GRDC Podcast

For the 2024 growing season, some Western Australian growers are chasing moisture deeper than ever before, by successfully planting conventional wheat varieties down to around 60 to 80mm.   This new thinking stems from positive findings from long coleoptile wheat (LCW) research. In this podcast, we hear from Tammin-based grower, Simon York, and SLR agriculture CEO Michael Lamond, on the benefits LCW will have accessing deep moisture and the success growers are having with planting conventional varieties deep this year.  There's currently a four-year national GRDC investment underway to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to integrate long coleoptile wheat into their farming systems once the genetics become commercially available.   The $12.7 million investment is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, NSW Department of Primary Industries, QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the University of South Australia and EPAG Research. Image courtesy of ABC Midwest Wheatbelt/Jo Prendergast Download the transcript for this episode Contact Michael Lamond  SLR Agriculture michael.lamond@slragriculture.com.au More information GroundCover – GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat GRDC Code: CSP2212-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Lake Grace area, grower Ed Naisbitt has been growing lupins on the family farm for 40 years. It was a crop initially established by his father, and one that has remained a constant in the rotation as the years have gone by.  Ed is a part of the cohort of 'Legume Leaders' that has been established by the Grower Group Alliance, with investment from GRDC. These leaders are sharing their insights on the various legume crops over a seven-part series throughout 2024.  In this episode, Ed tells us about why he has stuck with lupins for four decades and the many benefits they bring to his farming operation. Download the transcript for this episode Contact Ed Naisbitt, Grower naisbitt2@bigpond.com More information Grower Group Alliance – Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA Airtable – Legume Leader bios and contact details GRDC Code: GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long coleoptile wheat (LCW) varieties are proving to be a good insurance policy to ensure emergence in ameliorated soil.   This is one of the many positive findings so far from the national $12.7m GRDC investment to help Australian growers integrate long coleoptile wheat into their farming systems once the genetics are commercially available.  In this podcast, we hear from Dr Stephen Davies from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the CSIRO's Dr Greg Rebetzke on the trial results and insights on how long coleoptile wheat varieties can improve establishment in ameliorated soils.  This four-year long coleoptile wheat project, made possible with GRDC investment, is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, SLR Agriculture, DPIRD, the University of South Australia, and EPAG research. Download the transcript for this episode Contact  Dr Greg Rebetzke greg.rebetzke@csiro.au Dr Stephen Davies stephen.davies@dprid.wa.gov.au More information GroundCover – GRDC announces $12.7M project for long coleoptile wheat GRDC Code: CSP2212-007RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the term 'regenerative agriculture' make you want to high-five the farmer next to you, or send you running for the hills? In this week's podcast we talk to Dr Hanabeth Luke (Southern Cross University) and Victorian grain grower and GRDC Southern Panel member Tim McClelland about regenerative agriculture - what it means and what indicators we could use to measure progress towards improved soil health and farm resilience.   The research team is looking for a broad range of growers to get involved, whether they see the type of farming they are doing as regenerative, sustainable, or something in between. To start with growers can help by doing survey.  Download the transcript for this episode Contact Dr Hanabeth Luke, Southern Cross University hanabeth.luke@scu.edu.au More information Farming practice survey GRDC Code: SCU2307-001RTX  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GRDC Emerging Leader Award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than ten years' experience in the grains industry. At the Perth GRDC update event in February 2024, Robert Harrison was presented with the Emerging Leader Award for his valuable work in legume and pasture agronomy.   Robert is a research scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Murdoch University.  Download the transcript for this episode Contact Robert Harrison, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) More information GroundCover – WA grains extension and innovation recognised with GRDC awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Precision agriculture has been around for a while and it's meant to make a difference for the better, but does it always? In this episode we're joined by two growers in similar parts of South Australia who have different takes on the value of precision ag or PA. James Venning, near Bute, has continually experimented with everything from variable-rate seeders to protein monitors. Nearby at Crystal Brook, Andrew Sargent's family were early adopters of precision ag. Download the transcript for this episode Contact James Venning    Bute grower  barungagrains@gmail.com Andrew Sargent  Crystal Brook grower  andrew@brookparkag.com.au More information GroundCover – What value can precision ag tools bring to your business? GroundCover – New SPAA manual brings grower insight to precision ag GRDC Code: SPA2201-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research into snails over the past decade has largely focussed on baiting and while a lot has been learned, baiting is only one part of an effective integrated management strategy for snails.  That's why a new national GRDC investment is tackling the snail problem from multiple angles by combining technology and biological research to inform control management.  The project is being led by the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute or SARDI, and involves setting up cameras in paddocks to track snail movements and migration habits, while for biological control, a parasatoid fly has been released in WA for the first time to help suppress conical snails. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Kim Perry, SARDI kim.perry@sa.gov.au Stirlings to Coast Farmers ceo@scfarmers.org.au SEPWA eo@sepwa.org.au More information: GroundCover – Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops GRDC Code: UOA2205-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the reasons to use fallow in rotations and just what is the economic value of this farming practice? These are just some of the questions asked by growers in the west – questions that are now being answered by a current GRDC investment - Maximising the profitability of fallow. Dr Darren Hughes from Laconik – is leading this investment – and has some advice for growers on how to get the most out of fallow. Download the transcript for this episode Contact Dr Darren Hughes darren.hughes@laconik.com.au GRDC Code: LAK2301-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a dry start to Western Australia's 2024 growing season. It's a prediction that's seeing many growers kick into gear early with dry seeding. But without the knock down herbicide opportunity, growers are relying heavily on their pre-emergent herbicide choice to remove weeds from the system after the breaking rain. In this podcast, we hear from consultant Blake O'Meagher and research agronomist Dr Mike Ashworth on their recommendations to growers and the latest pre-emergent herbicide degradation research. Download the transcript for this episode Contacts Dr Mike Ashworth AHRI, University of Western Australia mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au Blake O'Meagher Farmanco Consultants blake@farmanco.com.au More information GroundCover – Spotlight on pre-emergent herbicides for early sown wheat GRDC Paddock Practice – Dry sowing and pre-emergent herbicides GRDC code: UOA1711-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A cohort of Legume Leaders has been established by the Grower Group Alliance in Western Australia, with investment from GRDC and the help of grower groups located from Yuna to Esperance. The Legume Leaders will be sharing their insights over a seven-part series, which will be released throughout 2024. In this introductory episode, we're joined by GGA project manager Daniel Kidd and DPIRD senior research scientist Mark Seymour to discuss the benefits and constraints to adoption of grain legumes in the farming system, as well as the overall aims and outputs of the project. Download the transcript for this episode. Contacts: Daniel Kidd Grower Group Alliance Daniel.kidd@gga.org.au Mark Seymour Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Mark.seymour@dpird.wa.gov.au More information:         Grower Group Alliance – Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WA WA 'Legume Leaders' Gallery GRDC Code: GGA2110-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Autumn and Winter waterlogging is relatively common in WA's Albany and Esperance port zones, but it can severely impact grain production. But new research is giving growers greater confidence to sow late season cereal varieties or reseed in a challenging season. The research, made possible with GRDC investment, involves Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Fitzgerald Biosphere Group and Southeast Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA). In this podcast, Lizzie Von Perger from Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Dave Cook from SEPWA talk us through the research findings and the insight collected so far.  Download the transcript for this episode Contacts: Lizzy Von Perger Stirlings to Coast Framers ceo@scfarmers.org.au   Michelle Hendley South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) michelle@sepwa.org.au More Information: GRDC YouTube – Late sowing of cereals due to waterlogging GRDC farm trials portal – Results from this investment GRDC Codes: SCF2208-001SAX, SCF2306-005SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carbendazim is a broad spectrum fungicide used to control a range of diseases on pulses. But as a schedule 7 chemical with restrictions on its use, there's growing uncertainty about maximum residue limits in some international markets.  In this podcast, GRDC ‘s Gordon Cumming and Agriculture Victoria's Dr Joshua Fanning, discuss the current situation on Carbendazim use in Australia and alternative chemical options.   Dr Fanning is leading national research on integrated disease management strategies to reduce the impact of Ascochyta blight and Botrytis diseases on lentil and faba bean.  The investment is being led by Agriculture Victoria, with co-investment from GRDC and support from New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Field Applied Research Australia (FAR) and Trengove Consulting. Download the transcript for this episode Contact  Gordon Cumming  Manager Chemical Regulation  gordon.cumming@grdc.com.au Dr Joshua Fanning  Research Leader Plant Pathology  joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au More information  Paddock Practices – Carbendazim fungicide and its continued use in Australia GRDC Code: DJP2304-004RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne is a super high-tech operation that produces powerful beams of light a million times brighter than the sun. In a partnership between GRDC, the University of South Australia and the University of Queensland, researchers have been given access to the Australian Synchrotron and it's giving them a perspective on soil they've never had before. They're using the Synchrotron's imaging and medical beamline to produce high-quality 3D imagery of roots growing directly into large, undisturbed soil cores. To find out more, we caught up with the University of South Australia's Dr Casey Doolette and Dr Peter Kopittke from the University of Queensland.  Download the transcript for this episode Contacts: Dr Peter Kopittke University of Queensland p.kopittke@uq.edu.au   Dr Casey Doolette University of South Australia casey.doolette@unisa.edu.au More Information: GRDC YouTube – Crop root research taken to the next level GroundCover – Synchrotron looks deep into wheat's nutritional value GroundCover – Synchrotron technology sheds light on root distribution GRDC Code: UOQ1910-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tammin grower was an early adapter of the SwarmBot technology from SwarmFarm. GRDC's GrainInnovate program has played a key role in supporting SwarmFarm's progress and with Brad only the third person in WA to bring a bot on-farm, he has been able to harness the power of this innovation to streamline his farming operations, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.  We spoke to Brad at a field day held on his farm as part of the 2023 Australian Precision Agriculture Symposium, hosted by SPAA and supported by GRDC.   Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Brad Jones  Tammin grower  brad@bungulla.com.au  More Information: GRDC YouTube – Precision Ag in Practice: Brad Jones | Adapting technology with bots GroundCover – Bots on the ground – farming's new army GroundCover – Hope springs from GrainInnovate pipeline GroundCover – Clocking up a week's work in just one day GroundCover – Grower insights bolster variable rate technology workshops GRDC Code: SPA2308-001AWX, ART1903-001OPX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer has seen high numbers of fall armyworm (FAW) across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. In some late sown crops, FAW has had a disastrous impact and caught many growers and advisers off-guard. Dr Melina Miles, Principal Entomologist at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, shares her insights on what can be done to manage this pest in such a challenging season, and what it means for future plantings.  Download the transcript for this episode. Contact: Dr Melina Miles Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland Melina.Miles@daf.qld.gov.au More information The Beatsheet – Fall armyworm GRDC Resources – Fall armyworm GRDC Webinar – Fall armyworm management tips and tactics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Net form of net blotch is an important foliar fungal disease of barley and its impact on yield and decreased profitability has prompted a new GRDC co-investment: Integrated management strategies for net form net blotch in low, medium, and high rainfall zones. This investment aims to develop and deliver cost effective integrated disease management strategies across the northern and southern regions. Nick Poole from FAR Australia gives an insight into the disease and the new research development and extension surrounding it. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Nick Poole  FAR Australia  nick.poole@faraustralia.com.au More Information: Fungicide resistance in barley fact sheet FAR Australia GRDC YouTube – Net form net blotch: Integrated disease management in barley GRDC Code: DAQ2304-008RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raising the bar on crop nutrition in northern New South Wales is the aim of a new partnership between Outlook Ag and GRDC. Field trials have been established to help combat very area-specific problems and improve yield in a range of crops. In this episode, we speak with three of the lead consultants from Outlook Ag – Mitch Cuell in Narrabri, Greg Giblett on the Liverpool Plains, and Greg Rummery in the Northwest.   Download the transcript for this episode Content: Mitch Cuell Outlook Ag mitch@outlookag.com.au Greg Rummery Outlook Ag  gregr@outlookag.com.au Greg Giblett Outlook Ag  gregg@outlookag.com.au More information: Outlook Ag GRDC Code: OAG2305-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's 2024 and we're looking at similar conditions across a wide portion of the country, particularly in Victoria and South Australia. There is enough soil moisture that self-sown canola will now survive until the sowing window creating the perfect green bridge for both aphids and virus. To help growers mitigate the risk over the upcoming sowing period, we speak to independent agronomist Craig Davis and research scientist Ben Congdon from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Ben Congdon  Senior Research Scientist, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development  benjamin.congdon@dpird.wa.gov.au Craig Davis  Independent Agronomist craig.davis.nominees@outlook.com More information: Insecticidal control of green peach aphid and turnip yellows virus – resistance threats, limitations and future alternatives GRDC Code: DAW2305-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, Associate Professor Fran Lopez, Program Leader for Fungicide Resistance Management and Disease Impacts at the Centre for Crop and Disease Management at Curtin University, talks about the importance of rotating fungicides to minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in your paddocks. He outlines strategies for growers to implement on farm including planning ahead, understanding regional resistance concerns, disease pressure and risks, fungicide availability and the use of tools such as the AFREN Management Guide and apps to guide fungicide decisions. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Anna-Sheree Krige AFREN sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz AFREN/CCDM, Curtin University fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au More information: AFREN Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While previous acid soil testing practice was to not test as deep, new research, has identified greater acidic layering, where crop roots remain under the soil not benefiting from the full potential of amelioration. In this episode, we talk to Mark Richards from NSW DPI, and grower Andrew Lord about the new 5cm rule for testing soil pH. It allows the hidden acidity in lower layers to be recognised and treated, giving growers increased productivity and profit. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Mark Richards NSW DPI mrichards@nswdpi.com.au More information: Groundcover – Fixing acidity puts yields on the fast track NSW DPI – What is an acidic soil? NSW LLS – Managing soil acidity in the cropping zone GRDC webinar – Grains Research Update, online – Managing soil acidity – Identifying pH stratification to guide lime rates, acid soil management strategies and cropping programs GRDC YouTube – Acid soil management: New practices for better soil constraint identification Weedsmart – Competitive and profitable crops from fixing sub-soil acidity GRDC Code: UCS2204-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, University of Southern Queensland's Centre for Crop Health Director Professor Levente Kiss talks about the challenges of managing powdery mildew in mung bean crops. Recent research trials have further validated the Powdery Mildew MBM management app and shown there is often no economic benefit in spraying the crop. As Professor Kiss points out, controlling powdery mildew in mung bean is difficult because there are limited fungicide options, and all mung bean varieties are susceptible to some degree. However, planting early is the best non-chemical way to reduce disease pressure, and growers can download and use the Powdery Mildew MBM app to determine if fungicide will deliver a benefit. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Anna-Sheree Krige AFREN sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au Professor Levente Kiss University of Southern Queensland levente.Kiss@unisq.edu.au Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz AFREN/CCDM fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au More information: AFREN website Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance University of Southern Queensland Centre for Crop Health GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep ripping is an expensive investment and a slow process, so it's important to do it right the first time. Whether a grower is a first time or long-time ripper, it can always be done better. In this episode, Debra Bishop catches up with engineer Peter Nunn from Nufab to discuss all things ripping, as well as grower Brady Green about his first count experience of what to look out for.  Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Peter Nunn Nufab pnunn@nufab.com.au More information: Technology considerations for cost-effective subsoil loosening If, and when, to deep rip again GRDC YouTube – Get the most out of deep ripping: Tips on choice, set up and use of deep rippers GRDC Code: PLT1909-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, Professor Robert Park, University of Sydney, talks about rusts and managing rusts with fungicides. Until now, there have been very few cases of resistance to fungicide in rusts. However, recent research has shown insensitivity in the barley and wheat leaf rust pathogens to Group 3 DMI fungicides. At this stage, there have been no known in-field failures of fungicides for rust but this does represent a shift. As Professor Park points out, the foundation of controlling rusts in crops needs to be based on genetics and selecting varieties with high levels of genetic resistance. The other elements of the Fungicide Resistance Five – crop rotation, non-chemical control methods, strategic spraying and rotating fungicide modes of action – are also important when controlling rusts. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Anna-Sheree Krige AFREN sheree.krige@curtin.edu.au Professor Robert Park University of Sydney robert.park@sydney.edu.au Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz AFREN/CCDM fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au More information: AFREN website Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) – Fungicide Resistance University of Sydney Rust Laboratory GRDC Code: CUR2302-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC's Emerging Leader Award for the Northern Region in 2023 was taken home by established research agronomist Mathew Dunn. Mathew has been working as part of a farming systems research team that is looking at identifying agronomic and management factors that drive profit and optimise returns from a long-term, whole system approach. In this episode, we chat with Mathew about his research, as well as GRDC Grower Relations Manager Graeme Sandral about why Mathew was such a worthy recipient. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Mathew Dunn  NSW DPI mathew.dunn@dpi.nsw.gov.au  Graeme Sandral  GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North graeme.sandral@grdc.com.au More information: GRDC recognises young agronomist as a prominent, emerging leader Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC's National Grower Network Forums or NGNs provide opportunities for growers to meet and inform GRDC face-to-face about issues, constraints or research ideas that are acutely relevant to their farming system and location. The forums are all about designing and delivering research that's been identified and prompted from local grower feedback, drawing together local growers, regional advisors, and industry professionals to discuss local issues in a relaxed and local workshop environment. In this episode, we catch up with Luke Dawson, GRDC's Grower Relations Manager, after a constructive and spirited NGN Forum at Nyabing in WA's south-eastern Wheatbelt.  Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Luke Dawson, GRDC Grower Relations Manager - West luke.dawson@grdc.com.au More information: GRDC – Events GRDC Code: PIW2207-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

A GRDC investment focused on grower decision making for summer spraying has revealed several insights into the behaviours that motivate different spray decisions. It's hoped that the outcomes of this research will help growers to better understand what might be affecting their decision making and influencing the effectiveness of their spray programs. This podcast will be followed by a series of workshops to be held mid-2024, that will include planning and management tools and strategies for growers. Download the transcript for this episode Contact Sandy Kimber Hart Field-Site Group admin@hartfieldsite.org.au Lynette McLeod UNE lmcleod7@une.edu.au More information Spray Drift Hazardous inversion Workshop details to be published on the GRDC website later this year. GRDC Code: HFS2306-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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