GRDC Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

For a long time the European Union has been known as the home of tough regulation of farm chemicals. Several chemicals in common use in Australia are now banned or soon will be in some jurisdictions – something that is likely to surprise many Australian growers. So what has been the impact of regulation on the development of new chemistries? And will technology fill the void left by those pesticides now leaving the European marketplace? On this podcast we speak with British farm consultant, Keith Norman. 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

New region specific fact sheets detailing the latest research into Crown Rot Fact Sheets are now available for farmers and their advisers. The fact sheets are the result of more than six years of research and detail the very latest information on detecting the disease and limiting losses. On this podcast Agriculture Victoria Senior Plant Pathologist, Grant Hollaway discusses the disease and some recent developments on controlling its impact. Contact: Grant Hollaway [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The role of an agronomist is unique. At one end of the scale is simply working to sell a product, while at the other end of a scale is being a trusted advisor to clients. What does it take to become a trusted advisor, what skills are needed and what commitment required? And should you be a trusted advisor to every client? Contact: Dennis Hoiberg [email protected] More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/getting-to-the-trusted-advisor-grower-relationship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An important role of pulse crops is nitrogen fixation, and key to that process are nodules – what are they and why do growers need to know more about them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dry sowing pulse crops is the norm rather than the exception today, however, maximising nitrogen fixation is dependent on a number of factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhizobium is a tiny microbe with a big dollar impact. Ensuring this beneficial soil bacteria has an optimal effect requires a number of key conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhizobia are microbes that play an important role in nitrogen fixation in pasture and pulse legumes, but acid soils can have a big impact on the success of rhizobia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The speed at which fungicide resistance can develop leaves no room for complacency. For example there are examples where spot form of net blotch has developed resistance in just one or two seasons. On this podcast Fran Lopez Ruiz from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management gives details of research which proves that some fungal diseases can start independently of the normal disease spread mechanisms, and also describes a recent discovery of a double mutant population which is resistant to two modes of action. Contact: Fran Lopez Ruiz [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like any other industry, agriculture needs to know where it’s going so it can create a pathway to the future. That’s where deep thinkers like Professor Tim Reeves comes into play. On this podcast Tim addresses the big issue facing agriculture right now – a doubling of production with the same amount of water and land and doing it sustainably. Contact: Professor Tim Reeves [email protected] Link: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/is-sustainable-intensification-of-cropping-systems-achievable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers and advisers are urged to go beyond a visual inspection of crops to determine the exact cause of ill-thrift in a crop. Research that followed the devastating impact of beet western yellows virus in 2014 canola crops in South Australia has thrown up some anomalies causing scientists to urge more precision when it comes to diagnosing potential crop disease. Contact: Piotr Trebicki [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grazing dual purpose crops can be very profitable with high livestock prices. So doing it well quickly translates into extra dollars on the bottom line. Farm advisor, David Harbison says getting the fundamentals right takes planning and active management, with the result being significant shifts in profitability. Contact: David Harbison [email protected] Useful information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/wire,-water-and-grazing-management-in-dual-purpose-crops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the 2020 Grains Research Update at Goondiwindi digital soil mapping specialist Ed Jones from the University of Sydney, gave a presentation on mapping soil properties and their impact on yield. It’s what in the near future will become the way growers and their advisors calculate what management a paddock, or section of a paddock needs to increase crop yield and maximise grower profit. The technique uses data from multiple sources, applies machine learning and delivers recommendations in weeks that until recently took decades to record, digest, trial and apply. Contact: Edward Jones Sydney Institute of Agriculture & Precision Agriculture Laboratory The University of Sydney 02 8627 1109 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snails are one of those pests that can’t be controlled by any one tool – but a significant amount of research is happening across the country to give growers effective control options. In this podcast, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) entomologist Helen Brodie shares the latest research findings and insight on controlling snail populations. More Information: Helen Brodie [email protected] Resources: Update paper – Snail Management – Learnings from recent studies: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/snail-management-learnings-from-recent-studies Autumn is the best time to bait snails https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2020/april/autumn-is-the-time-to-bait-snails GRDC Snail bait application factsheet https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2015/01/snail-bait-application Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A grain grower survey conducted across 25 farm businesses in Western Australia’s northern agricultural region found the majority considered their cereal crop yields were being adversely affected by the inefficient use of micronutrients. In this podcast, grower Dylan Hirsch, based at Latham in WA, talks us through this survey and the broader GRDC investment behind it. The investment is a two-year project that aims to identify the requirements for, and benefits of, micronutrient foliar application in medium-to-low rainfall areas of WA’s Northern Agricultural Region. The research project is led by Western Australian grain grower group, the Liebe Group, in partnership with Murdoch University. Mr Hirsch is a member of the research group. Contact: Dylan Hirsch [email protected] Resources: Managing micronutrient deficiencies video: https://youtu.be/2CfXK8aJI7I Micronutrients and trace elements GRDC factsheet: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2013/11/grdc-fs-cropnutrition-micronutrients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research has shown just how deep canola roots will travel in their search for moisture late in the season. Trials have shown that there are significant yield advantages from early sown canbola that experiences a dry finish. But there are trade offs. In this podcast CSIRO’s John Kirkegaard reveals just how low canola roots go and the benefits that can be derived from early sown canola. Contact: John Kirkegaard CSIRO [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC has invested in a two-year project that aims to identify the requirements for, and benefits of, micronutrient foliar application in medium-to-low rainfall areas of WA’s Northern Agricultural Region. The research project is led by Western Australian grain grower group, the Liebe Group, in partnership with Murdoch University. Murdoch University’s Professor Richard Bell talks us though the research and what it means for growers. Contact: Richard Bell [email protected] Resources: Managing micronutrient deficiencies video https://youtu.be/2CfXK8aJI7I Micronutrients and trace elements GRDC factsheet https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2013/11/grdc-fs-cropnutrition-micronutrients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Controlled Traffic Farming is in simple terms driving your heavy vehicles on the same wheel tracks every time you’re in the paddock. In Australia’s southeastern grain growing region Controlled Traffic Farming has been widely adopted in high and medium rainfall zones but not so much in low rainfall zones. With investment from the GRDC a research project was undertaken to find out why this farming system was not being adopted in Low Rainfall Zones and if there are benefits in doing so - and there are! Contact: Nigel Wilhelm | Farming Systems Leader Affiliate-Senior Lecturer, The University of Adelaide South Australian Research and Development Institute - SARDI | Primary Industries and Regions SA - PIRSA Government of South Australia DX number P: +61 8 303 9353 | M: + 61 407 185 501 | W: www.pir.sa.gov.au/research Resources: https://grdc.com.au/CTF-in-LRZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ironstone gravels are important cropping soils and a better understanding about the mineralogy and physical characteristics of these soils, especially their soil moisture holding capacity and high rates of phosphorus ‘fixation’ is urgently required. So the GRDC has invested in new research, led by the University of Western Australia, to study and understand these soils to help growers maximise crop productivity from these soils. Contact: Dr Matthias Leopold The University of Western Australia School of Agriculture and EnvironmentAustralia +61-(0)8-6488-2769 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda was detected in Australia for the first time in January 2020 and a warning was issued to grain growers to inspect crops for signs of the pest’s presence. The larval stage of the moth is similar in appearance to many caterpillars already present in agricultural and horticultural crops and can cause severe economical damage, even total crop destruction. At the 2020 Grains Research Update at Goondiwindi principle entomologist with Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Melina Miles provided background to the Fall Armyworm’s detection in Queensland, explained what damage to look for and described what features identify this caterpillar from the many other caterpillar pests commonly found in Australia. Contact: Melina Miles Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 203 Tor St, Toowoomba, Qld [email protected] Useful Resources: FAW identification https://bit.ly/3d66KqR Report sightings to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC’s investment in faba bean breeding has contributed to the delivery of new and improved Faba bean varieties to grain growers. In Western Australia’s Esperance Port Zone the high rainfall makes Faba beans a suitable legume to include in crop rotations and WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior research scientist Mark Seymour has been working with growers to make the most of the benefits a pulse in the rotation can bring to cropping systems. Contact: Mark Seymour, Senior Research Officer Grain Crop Agronomy Department of Agriculture and Food t: + 61 (0)8 9083 1143 | f: + 61 (0)8 9083 11002 | m: + 61 (0)428 925 002 www.agric.wa.gov.au Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/2020-western-australian-crop-sowing-guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/faba-beans-western https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/faba-beans-emerging-from-the-shadows-in-wa https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/new-faba-beans-show-promise-as-hrz-break-crop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new research project in the Southern Region will take the principles of Precision Agriculture and apply them to addressing sub-soil constraints. Simply put, this innovative approach will identify the location of poorly performing soil, potentially reducing the areas within a paddock that need soil amelioration work to be done. Professor Roger Armstrong from Agriculture Victoria explains more on this podcast. Contact: Roger Armstrong [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esperance Port Zone grain grower Neil Wandel has been including faba beans in his crop rotations for 4 decades. While they might not be the highest value legume he could grow, the range of benefits faba beans bring to his paddocks make them a favourite rotation crop. Contact: Mark Seymour, Senior Research Officer Grain Crop Agronomy Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia PMB 50 | Esperance WA 6450 t: + 61 (0)8 9083 1143 | f: + 61 (0)8 9083 11002 | m: + 61 (0)428 925 002 Useful Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/2020-western-australian-crop-sowing-guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/faba-beans-western https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/faba-beans-emerging-from-the-shadows-in-wa https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/new-faba-beans-show-promise-as-hrz-break-crop Contact: Neil Wandel [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farmers and their advisers, naturally, are mostly focused on growing better grain – finding those incremental improvements that can often mean so much to the bottom line of farming businesses. But there are people also working at the other end of the grain trail – a long way from the farm – focused on improving market access and even developing new and innovative grain products to make Australian grain more valuable to customers. One such story is the work being undertaken by AEGIC – the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre – on making changes to the way Australian malting barley can be used by Chinese beer makers. Contact: Mark Tucek 08 6168 9900 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices