GRDC Podcast

Hot finishes in Australia’s northern region are resulting in lower chickpea quality and yield. In a bid to improve heat tolerance in chickpea, GRDC has funded research that builds on advances already made under the Australian Research Council: Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture Hub. Professor Richard Trethowan is Director of the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute in Narrabri, New South Wales… where he and his team, are pursuing both genetic and agronomic solutions to improve the heat tolerance of chickpeas. To find out more we spoke with Professor Trethowan and his colleague Dr Angela Pattison. Contact: [email protected] More Information: International resources tapped for heat-tolerant chickpea germplasm for Australian breeding programs Project Code: UOS2112-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The economics of farming are a crucial component for all growers, and it’s not always a skill set that comes naturally. That’s why a group of Victorian growers has come together to pool their knowledge and resources around the topic of financial benchmarking. One of the tools used by the Victorian grower group is business management software (P2P Agri) made by leading farm management consultant, Michael Krause, who also previously developed the ‘Farming the Business’ manual for GRDC. Victorian growers Peter Aikman and Alistair Murdoch discuss the importance and the practicalities of financial benchmarking. Contact P2P Agri More Information Farming the Business Manual Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year along the east coast of Australia, stripe rust was a huge issue and experts are warning that in 2023, growers will continue to experience stripe rust pressure with wet summer conditions and significant green bridge carryover from last year, creating the perfect storm for the disease. The good news is there's a free online tool that growers can use to avoid highly susceptible varieties in their regions and develop management plans to minimise impacts. Called the NVT disease ratings tool. It looks at more than just stripe rust. With national trial data broken down by crop, location and pathotype resistances. We caught up with Dr. Steven Simpfendorfer, Senior plant pathologist at New South Wales, DPI based in Tamworth, to discuss the stripe rust situation and what growers can do about it this season. Contact Dr Steven Simfendorfer More information NVT Disease Ratings Tool Project Code: DAQ1905-004SAX, DPI1907-003SAX, WAA1905-001SAX, DJP1905-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers and advisers in South Australia and Victoria are increasingly reporting underperforming crops, which they believe could be attributed to a lack of potassium (K). Soil tests often show the levels are fine, but are those tests accurate for south-eastern Australia and has the grains industry relied on good K reserves in that part of the world for too long? Dr Nigel Wilhelm is from SARDI, the South Australian Research and Development Institute, the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia. He’s leading a GRDC investment that is investigating the extent and severity of K deficiency across south-eastern Australia and assessing the best way to manage the issue. Contact Dr Nigel Wilhelm [email protected] More information Solving the mystery of potassium deficiency in the south GRDC Project code: UOA2201-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chickpea production in Western Australia took a king hit in the early 2000s when a fungal outbreak hammered grower confidence and reduced crop coverage from 60,000 to 5,000 hectares. These days, it’s around 10,000 hectares. But with GRDC investment, Chickpea Breeding Australia (CBA) is working to firmly re-establish chickpea production into a premium and profitable product in WA through the release of new varieties. As CBA program lead Dr Kirsty Hobson explains, the team is working to improve yields, cold tolerance, disease resistance and adaptation to low pH soils. CBA is a five-year, $30-million breeding initiative that is working to expand the geographic reach of chickpeas from their traditional northern NSW and QLD region stronghold into central and southern NSW and WA. Contact Dr Kristy Hobson CBA program leader and NSW DPI chickpea breeder [email protected] More information Expanding chickpeas in the west video Partnerships galvanised by Chickpea Breeding Australia to deliver for WA GRDC Project Code: DPI2003-009OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unprecedented spring rainfall and flooding in 2022 has made for a particularly tough year for many growers. In this special GRDC podcast, NSW Riverina grower, Roy Hamilton, shares his experience of salvaging a soaked harvest in a season that initially held so much promise. Then ex- NRL Balmain Tigers player turned mental health speaker and educator at the Black Dog Institute, Wayne Wigham, shares his lived experience with depression and mental health recommendations in an effort to help others. Contact Lifeline - 13 11 14 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 More information The Black Dog Institute: Depression self test Anxiety self test Psychology services including telehealth information links Wayne Wigham’s story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cucumber Mosaic Virus - also known as CMV - is a seed transmitted virus that can cause yield losses of almost 100 per cent. That’s why GRDC is investing in a project that will support industry by providing information on minimising the impact of CMV infected seed; specifically on lentil yield in the Southern region. The project also aims to promote awareness of seed health, seed transmitted viruses and yield penalties associated with different levels of virus infection. Contact: [email protected] GRDC Project Code: DJP2111-001RTX - Quantifying the yield risk of planting CMV infected lentil seed in the Southern region Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Yannik Heller. Yannik grew up in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. At 16 he left school and headed to Denmark to work on a family friend's farm. A year later he was back with some unique experiences and life skills under his belt. With a view to drive big tractors, he got work on a farm in Nhill and has stuck with agriculture ever since. Now he finds himself in Tasmania working on the other side of the fence in the farm services sector. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most Australian grain growers, 2022 has been a challenging year. Weather conditions across the country continue to be volatile meaning that this harvest many growers are faced with extreme circumstances. Dr Kate Burke is a former agronomist and an agri-strategist and in this podcast she shares some practical recommendations on determining where the value lies in your crop and what to harvest first. Kate also helped deliver the 'Opportunity for Profit' workshops run with the support of GRDC in 2019 and won the GRDC Southern Region Seed of Light Award in 2021. Contact: Dr Kate Burke [email protected] More Information: GroundCover Article - 'Opportunity for Profit' GroundCover Article - 'Kate applauded and awarded for grains research extension efforts' Crops People Money & You GRDC Project Code: RDP1802-001WSX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Jenny Davidson. After briefly considering medicine as a career path, Jenny decided treating sick plants was the better choice for her. As a pulse pathologist she has spent the past 3 decades with SARDI helping the grains industry, witnessing the industry change from a focus on field peas to the pulse diversity seen across Australian farms today. In 2021, she 'retired' but that didn't stop her. She spent this year travelling across South Australia interpreting the research results from SARDI projects as a consultant, and there's no doubt more to come from her. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s harvest time across most of Australia and for many growers this year they will have the added challenge of harvesting in water-logged conditions. Adverse weather creates greater risk around this busy time - but having procedures and processes in place can benefit growers, their employees and ultimately their businesses. Contact: https://denisemclellan.com.au/ More Information: https://denisemclellan.com.au/ https://www.peopleinag.com.au/ See Groundcover article here Project Code: RDC2107-001OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Jeanette Long. Astoundingly, until 1992, women weren't allowed to officially name their occupation as 'farmer' in Australia. It was in this era, with change emerging and an increasing recognition of women's roles in farming, that Jeanette Long began working in agriculture. Jeanette's role as facilitator, trainer, coach, business partner and farmer has seen her put people first across her varied career roles and communication with them at the heart of that. She is a champion for helping others succeed and a tireless advocate for learning. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Improving wheat yield and yield stability through better heat tolerance is the focus of research being undertaken at the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute in Narrabri, New South Wales. GRDC has invested in the collaborative program between University of Sydney, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, InterGrain and Agriculture Victoria. Professor Richard Trethowan and Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite are part of the team of researchers and breeders. Contact: [email protected] More Information: Heat Tolerant Wheat: improving yield through heat tolerance Project Code: UOS2201-001RTX, UOS1606-004RMX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Bill Long. Bill is a farm consultant, but a farmer 'first and foremost' calling it one of the most satisfying careers anybody could ever have, despite its ups and downs. He's seen and worked with some of the best farmers in Australia and flown himself around the country in his Cessna airplane. His interest in how people make decisions led him and his wife Jeanette to develop a training program, and he's even composed a song about wild radish! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unprecedented rainfall in 2022 has resulted in extensive waterlogging across many cropping regions of eastern Australia. In this podcast, Greta Duff from Southern Farming Systems (SFS) shares the latest research findings on nutrient strategies and spring sown options following a waterlogging event. Greta led a project with GRDC investment on the topic in 2021 after a wet growing season in the high rainfall zones of Victoria and Tasmania. Contact Greta Duff Senior Research and Extension Officer, SFS [email protected] More information Keeping crops a head above water Project report - Nutrition Strategies to Mitigate Yield Losses Following Waterlogging Project report - Spring Sowing Options After a Wet Winter Strategies for waterlogged crops in the High Rainfall Zone of the Southern Region GRDC project code: SFS2109-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Chris Preston. In the 1980s Chris spent three years studying biofuels in the USA before returning to Australia to work in weed research at The University of Adelaide. Thirty years later, Chris is still on the job tackling the ever-evolving problem of understanding and managing herbicide resistant weeds. A challenge that has seen him explore the problem from different angles, but always with an ear close to the ground listening to what farmers and advisors have to say to guide him and his research team. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC’s National Variety Trials - or NVT - program is the largest coordinated trial network in the world. Across Australia there are more than 650 trials underway at over 300 locations for ten crop species. To find out more about how the data collected at these trial sites is used - we speak to agronomist and GRDC northern panel member, Peter McKenzie as well as NVT participant and grower, Stephen Gibson. Contact NVT in your state More Information NVT home Subscribe to NVT communications Video - "How growers and agronomists can use NVT data" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Peter Hayman. As Principal Scientist, Climate Applications, at the South Australian Research and Development Institute of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Peter works to identify climate risks to agriculture and develop R&D partnerships to help. From growing up in Japan, to studying ag science in Sydney, Peter's career path is an interesting one that has seen him seek to make science useful at the centre. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC continues to support grains focussed innovators to develop and bring their technology to growers. One way of doing that is by partnering with accelerators like the ‘Agtech and Logistics Hub’, which has recently launched a program designed to fast track innovation in the agri-food sector. The program is called GroundUp and we spoke to Agtech and Logistics Hub director, Thomas Hall to find out how it all works and how growers will ultimately benefit. Contact: [email protected] More Information: Agtech and Logistics Hub LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Project Code: ACL2205-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Mark Merrett. Mark is a sixth-generation farmer from Kaniva in western Victoria where his family runs a mixed operation of winter cropping and sheep. Mark always wanted to become a farmer but he's also a natural communicator. His Merrett Contracting YouTube videos have been viewed thousands of times and they're helping to connect people from around the world with farm life. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More information: Australia is the world's largest exporter of faba beans, to help growers stay on top, breeders are developing new varieties suited to local conditions. Harnessing the expertise of different partners, GRDC has invested in research to address faba bean diseases including Ascochyta blight while maintaining a focus on higher yields. In this podcast, Adelaide University faba bean breeder Sam Catt and SARDI pulse pathologist Sara Blake talk about progress towards new and improved varieties. Contact: [email protected] ; [email protected] GRDC project code: UOA1606-009RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Kate Burke. Kate’s working career has seen her in roles as an agronomist, a commercial manager, author and a cereal chemist. Living in Echuca, Victoria, she now runs her own consulting business Think Agri, providing corporate investors access to astute, experience-based advice when considering agri-investment decisions. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a wet 2021, growers across Australia’s northern and southern grain growing regions are again bracing for widespread, heavy rainfalls at harvest this year. While the weather forecast poses significant challenges for getting crops off the paddock, getting your silos ready to store damp grain now is one way to help reduce headaches down the track. In this podcast, GRDC National, Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator, Chris Warrick, shares his tips on preparing silos for harvest, storing wet grain, drying options and silo hygiene. More information: Contact: [email protected] Phone: 1800 933 845 Aeration cooling can help save moist grain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Barry's 45-year career has seen him combine his on-farm experience with his business acumen to help farm businesses build resilience in risky environments. His work has taken him from his family farm in Port Germein, SA, to working to support the adoption of conservation agriculture practices in north Africa and India. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in WA, there’s been a confirmed case of glyphosate and paraquat resistance in annual ryegrass. The discovery has prompted University of Western Australia weed researcher, Dr Roberto Busi, to research alternative double knock solutions. As Roberto explains, the findings have been a quantum leap forward in understanding how these resistant ryegrass populations can be effectively controlled with paraquat and pre-emergent herbicide combinations. Contact Dr Roberto Busi [email protected] More information Frist cases of glyphosate and paraquat resistant ryegrass in WA GRDC project: UWA2007-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wheat growers in the northern grain growing region are currently experiencing one of the worst stripe rust epidemics in recent memory. To help growers tackle the challenging season, Grain Orana Alliance (GOA) have been conducting trials to provide a stripe rust early warning system for the central north region of the New South Wales cropping belt. The trials, supported by GRDC, are focused on identifying and communicating local dominant stripe rust pathogens to help growers and advisers make management decisions without the time delay of individual paddock sampling and pathotyping analysis. In this podcast, GOA CEO Maurie Street analyses how the season has played out for stripe rust so far, and shares the insights that have come out of early warning system trials in such a high-pressure year. Contact Maurue Street – Grain Orana Alliance (GOA) [email protected] More information GRDC Ground Cover - New stripe rust trials to create early warning network for northern growers Grain Orana Alliance – trial results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lupin seed integrity and establishment With split seed resulting in yield penalties higher than 70% in some areas, a new GRDC investment is looking at how growers can manage their handling of lupin seed to ensure better germination of seed in the following seasons. A benchmark study of 27 WA growers looked at germination impacts for lupins, focusing on reducing the incidence of split seed through harvest activities such as machinery impacts, and manganese deficiency. The study which started in 2019 has now wrapped up, with advice around manganese management, going easy on the augers, harvesting with at least 12% moisture and asking the experts to assess seed. But those who know lupins, know there’s still a lot to learn. Contact Katrina Venticinque, Liebe Group 08 9661 1907 [email protected] More information GRDC Investment – Demonstrating the effects of reduced lupin seed integrity on crop establishment GRDC Ground Cover – Retained lupin seed germination puzzle Liebe Group Projects – The Effect On Lupin Establishment As A Result Of Reduced Seed Integrity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC has a history of working with different business accelerators to deliver grains focussed, start-up accelerator programs across Australia. Farmers2Founders is one such programme - set up to help put producers at the centre of innovation by supporting them to have more involvement in the innovation process… leading to solutions that will solve real problems for grains growers on farm. To find out more, we spoke to Skye Raward, co-founder and general manager of Farmers to Founders and Tegan Modra, participant in the National Accelerator Program. Contact: Skye Raward Co-Founder & General Manager, Farmers2Founders [email protected] More Information: www.farmers2founders.com Applications currently open for: National Pre-Accelerator Programe closes 9 October National Accelerator Programme closes 16 October TNQ Innovation Pre-Accelerator closes 9 October GRDC Project Code: FTS2006-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gravel soils account for 24 per cent of land used for crop production in southern Western Australia, and are also characteristic of major production regions in South Australia and Victoria. In this podcast, two growers share their experience managing this challenging soil type. They have distinctly different approaches but share a desire to get the most of their crops in a high rainfall environment. Murdoch University’s Dr Francesca Brailsford also shares an update on the significant GRDC investment underway to help growers better manage ironstone gravel soils from a cropping, nutrition and water perspective. The ironstone gravels soil project is part of a SoilsWest alliance initiative, which also includes The University of Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, Queen’s University Belfast and Bangor University. Contact Dr Francesca Brailsford Murdoch University [email protected] More information - Challenges of ironstone gravels – WA video - Challenges of ironstone gravels – SA video - GroundCover - Unlocking the hidden potential of ironstone gravel soils GRDC project code: UMU2111-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Grower Network is a GRDC initiative set up to directly communicate with growers and help progress locally relevant research, development and extension investments. Growers are encouraged to become involved and there are many ways to do that. To find out more about the National Grower Network, we speak to Grower Relations Manager, Vicki Green and Graham Spackman who is on the GRDC’s northern panel. Contacts: Vicki Green Grower Relations Manager [email protected] Graham Spackman GRDC Panel Member, Northern Region [email protected] More Information: About NGN GRDC Events Page Subscribe to GRDC Twitter @theGRDC Instagram @theGRDC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grain growers around Australia have a new tool, in the form of a comprehensive guide, to support informed decision making around machinery purchases. The guide, titled “Machinery investment and replacement for Australian grain growers”, is the result of a two-year GRDC initiated project to assist growers to evaluate decisions around machinery investment. The information has been gathered from contributions from more than 450 grain growers around Australia, who shared their machinery purchase and ownership experiences, resulting in 30 case studies that are featured in the guide. The guide offers a valuable snapshot of machinery ownership levels to help growers compare their position against industry averages for similar farming operations. Contact: Ben White Kondinin Group [email protected] More Information: Download a PDF of the guide here. Project Code: KIS1911-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in Australia, there is a biocontrol option to help tackle flaxleaf fleabane. A rust fungus from fleabane’s country of origin, Colombia, has been rigorously tested by a research team at the CSIRO and approved for release by the Australian regulator. This new tool will be available to help growers bolster their integrated weed management strategy. This research is part of a project called Underpinning agricultural productivity and biosecurity by weed biological control, led by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program, with co-investment from CSIRO, GRDC and NSW Biocontrol Taskforce. Contact Ben Gooden CSIRO [email protected] More information Flaxleaf fleabane rust fungus video GRDC/AgriFutures media release Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much does the general public trust the grains industry? Recent community survey work, made possible through GRDC investment, has painted a clear picture – and the results are surprising. Dr Kieren Moffat and his team have been surveying a diverse cross-section of the community to examine areas of uncertainty such as chemical usage and GMO cropping. It’s all part of a the larger Community Trust in Rural Industries project being driven by a number of Rural Research and Development Corporations and industry organisations. Contact Dr Kieren Moffat Voconiq [email protected] More information - Growing community trust video - Groundcover article - Program finds high levels of trust in growers GRDC project code RDC1906-004OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weeds are one of the largest costs to Australian growers - affecting management, yields and input costs. That’s why GRDC is a platinum partner in WeedSmart - an industry led initiative designed to deliver weed control solutions. WeedSmart is the united industry voice delivering science backed weed control solutions to growers and advisors for long term productivity in Australian agriculture. To see the full list of financial, in-kind and international in-kind; and research partners visit this page. We explore the WeedSmart initiative with WeedSmart Project Manager, Jessica Strauss and Chris Davey, Agriservices agronomist from YP Ag. WeedSmart Week 2022 is happening in Mildura, Victoria from 30 August - 1 September. Contact: Jessica Strauss WeedSmart Project Manager & Communications Lead AHRI School of Agriculture and Environment (SAGE) [email protected] Chris Davey YP Ag [email protected] More Information: Subscribe to WeedSmart. Project Code: UWA2007-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Australia’s canola industry continues to grow from strength to strength - despite the presence of blackleg, a common disease that has the potential to cause more than 90 per cent yield loss. This success story is thanks, in part, to decades of targeted GRDC investment into blackleg management – delivering significant genetic and agronomic advancements to help canola growers reduce the impact of this serious pathogen. Marcroft Grains Pathology Principal Dr Steve Marcroft has been at the forefront of this research for nearly 30 years and he discusses the impact that blackleg research has had. Contact: Dr Steve Marcroft Marcroft Grains Pathology [email protected] More Information: Early-sown canola may escape blackleg clutches Blackleg Management Guide Marcroft Grains Pathology Project Codes: UOM1904-004RTX, UOM1905-003RTX, UWA1905-006RTX, CSP1904-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the greatest barriers to improving farm productivity in Australia is water. Over the past ten years, GRDC investment in water use efficiency (WUE) research has resulted in significant yield gains and underpinned an evolution in the management of summer fallows and farming sequences across Australia’s southern and western cropping regions. Southern NSW agronomist Greg Condon has been involved with WUE research projects for more than 12 years, and in this podcast he delves into the research findings that are delivering real impact for growers. Contact Greg Condon Grassroots Agronomy [email protected] More information - Investing in water use efficiency yields results case study Project code CSP00111, DAS00089, CSP1707-019RTX, CSP1703-007RTX, CSP1706-015RMX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Excessive rainfall has hit northern growers over the past six months. With water logging across paddocks, growers are at heightened risk of losing nitrogen from denitrification, and it’s an issue GRDC is keen to understand better. Recent research supported by GRDC and led by Senior Research scientist at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Dr Graeme Schwenke, found that on average, paddocks with waterlogging could lose 28 per cent of nitrogen from denitrification. To get the complete picture of nitrogen cycling and the conditions under which growers can lose nitrogen from the soil, GRDC has launched a new project to investigate how to better predict nitrogen cycling and losses in Australian cropping systems with a focus on augmenting measurements to enhance modelling. In this podcast Dr Schwenke discusses the state of play on the ground right now, and the value of further research into nitrogen cycling. Contact: Graeme Schwenke NSW DPI [email protected] More information: GRDC Update Paper: Nitrogen volatilisation: Factors affecting how much N is lost and how much is left over time Project code: UOQ2204-010RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long coleoptile wheat is getting a lot of grower interest and some new research been delivering some exciting results. This genetic approach is focused on wheat lines that produce a long first shoot, or a coleoptile, allowing for deeper sowing into soil with residual moisture. After successful paddock-scale trials, the research is helping growers mitigate the risk of poor or failed establishment because of unpredictable summer rain and sowing breaks. Led by CSIRO plant geneticist, Dr. Greg Rebetzke, we talk about the research that's got growers and the GRDC excited about the future potential of the long coleoptile wheats. Contact Dr Greg Rebetzke CSIRO Agriculture and Food 02 6246 5153 [email protected] More information - Are long coleoptile wheats an early sowing game-changer? - GRDC Grains Research Update Online, Southern Region 2022 - Day 1, Agronomy & management for a shifting climate (Adelaide & Bendigo) - On-farm assessment of new long-coleoptile wheat genetics for improving grain yield with deep sowing - Early learnings from multi-site, multi-system assessment of new long-coleoptile genetics for deep sowing of wheat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to maximising the productivity of irrigated crops, research is proving it isn’t as simple as adding water and lots of nitrogen fertiliser. The Optimising Irrigated Grains project team have two seasons of impressive agronomy data under their belt –helped along by back-to-back mild spring conditions which has seen them achieve some pretty exceptional yields Contact Nick Poole Managing Director FAR Australia [email protected] More information - Optimising irrigated grains video - Grower insights on grazing crops under irrigation podcast - ICC website - Optimising irrigated grains podcast GRDC code: FAR1906-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 90-day summer chickpea crop could soon be a reality for the north, giving growers a pulse option to plant in February and harvest in June. Researchers involved in the summer chickpea project, made possible through GRDC investment, have spent the summer assessing the performance of 20 chickpea lines across five different locations. As project lead Dr Angela Pattison from the University of Sydney explains, the trial results and yield potential of the system are showing real promise. Contact Dr Angela Pattison The University of Sydney [email protected] More information - Summer chickpea video - GroundCover story - Turning necessity into opportunity with summer chickpeas - GroundCover story - International resources tapped for heat-tolerant chickpea germplasm for Australian breeding programs GRDC code: UOS2112-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to optimise mungbean yields in Australia’s northern growing region? It's the focus of a significant GRDC investment underway with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. In this podcast, project participant Paul McIntosh from Pulse Australia shares the latest agronomy research findings on maximising productivity in mungbean systems. Contact Paul McIntosh Pulse Australia industry development manager [email protected] More information · Mungbean agronomy video · Mungbean yield gap and agronomy webinar - Marisa Collins · Exploring interactions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobia and root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) in mungbeans, Update Paper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fusarium wilt is significant mungbean disease that can result in up to 80 per cent yield loss. In an effort to arm growers with information about this costly disease, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in Queensland has set up a variety of tolerance trials across the state as part of a wider GRDC and DAF co-investment on optimising mungbean yield in the northern region. In this podcast, DAF Extension Officer, Jayne Gentry, shares the latest research findings and her recommendations for managing fusarium wilt. Contact Jayne Gentry Principal Development Extension Officer, Crop and Food Sciences, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries [email protected] More information Mungbean disease webinar Project code: DAQ1806-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Oat Breeding Program, backed by joint $5.4 million investment from AgriFutures Australia and GRDC, is being propelled into a new era under the leadership of commercial breeding company, InterGrain. In this podcast, Intergrain’s Dr Allan Rattey shares all the details of the new program and how it will increase the genetic gain per dollar invested. The program is strengthened by significant collaboration with oat pre-breeding investments across Australia. This national research network provides valuable support to the success of the breeding programs and industry. Contact: Dr Allan Rattey Intergrain [email protected] More information February 2022 GRDC update presentation GRDC code IGP2103-001AWX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most irrigated crop research involves wheat or cotton - but the Optimising Irrigated Grains project is different. It’s focused on the agronomic and amelioration levers for maize, chickpeas, faba beans, canola, barley and durum. The three-year irrigation project has delivered some impressive results so far. Contact Ben Morris FAR Australia [email protected] More information · Optimising irrigated grains video · Optimising irrigated grains research report · WaterCan Profit calculator · WaterCan Profit calculator demo video. GRDC project code: FAR1906-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vetch got a bad rap back in the 1990s when a variety that looked like red lentils was substituted for the higher priced commodity and sold into export markets. Since then, this versatile crop has gone from strength to strength, thanks largely to the National Vetch Breeding Program. In this podcast, program leader Stuart Nagel explores the history of vetch and its adaptability in cropping and mixed farming systems. The breeding program has been trialling and releasing new varieties suited to Australian growing conditions since 1992. Contact Stuart Nagel, SARDI National Vetch Breeding Program Leader [email protected] More information: National Vetch Breeding Program video https://youtu.be/iiAo0C2jJHo GRDC code - DAS1711-015RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many southern growers know, good growing conditions for crops also means good ground conditions for slugs. After favourable springs in both 2020 and 2021, slug populations are on the rise and sliding into regions that don’t normally see them. As Dr Michael Nash explains, it’s about being proactive, understanding the risk factors and making informed management choices for the different species. Contact Dr Michael Nash [email protected] Ruth Peek [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dual-purpose crops under irrigation offer an attractive graze and grain return. But what's the best set-up to maximise potential at the paddock level? In this GRDC podcast, we hear from three growers who put forward paddocks in an ambitious effort to answer just that, as part of the Optimising Irrigated Grains investment. Contact Kate Coffey Riverine Plains [email protected] More information · Optimising irrigated grains video · Optimising irrigated grains research report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weed seeds and herbicide resistant genes have the potential to move across farm boundaries and between different land uses. A collaborative project, called area wide management for cropping systems weeds, is taking a unique approach to traditional weed control by collaborating beyond fence lines with varying land users across three pilot regions - the Sunraysia, the Darling Downs and the Murrumbidgee irrigation area. In this podcast, we hear from CSIRO's Dr Rick Llewellyn, and Mallee Sustainable Farming’s Tanja Morgan, about how the project is taking shape in the Sunraysia area. This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as part of its rural R&D for profit program and the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. The project also involves 11 research and development partners: Grains Research and Development Corporation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, AgriFutures Australia, CSIRO, University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of Wollongong, Mallee Sustainable Farming, Millmerran Landcare Group, Irrigation Research & Extension Committee Inc, and the Toowoomba Regional Council. Contact: Dr Jason Emms, GRDC Manager Weeds [email protected] Dr Rick Llewellyn, CSIRO [email protected] Tanja Morgan, Mallee Sustainable Farming [email protected] More information: Could collaboration be the best weapon against weeds CSIRO Area wide management for cropping systems weeds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across Western Australia’s grain growing regions, farmers are reporting increased mouse activity, sparking new concern about risks heading into the 2022 season. To help growers keep ahead of this issue, the CSIRO’s Steve Henry and Dr Wendy Ruscoe delivered GRDC mouse control workshops over 21 locations and 4 days across WA’s grain belt in March, speaking with 245 growers and advisers. In this podcast, Steve Henry shares key insights and recommendations from the workshops. Contact: Steve Henry Research Officer, CSIRO [email protected] Georgia Megirian Crop Protection Manager - West, GRDC [email protected] More information: Mouse management CSIRO mouse control. GRDC code: FMO2201-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The main summer grain crop in the northern grains region, sorghum is ordinarily planted between September and January. But for the past two years, scientists from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland have been trailing sowing the summer crop in winter. And while the trials have taken place in cool conditions, the results have proved to be red hot. Contact: Professor Daniel Rodriguez [email protected] More information: · Video: Beating the heat – maximizing productivity with late winter sown sorghum https://youtu.be/U-q9O5vHMl8 GRDC code: UOQ1808-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices