GRDC Podcast

“The next wave of productivity improvements will come from … the soil itself.” That’s a quotation from a valuable online resource for growers and their advisers – a series of E-books on improving the soils that make up Australia’s grains belt. The E-books are interactive and easy to digest and promise users a unique experience when it comes to learning and the application of the information for practical application of the knowledge. On this podcast we speak to one of the authors Associate Professor Fran Hoyle from The University of Western Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through the careful analysis of more than 18 years of paddock data, we now know that cropping weeds constantly evolve to evade all forms of weed control, including non-herbicide strategies. In this podcast, Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) research agronomist, Dr Mike Ashworth, discusses the evolution of annual ryegrass and wild radish in our cropping systems, and how this information can be used to make strategic weed management decisions. Contact: Dr Mike Ashworth Research agronomist, AHRI [email protected] More information: Evolving weeds video on GRDC YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_NwE2ZdC7U&t=1s Groundcover online story https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/weeds/evolving-weeds-dodge-multiple-management-controls Integrated weed management tactics https://weedsmart.org.au/the-big-6/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though consultants haven’t traditionally seen discussions with growers about stress management and mental health as part of their role it actually makes good business sense. The ‘slow creep’ of drought-related stress is detrimental to growers if unaddressed, but supporting growers to understand and manage their stress helps to prevent developing mental health problems, while also supporting future relationships and business outcomes. Consultants are skilled to support grower’s decision-making, and this becomes crucial in adverse times to assist them to understand the facts, their options and ways of making informed decisions. Contact: Letitia Cross, Rural Mental Health Coordinator 02 6757 0221 [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/droughts-drain-driving-profit-through-supporting-good-mental-health Rural Adversity Mental Health Program RAMHP coordinator www.ramhp.com.au Beyond Blue help line 1300 224 636 Lifeline 13 11 14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhizoctonia will cause yield losses especially where cereal crops have had a dry finish, but because this disease doesn’t like moist soils, those growers who have received late spring rains are unlikely to notice any impact. What this season does emphasise, however, is the need to monitor crops as what might appear completely healthy above ground could be significantly impacted below ground. One of the country’s leading authorities on rhizoctonia is Alan McKay, principal scientist soil biology and molecular diagnostics with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), which is the research division of the SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). In this podcast, Dr McKay discusses rhizoctonia identification and management. Contact: Dr Alan McKay South Australian Research and Development Institute (08) 8429 2216 [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2016/02/rhizoctonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An estimated 12.5 million hectares of sandy soils in southern and Western Australia are deemed at moderate and high risks of water repellence. In this podcast, researcher Dr Jack Desbiolles from the University of South Australia evaluates the effectiveness of available soil wetter chemistries and seeding tactics to improve crop productivity in non-wetting sandy soil. The research findings explored in this podcast are the result of two field trials that were run in 2018 and 2019, made possible through GRDC investment. The trials were conducted in a 270mm growing season rainfall zone at Murlong on the Eyre Peninsula, namely a soil wetter evaluation trial and a seeder strategy evaluation trial, aiming to compare a number of seeding strategies. Contact: Dr Jack Desbiolles Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Centre [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/seeder-based-approaches-to-reduce-the-impact-of-water-repellence-on-crop-productivity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all look for disease ratings when selecting a variety. Is it moderately resistant (MR) or moderately susceptible (MS)? What do MR and MS and all of the other designations actually mean? When it comes to pulses, in the past those ratings have meant different things to different people – but now a uniform description has been developed. Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, John Fanning explains how it will work. Contact: Josh Fanning [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A key consideration when growing a cereal grain crop such as wheat is knowing a variety’s Optimal flowering period. With that knowledge sowing times can be planned to minimise risks such as frost damage and heat stress, and maximise crop productivity. But what happens when the Optimal Flowering Period moves, as a result of climate change. Contact: Andrew Fletcher, CSIRO Agriculture and Food 08 9333 6467 [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/03/what-are-the-optimal-flowering-periods-for-wheat-across-western-australia-and-how-will-they-change-with-potential-climate-change https://www.nvtonline.com.au/crop-guides/wa/ https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/2020-western-australian-crop-sowing-guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frost damage to Canola is a significant annual issue for the nation’s grains industry. Spring frosts in particular are the most economically damaging for growers as crop yields and quality are developing at this time. In this podcast NSW DPI crop physiologist and frost researcher Dr Rajneet Uppal discusses when and where to search within a canola crop for frost damage, how to identify pod damage and recommendation for minimising frost risk generally. Dr Uppal’s work is being conducted as part of the NSW DPI and GRDC Grains Agronomy and Pathology Partnership (GAPP). Her work is pioneering infield testing methodologies to help better understand the impacts; single and multiple frost events occurring at different growth stages in canola have on grain production. Contact: Dr Rajneet Uppal, Crop physiologist NSW Department of Primary Industries Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute 0403 896 513 [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/frost-identification-guide-for-canola-and-pulses https://youtu.be/6uruleESKk8 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/effect-of-heat-stress-on-canola-grain-yield-and-quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Accessing the latest information on fungicide resistance has never been easier – thanks to the newly established Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN). In this podcast, Dr Kylie Ireland from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) discusses what the network has to offer, and the top five fungicide best management practices. AFREN has been established by the GRDC to develop and deliver a fungicide resistance management guide, workshops, information sessions and webinars, as well as crop-specific factsheets, updates and email alerts. The project brings together regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts, and communication and extension specialists from across the country. Project partners include AgCommunicators, Agriculture Victoria, CCDM, Centre for Crop Health at the University of Southern Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Research Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) Australia, Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN), Marcroft Grains Pathology, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) which is the research division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, and the University of Melbourne. Contact: Dr Kylie Ireland Extension Coordinator, CCDM, Curtin University [email protected] More information: www.afren.com.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A missing link will soon be added to the pulse chain. A new and quite simple way of measuring the quality of pulses on farm is being developed that has the potential to add some serious cash to the bottom line of farmers. Work is being undertaken at the Agriculture Victoria laboratory at Horsham in Victoria, where this podcast was recorded. Contact: Cassandra Walker [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Australian growers are urged to be on alert following the discovery of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHI, Group 7) resistance in spot form of net blotch (SFNB) in barley crops in the WA grainbelt. The resistance has been uncovered by the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), which is a co-investment by the GRDC and Curtin University. In this podcast, CCDM researcher Dr Fran Lopez shares the details of this significant discovery and its consequences for the grains industry. Contact details: Dr Fran Lopez [email protected] More information: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/national/2020/september/sdhi-resistance-in-sfnb-of-barley-discovered-for-the-first-time-in-australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deciding on what portion of your winter cereal crop will be cut for hay, can be a complex decision. One important factor is the amount of nutrient that is exported in the hay and the cost of replacing that nutrient. On this podcast, crop nutrition specialist Rob Norton discusses some of the critical issues you need to keep in mind when deciding your hay cutting strategy. Further information: Rob Norton [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spot Form Net Blotch is the most common foliar disease of barley in Australia and given the right season, it can cause significant losses. A new fact sheet is now available that details the very latest knowledge about the disease and its management. This podcast features Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, Mark McLean who has devoted the better part of two decades researching the disease. Contact: Mark McLean [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/391834/GRDC_FS_SpotForm_2002_05-003.pdf?utm_source=website&utm_medium=download_link&utm_campaign=pdf_download&utm_term=&utm_content=Spot%20Form%20Net%20Blotch%20Factsheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A summer rainstorm can restore your soil moisture profile after harvest, but it could also deliver enough of the wet stuff to grow a summer crop. On this podcast we look at a series of trials that are testing the growability of a range of legumes that have been grown mostly much further north. Further information: James Nuttall [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to managing subsurface acidity, the message is clear - it’s much better to prevent subsurface acidity than it is to treat it. Across Australia’s growing regions, subsurface acidity has largely gone undetected and untreated, but a significant amount of research is underway to help growers address this important issue. In this podcast, Primary Industries and Regions SA soil consultant Melissa Fraser shares the latest subsurface acidity research findings and management advice. More information: Dr Melissa Fraser [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/subsurface-acidity-how-far-has-the-research-advanced https://youtu.be/0bUfCwpfBxo https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/legumes-in-acidic-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The farm is one of Australia’s most dangerous workplaces. According to year-to-date figures from Safe Work Australia, which compiles data on work-related traumatic injury fatalities, 21 of 104 workplace fatalities in 2020 have occurred on-farm, that’s roughly 20 per cent of the total. The only other workplace with a higher number of fatalities is the transport, postal and warehousing sector which would employ much bigger numbers than farming. Of the 104 deaths up until early August, 34 were from this sector. While those figures don’t tell us what caused the fatalities, it’s a reminder to us all to never underestimate risk. And one area of potential risk on-farm is the handling of hazardous chemicals. In this podcast, Safe Farms WA executive officer Maree Gooch discusses chemical safety on farm, relevant government legislation and what growers should know to legally comply with the legislation. Contact: Safe Farms WA Maree Gooch, Executive Officer 0438 374 136 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Australian grain grower Duncan Young farms at Beverley in the west of the State’s central wheatbelt. Duncan is a well-respected grower and is the immediate past president of the WA Farmers Grains Council. One of the things that makes Duncan Young a good operator is his approach to chemical safety on farm and, with National Farm Safety Week a recent event, Debra Bishop speaks in this podcast with Duncan about the steps he takes to keep everyone safe on farm when working with hazardous chemicals. Useful resources: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/A-guide-to-the-management-of-pesticides-in-local-government https://safefarms.net.au [email protected] www.Auschemwa.com.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new resource for grain growers called Profit from Precision Agriculture offer grain growers an easy to follow step by step approach to adopting PA. Put together for GRDC by consultants Rural Directions and Think Agri, the resource acts as an implementation guide and cautions against rushing too quickly to buy the latest PA equipment without first understanding how the principles of precision agriculture would apply on your farm. On this podcast, we speak to one of the authors, Patrick Redden from Rural Directions. Contact: Patrick Redden [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/profit-for-precision-agriculture https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/394078/Profit-from-Precision-Agriculture-Output-3-Report.pdf?utm_source=website&utm_medium=download_link&utm_campaign=pdf_download&utm_term=South&utm_content=Profit%20from%20precision%20agriculture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The five-year iMapPESTS project is using the latest in-field technology to rapidly and accurately monitor and report on airborne pests and pathogens. In this podcast, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) researcher Rohan Kimber discusses that the project has achieved so far and what opportunities exist for this in-field technology. iMapPESTS is a $21 million dollar research, development and extension (RD&E) endeavour funded by the Australian Federal Government through the Rural R&D for Profit Program, as well as investment from all seven plant industry Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), and in-kind contributions from national and international partner organisations including, SARDI, Agriculture Victoria and Rothamsted Research (UK), to name a few. The seven plant industry RDCs involved in this project are Hort Innovation, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Sugar Research Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Wine Australia, AgriFutures Australia, and Forest and Wood Products Australia. Contact: Rohan Kimber, SARDI [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/imappests-sentinel-surveillance-for-agriculture https://www.imappests.com.au/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/diseases/sentinel-takes-watch-of-plant-pests-and-diseases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They say travel broadens the horizons and that was certainly the case when Riverine soil scientist Cassandra Schefe visited North America to look at farming systems in Canada and the US. In Canada Cassandra found researchers extracting protein from pulse crops for use in domestic food products, making growing pulses more valuable, while in the US her focus turned to the use of cover crops in Summer. An established practice in the US but could it work in Australia was the question Cassandra wanted to answer. Contact: Cassandra Schefe [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knowledge gained from six years of research on root lesion nematodes has been compiled into easy to read region specific fact sheets. Growers and advisers will be able to better assess the risk that root lesion nematodes pose to a paddock across a range of scenarios – from doing nothing to a full control program. Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, Josh Fanning talks us through the new facts sheets in this podcast and you can click on the link below to find your fact sheet. Contact: Josh Fanning [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2019/root-lesion-nematode-southern https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2019/root-lesion-nematode-western https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2019/root-lesion-nematode-northern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delivering nitrogen to your crop is one of the more difficult decisions you make each year. Have you supplied enough, or have you supplied too much. This year you have a new friend, in the form of the Nitrogen Reference Manual for the Southern Region. The release of the manual comes at the perfect time for growers who are poised to do top up nitrogen applications. On this podcast, we hear from ag consultant Bill Long about the manual, soil scientist Cassie Schefe about what’s happening in your soil right now and grower Andrew Russell about his nitrogen program and the pleasant surprise he got this year. Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/392136/A-Nitrogen-Reference-Manual-for-the-Southern-Cropping-Region-FINAL.pdf?utm_source=website&utm_medium=download_link&utm_campaign=pdf_download&utm_term=South&utm_content=A%20nitrogen%20reference%20manual%20for%20the%20southern%20cropping%20region Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The national Hyper Yielding Crops initiative is the GRDC’s new investment to push crop yield boundaries in high yield potential grain-growing environments across Australia. The initiative will involve five centres of excellence. Attached to each centre of excellence will be five focus farms (25 farms in total) and a lead grower network aimed at taking research and development learnings from small plot to paddock scale. Grower and adviser involvement is now being sought to inform the research direction. Through the new investment, high yield potential cultivars suited to local environments will be identified and the most appropriate agronomic management tactics – including paddock selection and preparation, canopy management, disease, weed and pest control, and crop nutrition strategies – will be explored to assist grower and adviser decision making. Extension co-ordinator: Nick Poole, Managing Director Foundation for Arable Research Australia +61 499 888 066 Jon Midwood, TechCrop Services 0400 666 434 [email protected] @Crop_Watch Regional contacts: Ashley Amourgis SFS, VIC [email protected] Ian Herbert SFS, TAS [email protected] Kate Coffey Riverine Plains, NSW [email protected] Jen Lillecrapp MFMG, SA [email protected] Phillip Mackie Stirlings to Coast farmers, WA [email protected] Useful resources: o https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/hyper-yielding-cereals-project https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHHNrRus6zZ2v5QKw8hIwVvs o https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/03/hyper-yielding-cereals-are-extra-inputs-needed-and-if-so,-do-they-pay o https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/cereals/new-hyper-yielding-investment-to-push-crop-production-boundaries https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/07/tasmanians-are-on-the-frontline-of-fungicide-resistance-what-options-are-available-to-slow-the-train Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between 2017 and 2019 strategically placed wheat trials, located as far north as Central Queensland down to the Riverina region of NSW delivered data that will provide grain growers with regional information about variety adaption and recommended sowing times. The project is part of a bilateral agreement under the grains agronomy and pathology partnership between GRDC and NSW DPI, who brought Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries onboard to work on the project. Contact: Darren Aisthorpe, Senior Regional Research Agronomist Department of Agricultural and Fisheries 07 4991 0808 0427 015 600 www.daf.qld.gov.au Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/yield-stability-across-sowing-dates-how-to-pick-a-winner-in-variable-seasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A GRDC investment could see growers in the southern region growing crops like wheat and canola and even peas in the same paddock at the same time. Inter-row cropping is not new, but scientifically evaluating it on a broadacre scale is new. On Part 1 we heard Agriculture Victoria crop scientist, Garry O’Leary explain the aims of the multi-site trials. On Part 2, senior research agronomist, Penny Rifkin takes us into the paddock at Hamilton in Victoria to explain some of the challenges and opportunities that are already revealing themselves. Contact: Penny Rifkin [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhizoctonia is a fungal disease that’s causing some concern to growers in the Southern and Western regions. On this podcast we speak to SARDI scientists Alan McKay and Blake Gontar about some of the management options available to growers and, in particular, how they can lessen the presence of the disease in the soil moving in to 2021. Contact: Alan McKay [email protected] Blake Gontar [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2016/02/rhizoctonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research into Nitrogen applications as part of the Tactical Wheat Agronomy for the West project could challenge the way the industry thinks about what determines the timing of N applications. The research project, a WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and GRDC investment, involved trials across Western Australia’s wheatbelt and revealed a key influencer of wheat yield, quality and protein level, is environment. Contact: Dr Dion Nicol | Wheat agronomist and physiologist Research, Development & Innovation Industry & Economic Development Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Dryland Research Institute, 1 Mitchell Street, Merredin WA 6415 t +61 (0)8 9081 3115 | m +61 (0)429 686 316 | w dpird.wa.gov.au Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-133-march-april-2018/research-prompts-nitrogen-rethink-for-barley https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-supplements/gcs106/new-app-quantifies-nitrogen-needs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s radical. It certainly looks different. But the potential benefits could be enormous. It’s called intercropping – growing two or more crops in the same paddock at the same time. In Part 1 of this two part mini-series, we hear about the sheer scale of trials underway across Victoria and what is hoped to be achieved. Agriculture Victoria crop scientist, Garry O’Leary dreams of a future that might be, but with a big dose of realism tossed into the mix. Contact: Garry O’Leary [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yield losses from Red Leather Leaf in Oats could be significantly higher than growers have previously believed. One reason might be that the stubble borne foliar diseases is difficult to identify. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria research scientist, Mark McLean talks about trials currently underway and why there is strong suspicion that this disease is costing farmers yield. Contact: Mark McClean [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/cereal-foliar-and-root-disease-update-2019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A five year GRDC investment aimed at boosting the yield of high value irrigated crops is entering its second year in southern NSW and Victoria. In this podcast, FAR Australia researcher Michael Straight says the gap between what is achieved and what is achievable when it comes to yield comes down to doing the little things right. We also hear from Charlie Aves from the Irrigate Cropping Council about how the pathways that will emerge from the research will be disseminated to growers. Contact: Michael Straight [email protected] Charlie Aves [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dryland Legume Pasture Systems (DLPS) project is evaluating a diverse range of annual pasture legumes on mixed farms in the low to medium rainfall zone (<450mm). In this podcast, researcher Ross Ballard from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, shares information on the new and existing commercial lines tested so far, including the new stand medic (Medicago littoralis) cultivar scheduled for release in 2021. This national project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program. In addition to GRDC, the five-year project is also supported by Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation, and involves the South Australian Research and Development Institute, Murdoch University, CSIRO, the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and NSW Department of Primary Industries, as well as 10 grower groups across WA, SA, Victoria and southern NSW. Contact: Ross Ballard, SARDI [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think of it as a new breath of fresh air for your crops. Keeping the critical growing window open longer will deliver you bigger yields. Professor Victor Sadras from the South Australian Research and Development Institute has been researching this topic and on this podcasts he speaks about what he has found, in particular the relative importance of grain weight and grain number. Contact Victor Sadras [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 2030 Asia’s demand for wheat will increase by a further 8 million tonnes and that offers Australia’s wheat industry real opportunities. Speaking at the Perth Grains Research Update the CEO of the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, Richard Simonaitis told delegates, Australia is well placed to win a share of the forecast increase in demand. While the topic for Richard’s Update presentation was ‘A glimpse into the future for the Western Australian Wheat Industry’, the podcast contains information highly relevant to wheat growers and industry stakeholders across Australia. Contact for Richard Simonaitis: Keir Tunbridge AEGIC Communications Coordinator 0409 991 817 (08) 6168 9904 email: [email protected] www.aegic.org.au Resources: AEGIC report – Australian Grains Outlook 2030 https://www.aegic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AEGIC-Australias-Grain-Outlook-2030.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farmers in northern Queensland were left perplexed and alarmed by damage done to soybean crops by fungal disease. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries plant pathologist explains in this podcast that crops had been hit by two fungal diseases – Target Spot and Anthracnose, with damage being compounded by Stem Fly attack. Further information: Lisa Kelly [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Green peach aphid (GPA) has evolved resistance to a large number of insecticides globally, but a handy new resource is available to help Australian canola growers make proactive and sustainable management decisions. It’s called the GPA best management practice guide, and in this podcast entomologist Dr Paul Umina breaks-down its contents, including the key drivers of GPA numbers and effective integrated pest management (IPM) control options. This podcast has been developed as part of the investment, "Supporting the sustainable use of insecticides and local on-farm implementation of IPM strategies in the GRDC southern region”. The investment aims to provide knowledge and skills to growers so they are equipped with a range of appropriate IPM strategies for their situations. It is being delivered by Birchip Cropping Group, cesar, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) which is the research division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, C-Qual Agritelligence, and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). There are also best management practice guides, and accompanying podcasts, available for redlegged earth mite and diamondback moth. Contact: Dr Paul Umina [email protected] Useful resources: Green peach aphid best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southern Resistance Management Strategy for the Green Peach Aphid in Australia Grains https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2015/07/grdc-fs-greenpeachaphid Diamondback moth best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/diamondback-moth-best-management-practice-guide-southern Redlegged earth mite best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/redlegged-earth-mite-best-management-practice-guide-southern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new resource is available to help grain growers make proactive integrated pest management (IPM) decisions to control diamondback moth (DBM) in canola. It’s called the DBM best management practice guide, and in this podcast, entomologist Dr Kym Perry from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) the research division of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, explores the contents of this guide. He covers the key information growers need to know when implementing IPM strategies, including the factors of DBM outbreaks, effective monitoring techniques and taking an economic threshold-based approach to chemical use. This podcast has been developed as part of the investment, "Supporting the sustainable use of insecticides and local on-farm implementation of IPM strategies in the GRDC southern region”. The investment aims to provide knowledge and skills to growers so they are equipped with a range of appropriate IPM strategies for their situations. It is being delivered by Birchip Cropping Group, cesar, SARDI, C-Qual Agritelligence, and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). There are also best management practice guides, and accompanying podcasts, available for redlegged earth mite and green peach aphid. Contact: Kym Perry, SARDI [email protected] Useful resources: Diamondback moth best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/diamondback-moth-best-management-practice-guide-southern Resistance Management Strategy For Diamondback Moth In Australian Canola https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2017/06/resistance-management-strategy-for-diamondback-moth-in-australian-canola Green peach aphid best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southern Redlegged earth mite best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/redlegged-earth-mite-best-management-practice-guide-southern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The overuse of insecticides and evolution of resistance in redlegged earth mite (RLEM) is a significant issue for southern and western grain growers. But a new snapshot-style resource is available to help growers make sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) decisions to deal with this pest in canola. It’s called the RLEM best management practice guide, and in this podcast, entomologist Dr Paul Umina talks through the guide in more detail, including factors that influence RLEM numbers in canola and the proactive management strategies. This podcast has been developed as part of the investment, "Supporting the sustainable use of insecticides and local on-farm implementation of IPM strategies in the GRDC southern region”. The investment aims to provide knowledge and skills to growers so they are equipped with a range of appropriate IPM strategies for their situations. It is being delivered by Birchip Cropping Group, cesar, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) which is the research division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, C-Qual Agritelligence, and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). There are also best management practice guides, and accompanying podcasts, available for green peach aphid and diamondback moth. Contact: Dr Paul Umina [email protected] Useful resources: Redlegged earth mite best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/redlegged-earth-mite-best-management-practice-guide-southern Resistance management strategy for the Redlegged Earth Mite in Australian grains and pastures https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2018/06/resistance-management-strategy-for-the-redlegged-earth-mite-in-australian-grains-and-pastures Green peach aphid best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southern Diamondback moth best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/diamondback-moth-best-management-practice-guide-southern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been some conjecture in the grains industry as to whether Yellow Leaf Spot is simply a cosmetic disease that has little impact on yield and the contrary view that yield loss can be significant. New research has found that in wet winters the disease does indeed lead to reduced tonnages. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, Grant Hollaway talks about what his research found and also some options for growers who would like to avoid the problem in the first place. Contact: Grant Hollaway [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The past can teach us many valuable lessons, particularly when it comes to nature. Scientists around the world are going back in time to capture valuable new traits for modern day chickpeas. Australian scientists are using chickpea varieties collected from the harshest environments to capture strong traits for properties such as increased drought tolerance. On this podcast, Lars Kamphuis from the Centre for and Disease Management in Perth explains the Australian context of this exciting research. Contact: Lars Kamphuis [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research by CSIRO has revealed that grazing crops can add up to $1000 per hectare to a farm’s bottom line. With high livestock prices, dual purpose cropping has many advantages, both direct and indirect, including filling the winter feed gap and allowing extra spring pasture growth. On this podcast, CSIRO’s Lindsay Bell outlines those benefits. Contact: Lindsay Bell [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/03/dual-purpose-crops-direct-and-indirect-contributions-to-profit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Septoria Tritici Blotch has re-emerged as a disease that growers in the southern region should watch out for. Septoria Tritici Blotch is a foliar disease in wheat and was last most prevalent during wet years in the 1970’s. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, Grant Hollaway explains the management of a disease that many growers may not have seen before. Contact: Grant Hollaway [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/septoria-tritici-blotch-of-wheat,-management-strategies-for-the-medium-and-low-rainfall-zones-of-south-east-australia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoning areas within a paddock depending on soil characteristics such as soil nutrition, soil type and performance can help growers make smarter fertiliser decisions to optimise yield and maximise profit for the season ahead. That is one of the key themes discussed in a new Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) podcast on zoning and data management by Nutrien Ag Solutions pecision ag specialist Daniel Bell, Cropfacts consultant Harm van Rees and Agronomy Solutions director Sean Mason. The podcast discusses research findings arising out of the GRDC investment ‘Using soil and plant testing data to better inform nutrient management and optimise fertiliser investments for grain growers in the southern region’, which is focused on increasing growers’ use of soil and plant testing data to better inform their fertiliser decision making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understanding the amount of nitrogen already available in the soil prior to developing a nutrient budget will help growers to optimise yield and maximise profit for the season ahead. That is one of the key themes discussed in a new Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) podcast on nutrient budgeting by Cropfacts consultant Harm van Rees, Norton Agronomic director Robert Norton and Agronomy Solutions director Sean Mason. The podcast discusses research findings arising out of the GRDC investment ‘Using soil and plant testing data to better inform nutrient management and optimise fertiliser investments for grain growers in the southern region’, which is focused on increasing growers’ use of soil and plant testing data to better inform their fertiliser decision-making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chickpea growers have been cautioned to recognise the potential for an increased risk of Ascochyta Blight in chickpeas in 2020. NSW DPI senior plant pathologist, Kevin Moore warns that Ascochtya inoculum will still be present in chickpea residue that is several years old. A new fact sheet focusing on management options in 2020 is now available to growers and advisers. Contact: Kevin Moore [email protected] Useful resources: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/1220271/managing-ascochyta-blight-in-chickpeas-in-2020.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Goomalling grower Rob Dempster is confident the production potential from yellow sandplain soils on his family’s property can be “unlocked” to become an asset – especially in dry seasons. Rob’s confidence stems from his involvement in a series of research trials on his property, investigating the impacts of a range of soil-inversion and deep-tillage tactics on crop performance. In this podcast, Rob discusses the trial findings in more detail and the deep-tillage tactics that have boosted the productivity of his yellow sandplain soils. The research was conducted by consultancy group agVivo Pty Ltd, with GRDC investment and support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). More information: Rob Dempster [email protected] Tim Boyes, agVivo Pty Ltd [email protected] Additional resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-july-august-2018/one-way-plough-shows-promise-with-deep-ripping https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-july-august-2018/spending-on-sandplain-soils-can-pay-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new joint GRDC and Victorian Government investment is looking to identify step changes in the productivity of pulse crops in the southern region. Researchers believe productivity improvements of ten percent could be achieved over the life of the project. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria research scientist, Garry Rosewarne describes the type and scale of the research that is being undertaken. Contact: Garry Rosewarne [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farming is a risky business. Some risks are in the lap of the gods, but some risks are well within your control – or at least until they get out of control. On this podcast, Paul Umina from cesar has a very sober message for grain growers. The risk is getting greater that farmers will lose control of their ability to control pests in their crops, unless resistance management strategies are more widely adopted. This is a very candid interview from one of Australia’s leading crop pest experts. Contact: Paul Umina [email protected] Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/resistance-management-strategy-for-helicoverpa-armigera-in-australian-grains https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2015/07/grdc-fs-greenpeachaphid https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2018/06/resistance-management-strategy-for-the-redlegged-earth-mite-in-australian-grains-and-pastures https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2017/06/resistance-management-strategy-for-diamondback-moth-in-australian-canola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A two-year research trail is underway to assess several strategic/deep tillage options to help Address sandplain soil constraints such as subsoil compaction, water-repellence and acidity. In this podcast we explore this topic in more detail and the what the research is saying so far. We are joined by agVivo agronomist consultant Tim Boyes who is running the research trials at Goomalling in WA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the man who is leading the way to reducing the impact of herbicide resistance in Australia. Canadian, Hugh Beckie has a long history with herbicide resistance both as a scientist and as a farmer. Hugh has a keen interest in applied science. He wants to know that solutions to herbicide resistance will work on your farm. Contact: Hugh Beckie [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Given the changing nature of market regulations, all stakeholders along the supply chain need to be aware of market requirements in relation to MRLs. Given the implications of incorrect chemical use, there is a need for greater transparency and understanding by growers and their advisors of the impact of chemical use on market access. Contact: Gerard McMullen, Chair, National Working Party on Grain Protection 0419 156 065 [email protected] Gordon Cumming, GRDC Chemical Regulation Manager 0428 637 642 [email protected] Resources: Perth 2020 Update Paper: On-farm Stewardship Guide ‘Growing Australian Grain’ http://grainsguide.grainproducers.com.au National Working Party on Grain Protection www.graintrade.org.au/nwpgp National Residue Survey https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/food/nrs APVMA https://apvma.gov.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices