm at Beaumont, near Esperance in Western Australia, have been experimenting with variable rate technology for more than 20 years. As pros at using precision agriculture, Tom and Phil presented at workshops across WA earlier this year to share their experience implementing the technology on-farm. Tom joins us on this episode to tell us more. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Tom Longmire Beaumont grower [email protected] More information: GroundCover article – Grower insights bolster variable rate technology workshops GroundCover article – Variable-rate technology adds input efficiency to cropping, experts say GRDC Code: SPA2201-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Soil Quality ebook series, developed by SoilsWest with GRDC investment, draws upon a wealth of scientific published information, knowledge from dedicated soil science practitioners, industry perspectives and first-hand experience of growers. The 10th and final book in the series, covering the topic of plant nutrition, was released in October 2023 and the entire series is available to download for free from Apple Books. We sat down with Craig Scanlan from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to find out what the final book has to tell us about the status of macro and micronutrients in WA. Contact: Craig Scanlan Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development [email protected] More information: Soil Quality ebook downloads from Apple Soil Quality ebook information GroundCover article – Gravel soil explored in new ebook launched at national conference GRDC code: UWA1806-008SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The price of fertiliser has reached record highs over the past few seasons, so any option to reduce the amount of inputs being used on-farm, without impacting yield or productivity, can only be a good thing. With GRDC investment, the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia has been hosting a series of face-to-face workshops around the country to try and help growers do just that. To find out more, we speak to Bindi Isbister, a precision ag specialist from Agrarian Management in Western Australia. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Bindi Isbister Decision Agriculture Specialist, Agrarian Management [email protected] More information: GRDC publication – Embracing precision agriculture GroundCover article – What value can precision ag tools bring to your business? Project Code: SPA2201-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second tier of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) looks at beneficial insects in Australian grain crops as an alternate pest control option. With the use of endosymbionts, the team at the University of Melbourne’s Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG) are using new technology to help increase beneficial insect populations and supress plant virus transmission. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Josh Thia University of Melbourne PEARG [email protected] More information: Cesar Australia – How to send off samples Cesar Australia – Beneficial chemical toxicity table University of Melbourne – Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG) GRDC Podcast – Novel pest solutions podcast Cesar Australia – AGPIP GRDC Podcast – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species Podcast GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species Video GRDC code: UOM1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr Arun Shanmugam and Dr Gary Rosewarne from Agriculture Victoria as they discuss the impact of GRDC’s investment on the Australian Lentil Industry since its establishment in the 1990’s. This podcast also looks at the increased scale in operations and infrastructure to deliver new varieties for growers and also how new GRDC investment is expanding lentil production as a national program, into new areas of Australia, including WA. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Arun S Shunmugam Lentil Breeder Agriculture Victoria [email protected] More Information: Agriculture Victoria – Big boost for lentil breeding GRDC Podcast – Heat Tolerant Chickpea: update on heat tolerant chickpea lines GRDC Podcast – Expanding chickpeas in the west Video: GRDC YouTube – Lentils in Western Australia GRDC Code: DJP2104-003OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers at the GRDC Grains Research Updates at Minyip in Victoria in July 2023 were told by Gerard McMullen from the National Working Party on Grain Protection that applying chemicals according to the label rate did not necessarily mean grain would meet export market requirements. Gerard joins us on this podcast to talk about changing MRLs, the chemical review being undertaken by the APVMA and why products such as carbendazim should never be used off label. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Gerard McMullen National Working Party on Grain Protection [email protected] More Information: GroundCover article – Grains industry scores A-plus for chemical residue compliance GroundCover article – EU changes residue limit for haloxyfop on canola Project Code: ORM1906-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A virtual goldmine of data generated from thousands of research, development and extension projects – all supported by GRDC – will soon be discoverable, accessible and able to be used to accelerate research outcomes. GRDC’s Data Partnerships Initiative is a $2.8 million investment over 18 months and it brings together 12 Australian research organisations that are currently working on projects in which GRDC has invested. Decades of data has been collected on a range of topics including yield, soils, genetics and climate - and this new initiative will collate existing data as well as provide a roadmap for improving data management in the future. We speak to Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader – Associate Professor Glenn Fitzgerald – and Alexis Tindall Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Glenn Fitzgerald, Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader [email protected] Alexis Tindall, Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library [email protected] More information: GroundCover article – Data partnership builds expertise to harness data treasure trove GRDC Code: DJP2201-004RTX, CUR2206-001SAX, DAW2206-007SAX, UMU2210-002BGX, DPI2206-024BGX, UOA2210-002BGX, UOA2206-008SAX, UOQ2301-004BGX, UOS2208-001BGX, UWA2206-005SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring is a critical time for disease detection in order to avoid or at least minimise yield losses; and already we are seeing higher infection levels than in previous years. Dr Hari Dadu is a senior research scientist with Agriculture Victoria has nearly a decade of experience working with crop diseases and is now leading the Septoria tritici blotch research in wheat, in the low and medium rainfall areas of the southern region. And in addition to this research, GRDC is also investing in three more projects in this space to develop new genetic resources – that will allow growers to have multiple solutions to reduce crop losses in near future. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Hari Dadu Agriculture Victoria [email protected] More Information: Disease ratings can be found on GRDC’s National Variety Trials website > nvt.grdc.com.au Agriculture Victoria produces its Cereal Disease Guide which can be accessed through The Australia Fungicide Resistance Extension Network’s website is AFREN.com.au Advancing genetic solutions for crop protection in Australian wheat: identifying novel resistance genes to Septoria tritici blotch Dissecting the molecular basis of disease and resistance to Septoria tritici blotch Project Code: FTS2006-001SAX, DJP2104-004RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) at Wagga Wagga, discusses the challenges for growers when assessing disease risk this season. What signs should growers be looking for, how is and does weather affect decision making and what are the considerations for fungicide application? Kurt’s key message for growers this season around disease detection is to get out there and walk among their crops and observe any signs of disease. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Kurt Lindbeck NSW DPI [email protected] More Information: Crop diagnostic service runs out of DPI Tamworth and Wagga, that extends to providing advice for growers, dpi.nsw.gov.au GRDC Code: DPI2207-002RTX, DPI2206-023RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data recently collected as part of the GRDC investment "Measuring Harvest Losses in the western region," has helped to identify opportunities for growers to reclaim grain that is lost during harvest. A report published on the back of this investment shows that more than $320 million dollars’ worth of grain was lost in Western Australia during the 2022/23 harvest. The podcast explores the data and what growers can do about lowering those losses. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Daniel Kidd Grower Group Alliance [email protected] Ben White Kondinin Group [email protected] More Information: View more information on the GRDC Events page GRDC harvest setup workshops which will commence in September in the following locations: September 12, Hyden September 13, Dunn Rock September 14, Nyabing September 15, Beverley September 22, Cunderdin Agricultural College. Measuring harvest losses in the WA region 2022/23 Final report Project Code: GGA2211-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join agricultural procurement specialist and speaker at a recent GRDC Farm Business Update Rob Dawes talk about the urea supply and how to prevent getting caught short again. And then Horsham agronomist Matthew Sparke will share his insights on the strategic application of what nitrogen you do have to get the most out of it. Lack of urea supply is a major issue for growers, particularly in the south east of the country. A number of factors have contributed to the supply chain issue, and we speak to Robert Dawes from Robert Dawes Consulting to find out what happened and how to plan for next season. Meantime, agronomist Matthew Sparke from Sparke Ag Consulting talks about what growers can do now to make the most of their available nitrogen; and tips for future nitrogen decision making. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Robert Dawes – [email protected] Matthew Sparke – [email protected] More Information: GroundCover Article – Resource released to help with nitrogen decision-making in season 2020 GRDC YouTube – Predicting nitrogen loss Project Code: ORM1906-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At GRDC Grower Network Forums in the Western region, the issue of poor canola establishment was raised by growers in the low rainfall zone who mainly flagged problems when the crop is dry sown. This investment aimed to validate and extend previous agronomic and management research on how to successfully establish canola in those regions and conditions. To find out more, we speak to Living Farm’s Andrew Wherrett, who has been leading the project, along with Merredin grower Phillip Gray who has a trial site located on his farm. Contact: Andrew Wherrett Senior Research Scientist, Living Farm E: [email protected] More Information: $8.2m national project to boost canola Risks and rewards of very early sown canola Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide GRDC Code: LIV2112-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trials taking place in Western Australia aim to provide growers with information and resources to increase the effectiveness of claying on poor soil. In this podcast, Dan Fay from Stirlings to Coast Farmers discusses the benefits and long-term soil amelioration that can be achieved by claying and grower Ben Webb shares his experiences with the trials and how it has positively affected yields. Contact: Dan Fay Stirlings to Coast Farmers [email protected] Watch the Improving claying efficiency on poor soil types WA video. More Information: Stirlings to Coast Farmers. GRDC Project Code: SCF2203-003SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Terry Horan. Joining us from central Tasmania this week is agronomic specialist Terry Horan, in our last episode of Series 2 of the GRDC podcast In Conversation. For more than 40 years, Terry has been actively involved in agronomy in the low, medium and high rainfall cropping areas. He grew up in between Trundle and Parks, NSW, studied in Wagga, then his career took him from Temora to Tassie and from across the government to the private sector. But it has been his love of the grains industry that has been his constant. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program’s (AGPIP) blue sky approach to tackling insect pests in Australian grain crops, endosymbionts are being used to influence an insect’s ability to transmit crop viruses and resist pesticides. Dr Perran Ross from the University of Melbourne’s Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR–G) explains what endosymbionts are, how they are being used and what impact they will have; and PhD student, Eloise Ansermin explains the new behavioural studies that have never been trialled before. Contact: Dr Perran Ross University of Melbourne PEAR -G [email protected] More Information: How to send off samples Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR-G) Novel pest solutions – podcast AGPIP Video: GRDC YouTube – Endosymbionts: Game changing bacteria in insect species Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Allan Mayfield. In 2021, Allan was granted the GRDC Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award for the southern region for his long-standing input and commitment to the nation’s grains industry. And it's not just the grains industry he's impressed, with Allan named as SA's Australia Day Citizen of the Year 2020. Allan grew up on the Eyre Peninsula, going onto become a researcher in plant pathology and eventually starting his own consultancy. Allan's also a middle-distance runner of acclaim - so get shoes on and join us for this cracker of a conversation. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WeedSmart provides solutions to control crop weeds using the ‘Big 6’ principles utilising herbicide, mechanical and cultural tactics. 2023 marks ten years of the WeedSmart program, with a focus on spray efficacy as part of the ‘Big 6’. WeedSmart agronomists, Jana Dixon and Greg Condon discuss the benefits of the WeedSmart ‘Big 6’ as they prepare for WeedSmart Week on 1 August in Dubbo, New South Wales. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Jana Dixon WeedSmart high rainfall zone agronomist [email protected] Greg Condon WeedSmart southern extension agronomist [email protected] More Information: WeedSmart Registration for WeedSmart Week 2023 – Dubbo Project Code: UWA2007-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Lynne MacDonald. Dr Lynne MacDonald is a research scientist with CSIRO where she leads a portfolio of research on soil carbon and low emissions agriculture. Her early love of agriculture and childhood memories of playing in the dirt stem back to Scotland. Years later, she was awarded a fellowship which saw her move to Canada, but she eventually landed in South Australia to study intensive cropping systems, and she has made it our country her home too. And we're grateful she did as she's been having a real impact into the future of the Aussie grains industry. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the country, many growers have not had much of a break between harvest and this season's operations… and this comes on top of a tough couple of years that included the unpredictability of mother nature, as well as a global pandemic. This podcast explores strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset while under pressure. We spoke to Kim Huckerby from ‘The Wellbeing Affect’ who shares practical advice and steps that everyone can take. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Kim Huckerby The Wellbeing Affect [email protected] More Information: The Wellbeing Affect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with James Hunt. James Hunt is a Professor of agronomy at the University of Melbourne, but his journey there was interesting and included touring Europe as part of a heavy metal rock band and some home brewing detours. He grew up on a farm in western Victoria and has done quite a bit in the world of grain crop research and farming systems. James talks about the challenge of going from a researcher to a lecturer, how passionate he is about attracting researchers into agriculture and nurturing the next generation of researchers and agronomists. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Kym Perry from SARDI discusses all things snails including how they got to Australia and have spread across the whole country. He also discusses the new GRDC investment looking at monitoring techniques, biological control and a multifaceted approach to dealing with the widespread problem affecting the grains industry. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Kym Perry SARDI Entomology Project leader [email protected] More Information: Groundcover Article – Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops GRDC Publications – Nail the Snails! (New) GRDC Publications – Burn’Em, Bash’Em, Bait’Em Project Code: UOA2205-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Lawrence Richmond. Growing up in Watchem in western Victoria, Lawrence Richmond had no idea that there were opportunities to be a farmer beyond his farm gate. But at 21, he picked up work in the world of corporate agriculture, opening his eyes to a world of possibility. Fast forward to today and Lawrence joins us from Romania, where he consults and helps to manage properties with farmers in Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. His story is a great one. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soilborne disease and root health in cereals and pulses often doesn't get the attention it deserves because it's quite literally out of sight, out of mind. In this podcast, researchers Blake Gontar and Dr Liz Farquharson of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, share their insight on identifying and managing soilborne diseases in cereals and pulses. They’re involved in a series of national grower workshops on soilborne disease and root health that have taken place over the past few years, made possible by a GRDC investment and collaboration with grower groups and other industry bodies. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Blake Gontar Senior Research Officer SARDI [email protected] Dr Liz Farquharson Research Scientist SARDI [email protected] More Information: GRDC YouTube – Identifying and managing soilborne disease GRDC Project Code: FLR1912-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tanja Morgan. Twenty years ago, Tanja took up a job in the Mallee for a better work opportunity but was ‘devastated’ to move to the area. However, the place grew on her and farming in the Mallee has since become a large part of her life. She’s even moved further away from the big smoke residing in the little town of Geranium where she is a dog trainer, farmer and communicator. With an optimistic outlook on life and a refreshing approach to life’s challenges, Tanja has become an influential and involved part of the Mallee farming community. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC, the Irrigated Cropping Council and the NSW Department of Primary Industries have teamed up to explore the influence of soil amelioration and soil amendments on crop yield and profitability in irrigated farming systems. So far there have been mixed results from the project which aims to give growers an understanding of the costs and benefits of deep ripping on sodic soils. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Irrigated Cropping Council Damian Jones [email protected] More Information: Irrigated Cropping Council Research – Optimising Irrigated Grains Project Code: ICF1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Professor Andrew Barr. Andy is a valued SA local and well-known across the grains industry. He joins us to talk about his childhood memories on a mixed farm, where he developed a love for innovation, inspiring him to study agricultural science that led to a 30-year career in plant breeding. Andy shares his experiences of travelling the world and supporting grains research-for-development across some of the most interesting parts of the planet. Despite his successful career, Andrew's ultimate goal was to return to the family farm, which he eventually did. This year Andy was awarded GRDC's greatest honour - a Seed of Gold award - in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Australia’s grain industry. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The southern region is experiencing its worst season of slug infestation. GRDC is so aware of the problems growers are having with slugs, that it currently has a tender out to invest further in slug research. Meantime we catch up with agronomist, Tim Pohlner and invertebrate ecologist, Dr Michael Nash to discuss trouble shooting the problem now and in future seasons. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Michael Nash Invertebrate Ecologist [email protected] More Information: GRDC Resources – Slugs and Snails GRDC Factsheets – Slug Control GRDC Publications – Slugs in Crops: The Back Pocket Guide GRDC Tenders – Optimising slug management Project Code: MAN2204-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Terry is the chair of Grains Australia Limited and this year was presented with a GRDC Seed of Gold award. In this episode, Terry talks about his passion for agriculture and how he started his career in the 1970s in Mount Barker, WA. Despite challenges like the collapse of the wool industry, Terry and his peers persevered, transitioning to grain and livestock. He shares his insights into WA’s Great Southern region, such as its Mediterranean climate and its reliance on winter rainfall for dryland agriculture, and his support for the West Coast Eagles football team. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices