GRDC Podcast

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

Camilla Plunkett attends a demonstration day at Dalyup, WA to look at the latest in tile ploughing, a solution being used in the GRDC investment trial exploring sub-surface drainage ROI. Project officer Sophie Willsher from South Coast Natural Resource Management and grower, Rohan Marold discuss all things sub-surface drainage, including a ‘how to’ for growers; and the challenges and rewards of this method. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Sophie Willsher, South Coast Natural Resource Management [email protected] More Information: GRDC Podcast – Rising interest in sub-surface drainage Project Code: SCF2005-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Kevin Moore. A renowned plant pathologist, Kevin was recognised in 2023 with GRDC's highest accolade - a Seed of Gold award - for his work in crop protection. His extensive 55-year career has had long-lasting effects on the grains industry, with his research outcomes and pulse disease management strategies still actively used by fellow researchers and growers to improve profitability to this day. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop finds out about the latest in canola genetics from CSIRO’s Dr Matt Nelson. Dr Nelson gives an insight into the GRDC invested genetics project exploring the key genetic traits contributing to successful canola establishment. The project also aims to provide canola breeders with improved genetics from overseas varieties and selection tools to accelerate the breeding of varieties with better establishment potential. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Matthew Nelson CSIRO [email protected] More Information: GroundCover Article – Canola establishment under the scope Project Code: CSP1907-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dan Bingham. Dan runs a large-scale contracting and farming business Bingham Agriculture, from his home base in Skipton, Victoria. He loves the balance of the contracting and farming, lights up when he talks about supporting young people enter the industry and get their start, and says it's the "happy faces and good crops" that are his inspiration. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Sanderson catches up with Tom De Mattia, from Delta Ag and learns about the 3000km GRDC funded study tour which took a group of growers and advisors from Wagga Wagga NSW to Esperance WA to learn about the similarities and differences in management strategies for each area and highlight the ‘peer-learning’ approach of growers learning from growers. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Tom De Mattia Delta Ag [email protected] Project Code: DEL2206-002AWX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Cassandra Schefe. In the Forbes RSL using coasters and the RSL carpet as a reference, Cassie and two big names in agricultural sustainability came up with the idea for the Cool Soil Initiative, which now supports farmers explore practices to improve soil health. It's no surprise she brought such an idea to life, she grew up around farming and found a love for science and soils early on in her career and now runs her consultancy AgriSci Pty Ltd. She’s got a great story, acres of passion and a heap of knowledge, that she explains to us with the utmost care. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop interviews Mechelle Owen from AHRI, Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative about herbicide resistance in weed species in Western Australia and the data collected from the GRDC funded survey conducted during the 2020 harvest. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Mechelle Owen AHRI, University of WA [email protected] More Information: GRDC Podcast – Annual ryegrass resistance to pre-emergent herbicides snapshot Project Code: UCS2008-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with David "DJ" Jochinke. DJ is the vice president of the National Farmers’ Federation, third generation grain and livestock farmer and an incredibly passionate advocate for the agriculture industry. This conversation feels like one motivational pep talk and we hear all about his education journey, why he cares so much about the work he does and the incident that inspired him to live life to the fullest. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop catches up with Dr Lizzy Lowe from Cesar Australia to discuss redlegged earth mite resistance and the surveillance measures being taken to develop up to date management recommendations and help with maintaining the effectiveness of current chemical control options. Download the transcript for this episode Contact Lizzy Lowe Cesar Australia [email protected] More Information GroundCover article – Growers urged to test redlegged earth mite for resistance GRDC Factsheet – Resistance management strategy for the Redlegged Earth Mite in Australian grains and pastures Cesar Australia – Redlegged earth mite management survey GRDC Project Code: CES2010-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Ann McNeill. A semi-retired soil scientist Ann started life in the UK, spent time in Syria working in dryland agriculture, and landed in Australia where she’s done a lot of work and research with farmers to help improve their crops. She has fascinating stories about research, her pathway into academia and the love she found along the way – have you ever gone for the same job as your partner? Ann has... and it’s interesting to hear how she navigated it. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darryl Anderson comes live from Showcase Day at the Agtech and Logistics Hub in Toowoomba, Queensland. Darryl speaks with Agtech coordinator, Thomas Hall about the innovation behind some of the most current, up and coming products and services in agriculture and also catches up with participants from this year’s GroundUp, agribusiness accelerator program. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Thomas Hall Agtech and Logistics Hub [email protected] More information: GRDC Podcast – Agtech and Logistics hub accelerator Agtech and Logistics Hub – GroundUp Homepage Video: GRDC YouTube – GroundUp Accelerator Program | Innovation Showcase Project Code: ACL2205-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Lou Flohr. Lou is a mixed cropping and livestock farmer running her enterprise alongside her parents and partner in Lameroo in the Southern Mallee of South Australia. With three young children, family is a huge part of Lou’s life, as is her commitment to ensuring women are represented in the ag sector and support for them encouraged. She is a member of the GRDC Southern Panel and deeply cares about agriculture and the people in it. She is truly inspiring. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darryl Anderson interviews Professor Mike Bell and Dr David Lester to find out about GRDC’s $11.9 million investment into predicting nitrogen cycles and losses in Australian cropping systems. This video looks into the use of the APSIM farming system simulation model which measures the nitrogen cycle; and how this GRDC trial is looking to create a national data set of nitrogen loss across all regions of Australia. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Professor Mike Bell University of Queensland [email protected] Dr David Lester Queensland Department Agriculture and Fisheries [email protected] More information: GRDC Podcast Episode – Predicting Nitrogen cycling and losses in Australian cropping systems Project Code: UOQ2204-010RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Harm van Rees. Harm’s story starts in the Netherlands where he was raised until he was 14. Then his father got an engineering job in Australia, bringing the family with him. When his dad got another job back in the UK, Harm was not ready to leave. He studied science and biochemistry which took him all around the world, and when he got back to Australia, he headed to Victoria’s high country to study cattle grazing, but that’s only the beginning. Harm was a touchstone for no till farming in the 1990s and won a GRDC Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award in 2020 which saw him seek new insights into attitudes towards, and usage of, glyphosate around the world. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s estimated the Australian grains industry loses more than $350 million a year – due to insects. GRDC has invested in the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) a joint initiative with the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia – set up to tackle pest management problems in the grains industry. More novel approaches and solutions pest control are needed – Associate Professor Paul Umina from Cesar Australia and the University of Melbourne – provided an update on the ground-breaking research currently underway. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Associate Professor Paul Umina Cesar Australia University of Melbourne [email protected] More Information: GroundCover Article – Authority warns of growing insecticide resistance risk Cesar Australia – The Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) Project Code: UOM1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sally Maguire looks at ammonia volatilisation in depth with Associate Professor Louise Barton from the University of WA. They discuss the extended findings from a 14 month trial study and the implications for crop productivity and nitrogen use efficiency. Contact: Louise Barton University of WA Email: [email protected] More Information: GroundCover article - Assessing gaseous nitrogen loss from WA crop systems Project Code: UWA2202-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop catches up with spray application specialist, Bill Campbell at the GRDC Western update, to discuss the awareness and understanding of making good weed spraying decisions. Contact: Bill Campbell Consulting [email protected] More Information: GRDC Media Release – How to get the most from your spraying program Project Code: BCC1910-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop interviews Dr. Elizabeth Petersen from the University of Western Australia about the results from a survey of four hundred West Australian grain producers. They discuss the role of agronomics, the process involved with making fertiliser decisions and strategies implemented to maximise yield potential. Contact: Dr Elizabeth Petersen Principal Applied Economist, Advanced Choice Economics P/L Senior Research Fellow, University of Queensland Adjunct Senior Lecturer, University of Western Australia email: [email protected] Craig Scanlon Senior Research Scientist, DPIRD email: [email protected] More Information: GroundCover Article – Agronomy still top priority for nitrogen fertiliser decisions Agronomic factors are the dominant influence on nitrogen fertilizer strategies in dryland cropping systems Project Code: UWA1801-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sally Maguire interviews experts at the 2023 GRDC Grains research update held in Wagga Wagga. They discuss the latest advice for the season ahead. These experts include: Dr John Kirkegaard, CSIRO Dr Felicity Harris, Charles Sturt University Prof Chris Preston, Adelaide University Prof Robert Park, University of Sydney Prof James Hunt, University of Melbourne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Bishop interviews Richard Bell from Murdoch University (SoilWest Alliance), to discuss widespread Potassium deficiencies in soils and report on the highly successful collaboration between GRDC, DPIRD, SoilsWest, Murdoch University, Summit Fertilisers and CSBP Fertilisers and key research findings for growers and advisors from a long-term field trial in Western Australia, investigating how to maximise profit and efficiency from potassium fertiliser. Contact: Richard Bell, Murdoch University (SoilsWest Alliance) [email protected] Project Code: UMU1801-006RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pre-emergent herbicide applications at seeding. What to apply? How? And what chemicals really don’t get along well together in the spray tank? There is a lot to know as growers approach the 2023 season. Across the southern region, the mild and wet season last year means there’s a mighty bank of weed seeds just waiting to rear their ugly heads. There’s a range of options for pre-emergent herbicide applications, and we spoke to Southern Extension Officer with WeedSmart Chris Davey likes to get some tips on using pre-emergent herbicides. Contact: Chris Davey Agriservices Agronomist [email protected] More Information: Pre-emergent herbicides fact sheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first podcast in our new limited series focusing on Nutrition in the West. Each Friday for the next four weeks, we’ll release an additional GRDC podcast covering nutrition topics specifically for Western Australia, as growers gear up for seeding 2023. The knowledge used to guide phosphorus management in WA agriculture has its origins in field research from 20 to 60 years ago. This long term private-public partnership study, part of a large crop nutrition project, helps provide up-to-date guidelines by revealing the key influences of wheat response to P fertiliser in current cropping systems. We caught up with Senior Research Scientist Craig Scanlon from WA’s Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development about what’s driving and influencing yield response to phosphorous fertiliser in current cropping systems – which importantly – now includes climate - in the equation. Contact: Craig Scanlan, Senior Research Scientist – DPIRD [email protected] More Information: Optimising fertiliser application – what level of precision can we achieve? Project Code: UMU1801-006RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forecasting how optimal flowering windows and crop yields will be impacted by the warming climate, and what growers can do about it, has been unexplored – until now. A new economics project under the Optimising Irrigated Grains Initiative, led by Associate Professor Matt Harrison from University of Tasmania, has brought together researchers, farming groups, and industry organisations to compare and predict optimal flowering windows to increase yields. It’s the first time contemporary genotypes have been compared across rainfed vs irrigated crops to predict current and future crop flowering windows across several growing regions using real weather and field trial data. The project’s focus on real world testing and grower engagement has resulted in a free online tool, Water Can Profit, that calculates farm inputs and helps growers make more profitable decisions. Contact: Matthew Harrison Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania Email: [email protected] More Information: WaterCanProfit main website Details on the WaterCanProfit App Here is the hint for installation: The WaterCanProfit app version 1.2.3(8) is now available for both Android and iOS. Users can download and install the app on their mobile devices to begin using it immediately. We highly recommend downloading the app using the link provided, so that users can receive email notifications about future updates. iOS users can download the app by this link. Step 1 is to download TestFlight from the apple store, and Step 2 is to click the link. This video also helps with the installation: No.0.1 iOS Install by link. Android users can use this link to get access and provide your Gmail (the same gmail you use for the google store) to join an 'internal tester list' to download the beta version of the app. Once your Gmail address has been approved, you will receive an automated email that tell you to download 'App tester' and then find the WaterCan app. This video also helps with the installation: WaterCan Profit Android app test. We provide a 'User manual' WaterCan_User_Manual1.1.0.pdf to help with your installation and testing of the app (As we still update the software based on user feedback, the instruction may not be fully consistent and updated to date). You can also check GRDC YouTube channel where we present the 5 functions of the app. Project Code: UOT1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a grain grower, an agribusiness practitioner, scientist, or industry expert – GRDC wants you. That’s right, GRDC is looking for Regional Panel Members who are willing to share their knowledge, expertise and networks to help facilitate cutting edge research; and in turn bolster on farm profitability. GRDC is a world leading grains research organisation, responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research, development, and extension. Regional panels provide a vital link between the broader grains sector and GRDC; and help to identify, prioritise, and support RD&E investments that address regional constraints and opportunities. We spoke to Regional Panel Members from across Australia to talk about what the role entails. More Information: Applications are now open for all the GRDC Regional Panels and for more information head to the GRDC Website. Applications close Thursday 13 April. Becoming a GRDC Regional Panel Member – YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Determining the economic impact of native budworm in wheat crops was not something Dustin Severtson from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) ever expected to be doing. But when WA agronomists and growers started reporting the insects feeding off wheat in spring, DPIRD, backed by GRDC investment, launched glasshouse and in-field research to examine why native budworm was moving into this non-traditional cereal crop host. Contact Dustin Severtson DPIRD More information YouTube Video - Native budworm in wheat GRDC project code: DAW2106-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many South Australian grain growers, 2022 was a cracker season, but the weather and other factors did lead to some cereal disease. So, what does 2023 have in store, and what to do to keep disease at bay? This is the second part of a two-part podcast where we do a deep dive to bring you the latest advice. In Part two we speak to Sam Trengove, who is an independent consultant on Yorke Peninsula and his business also does research and extension; and we also hear from Associate Professor, Fran Lopez-Ruiz, from Curtin University in Western Australia who is a specialist on fungicides. Contact Sam Trengove, Trengove Consulting Fran Lopez, Curtin University - WA More Information Farm Trials data explorer Project Code: TRE2204-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many South Australian growers, 2022 was a cracker season, but the weather and other factors did lead to some cereal disease. So what does 2023 have in store, and what to do to keep disease at bay? Dr Tara Garrard is a cereal pathologist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia. She has a project looking at Septoria Tritici Blotch, working out how it behaves in low and medium rainfall zones… but Tara says there are other diseases to be aware of as you go into the sowing. Contact Tara Garrard, PIRSA-SARDI [email protected] Robert Park, University of Sydney [email protected] GRDC code: UOA2104-012RTX, UOS2207-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices