GRDC Podcast: Recent Episodes
Grains Research and Development Corporation
In this episode, Scott tells us how a trip to Horsham in Victoria inspired him to give lentils a go.
In this episode, we sit down with Bec Kelly, a third-generation farmer from Mingenew, WA, who shares her journey from global adventurer to dedicated farmer.
In this episode, we’re joined by David Minkey from WANTFA and Frankland River grower Ben Beech to find out more about the benefits of hands-on opportunities and practical demonstrations for growers.
The conversation delves into Ben's early life growing up on a sheep and cattle farm, his passion for machinery, and how he transitioned into the grains industry.
Long coleoptile wheat varieties have the potential to deliver increased yield and therefore profit to Australian growers. That’s why GRDC is investing in extensive research to future proof the crop.
This podcast focuses on lentil, field pea and lupin – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, oats, sorghum and wheat.
In this episode, Jason tells us about how experimenting with serradella led him to growing vetch and how its stacks up in terms of productivity and profitability.
This podcast focuses on wheat – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, canola, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats and sorghum.
In this podcast, Christiaan Valentine from WA's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shares the latest insight on its distribution and management.
This podcast focuses on canola – there are separate podcasts in this four-part series for barley, field pea, lentil, lupin, oats, sorghum and wheat.
The GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new Variety Podcast series gives breeding companies the microphone to share their new releases for the 2025 growing season.
We speak to consulting agronomist, Martin Culbert, who is traveling across the southern region and helping growers with their post frost decision making.
Belinda Cay is an experienced agricultural communicator. Across her career she has had a breadth of experience that has uniquely put her in the position to “put others in the spotlight” in a way that has supported them and in turn the broader agricultural industry.
We catch up with Dr Angela van de Wouw who is one of Australia's leading researchers into blackleg in canola and PhD student Alec McCallum, whose research is examining the emergence and management of fungicide resistance to blackleg.
In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Ross shares years of wisdom in research, science, agro-politics and some pivotal moments that shaped who he is today.
This podcast explores the Boardman’s trials, and the benefits of using precision ag technology including how it's transformed yield on their broadacre cropping enterprise.
In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Loretta discusses her work in the summer grains industry and her passion for providing quality research results to growers.
In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Jan talks about her varied upbringing in different areas of regional Australia and her following career journey.
New South Wales grower, Mike Smith has been using variable rate technologies for more than 20 years and has some valuable insights.
In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, The Andrews highlight the role of connectivity in enabling the adoption of AgTech and data-driven decision-making on farms.
West Cranbrook grower Mark Preston has found faba beans were suited to more soil types on his farm than what lupins has been.
Maurice Hayes pioneered a lot of spray machinery and was involved in the evolution of farming towards zero-till practices.
In this podcast Futurist at Work Futures, Reanna Browne, offers up new perspective and practical advice for the grains industry.
In this GRDC In Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Georgie talks about how her career progressed into agronomic research with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, a PhD and to now as the CEO of the Rice Breeding Australia.
The Australian soybean industry has received a boost with a new online soybean manual and a series of workshops. The initiatives are part of GRDC’s investment which aims to reinvigorate the soybean industry, particularly in the northern region. The investment is also supporting growers to optimise the production and reliability of soybean yield and also identify the key agronomic practice and future opportunities required for the sustainable growth in the Australian soybean industry. GRDC has partnered with Soy Australia, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to develop the online Soybean Production Manual: A complete guide to growing soybean in Australia.
John is a business owner and farmer at his home property ‘Booroola’ in Northern New South Wales. He is well known to many in GRDC circles as the Chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
In this episode, Bencubbin grower and GRDC Western Panel Member Nick Gillett interviews GRDC Manager Chemical Regulation Gordon Cumming about GRDC’s role in chemical regulation.
In this podcast we hear all about the rhizoctonia research from two project participants, Dr Jonathan Anderson and Michael Lamond.
At the Adelaide GRDC update event in February 2024, Jana Freebairn (nee Dixon) was presented with the Emerging Leader Award for her work as an agronomy consultant.
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.
n this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Steve Madden discusses his career progression, advancements in agricultural technology, using beneficial insects to manage pests in crops
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.
In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, Tony discusses farming practises and cropping rotations in the area, his career path in agronomy and farming, legacy and a near-death experience in a helicopter accident.
In this GRDC in Conversation episode with Oli Le Lievre, John discusses his family history, the challenging period and learnings following his fathers passing, sustainable farming practices, soil health, business and emotional implications.
New national GRDC investment is tackling the snail problem from multiple angles by combining technology and biological research to inform control management
What are the reasons to use fallow in rotations and just what is the economic value of this farming practice?
A virtual goldmine of data generated from thousands of research, development and extension projects – all supported by GRDC – will soon be discoverable, accessible and able to be used to accelerate research outcomes. GRDC’s Data Partnerships Initiative is a $2.8 million investment over 18 months and it brings together 12 Australian research organisations that are currently working on projects in which GRDC has invested. Decades of data has been collected on a range of topics including yield, soils, genetics and climate - and this new initiative will collate existing data as well as provide a roadmap for improving data management in the future. We speak to Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader – Associate Professor Glenn Fitzgerald – and Alexis Tindall Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Glenn Fitzgerald, Agriculture Victoria crop agronomy research leader glenn.fitzgerald@agriculture.vic.gov.au Alexis Tindall, Manager of Digital Stewardship for the Adelaide University Library alexis.tindall@adelaide.edu.au
More information: GroundCover article – Data partnership builds expertise to harness data treasure trove
GRDC Code: DJP2201-004RTX, CUR2206-001SAX, DAW2206-007SAX, UMU2210-002BGX, DPI2206-024BGX, UOA2210-002BGX, UOA2206-008SAX, UOQ2301-004BGX, UOS2208-001BGX, UWA2206-005SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Spring is a critical time for disease detection in order to avoid or at least minimise yield losses; and already we are seeing higher infection levels than in previous years.
Plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) at Wagga Wagga, discusses the challenges for growers when assessing disease risk this season. What signs should growers be looking for, how is and does weather affect decision making and what are the considerations for fungicide application? Kurt’s key message for growers this season around disease detection is to get out there and walk among their crops and observe any signs of disease. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Kurt Lindbeck NSW DPI kurt.lindbeck@dpi.nsw.gov.au
More Information: Crop diagnostic service runs out of DPI Tamworth and Wagga, that extends to providing advice for growers, dpi.nsw.gov.au
GRDC Code: DPI2207-002RTX, DPI2206-023RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Data recently collected as part of the GRDC investment "Measuring Harvest Losses in the western region," has helped to identify opportunities for growers to reclaim grain that is lost during harvest. A report published on the back of this investment shows that more than $320 million dollars’ worth of grain was lost in Western Australia during the 2022/23 harvest. The podcast explores the data and what growers can do about lowering those losses. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Daniel Kidd Grower Group Alliance daniel.kidd@gga.org.au
Ben White Kondinin Group ben@bmwhite.com.au More Information: View more information on the GRDC Events page GRDC harvest setup workshops which will commence in September in the following locations:
September 12, Hyden
September 13, Dunn Rock
September 14, Nyabing
September 15, Beverley
September 22, Cunderdin Agricultural College.
Measuring harvest losses in the WA region 2022/23 Final report Project Code: GGA2211-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join agricultural procurement specialist and speaker at a recent GRDC Farm Business Update Rob Dawes talk about the urea supply and how to prevent getting caught short again. And then Horsham agronomist Matthew Sparke will share his insights on the strategic application of what nitrogen you do have to get the most out of it. Lack of urea supply is a major issue for growers, particularly in the south east of the country. A number of factors have contributed to the supply chain issue, and we speak to Robert Dawes from Robert Dawes Consulting to find out what happened and how to plan for next season. Meantime, agronomist Matthew Sparke from Sparke Ag Consulting talks about what growers can do now to make the most of their available nitrogen; and tips for future nitrogen decision making. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Robert Dawes – rob@robdawes.com.au Matthew Sparke – matthew@sparkeag.com.au More Information: GroundCover Article – Resource released to help with nitrogen decision-making in season 2020 GRDC YouTube – Predicting nitrogen loss Project Code: ORM1906-002SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At GRDC Grower Network Forums in the Western region, the issue of poor canola establishment was raised by growers in the low rainfall zone who mainly flagged problems when the crop is dry sown. This investment aimed to validate and extend previous agronomic and management research on how to successfully establish canola in those regions and conditions. To find out more, we speak to Living Farm’s Andrew Wherrett, who has been leading the project, along with Merredin grower Phillip Gray who has a trial site located on his farm. Contact: Andrew Wherrett Senior Research Scientist, Living Farm E: andrew@livingfarm.com.au More Information: $8.2m national project to boost canola Risks and rewards of very early sown canola Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide GRDC Code: LIV2112-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trials taking place in Western Australia aim to provide growers with information and resources to increase the effectiveness of claying on poor soil. In this podcast, Dan Fay from Stirlings to Coast Farmers discusses the benefits and long-term soil amelioration that can be achieved by claying and grower Ben Webb shares his experiences with the trials and how it has positively affected yields. Contact: Dan Fay Stirlings to Coast Farmers ceo@scfarmers.org.au Watch the Improving claying efficiency on poor soil types WA video. More Information: Stirlings to Coast Farmers. GRDC Project Code: SCF2203-003SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trials taking place in Western Australia aim to provide growers with information and resources to increase the effectiveness of claying on poor soil. In this podcast, Dan Fay from Stirlings to Coast Farmers discusses the benefits and long-term soil amelioration that can be achieved by claying and grower Ben Webb shares his experiences with the trials and how it has positively affected yields. Contact: Dan Fay Stirlings to Coast Farmers ceo@scfarmers.org.au Watch the Improving claying efficiency on poor soil types WA video. More Information: Stirlings to Coast Farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Terry Horan. Joining us from central Tasmania this week is agronomic specialist Terry Horan, in our last episode of Series 2 of the GRDC podcast In Conversation. For more than 40 years, Terry has been actively involved in agronomy in the low, medium and high rainfall cropping areas. He grew up in between Trundle and Parks, NSW, studied in Wagga, then his career took him from Temora to Tassie and from across the government to the private sector. But it has been his love of the grains industry that has been his constant. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program’s (AGPIP) blue sky approach to tackling insect pests in Australian grain crops, endosymbionts are being used to influence an insect’s ability to transmit crop viruses and resist pesticides. Dr Perran Ross from the University of Melbourne’s Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR–G) explains what endosymbionts are, how they are being used and what impact they will have; and PhD student, Eloise Ansermin explains the new behavioural studies that have never been trialled before. Contact: Dr Perran Ross University of Melbourne PEAR -G Perran.ross@unimelb.edu.au More Information: How to send off samples Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEAR-G) Novel pest solutions – podcast AGPIP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Allan Mayfield. In 2021, Allan was granted the GRDC Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award for the southern region for his long-standing input and commitment to the nation’s grains industry. And it's not just the grains industry he's impressed, with Allan named as SA's Australia Day Citizen of the Year 2020. Allan grew up on the Eyre Peninsula, going onto become a researcher in plant pathology and eventually starting his own consultancy. Allan's also a middle-distance runner of acclaim - so get shoes on and join us for this cracker of a conversation. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WeedSmart provides solutions to control crop weeds using the ‘Big 6’ principles utilising herbicide, mechanical and cultural tactics. 2023 marks ten years of the WeedSmart program, with a focus on spray efficacy as part of the ‘Big 6’. WeedSmart agronomists, Jana Dixon and Greg Condon discuss the benefits of the WeedSmart ‘Big 6’ as they prepare for WeedSmart Week on 1 August in Dubbo, New South Wales. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Jana Dixon WeedSmart high rainfall zone agronomist jdixon@pinionadvisory.com
Greg Condon WeedSmart southern extension agronomist greg@grassrootsag.com.au
More Information: WeedSmart Registration for WeedSmart Week 2023 – Dubbo
Project Code: UWA2007-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Lynne MacDonald. Dr Lynne MacDonald is a research scientist with CSIRO where she leads a portfolio of research on soil carbon and low emissions agriculture. Her early love of agriculture and childhood memories of playing in the dirt stem back to Scotland. Years later, she was awarded a fellowship which saw her move to Canada, but she eventually landed in South Australia to study intensive cropping systems, and she has made it our country her home too. And we're grateful she did as she's been having a real impact into the future of the Aussie grains industry. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Across the country, many growers have not had much of a break between harvest and this season's operations… and this comes on top of a tough couple of years that included the unpredictability of mother nature, as well as a global pandemic. This podcast explores strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset while under pressure. We spoke to Kim Huckerby from ‘The Wellbeing Affect’ who shares practical advice and steps that everyone can take. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Kim Huckerby The Wellbeing Affect hello@thewellbeingaffect.com.au More Information: The Wellbeing Affect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with James Hunt. James Hunt is a Professor of agronomy at the University of Melbourne, but his journey there was interesting and included touring Europe as part of a heavy metal rock band and some home brewing detours. He grew up on a farm in western Victoria and has done quite a bit in the world of grain crop research and farming systems. James talks about the challenge of going from a researcher to a lecturer, how passionate he is about attracting researchers into agriculture and nurturing the next generation of researchers and agronomists. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr Kym Perry from SARDI discusses all things snails including how they got to Australia and have spread across the whole country. He also discusses the new GRDC investment looking at monitoring techniques, biological control and a multifaceted approach to dealing with the widespread problem affecting the grains industry. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Dr Kym Perry SARDI Entomology Project leader kym.perry@sa.gov.au More Information: Groundcover Article – Multifaceted approach to combat snails in grain crops GRDC Publications – Nail the Snails! (New) GRDC Publications – Burn’Em, Bash’Em, Bait’Em Project Code: UOA2205-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Lawrence Richmond. Growing up in Watchem in western Victoria, Lawrence Richmond had no idea that there were opportunities to be a farmer beyond his farm gate. But at 21, he picked up work in the world of corporate agriculture, opening his eyes to a world of possibility. Fast forward to today and Lawrence joins us from Romania, where he consults and helps to manage properties with farmers in Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. His story is a great one. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Soilborne disease and root health in cereals and pulses often doesn't get the attention it deserves because it's quite literally out of sight, out of mind. In this podcast, researchers Blake Gontar and Dr Liz Farquharson of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, share their insight on identifying and managing soilborne diseases in cereals and pulses. They’re involved in a series of national grower workshops on soilborne disease and root health that have taken place over the past few years, made possible by a GRDC investment and collaboration with grower groups and other industry bodies. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Blake Gontar Senior Research Officer SARDI blake.gontar@sa.gov.au
Dr Liz Farquharson Research Scientist SARDI liz.farquharson@sa.gov.au
GRDC Project Code: FLR1912-003RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Tanja Morgan. Twenty years ago, Tanja took up a job in the Mallee for a better work opportunity but was ‘devastated’ to move to the area. However, the place grew on her and farming in the Mallee has since become a large part of her life. She’s even moved further away from the big smoke residing in the little town of Geranium where she is a dog trainer, farmer and communicator. With an optimistic outlook on life and a refreshing approach to life’s challenges, Tanja has become an influential and involved part of the Mallee farming community. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GRDC, the Irrigated Cropping Council and the NSW Department of Primary Industries have teamed up to explore the influence of soil amelioration and soil amendments on crop yield and profitability in irrigated farming systems. So far there have been mixed results from the project which aims to give growers an understanding of the costs and benefits of deep ripping on sodic soils. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Irrigated Cropping Council
Damian Jones damian.jones@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au
More Information: Irrigated Cropping Council Research – Optimising Irrigated Grains
Project Code: ICF1906-002RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Professor Andrew Barr. Andy is a valued SA local and well-known across the grains industry. He joins us to talk about his childhood memories on a mixed farm, where he developed a love for innovation, inspiring him to study agricultural science that led to a 30-year career in plant breeding. Andy shares his experiences of travelling the world and supporting grains research-for-development across some of the most interesting parts of the planet. Despite his successful career, Andrew's ultimate goal was to return to the family farm, which he eventually did. This year Andy was awarded GRDC's greatest honour - a Seed of Gold award - in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Australia’s grain industry. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The southern region is experiencing its worst season of slug infestation. GRDC is so aware of the problems growers are having with slugs, that it currently has a tender out to invest further in slug research. Meantime we catch up with agronomist, Tim Pohlner and invertebrate ecologist, Dr Michael Nash to discuss trouble shooting the problem now and in future seasons. Download the transcript for this episode Contact: Dr Michael Nash Invertebrate Ecologist whatbugsyou@gmail.com More Information: GRDC Resources – Slugs and Snails GRDC Factsheets – Slug Control GRDC Publications – Slugs in Crops: The Back Pocket Guide GRDC Tenders – Optimising slug management
Project Code: MAN2204-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎙️ Terry is the chair of Grains Australia Limited and this year was presented with a GRDC Seed of Gold award. In this episode, Terry talks about his passion for agriculture and how he started his career in the 1970s in Mount Barker, WA. Despite challenges like the collapse of the wool industry, Terry and his peers persevered, transitioning to grain and livestock. He shares his insights into WA’s Great Southern region, such as its Mediterranean climate and its reliance on winter rainfall for dryland agriculture, and his support for the West Coast Eagles football team. GRDC Project Code: HOA2202-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Camilla Plunkett attends a demonstration day at Dalyup, WA to look at the latest in tile ploughing, a solution being used in the GRDC investment trial exploring sub-surface drainage ROI. Project officer Sophie Willsher from South Coast Natural Resource Management and grower, Rohan Marold discuss all things sub-surface drainage, including a ‘how to’ for growers; and the challenges and rewards of this method. Download the transcript for this episode
Contact: Sophie Willsher, South Coast Natural Resource Management sophiew@southcoastnrm.com.au More Information: GRDC Podcast – Rising interest in sub-surface drainage
Project Code: SCF2005-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kevin was recognised in 2023 with GRDC's highest accolade - a Seed of Gold award - for his work in crop protection.
Darryl Anderson speaks with Agtech coordinator, Thomas Hall about the innovation behind some of the most current, up and coming products and services in agriculture.
Darryl Anderson interviews Professor Mike Bell and Dr David Lester to find out about GRDC’s $11.9 million investment into predicting nitrogen cycles and losses in Australian cropping systems.
Harm’s story starts in the Netherlands where he was raised until he was 14. He studied science and biochemistry which took him all around the world, and when he got back to Australia, he headed to Victoria’s high country to study cattle grazing, but that’s only the beginning.
GRDC has invested in the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) a joint initiative with the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia.
Sally Maguire looks at ammonia volatilisation in depth with Associate Professor Louise Barton from the University of WA.
Deborah Bishop catches up with spray application specialist, Bill Campbell at the GRDC Western update, to discuss the awareness and understanding of making good weed spraying decisions.
Forecasting how optimal flowering windows and crop yields will be impacted by the warming climate, and what growers can do about it, has been unexplored – until now.
For many South Australian growers, 2022 was a cracker season, but the weather and other factors did lead to some cereal disease.
In a bid to improve heat tolerance in chickpea, GRDC has funded research that builds on advances already made under the Australian Research Council: Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture Hub.
The economics of farming are a crucial component for all growers, and it’s not always a skill set that comes naturally.
Last year along the east coast of Australia, stripe rust was a huge issue and experts are warning that in 2023, growers will continue to experience stripe rust pressure with wet summer conditions and significant green bridge carryover from last year, creating the perfect storm for the disease.
Growers and advisers in South Australia and Victoria are increasingly reporting underperforming crops, which they believe could be attributed to a lack of potassium (K).
Chickpea production in Western Australia took a king hit in the early 2000s when a fungal outbreak hammered grower confidence and reduced crop coverage from 60,000 to 5,000 hectares.
Cucumber Mosaic Virus - also known as CMV - is a seed transmitted virus that can cause yield losses of almost 100 per cent. That’s why GRDC is investing in a project that will support industry by providing information on minimising the impact of CMV
Weather conditions across the country continue to be volatile meaning that this harvest many growers are faced with extreme circumstances. Dr Kate Burke is a former agronomist and an agri-strategist and in this podcast she shares some practical recommendations on determining where the value lies.
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Dr Jenny Davidson.After briefly considering medicine as a career path, Jenny decided treating sick plants was the better choice for her. As a pulse pathologist she has spent the past 3 decades with SARDI helping the grains industry.
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Jeanette Long. Astoundingly, until 1992, women weren't allowed to officially name their occupation as 'farmer' in Australia. It was in this era, with change emerging and an increasing recognition of women's roles in farming, that Jeanette Long began working in agriculture.
Improving wheat yield and yield stability through better heat tolerance is the focus of research being undertaken at the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute in Narrabri, New South Wales.
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Bill Long. Bill is a farm consultant, but a farmer 'first and foremost' calling it one of the most satisfying careers anybody could ever have, despite its ups and downs. He's seen and worked with some of the best farmers in Australia and flown himself around the country in his Cessna airplane. His interest in how people make decisions led him and his wife Jeanette to develop a training program, and he's even composed a song about wild radish! GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
Unprecedented rainfall in 2022 has resulted in extensive waterlogging across many cropping regions of eastern Australia. In this podcast, Greta Duff from Southern Farming Systems (SFS) shares the latest research findings on nutrient strategies and spring sown options following a waterlogging event. Greta led a project with GRDC investment on the topic in 2021 after a wet growing season in the high rainfall zones of Victoria and Tasmania. Contact Greta Duff Senior Research and Extension Officer, SFS gduff@sfs.org.au More information Keeping crops a head above water Project report - Nutrition Strategies to Mitigate Yield Losses Following Waterlogging Project report - Spring Sowing Options After a Wet Winter Strategies for waterlogged crops in the High Rainfall Zone of the Southern Region GRDC project code: SFS2109-001SAX
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Chris Preston. In the 1980s Chris spent three years studying biofuels in the USA before returning to Australia to work in weed research at The University of Adelaide. Thirty years later, Chris is still on the job tackling the ever-evolving problem of understanding and managing herbicide resistant weeds. A challenge that has seen him explore the problem from different angles, but always with an ear close to the ground listening to what farmers and advisors have to say to guide him and his research team. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
GRDC’s National Variety Trials - or NVT - program is the largest coordinated trial network in the world. Across Australia there are more than 650 trials underway at over 300 locations for ten crop species. To find out more about how the data collected at these trial sites is used - we speak to agronomist and GRDC northern panel member, Peter McKenzie as well as NVT participant and grower, Stephen Gibson. Contact NVT in your state More Information NVT home Subscribe to NVT communications Video - "How growers and agronomists can use NVT data"
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Peter Hayman. As Principal Scientist, Climate Applications, at the South Australian Research and Development Institute of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Peter works to identify climate risks to agriculture and develop R&D partnerships to help. From growing up in Japan, to studying ag science in Sydney, Peter's career path is an interesting one that has seen him seek to make science useful at the centre. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
GRDC continues to support grains focussed innovators to develop and bring their technology to growers. One way of doing that is by partnering with accelerators like the ‘Agtech and Logistics Hub’, which has recently launched a program designed to fast track innovation in the agri-food sector. The program is called GroundUp and we spoke to Agtech and Logistics Hub director, Thomas Hall to find out how it all works and how growers will ultimately benefit. Contact: thomas.hall@agrifoodconnect.com.au More Information: Agtech and Logistics Hub LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Project Code: ACL2205-001SAX
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Mark Merrett. Mark is a sixth-generation farmer from Kaniva in western Victoria where his family runs a mixed operation of winter cropping and sheep. Mark always wanted to become a farmer but he's also a natural communicator. His Merrett Contracting YouTube videos have been viewed thousands of times and they're helping to connect people from around the world with farm life. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
More information: Australia is the world's largest exporter of faba beans, to help growers stay on top, breeders are developing new varieties suited to local conditions. Harnessing the expertise of different partners, GRDC has invested in research to address faba bean diseases including Ascochyta blight while maintaining a focus on higher yields. In this podcast, Adelaide University faba bean breeder Sam Catt and SARDI pulse pathologist Sara Blake talk about progress towards new and improved varieties. Contact: samuel.catt@adelaide.edu.au ; sara.blake@sa.gov.au GRDC project code: UOA1606-009RTX
Today's 'GRDC in Conversation' podcast interview is with Kate Burke. Kate’s working career has seen her in roles as an agronomist, a commercial manager, author and a cereal chemist. Living in Echuca, Victoria, she now runs her own consulting business Think Agri, providing corporate investors access to astute, experience-based advice when considering agri-investment decisions. GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
After a wet 2021, growers across Australia’s northern and southern grain growing regions are again bracing for widespread, heavy rainfalls at harvest this year. While the weather forecast poses significant challenges for getting crops off the paddock, getting your silos ready to store damp grain now is one way to help reduce headaches down the track. In this podcast, GRDC National, Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator, Chris Warrick, shares his tips on preparing silos for harvest, storing wet grain, drying options and silo hygiene. More information: Contact: chris@primarybusiness.com.au Phone: 1800 933 845 Aeration cooling can help save moist grain
GRDC in Conversation is a limited series of the GRDC Podcast. It features in depth, long-form interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry. It aims to help growers explore research outcomes and ideas through a different perspective. Barry's 45-year career has seen him combine his on-farm experience with his business acumen to help farm businesses build resilience in risky environments. His work has taken him from his family farm in Port Germein, SA, to working to support the adoption of conservation agriculture practices in north Africa and India. Interviewer Oli Le Lievre – presenter of Humans of Agriculture – weaves a story not just about the technical innovations but the expertise, history and personal background, influences and motivation of each guest.
For the first time in WA, there’s been a confirmed case of glyphosate and paraquat resistance in annual ryegrass. The discovery has prompted University of Western Australia weed researcher, Dr Roberto Busi, to research alternative double knock solutions. As Roberto explains, the findings have been a quantum leap forward in understanding how these resistant ryegrass populations can be effectively controlled with paraquat and pre-emergent herbicide combinations. Contact Dr Roberto Busi roberto.busi@uwa.edu.au More information Frist cases of glyphosate and paraquat resistant ryegrass in WA
GRDC project: UWA2007-002RTX
Wheat growers in the northern grain growing region are currently experiencing one of the worst stripe rust epidemics in recent memory. To help growers tackle the challenging season, Grain Orana Alliance (GOA) have been conducting trials to provide a stripe rust early warning system for the central north region of the New South Wales cropping belt. The trials, supported by GRDC, are focused on identifying and communicating local dominant stripe rust pathogens to help growers and advisers make management decisions without the time delay of individual paddock sampling and pathotyping analysis. In this podcast, GOA CEO Maurie Street analyses how the season has played out for stripe rust so far, and shares the insights that have come out of early warning system trials in such a high-pressure year. Contact Maurue Street – Grain Orana Alliance (GOA) maurie.street@grainorana.com.au More information
GRDC Ground Cover - New stripe rust trials to create early warning network for northern growers
Grain Orana Alliance – trial results
Lupin seed integrity and establishment With split seed resulting in yield penalties higher than 70% in some areas, a new GRDC investment is looking at how growers can manage their handling of lupin seed to ensure better germination of seed in the following seasons. A benchmark study of 27 WA growers looked at germination impacts for lupins, focusing on reducing the incidence of split seed through harvest activities such as machinery impacts, and manganese deficiency. The study which started in 2019 has now wrapped up, with advice around manganese management, going easy on the augers, harvesting with at least 12% moisture and asking the experts to assess seed. But those who know lupins, know there’s still a lot to learn. Contact Katrina Venticinque, Liebe Group 08 9661 1907 eo@liebegroup.org.au More information
GRDC Investment – Demonstrating the effects of reduced lupin seed integrity on crop establishment
GRDC Ground Cover – Retained lupin seed germination puzzle
Liebe Group Projects – The Effect On Lupin Establishment As A Result Of Reduced Seed Integrity
GRDC has a history of working with different business accelerators to deliver grains focussed, start-up accelerator programs across Australia. Farmers2Founders is one such programme - set up to help put producers at the centre of innovation by supporting them to have more involvement in the innovation process… leading to solutions that will solve real problems for grains growers on farm. To find out more, we spoke to Skye Raward, co-founder and general manager of Farmers to Founders and Tegan Modra, participant in the National Accelerator Program.
Contact: Skye Raward Co-Founder & General Manager, Farmers2Founders sraward@foodfutures.com.au
More Information: www.farmers2founders.com Applications currently open for: National Pre-Accelerator Programe closes 9 October National Accelerator Programme closes 16 October TNQ Innovation Pre-Accelerator closes 9 October
GRDC Project Code: FTS2006-001SAX
Gravel soils account for 24 per cent of land used for crop production in southern Western Australia, and are also characteristic of major production regions in South Australia and Victoria. In this podcast, two growers share their experience managing this challenging soil type. They have distinctly different approaches but share a desire to get the most of their crops in a high rainfall environment.
Murdoch University’s Dr Francesca Brailsford also shares an update on the significant GRDC investment underway to help growers better manage ironstone gravel soils from a cropping, nutrition and water perspective. The ironstone gravels soil project is part of a SoilsWest alliance initiative, which also includes The University of Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, Queen’s University Belfast and Bangor University. Contact Dr Francesca Brailsford Murdoch University fran.brailsford@murdoch.edu.au More information - Challenges of ironstone gravels – WA video - Challenges of ironstone gravels – SA video - GroundCover - Unlocking the hidden potential of ironstone gravel soils
GRDC project code: UMU2111-001RTX
The National Grower Network is a GRDC initiative set up to directly communicate with growers and help progress locally relevant research, development and extension investments. Growers are encouraged to become involved and there are many ways to do that. To find out more about the National Grower Network, we speak to Grower Relations Manager, Vicki Green and Graham Spackman who is on the GRDC’s northern panel.
Contacts: Vicki Green Grower Relations Manager Vicki.Green@grdc.com.au
Graham Spackman GRDC Panel Member, Northern Region gbspackman@gmail.com More Information: About NGN GRDC Events Page Subscribe to GRDC Twitter @theGRDC Instagram @theGRDC
Grain growers around Australia have a new tool, in the form of a comprehensive guide, to support informed decision making around machinery purchases. The guide, titled “Machinery investment and replacement for Australian grain growers”, is the result of a two-year GRDC initiated project to assist growers to evaluate decisions around machinery investment. The information has been gathered from contributions from more than 450 grain growers around Australia, who shared their machinery purchase and ownership experiences, resulting in 30 case studies that are featured in the guide. The guide offers a valuable snapshot of machinery ownership levels to help growers compare their position against industry averages for similar farming operations. Contact: Ben White Kondinin Group ben@kondinin.com.au More Information: Download a PDF of the guide here. Project Code: KIS1911-001SAX
For the first time in Australia, there is a biocontrol option to help tackle flaxleaf fleabane. A rust fungus from fleabane’s country of origin, Colombia, has been rigorously tested by a research team at the CSIRO and approved for release by the Australian regulator. This new tool will be available to help growers bolster their integrated weed management strategy. This research is part of a project called Underpinning agricultural productivity and biosecurity by weed biological control, led by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program, with co-investment from CSIRO, GRDC and NSW Biocontrol Taskforce. Contact Ben Gooden CSIRO ben.gooden@csiro.au More information
Flaxleaf fleabane rust fungus video
GRDC/AgriFutures media release
How much does the general public trust the grains industry?Recent community survey work, made possible through GRDC investment, has painted a clear picture – and the results are surprising.Dr Kieren Moffat and his team have been surveying a diverse cross-section of the community to examine areas of uncertainty such as chemical usage and GMO cropping.It’s all part of a the larger Community Trust in Rural Industries project being driven by a number of Rural Research and Development Corporations and industry organisations.ContactDr Kieren MoffatVoconiqkieren.moffat@voconiq.comMore information- Growing community trust video- Groundcover article- Program finds high levels of trust in growers GRDC project code RDC1906-004OPX
Weeds are one of the largest costs to Australian growers - affecting management, yields and input costs. That’s why GRDC is a platinum partner in WeedSmart - an industry led initiative designed to deliver weed control solutions.WeedSmart is the united industry voice delivering science backed weed control solutions to growers and advisors for long term productivity in Australian agriculture.To see the full list of financial, in-kind and international in-kind; and research partners visit this page.We explore the WeedSmart initiative with WeedSmart Project Manager, Jessica Strauss and Chris Davey, Agriservices agronomist from YP Ag.WeedSmart Week 2022 is happening in Mildura, Victoria from 30 August - 1 September.Contact:Jessica StraussWeedSmart Project Manager & Communications Lead AHRISchool of Agriculture and Environment (SAGE)jessica.strauss@uwa.edu.auChris DaveyYP Agchris@ypag.com.auMore Information:Subscribe to WeedSmart.Project Code: UWA2007-001SAX
Australia’s canola industry continues to grow from strength to strength - despite the presence of blackleg, a common disease that has the potential to cause more than 90 per cent yield loss.This success story is thanks, in part, to decades of targeted GRDC investment into blackleg management – delivering significant genetic and agronomic advancements to help canola growers reduce the impact of this serious pathogen.Marcroft Grains Pathology Principal Dr Steve Marcroft has been at the forefront of this research for nearly 30 years and he discusses the impact that blackleg research has had.Contact:Dr Steve MarcroftMarcroft Grains Pathologysteve@grainspathology.com.auMore Information:Early-sown canola may escape blackleg clutchesBlackleg Management GuideMarcroft Grains Pathology
One of the greatest barriers to improving farm productivity in Australia is water.Over the past ten years, GRDC investment in water use efficiency (WUE) research has resulted in significant yield gains and underpinned an evolution in the management of summer fallows and farming sequences across Australia’s southern and western cropping regions.Southern NSW agronomist Greg Condon has been involved with WUE research projects for more than 12 years, and in this podcast he delves into the research findings that are delivering real impact for growers.ContactGreg CondonGrassroots Agronomygreg@grassrootsag.com.auMore information- Investing in water use efficiency yields results case studyProject codeCSP00111, DAS00089, CSP1707-019RTX, CSP1703-007RTX, CSP1706-015RMX
Excessive rainfall has hit northern growers over the past six months.With water logging across paddocks, growers are at heightened risk of losing nitrogen from denitrification, and it’s an issue GRDC is keen to understand better.Recent research supported by GRDC and led by Senior Research scientist at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Dr Graeme Schwenke, found that on average, paddocks with waterlogging could lose 28 per cent of nitrogen from denitrification.To get the complete picture of nitrogen cycling and the conditions under which growers can lose nitrogen from the soil, GRDC has launched a new project to investigate how to better predict nitrogen cycling and losses in Australian cropping systems with a focus on augmenting measurements to enhance modelling.In this podcast Dr Schwenke discusses the state of play on the ground right now, and the value of further research into nitrogen cycling.Contact: Graeme SchwenkeNSW DPIgraeme.schwenke@dpi.nsw.gov.auMore information:GRDC Update Paper: Nitrogen volatilisation: Factors affecting how much N is lost and how much is left over timeProject code: UOQ2204-010RTX
Long coleoptile wheat is getting a lot of grower interest and some new research been delivering some exciting results.This genetic approach is focused on wheat lines that produce a long first shoot, or a coleoptile, allowing for deeper sowing into soil with residual moisture. After successful paddock-scale trials, the research is helping growers mitigate the risk of poor or failed establishment because of unpredictable summer rain and sowing breaks.Led by CSIRO plant geneticist, Dr. Greg Rebetzke, we talk about the research that's got growers and the GRDC excited about the future potential of the long coleoptile wheats.ContactDr Greg RebetzkeCSIRO Agriculture and Food02 6246 5153Greg.Rebetzke@csiro.auMore information- Are long coleoptile wheats an early sowing game-changer?- GRDC Grains Research Update Online, Southern Region 2022 - Day 1, Agronomy & management for a shifting climate (Adelaide & Bendigo)- On-farm assessment of new long-coleoptile wheat genetics for improving grain yield with deep sowing- Early learnings from multi-site, multi-system assessment of new long-coleoptile genetics for deep sowing of wheat
When it comes to maximising the productivity of irrigated crops, research is proving it isn’t as simple as adding water and lots of nitrogen fertiliser.The Optimising Irrigated Grains project team have two seasons of impressive agronomy data under their belt –helped along by back-to-back mild spring conditions which has seen them achieve some pretty exceptional yieldsContactNick PooleManaging DirectorFAR AustraliaNick.Poole@faraustralia.com.auMore information- Optimising irrigated grains video- Grower insights on grazing crops under irrigation podcast- ICC website- Optimising irrigated grains podcastGRDC code: FAR1906-003RTX
A 90-day summer chickpea crop could soon be a reality for the north, giving growers a pulse option to plant in February and harvest in June.Researchers involved in the summer chickpea project, made possible through GRDC investment, have spent the summer assessing the performance of 20 chickpea lines across five different locations.As project lead Dr Angela Pattison from the University of Sydney explains, the trial results and yield potential of the system are showing real promise.ContactDr Angela PattisonThe University of Sydneyangela.pattison@sydney.edu.auMore information- Summer chickpea video- GroundCover story - Turning necessity into opportunity with summer chickpeas- GroundCover story - International resources tapped for heat-tolerant chickpea germplasm for Australian breeding programsGRDC code: UOS2112-003RTX
What does it take to optimise mungbean yields in Australia’s northern growing region?It's the focus of a significant GRDC investment underway with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. In this podcast, project participant Paul McIntosh from Pulse Australia shares the latest agronomy research findings on maximising productivity in mungbean systems.ContactPaul McIntoshPulse Australia industry development managerpaul@pulseaus.com.auMore information· Mungbean agronomy video· Mungbean yield gap and agronomy webinar - Marisa Collins· Exploring interactions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobia and root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) in mungbeans, Update Paper
Fusarium wilt is significant mungbean disease that can result in up to 80 per cent yield loss.In an effort to arm growers with information about this costly disease, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in Queensland has set up a variety of tolerance trials across the state as part of a wider GRDC and DAF co-investment on optimising mungbean yield in the northern region.In this podcast, DAF Extension Officer, Jayne Gentry, shares the latest research findings and her recommendations for managing fusarium wilt.ContactJayne GentryPrincipal Development Extension Officer, Crop and Food Sciences, Department of Agriculture and Fisheriesjayne.gentry@daf.qld.gov.auMore informationMungbean disease webinarProject code: DAQ1806-003RTX
The National Oat Breeding Program, backed by joint $5.4 million investment from AgriFutures Australia and GRDC, is being propelled into a new era under the leadership of commercial breeding company, InterGrain.In this podcast, Intergrain’s Dr Allan Rattey shares all the details of the new program and how it will increase the genetic gain per dollar invested.The program is strengthened by significant collaboration with oat pre-breeding investments across Australia. This national research network provides valuable support to the success of the breeding programs and industry.Contact:Dr Allan RatteyIntergrainARattey@intergrain.comMore informationFebruary 2022 GRDC update presentationGRDC codeIGP2103-001AWX
Most irrigated crop research involves wheat or cotton - but the Optimising Irrigated Grains project is different.It’s focused on the agronomic and amelioration levers for maize, chickpeas, faba beans, canola, barley and durum. The three-year irrigation project has delivered some impressive results so far.ContactBen MorrisFAR AustraliaBen.Morris@faraustralia.com.auMore information· Optimising irrigated grains video· Optimising irrigated grains research report· WaterCan Profit calculator· WaterCan Profit calculator demo video.GRDC project code: FAR1906-003RTX
Vetch got a bad rap back in the 1990s when a variety that looked like red lentils was substituted for the higher priced commodity and sold into export markets. Since then, this versatile crop has gone from strength to strength, thanks largely to the National Vetch Breeding Program.In this podcast, program leader Stuart Nagel explores the history of vetch and its adaptability in cropping and mixed farming systems.The breeding program has been trialling and releasing new varieties suited to Australian growing conditions since 1992.ContactStuart Nagel, SARDINational Vetch Breeding Program LeaderStuart.Nagel@sa.gov.auMore information:National Vetch Breeding Program video https://youtu.be/iiAo0C2jJHoGRDC code - DAS1711-015RTX
As many southern growers know, good growing conditions for crops also means good ground conditions for slugs.After favourable springs in both 2020 and 2021, slug populations are on the rise and sliding into regions that don’t normally see them.As Dr Michael Nash explains, it’s about being proactive, understanding the risk factors and making informed management choices for the different species.ContactDr Michael Nashwhatbugsyou@gmail.comRuth Peekruth.peek@grdc.com.au
Dual-purpose crops under irrigation offer an attractive graze and grain return. But what's the best set-up to maximise potential at the paddock level?In this GRDC podcast, we hear from three growers who put forward paddocks in an ambitious effort to answer just that, as part of the Optimising Irrigated Grains investment.ContactKate CoffeyRiverine Plainskate@riverineplains.org.auMore information· Optimising irrigated grains video· Optimising irrigated grains research report
Weed seeds and herbicide resistant genes have the potential to move across farm boundaries and between different land uses. A collaborative project, called area wide management for cropping systems weeds, is taking a unique approach to traditional weed control by collaborating beyond fence lines with varying land users across three pilot regions - the Sunraysia, the Darling Downs and the Murrumbidgee irrigation area. In this podcast, we hear from CSIRO's Dr Rick Llewellyn, and Mallee Sustainable Farming’s Tanja Morgan, about how the project is taking shape in the Sunraysia area.This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as part of its rural R&D for profit program and the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.The project also involves 11 research and development partners: Grains Research and Development Corporation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, AgriFutures Australia, CSIRO, University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of Wollongong, Mallee Sustainable Farming, Millmerran Landcare Group, Irrigation Research & Extension Committee Inc, and the Toowoomba Regional Council.Contact:Dr Jason Emms, GRDC Manager Weedsjason.emms@grdc.com.au Dr Rick Llewellyn, CSIROrick.llewellyn@csiro.auTanja Morgan, Mallee Sustainable Farmingtanja.morgan@msfp.org.auMore information:* Could collaboration be the best weapon against weeds * CSIRO Area wide management for cropping systems weeds
Across Western Australia’s grain growing regions, farmers are reporting increased mouse activity, sparking new concern about risks heading into the 2022 season.To help growers keep ahead of this issue, the CSIRO’s Steve Henry and Dr Wendy Ruscoe delivered GRDC mouse control workshops over 21 locations and 4 days across WA’s grain belt in March, speaking with 245 growers and advisers.In this podcast, Steve Henry shares key insights and recommendations from the workshops.Contact:Steve HenryResearch Officer, CSIROsteve.henry@csiro.auGeorgia MegirianCrop Protection Manager - West, GRDCgeorgia.megirian@grdc.com.auMore information:* Mouse management * CSIRO mouse control.
GRDC code: FMO2201-001SAX
The main summer grain crop in the northern grains region, sorghum is ordinarily planted between September and January.But for the past two years, scientists from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland have been trailing sowing the summer crop in winter.And while the trials have taken place in cool conditions, the results have proved to be red hot.Contact:Professor Daniel Rodriguezd.rodriguez@uq.edu.auMore information:· Video: Beating the heat – maximizing productivity with late winter sown sorghum https://youtu.be/U-q9O5vHMl8GRDC code: UOQ1808-001RTX
For the first time ever, a national survey on herbicide resistance has been conducted as part of a GRDC investment. As Dr Peter Boutsalis from the University of Adelaide explains, there's good news on the resistance status of annual ryegrass to pre-emergent herbicides.ContactDr Peter BoutsalisThe University of Adelaidepeter.boutsalis@adelaide.edu.auMore informationAnnual ryegrass weed management and paraquat resistanceGRDC project codeUCS2008-001RTX - Determining the incidence of herbicide resistance in Australian grain cropping
In WA, a series of trials over several years has been studying the interaction between wheat seeding timing and pre emergent herbicides choice on annual ryegrass seed production, with some helpful results on offer.
2022 is likely to be a high-risk year for rust, based on the widespread distribution of rust in 2020 and 2021 and the wet summer.Dr Grant Hollaway from Agriculture Victoria and Professor Robert Park from the University of Sydney share all the details on the latest variety disease ratings and recommendations to help growers make informed stripe rust management decisions this season.Contact:Dr Grant HollawayAgriculture Victoriagrant.hollaway@agriculture.vic.gov.auProfessor Robert ParkThe University of Sydneyrobert.park@sydney.edu.auMore information:· 2022 NVT disease ratings· University of Sydney cereal rust interactive map· Information on the stripe rust WM appFor more details about StripeRustWM and other disease management apps, search for ‘mobile app centre’ on AGRIC.Project code: UOS1801-004RTX Australian Cereal Rust Control Program (ACRCP) - University of Sydney: Delivering genetic tools and knowledge required to breed wheat and barley with resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust and stem rust
Perth Update Event 2022 – Dr. Mike AshworthThe cost of constantly evolving weed infestations in Australia is staggering. Growers spend around $2.5 billion every year on the problem, with annual ryegrass the number one ranking Australian cropping system weed.In WA, a series of trials over several years has been studying the interaction between wheat seeding timing and pre emergent herbicides choice on annual ryegrass seed production, with some helpful results on offer. In this podcast, we talk to Dr Mike Ashworth, research agronomist, who’s heading the trials with the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative at the University of WA about the trials and his top tips for reducing annual ryegrass and wild radish seed production in wheat using crop competition.
Grain storage is a long-term investment so it’s important to get it right from the start. Considerations need to include storage design and structural integrity, effective pressure testing and knowing how to seal silos correctly to achieve successful fumigation.Manufactures are a good source of information, but make sure they’re not your onlysource. And that’s where GRDC’sGrain Storage Extension Projectcan help. In this podcastnational extension team member Ben White takes youthrough the latest evolution in Silo features and pressure testing methods.Contact:Ben Whitee: ben@storedgrain.com.auPhone 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845)Chris Warricke: chris@storedgrain.com.auPhone 1800 WEEVIL (1800 933 845)Resources:storedgrain.com.au
The Seed of Gold is one of the grains industry’s most prestigious awards. First presented in 2007 only four people have received this honour. The latest recipient is globally recognised research scientist Emeritus professor Stephen Powles from Western Australia who was presented with his Seed of Gold in 2021.The award is given in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment to communicating research outcomes to the Australian grains industry.
It’s an unusual thing to see – a mob of cattle grazing contentedly in a patch of paddock, held there by an invisible border. But virtual fencing technology is really taking offand is showing promise as a tool to help mixed farmers control weeds.On Heath Nickolls’ cattle and grain property near Pinnaroo in the South Australian mallee, the CSIRO’s Dr Rick Llewellyn is leading a GRDC and Australian Wool Innovation investment trialling virtual fencing to gain better crop integrated weed management. As Rick and Heath explain, a strip grazing trial of 40 Angus heifersis delivering promising results.
Nick Poole from FAR Australia provides an excellent explanation of how to target fungicide applications for the best economic return. He describes the value of focusing on critical growth stages and their ‘money leaves’, the best way to manage disease risk in crops before tillering, and the importance of protecting fungicide effectiveness for the long term.
It’s been common practise across the southern grain growing region to wait for opening rains, before applying a knockdown herbicide, then seeding the crop.But new research is revealing weedsare better controlled by adopting a three-pronged approach of sowing early, at a high density crop seeding rate while also applying an efficient herbicide.As the University of Adelaide’s Dr Gurjeet Gill and Ben Fleet explain, the mid-trial results come from a five-year GRDC investment looking into weed management across a range of rainfall zones in SA, Vic and WA.
While farmers typically spray fungicide to manage one disease, applications should be considered in a broader context. Dr Steven Simpfendorfer describes how spraying one pathogen can inadvertently encourage resistance in other pathogens that may be present. He outlines some typical examples, including rusts and powdery mildew in wheat; blackleg and sclerotinia in canola; as well as net blotches and powdery mildew in barley.
The start of 2021 has seen widespread waterlogging in the Great Southern and Esperance regions.Sub-surface drainage, one of many water management options, is not widely adopted, for reasons that will be better understood during this project, with surveys used to understand current grower practice and opinions.Sub-surface drainage, one of many water management options, is not widely adopted, for reasons that will be better understood during this project, with surveys used to understand current grower practice and opinions.In total, the GRDC invests about $2 million nationally in projects addressing waterlogging, with work ranging from the new sub-surface drainage projects through to genetic research.
The seedbank is the link between the current weed populations and future infestations. While the seedbank life is well understood for major weed species such as annual ryegrass, new research has filled the knowledge gap on the seedbank life of emerging weed species.
In Western Australia’s South West agricultural zone there are 3 million hectares of lateritic gravels or ironstone gravel soils. These are sandy soils that have a cemented laterite surface or caprock. Many growers are using contractors with specialised machinery that rips and pulverises this top-layer, making sowing easier and improving the likelihood of good crop establishment. What is also needed for developing crops is good nutrition and Lateritic soils bind-up phosphorus, an essential nutrient for young plants.With GRDC investment,on-farm trial are underway to test for nutrient levels in these soils and development nutrient packages for crop management.
When Western Australian Ag Research Company TrialCo signed on with GRDC to run a trial on non-wetting sandy soils in low rainfall country the last thing anyone expected was a wet start to the growing season. In this podcast TrialCo field operations manager and TrialCo’s executive officer outline the reasons for the trial and the methodology applied to evaluate the use of surfactants in sandy non-wetting soils.
Growers are set to get better variety recommendations faster through a new GRDC investment, INVITA, which is adding value to the National Variety Trial (NVT) program.
Innovative lab technology has helped uncover new information on the water and nutrient use efficiency of ironstone gravel soils. It's a first for the grains industry and a big step forward in managing this often-underperforming soil type. As Murdoch University’s Dr Fran Brailsford explains, the process of discovery involved analysing more than 400 gravel samples from across Australia’s growing regions. Made possible through GRDC investment, the research aims to increase the knowledge and profitability of cropping on ironstone gravel soils.
Generous rain and high prices have increased the economic risk from Sclerotinia and blackleg of canola this season. Dr Steve Marcroft outlines the very real risk of fungicide resistance developing in blackleg of canola in Australia – and how growers can achieve sustainable disease control.
Oats has a wonderful reputation amongst consumers, especially those in Asia, as a very healthy product. So it makes sense to find more ways to present oats to those consumers.
Researchers at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are testing the law of unintended consequences – in this case whether wheat varieties that stay greener longer are also prolonging the feeding of aphids on wheat plants. On this podcast, Entomologist, Melina Miles and her team take us into the tiny world of aphids.
The overuse of insecticides and evolution of resistance in redlegged earth mite (RLEM) is a significant issue for southern and western 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.
Australia’s ongoing reliance on a limited range of chemicals has set a concerning trajectory for insecticide resistance. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies play an important role in curbing future resistance cases, however there’s a strong social dynamic at play when it comes to growers and advisers adopting these strategies on-farm.
Geraldton and Kwinana East port zone growers are particularly interested in examining the factors that could be impacting on crop emergence.
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.
A key consideration when growing a cereal grain crop such as wheat is knowing a variety’s optimal flowering period – but what happens when the optimal flowering period moves, as a result of climate change?
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.
The GRDC is leading a $16 million project focused boosting the resilience of mixed farms via successful incorporation of pasture legume species currently not widely grown.
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.
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.
This episode is focussed on the second research component of the Frost Mapping project, assessing frost damage before its visible to the naked eye, using the Electromagnetic spectrum.
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.
Duncan Young farms at Beverly in the west of the state’s central wheatbelt. In this podcast Debra Bishop speaks with Duncan about the steps he takes to keep everyone on farm safe when working with hazardous chemicals.
In this podcast, Wayne Parker, from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Soil Compaction project leader, talks to Lucinda Jose about the causes of soil compaction and the outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that growers can adopt to improve their soils.
In this podcast WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research officer and Frost specialist, Dr Ben Biddulph, discusses salvage and harvest options for frost-affected cereal crops as well as what to consider if you intend holding onto seed from a frost affected crop. On the day Ben Biddulph was at DPIRDs Frost evaluation trial site at Dale about 100km east of Perth.
A new resource is available to help grain growers make proactive integrated pest management (IPM) decisions to control diamondback moth (DBM) in canola.
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.
How economically viable is incorporating organic matters into your sub-soil? That’s what new research funded by GRDC is trying to ascertain.
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.
On this podcast the “secret” to reducing your yield gap is exposed and it turns out that for most growers there’s plenty of gains to be made.
A leading science communicator says rather than educating the general public about farming, farmers should ensure that urban people trust farmers to have their best interests at heart.
The Kuhlmann family have been farming on the western side of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula for more than a hundred years. Peter Kuhlmann is the latest generation to farm the challenging calcareous soils in this part of the state.
To aid Russian Wheat Aphid management planning and development of cultural controls, there is a need to know what role green bridges play in supporting RWA populations.
Agronomist Cam Nicholson is passionate about providing advice to boost farmers’ profitability and productivity, and one of the keys he uses is to work out the personality types of his clients.
Foliar diseases are a major constraint to profitable barley production across Australia, affecting both yield and quality. In this podcast, senior plant pathologist Dr. Lisle Snyman from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland discusses the presence and spread of barley foliar pathogens across Australia's growing regions.
In this podcast AEGIC CEO Richard Simonaitis talks about the opportunities and challenges facing Australian wheat exports to Indonesia.
GRDC’s investment in faba bean breeding has contributed to the delivery of new and improvemed Faba bean varieties to grain growers.
The five-year iMapPESTS project is using the latest in-field technology to rapidly and accurately monitor and report on airborne pests and pathogens.
Farmers in blackleg prone areas of Australia are generally competent in managing the disease in their canola crops. That is until the recent advent of blackleg infection of the upper canopy.
A key research question that has an appreciable bearing on our future management of this pest relates to the way in which resistance has evolved in the Redlegged Earth Mite.
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.
Dr John Broster from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation heads up a joint herbicide resistance monitoring project between Charles Sturt University, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Universities of Adelaide and Western Australia.
Researcher Kirsty Owen from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) says knowing the difference is critical for producers responding to one of the northern wheat industry’s thorniest problems.
In this podcast, agronomist Phil Bowden explores these insect monitoring methods in detail, to help growers and advisors make an informed risk assessment and to decide if chemical control is warranted.
Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior researcher Mark Seymour and Esperance Port Zone grain grower Ron Longbottom feature in this podcast about Lentils.
In this podcast, Primary Industries and Regions SA soil consultant Melissa Fraser shares the latest subsurface acidity research findings and management advice.
Growers and advisers are urged to go beyond a visual inspection of crops to determine the exact cause of ill-thrift in a crop.
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.
There’s been a significant change to the National Variety Trials program. It’s now fully managed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. You might be thinking… wasn’t it always? Well while the NVT program was established by GRDC back in 2005 its only in 2018 that the administration and day to day management of the national comparative crop variety trials program has come under GRDC management. In this podcast NVT’s southern manager Rob Wheeler explains what the change means for NVT and those who use its data for crop management decision making.
Many factors affect how much stored soil water is available, including rainfall before and during the growing season, infiltration, evaporation and transpiration. And then there’s plant available water capacity, which is the total amount of water a soil can store and release to a crop, which differs depending on the crop.
Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider when planning new on-farm grain storage and provides tips about storage hygiene
Farmers across the Western Region are using a variety of stubble strategies to protect soil moisture over summer and to protect those soils from harsh winds. Noel Keding has taken stubble strategies to the next level using a stripper front on his cereals.
GRDC funded research is revealing the importance of managing nutrient availability to the crop deeper in the soil profile. On this podcast, David Lester from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), joins Darling Downs farmer John Alexander to talk about the encouraging results of trials in which phosphorus and potassium were placed deep below the soil surface.
Home gardeners know the benefits of mulch in suppressing weeds, but researchers are also encouraging broadacre grain producers to deprive weeds of sunlight and space and take the pressure off herbicides as the ‘heavy lifters’ of in-crop weed control.
Yield losses from Red Leather Leaf in Oats could be significantly higher than growers have previously believed. Mark McLean talks about trials currently underway and why there is strong suspicion that this disease is costing farmers yield.
Online Farm Trials is a website that contains a wealth of cropping data from the nation’s leading research organisations, and it’s proving to be an invaluable resource for growers and researchers.
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.
Pulse markets were thrown into disarray during last year’s harvest when India imposed tariffs on imports of chickpeas and lentils. On this podcast Chief Executive Officer of AGT Foods Australia Peter Wilson tells us about the current state of play in the pulse market in Australia and overseas.
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.
An estimated 12.5 million hectares of sandy soils in southern and Western Australia are deemed at moderate and high risk 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 soils.
By 2030 Asia’s demand for wheat will increase by a further 8 million tonnes and that offers Australia’s wheat industry real opportunities.
Roberto Busi from the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative, with investment support from the GRDC, is working on the use of herbicide mixes as a powerful tool for use against resistant weeds.
Trials are underway in Western Australia to measure the suitability of Flax (or Linseed) as a viable and profitable break crop in systems that have few other alternatives.
A new GRDC publication containing the latest research into canola production in Western Australia’s low rainfall zones is now available. In this podcast, Tony Murfit outlines how to get the best results in these challenging environments.
Change is a continual process, Nadine says. The key is investing the same amount in people as we do in infrastructure and technology, so that rural industries can move through change events confidently and survive.
Trials in Western Australia are showing how well canola can out compete ryegrass if some simple management changes are made.
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.
Dr Angela Pattison’s been delving into an historic bank of chickpea plant varieties, some of which have been grown for hundreds of years in hot, dry places like the Middle East and brought to the Australian Grains Gene Bank in Horsham, Victoria. From there, Angela has selected small packets of seeds to breed and screen for heat tolerance.
Not everyone can be in the Top 20 percent of growers. But YOU can. The scale of your operation won’t put you into, or keep you out of, that exclusive club.
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.
In this podcast, Crown Rot scientist Steven Simpfendorfer explains the case for eternal vigilance.
Canadian, Hugh Beckie has a long history with herbicide resistance both as a scientist and as a farmer.
In this podcast Planfarm consultant and harvest loss expert, Peter Newman, talks about practical steps and resources WA canola and cereal growers can use to minimise harvest losses and maximise capacity.
In this podcast Dr Penny Riffkin discusses grain yields in the high-rainfall zone and research covering farm-management practices, soil nutrition, plant biology and the development of tools to help predict yield.
On this program Jon Baird from NSW DPI at Narrabri discusses trials he has undertaken on differing sowing options following a cotton crop.
These are the people of SAGI – Statistics for the Australian Grains Industry. Take a listen and find out about the people in back offices all over Australia in the grains industry.
After addressing the forum Nigel Phillips recorded this podcast and summarised the messages he delivered. His key message was to have an action plan, follow it through and don’t regret making a choice.
Farmers in northern Queensland were left perplexed and alarmed by damage done to soybean crops by fungal disease.
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.
In this podcast, the GRDC’s Andrew Etherton talks through the event and the GRDC investment behind it - a four-year industry collaboration aiming to increase the profitability of growers in Australia’s southern and western grain producing areas.
In this podcast, researcher Ross Ballard from SARDI shares information on the new and existing commercial lines tested so far.
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.
Their destination was the Hyper Yielding Cereals trial site in New Zealand. After identifying a need to lift cereal yields to take advantage of the extensive soil amelioration work that’s been happening in Western Australia and newfound opportunities to sow early crops, a group of innovative Esperance growers were keen to investigate options.
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.
Fifty years ago, the pioneers of zero and minimum tillage cropping systems had a challenging time to convince researchers and growers that these systems had benefits over a tractor and plough criss-crossing a paddock, but in 2018 the conservation farming methods are widely used across Australia.
Respected northern region agronomist, Drew Penberthy outlines some of the agronomic issues to watch out for after drought. And we hear from a farmer who managed the mental health effects of the drought by digging a giant hole.
Sandy soils account for five million hectares of Australia’s southern grain growing region. Crop water use and productivity on these sandy soils are commonly limited by a range of soil constraints that affect root growth.
Sandy soils create considerable and costly grain constraints. GRDC is investing in a multi-million-dollar soils and crop nutrition strategy aimed at managing nutrition after ameliorating these kinds of soil constraints.
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.
In this podcast you’ll hear from GRDC’s MD Dr Steve Jefferies talk about two GRDC investments that are working to address this challenge, to help Tasmanian, and high rainfall zone cereal growers on the mainland, close the yield gap and develop new fungicide management strategies.
How do you take soil samples from your paddocks? A leading soil scientist maintains that many farmers are leaving a lot of valuable information buried in the paddock, which could be easily accessed with a slightly different approach to sampling. On this podcast, Jason Codon invites you to look at soil sampling with soil variability in mind.
Increasing herbicide use over the last two decades has led to concerns over the potential effects herbicides (and their residues) have on soil health.
Blackleg is a common yet economically serious canola disease in Western Australia (WA). While it has the potential to cause severe yield loss, the good news is that it can be successfully managed.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.Using fungicide mixtures and rotating between Mode of Action groups is vital to eliminate resistant pathogen strains. Fungicide resistance specialist Dr Fran Lopez Ruiz from the Centre for Crop Disease Management at Curtin University highlights the importance of a dynamic spray program.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.South Australian plant pathologist Dr Tara Garrard covers the range of agronomic practices growers have at their disposal to reduce disease pressure, limit fungicide applications and lower the risk of promoting fungicide resistance in their crops.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.
The ‘Fungicide Resistance Five’ is the basis for an integrated disease management strategy that growers can use on-farm to reduce fungicide resistance pressure on crop pathogens. This six-part podcast series, produced through the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), unpacks the individual elements of the strategy to inform growers why and how they should minimise the risk of fungicide resistance developing in their paddocks. AFREN is a significant GRDC investment that brings together a national network of regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. It is co-ordinated through the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), a co-investment between the GRDC and Curtin University.
In Western Australia, outbreaks of fungicide resistance have occurred in several important diseases of barley. Resistance is a significant but preventable problem that can largely be managed by taking care not to repeatedly expose a pathogen to the same product or chemical Mode of Action Group. It is important for growers to recognise that this management regime can include fungicide seed treatments and in-furrow fungicide applications, as well as foliar sprays later in the season. Fungicide rotations to manage and prevent fungicide resistance need to take all of these applications into account. Geoff Thomas, plant pathologist from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA, discusses the importance of using an integrated disease management program to reduce disease pressure and manage fungicide use and resistance in WA cropping systems.
Growers in the north could consider fungicide resistance less of a threat than growers in the south and west, however there is no room for complacency. As Professor Levente Kiss from the University of Southern Queensland’s Centre for Crop Health points out in this podcast, as long as there are fungal crop diseases there is a risk of fungal resistance. Barley, wheat and pulses can all be affected. Northern growers need to appreciate the importance of rotating and mixing fungicides, including as seed treatments, in order not to encourage fungicide resistance in important diseases such as barley net blotches, mung bean powdery mildew, wheat powdery mildew and septoria tritici blotch.
South Australian grain growers have been alerted to several cases of fungicide resistance in recent growing seasons, including in net form net blotch of barley, and wheat powdery mildew. In this podcast, Dr Hugh Wallwork, from the South Australian Research and Development Institute, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ research division, talks about the factors that contribute to fungicide resistance and how fungicide management needs to begin with variety and seed treatment selection before sowing. He explains that growers should be using all available agronomic practices to reduce disease pressure and should avoid repeat applications of a single fungicide active or chemical Mode of Action. This will help protect the effectiveness and availability of their essential fungicide controls.
Some ground breaking research has resulted in a breakthrough for growers and agronomists wanting to measure the potential impact of disease on yield. A national network of trials over five years will result in a new ability to quickly and accurately assess potential disease impact on some of the more popular cereal varieties. On this podcast we look at the results of that research and also how it all came about and salute the hard work of the many agronomists, scientists and biometricians involved. Useful resources: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/grains/prototype-yield-loss-disease-model-online-tool
Farmers across the Western Region are using a variety of stubble strategies to protect soil moisture over summer and to protect those soils from harsh winds. Noel Keding has taken stubble strategies to the next level using a stripper front on his cereals. Noel has some experience using stripper fronts in both low and higher rainfall environments, so his experience may help other growers who are wondering whether stripper fronts might be an option. On this podcast Noel talks about the advantages of using stripper fronts in his experience including significantly greater harvest efficiency but also some of the challenges such as getting the crop germinated and out of the ground because of the extra shading from the straw.
Losing just one millimetre of topsoil in a wind erosion event can result in significant changes to soil fertility and cause yield losses in subsequent crops of up to six per cent. But there are some measures growers can take to protect their topsoil and reduce the impact of severe wind. In this podcast, Cropfacts consultant Harm van Rees, Agronomy Solutions director Sean Mason and South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions consultant Mary-Anne Young join in a discussion on dealing with the effects of wind erosion via ongoing soil management or tactics when multiple dry seasons have ruled out other options.
The GRDC has for the first time committed to a multi-million-dollar global investment into dedicated research programs to address crop production constraints and the opportunities machine learning can provide, with the aim of driving profitability gains for Australian grain growers. Nine “use-cases” will form the core of the investment which will involve national and international research partners. Contact: Tom Giles Senior Manager, Enabling Technologies Grains Research and Development Corporation T: 08 8198 8400 W: www.grdc.com.au E: tom.giles@grdc.com Useful resources: GroundCover Supplement: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/industry-insights/machine-learning-set-to-offer-new-solutions-to-grains-industrys-challenges Update Paper 2021: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2021/02/examples-of-using-machine-learning-for-mapping-soil-constraints-and-soil-moisture-to-support-improved-decision-making Update Paper 2020: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/lasers,-machine-learning,-weed-recognition-and-new-innovations-in-weed-management
Online Farm Trials (OFT) is a website that contains a wealth of cropping data from the nation’s leading research organisations, and it’s proving to be an invaluable resource for both growers and researchers alike. This podcast shares how growers can use the platform to make informed management decisions, and how research organisations can benefit from getting involved and contributing trial information. This podcast features Federation University OFT project lead Nathan Robinson, GRDC emerging technologies officer John Rivers and Denielle Smith from Northern Growers Alliance. The OFT platform is a GRDC and Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation collaboration. It hosts a range of past and present research trials undertaken and contributed by a range of grower and farming systems groups, government researchers, universities and private industry throughout Australia.Contact:John RiversJohn.Rivers@grdc.com.au
Changing rainfall patterns in the drier parts of the western region have prompted a rethink of strategies for grower Clint Della Bosca. On this podcast focusing on stubble management in Western Australia, Clint talks about the vital importance of stubble in his system as weather patterns unfamiliar to his area begin to emerge. Clint is undertaking a soil amelioration program while adjusting to less rainfall overall and during the growing season which makes conserving moisture and protecting topsoil from wind erosion top priorities.
Plant Available Water, is key to determining potential crop yield. It’s also the basis for sowing decisions and fertiliser applications. Many things affect how much stored soil water is available, rainfall before and during the growing season, infiltration, evaporation and transpiration. And then there’s Plant Available Water Capacity, which is the total amount of water a soil can store and release to a crop which differs depending on the crop. Contact: Brett Cocks, CSIRO Agriculture and Food 07 4571 3280 / 0427 583 7564 brett.cocks@csiro.au
As many Western and Southern region grain growers start preparations for sowing this year’s winter crops, there are still a few areas in the eastern states northern region where late sown summer crops such as sorghum are still standing. In this podcast you’ll hear from a leading authority on Mouse behaviour and management, about the challenges facing growers yet to harvest and those needing to plan a mouse baiting strategy pre-sowing.Contact:Steve Henrye: steve.henry@csiro.auResources:https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/resources/mouse-control
Foliar diseases are a major constraint to profitable barley production across Australia, affecting both yield and quality. In this podcast, senior plant pathologist Dr. Lisle Snyman from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland discusses the presence and spread of barley foliar pathogens across Australia's growing regions. Dr Snyman was part of the barley foliar pathogen project. The four-year GRDC investment successfully characterised major barley pathogens in Australia and identified effective resistance genes from around the world. Part two of this podcast focuses on a new three-year research initiative that is leveraging the findings from this completed research, by progressing the most promising NFNB, SFNB and scald resistance genes for use in Australian breeding programs. Contact: Lisle Snyman, DAF Lisle.Snyman@daf.qld.gov.au More information: Barley foliar pathogens – the global search for resistance video https://youtu.be/J06bS6sgqCQ
New research is harnessing advanced computer capabilities and artificial intelligence to fast-track the development of new barley varieties with improved foliar pathogen resistance – shaving years off conventional breeding program processes.Dr Kai Voss-Fels is the project lead and senior research fellow with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, based at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. The program is off to a strong start, thanks to the findings from the four-year barley foliar pathogen project. Part one of this podcast explores these findings in more detail, with focus on pathogen presence and spread across Australia’s growing regions. Contact: Kai Voss-Fels, UQ k.vossfels@uq.edu.au
Growers are set to get better variety recommendations faster through a new GRDC investment, INVITA, which is adding value to the National Variety Trial (NVT) program. The investment is led by Prof Scott Chapman from the University of Queensland (UQ) which is working in collaboration with Australian partner, CSIRO. The investment, INVITA, leverages off a major EU investment INVITE (Innovations in plant Variety Testing in Europe), a consortium led by INRA in France (INRA being the French equivalent of CSIRO). The main INVITE collaborator with INVITA is Prof Fred van Eeuwijk, a statistician from Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the world's number one agricultural university. Contact: Prof Scott Chapman, University of Queensland scott.chapman@uq.edu.au Useful resources: https://youtu.be/2hOQPRb-z1A
Until now, only limited information has been available about in-paddock summer weed distribution and abundance in Western Australia. However, a two-year survey, which will be completed in 2021, will provide hard numbers for the entire wheatbelt. The survey, completed with investment from the GRDC, has been coordinated by Albany-based agronomist Andrew Storrie, of AGRONOMO. Contact: Andrew Storrie, AGRONOMO +61 (8) 9842 3598 0428 423 577 andrew@agronomo.com.au @AgronomoOz
A new GRDC publication containing the latest research into canola production in Western Australia’s low rainfall zones is now available. This detailed GRDC publication also contains grower case studies outlining how growers manage their crops to get the best results in these challenging environments. In this podcast you’ll hear from one of those growers Tony Murfit, who farms near Merredin, about a three hour drive east of Perth. Debra Bishop travelled to the eastern grain belt to record this account of Tony Murfit’s experience as a canola grower. Contact: Tony MurfitTony.Murfit@watag.com.au GRDC resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2021/golden-rules-for-canola-in-the-low-rainfall-zone Other resources: https://grdc.com.au/chemical-weed-control-in-canola https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/04/spraying-for-rlem-could-become-a-thing-of-the-past https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/understanding-the-double-effect-of-high-temperature-on-crop-yield https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/exploring-the-effects-of-seed-size-and-target-plant-densities-on-the-yield-of-hybrid-canola-across-australia https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/canolas-deep-roots-agronomy-to-capture-benefits-and-manage-legacies https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/earwigs-an-appetite-for-destruction-or-are-they-beneficial
Australia’s ongoing reliance on a limited range of chemicals has set a concerning trajectory for insecticide resistance. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies play an important role in curbing future resistance cases, however there’s a strong social dynamic at play when it comes to growers and advisers adopting these strategies on-farm. In this podcast, Bruce Howie from C-Qual Agritelligence and Kelly Angel from Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) delve into the social dynamic of IPM and share how advisers can help drive positive long-term change. 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 BCG, Cesar Australia, 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). Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/02/insect-pest-control-are-you-advising-for-today-or-the-future https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/using-all-our-tools-for-pest-management-redlegged-earth-mite https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/using-all-our-tools-for-pest-management-diamondback-moth https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/using-all-our-tools-for-pest-management-green-peach-aphid https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/redlegged-earth-mite-best-management-practice-guide-southern https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southern https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/diamondback-moth-best-management-practice-guide-southern
At the December 2020 Crop Protection Forum in Perth, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research scientist Ben Congdon spoke about the collaborative research effort underway to develop better proactive management strategies for Green Peach Aphid. GPA is a major vector for the transmission of Turnip yellows virus, a serious disease of canola crops which can result in yield losses of up to 46%. Contact: Ben Congdon benjamin.congdon@dpird.wa.gov.au Resources: www.ahri.uwa.edu.au www.ccdm.com.au www.cesaraustralia.com
Many decisions growers make are the result of trials undertaken to test any number of variables. These small plot trials are replicated and the results are reliable because they are small plots with little chance of spatial variability. However, the same analysis that is used to decide the results of small plot trials can not be transferred to large plot trials. On this podcast, Katia Stefanova and her colleagues from SAGI - West outline the problems with statistical analysis of large plot trials and the work being undertaken to solve the problem.Contact:Katia StefanovaKatia.stefanova@curtin.edu.au
Calcareous soils are very common in the southern grain-growing region and cover 60% of the region’s cropping country. These soils are high in calcium carbonate, resulting in poor crop establishment and low grain yields compared to less hostile soils. But a new research initiative is set to improve the grain industry’s understanding of these soils and how they constrain crop yield and profitability. Behind the initiative is the Grains Research and Development Corporation in conjunction with the Co-operative Research Centre for high-performance soils, the Soil CRC. Also collaborating on this project are CSIRO, NSW DPI and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia. GRDC is investing 6.75 million dollars over 3 years in this initiative to build on previous research knowledge into calcareous soils. Contact: Nigel Wilhelm, Farming Systems Leader South Australian Research and Development Institute + 61 407 185 501 www.pir.sa.gov.au/research Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2020/september/hostile-soils-the-target-of-major-new-research-effort https://soilcrc.com.au/grdc-co-invests-in-soil-crc-calcareous-soils-project/ Update papers: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/03/understanding-factors-affecting-the-effectiveness-of-p-and-pk-fertilisers-when-deep-banded http://soilquality.org.au/factsheets/soil-ph-south-austral https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3246539/Australian-Agriculture-in-2020-Pt2Ch8.pdf https://cwfs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Making-WUE-Work.pdf
The Kuhlmann family has been farming on the western side of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula for more than a hundred years. Peter Kuhlmann is the latest generation to farm the challenging calcareous soils in this part of the state. Like many growers, Peter has been keen to see more done to better understand these soils and has welcomed the new GRDC calcareous soils investment. The $6.75 million GRDC investment is an industry collaboration with the Soil CRC, CSIRO, Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, and the New South Wales DPI. Contact: Eyre Peninsula, SA grain grower Peter Kuhlmann mudabie@bigpond.com Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2020/september/hostile-soils-the-target-of-major-new-research-effort https://soilcrc.com.au/grdc-co-invests-in-soil-crc-calcareous-soils-project/ Update papers: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2020/03/understanding-factors-affecting-the-effectiveness-of-p-and-pk-fertilisers-when-deep-banded http://soilquality.org.au/factsheets/soil-ph-south-austral https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3246539/Australian-Agriculture-in-2020-Pt2Ch8.pdf https://cwfs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Making-WUE-Work.pdf
For grower James Heggaton who farms around Kojunup in Western Australia, stubble is a crucial part of his farming system but one that must be actively managed year on year. On this podcast, which is one of a limited series looking at how farmers are managing stubble across the western region, James explains the role of stubble in a climate where moisture retention is just one of the factors that guide his stubble system. Contact: James Heggaton James.heggaton@outlook.com
Stubble retention is practiced by farmers across the western cropping region for a variety of reasons. A special series of GRDC/West Australian No Tillage Farmers Association podcasts have been produced featuring growers and advisers who explain how stubble retention fits into their systems, the advantages it brings and how they manage the issues sometimes heavy stubble loads create. On this podcast we speak to Bill Crabtree, a well known champion of conservation agriculture, who talks to us about his experience farming in a low rainfall area and the role that stubble retention plays in his farming system. Contact: Bill Crabtree Bill.crabtree@wn.com.au
For the past three years, researchers in Western Australia have been trialling innovative new pasture legume species suited to low to medium rainfall areas. The findings are clear - new species can overcome traditional barriers to use and deliver significant benefits to mixed farming enterprises. In this podcast, Professor John Howieson from Murdoch University discusses the research findings so far and shares how growers can use this insight to boost productivity and profitability on-farm. It’s all part significant $18 million-dollar dryland pasture legume research initiative being led by the GRDC. 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 the 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 the research division of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, 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: Ron Yates ronald.yates@dpird.wa.gov.au John Howieson J.Howieson@murdoch.edu.au More information:https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/choosing-the-best-pasture-legumes-for-lower-rainfall-areas https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/national/2017/10/pasture-legumes-project-to-grow-the-fortunes-of-mixed-farms
The extraordinarily high winds experienced by growers around Geraldton in May 2020 emphasised the importance of retaining stubble as a means of protecting the soil. This podcast is one of a limited series looking at how farmers are managing stubble across the western region, brought to you by GRDC and the Wester Australian No Tillage Farmers Association. Farm consultant Craig Topham talks about the lessons learned from that wind event and about the importance of fitting stubble retention into your farming system and the benefits that can bring.Contact:Craig Tophamcraig@agrarian.com.au
Now is the time of year to test your paddock for dispersive soil. Many soils in south-eastern Australia have naturally dispersive topsoils that are prone to compaction, temporary water-logging and reduced seedling emergence. In this podcast, NSW Department of Primary Industries research Dr Ehsan Tavakkoli shares a simple one-hour soil test that quickly tells growers if dispersion is an issue in their paddocks, allowing them to make informed gypsum application decisions. Contact: Dr Ehsan Tavakkoli hsan.tavakkoli@dpi.nsw.gov.au Useful resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_6zHhlNyBU&t
When it comes calculating fertiliser toxicity risk in the paddock, the tools and resources available to growers haven’t really changed over the past 70 years. But exciting new research at the University of Adelaide is modernising our understanding and approach to this important industry issue. In this podcast, research lead Jacinta Dockerill shares the latest fertiliser toxicity research findings and insights. Contact: Jacinta Dockerill jacinta.dockerill@adelaide.edu.au
Agricultural technology has a long way to go. That was the message mixed enterprise farmer and Nuffield scholar Andrew Slade delivered to those attending the 2020 Perth Grains Research Update. In this podcast, Andrew talks about what conclusions he came home with after his Nuffield study tour and what that means for the adoption of digital technology in the Australian farming sector.Andrew Slade, Mix enterprise farmerKedenup, Western Australia0433 779 426
“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.
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 mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au More information:Evolving weeds video on GRDC YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_NwE2ZdC7U&t=1sGroundcover online story https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/weeds/evolving-weeds-dodge-multiple-management-controlsIntegrated weed management tactics https://weedsmart.org.au/the-big-6/
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 Letitia.Cross@health.nsw.gov.au 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-healthRural Adversity Mental Health Program RAMHP coordinator www.ramhp.com.auBeyond Blue help line 1300 224 636 Lifeline 13 11 14
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 alan.mckay@sardi.gov.auUseful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2016/02/rhizoctonia
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 DesbiollesAgricultural Machinery Research and Design Centre jack.desbiolles@unisa.edu.au 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
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 Joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 Andrew.L.Fletcher@csiro.au 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
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 IrelandExtension Coordinator, CCDM, Curtin Universitykylie.ireland@curtin.edu.auMore information: www.afren.com.au
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 rajneet.uppal@dpi.nsw.gov.au 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
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 Cassandra.walker@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 Lopezfran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.auMore 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
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 Robnorton001@gmail.com
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 markmclean@agriculture.vic.gov.au 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
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 James.nuttall@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 Melissa.fraser@sa.gov.au 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
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 info@safefarms.net.au
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-governmenthttps://safefarms.net.auadmin@safefarms.net.auwww.Auschemwa.com.au
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 predden@ruraldirections.com 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
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 Rohan.Kimber@sa.gov.au 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
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 cassandra@riverineplains.org.au
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 joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au 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
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
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 techcrop@bigpond.com @Crop_Watch Regional contacts: Ashley Amourgis SFS, VIC aamourgis@sfs.org.au Ian Herbert SFS, TAS iherbert@sfs.org.au Kate Coffey Riverine Plains, NSW kate@riverineplains.org.au Jen Lillecrapp MFMG, SA jen@brackenlea.com Phillip Mackie Stirlings to Coast farmers, WA phillip.mackie@scfarmers.org.au Useful resources: o https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/hyper-yielding-cereals-projecthttps://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-boundarieshttps://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
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
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 Penny.rifkin@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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
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 Alan.mckay@sa.gov.au Blake Gontar Blake.gontar@sa.gov.ay Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2016/02/rhizoctonia
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 Garry.oleary@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 mark.s.mclean@agriculture.vic.gov.au 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
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 Michael.Straight@faraustralia.com.au Charlie Aves Charlie.aves@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au
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, SARDIRoss.Ballard@sa.gov.au
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.ContactVictor SadrasVictor.sadras@sa.gov.au
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: keir.tunbridge@aegic.org.au 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
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 KellyLisa.kelly@daf.qld.gov.au
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 pumina@cesaraustralia.com 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-southernResistance 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-pasturesGreen peach aphid best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southernDiamondback moth best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/diamondback-moth-best-management-practice-guide-southern
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 Kym.Perry@sa.gov.au 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-southernResistance 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-canolaGreen peach aphid best management practice guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2020/green-peach-aphid-best-management-practice-guide-southernRedlegged 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
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 pumina@cesaraustralia.com 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-greenpeachaphidDiamondback 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
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 Lars.kamphuis@curtin.edu.au
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 Grant.hollaway@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 HollawayGrant.hollaway@agriculture.vic.gov.au 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
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 Lindsay.bell@csiro.au 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
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.
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.
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 Kevin.moore@dpi.nsw.gov.au Useful resources: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/1220271/managing-ascochyta-blight-in-chickpeas-in-2020.pdf
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 rnjdempster@gmail.com Tim Boyes, agVivo Pty Ltd tim.boyes@agvivo.com.au 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
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 pumina@unimelb.edu.au 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
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 Garry.rosewarne@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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.
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 BeckieHugh.beckie@uwa.edu.au
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 gerardmcmullen@optusnet.com.au Gordon Cumming, GRDC Chemical Regulation Manager 0428 637 642 gordon.cumming@grdc.com.au Resources: Perth 2020 Update Paper: On-farm Stewardship Guide ‘Growing Australian Grain’ http://grainsguide.grainproducers.com.auNational Working Party on Grain Protection www.graintrade.org.au/nwpgpNational Residue Survey https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/food/nrsAPVMA https://apvma.gov.au
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.
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 Dennis.hoiberg@lessonslearntconsulting.com 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
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 grant.hollaway@ecodev.vic.gov.au
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?
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.
Dry sowing pulse crops is the norm rather than the exception today, however, maximising nitrogen fixation is dependent on a number of factors.
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.
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 Fran.Lopezruiz@curtin.edu.au
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 t.reeves@unimelb.edu.au 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
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 piotr.trebicki@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 dragriculture@activ8.net.au 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
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 LaboratoryThe University of Sydney02 8627 1109edward.jones@sydney.edu.au
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 helen.brodie@sa.gov.au 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-studiesAutumn 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-snailsGRDC Snail bait application factsheet https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2015/01/snail-bait-application
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 John.kirkegaard@csiro.au
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 dylanhirsch@gmail.com Resources: Managing micronutrient deficiencies video: https://youtu.be/2CfXK8aJI7IMicronutrients and trace elements GRDC factsheet: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2013/11/grdc-fs-cropnutrition-micronutrients
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 R.Bell@murdoch.edu.au 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
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
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 matthias.leopold@uwa.edu.au
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, Qldmelina.miles@daf.qld.gov.au Useful Resources: FAW identification https://bit.ly/3d66KqR Report sightings to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881
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 Roger.armstrong@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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 Foodt: + 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
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 OfficerGrain Crop AgronomyDepartment of Agriculture and Food, Western AustraliaPMB 50 | Esperance WA 6450t: + 61 (0)8 9083 1143 | f: + 61 (0)8 9083 11002 | m: + 61 (0)428 925 002Useful 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 nmwandel@bigpond.com
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
The complexity of agriculture would lead some people to label farming as a form of art. Working with the climate, the landscape, the machinery, the crops, the business … the list goes on.Somehow synthesising all the elements that go into making a modern farm and coming out the other end with a profitable enterprise. And doing it year after year. It’s no wonder farmers need to be resilient.In Part 2 we look at what it means to be a resilient farmer out in the paddock. The depth of planning that’s required along with the capacity to think and act long term, while being flexible enough to react to the “now”.Contact:Chris Minehan0427 213 660chris@rmsag.com.auLinks: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/6262851/plan-to-boost-business-resilience/ https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/06/building-a-resilient-business
The complexity of agriculture would lead some people to label farming as a form of art. Working with the climate, the landscape, the machinery, the crops, the business … the list goes on. Somehow synthesising all the elements that go into making a modern farm and coming out the other end with a profitable enterprise. And doing it year after year. It’s no wonder farmers need to be resilient. In the first of two parts agricultural consultant, Chris Minehan, talks about having a resilient business – what that means and how to achieve it.Contact: Chris Minehan 0427 213 660 chris@rmsag.com.au LInks: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/6262851/plan-to-boost-business-resilience/ https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/06/building-a-resilient-business
Trials undertaken on the Riverine Plains testing early sowing times for both spring and winter wheat varieties have produced some interesting results, particularly around moisture requirements at sowing. At the other end of the season, it’s all about avoiding the frost window during flowering and also spreading out flowering dates. On this podcast FAR Australia researcher Michael Straight talks about the trials which compared the performance of common winter and spring varieties grown on the Riverine Plains. Contact: Michael Straight michael.straight@faraustralia.com.au
A key research question that has an appreciable bearing on our future management of this pest relates to the way in which resistance has evolved in the Redlegged Earth Mite.Has resistance in RLEM evolved time and time again at a local scale, or has one mutation spread widely to confer resistance to mites in other regions? In this podcast Professor Ary Hoffman from the University of Melbourne reveals DNA technology has enabled researchers to make great advances in understanding the Redlegged Earth Mite and how resistance to pesticides has evolved. Contact: Nick Bell | Research manager to Prof Ary Hoffmann Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research GroupT: +61 3 9035 6780 M: 0466 945 922 E: belln@unimelb.edu.au Resources: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=2ahUKEwi58ZmL8IvmAhWEbisKHfXUBnEQFjAHegQIBRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrdc.com.au%2Farchive%2Fkey-issues%2Fprevent-redlegged-earth-mite-resistance&usg=AOvVaw2Xu5KY8zZ98PUGZ-d7O1Q1 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiMl9fQ8IvmAhVOSX0KHU0RAMIQFjAFegQIChAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrdc.com.au%2Fresources-and-publications%2Fall-publications%2Ffactsheets%2F2018%2F06%2Fresistance-management-strategy-for-the-redlegged-earth-mite-in-australian-grains-and-pastures&usg=AOvVaw1Mh37wc7Pnxlr2GXH7lqMM Redlegged earth mite – PestNote: http://www.cesaraustralia.com/sustainable-agriculture/pestnotes/insect/redlegged-earth-mite
At a meeting of the Esperance Port Zone, Regional Cropping Solutions Network, mid way through 2019 a decision was made to help grain growers better understand weather forecasts and rain deciles. What was wanted was advice on how to interpret this vital information so better on-farm crop management decisions could be made. For this GRDC podcast Debra Bishop went to the Bureau of Meteorology head office in Western Australia and spoke with the Bureau’s Media and Communications Manager Neil Bennett. Contact: Neil Bennett Media and Communications Manager Bureau of Meteorology National Forecast Services | Community Outreach Group Western Australia Regional Office PO Box 1370 West Perth WA 6872 Level 3, 1 Ord St, West Perth, Western Australia Tel: +61 8 9263 2279 | neil.bennett@bom.gov.au www.bom.gov.au Further Information: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
Oats has a wonderful reputation amongst consumers, especially those in Asia, as a very healthy product. So it makes sense to find more ways to present oats to those consumers. And that is exactly what the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre is doing developing new products such as oat-based rice and oat-based noodles. On this podcast we speak to one of the very enthusiastic people behind this research that is adding extra value to the humble oat. Contact: Mark Tucek 08 6168 9900 https://www.aegic.org.au/eating-healthy-oats-in-new-ways/
GRDC’s Pulsecheck program aims to introduce growers who are new to growing pulses to all the challenges and rewards to be had by diversifying into these increasingly popular grains. So, what’s Pulsecheck all about? This podcast we hope will convince you to check your pulses. Contact: Jason Brand 0409 357 076 Jason.brand@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Field Peas can be problematic for WA growers to grow, but a simple management practice could change that. Dr Sarita Bennet from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management in WA has trialled using cereal stubble as a form of trellis for the field pea plants to climb. While broadacre trials are needed, Dr Bennett says the early results are positive.Contact:Sarita Bennet08 9266 2740sarita.bennett@curtin.edu.au
Just how quickly, as farmers, we can change the nature of weeds is perfectly spotlighted by how quickly barley grass and brome grass have reacted to our attempts to control them in cropping paddocks. On this podcast Associate Professor Gurjeet Gill explains how these grasses have learned to adapt to control methods and are now lasting longer in the seedbank than they were just 20 years ago. Contact: Associate Professor Gurjeet Gill 08 8313 7744 Gurjeet.gill@adelaide.edu.au
Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior researcher Mark Seymour and Esperance Port Zone grain grower Ron Longbottom feature in this podcast about Lentils.In WA growers have been cautious about including this pulse in their cropping program because of variable yields and harvesting challenges.However new lentil varieties and modern harvester fronts have made the lentil a more viable option in cropping systems.Mark SeymourSenior Research OfficerGrain Crop AgronomyDepartment of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia+ 61 (0)8 9083 1143 | f: + 61 (0)8 9083 11002 | m: + 61 (0)428 925 002
Barley grass in the southern cropping region is becoming more prominent as a problem weed for croppers – as herbicide resistance emerges and as the plant evolves develops new behaviours. A region wide series of trials is taking place, including work being carried out at Birchip in western Victoria by the Birchip Cropping Group, with the overall project being overseen by weed and cropping specialist, Associate Professor Gurjeet Gill from the University of Adelaide. Contact Claire Browne 03 5492 2787 Professor Gurjeet Gill 08 8313 7744
How do you take soil samples from your paddocks? A leading soil scientist maintains that many farmers are leaving a lot of valuable information buried in the paddock, which could be easily accessed with a slightly different approach to sampling. On this podcast, Jason Codon invites you to look at soil sampling with soil variability in mind. Contact: Jason Codon 02 6933 2278 jcondon@csu.edu.au Link https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/effective-soil-sampling-high-and-low-cost-options-to-gain-soil-fertility-information-for-management.
And you thought you were responsible for that amazing wheat crop. Think again. There are people in back offices all over Australia who know the seed you sow, infinitely better that you could hope. These are the people of SAGI – Statistics for the Australian Grains Industry. The name does not even hint what SAGI does. Take a listen and find out about the best friends you will ever have in the grains industry. Contact: Dr Julian Taylor 08 8313 2077 Julian.taylor@adelaide.edu.au
They may be tiny but the damage they can potentially do is far from small. Root Lesion Nematodes are well known as a problem, but there is still much to learn about them and their impact on crops. A new investment by GRDC aims to fill in some knowledge gaps in parts of WA and develop further options for growers seeking to better control the nematodes if they are proving a problem in individual paddocks. Contact: Blake O’Meagher 0499 166 160 Blake@farmanco.com.au
Trials in Western Australia are showing how well canola can out compete ryegrass if some simple management changes are made. At a trial site in Kojunup, that was blanketed in ryegrass plants, adjusting seeding rates, seed size and row spacing had a dramatic impact on ryegrass plant numbers. Contact: Mike Ashworth 08 6488 7872 Mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au
Growers with acid soils know full well the risks involved in growing pulses. While new acid tolerant rhizobia are on the way, this podcast focusses on giving you an insider’s view on getting the best performance from your pulses growing in acidic soil.Contact:Ross Ballard08 8303 9388Ross.ballard@sa.gov.au
Crop competition is one of the key pathways to controlling unwanted weeds in your paddocks. On this podcast we look at one trial in Western Australia that is testing crop competition against prolific ryegrass populations, proving that out-competing weeds really works.The trial is also looking at the pre-emergent herbicide degradation, particularly in dry times. AHRI’s Mike Ashworth provides some food for thought. Contact: Mike Ashworth 08 6488 7872 Mike.ashworth@uwa.edu.au More Information: https://bit.ly/2QtqP1j
A leading soil scientist has argued for a more strategic approach to nitrogen application. One way of doing that is by increasing soil carbon levels. But the CSIRO’s Jeff Baldock goes one step further and argues that putting a value on soil organic carbon would encourage farmers to grow more legumes. Contact: Jeff Baldock 08 8303 8537 Jeff.baldock@csiro.au More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/nitrogen-and-soil-organic-matter-decline-what-is-needed-to-fix-it
Nick Gillett from the WA’s eastern wheat belt has been making use of carbonate rich soils from his own farm to correct the pH of his farm’s acidic soils, rather than truck-in coastal. An option that saves freight costs, which can then be put towards spreading more of his farm sourced lime over more hectares to improve his soils and crop yields. GRDC project code: LIE1803-002SAX Further Information: Greg Shea, DPIRD 0427 449 398 greg.shea@dpird.wa.gov.au Useful Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/locating-and-assessing-on-farm-lime-sources
How economically viable is incorporating organic matters into your sub-soil? That’s what new research funded by GRDC is trying to ascertain. While it’s been long understood that some sub-soils constrain root growth, just how that could be feasibly addressed has been sticking point. On this podcast Dr Roger Armstrong from Agriculture Victoria discusses ways sub-soil constraints may be overcome. Contact: Roger Armstrong 0417 500 449 roger.armstrong@dpi.vic.gov.au Other Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-july-august-2018/machine-streamlines-subsoil-amelioration-research https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5889038/shedding-light-on-subsoil/
The Australian Grains Genebank at Horsham is a critical stop along the long development pathway to deliver new varieties that will increase the profitability of Australian grain growers. On this podcast we go deep inside the facility to see how it works and to learn more about the role of the Australian Grains Genebank plays in your industry. It’s a fascinating story. Contact: Sally Norton 03 4344 3124 Sally.norton@ecodev.vic.gov.au Resources: http://www.seedpartnership.org.au/associates/agg
The speed at which weeds develop resistance to herbicides makes farmer vigilance if paramount importance. On this podcast, weed scientist, Dr Chris Preston reveals the current resistance status of both grass and broadleaf weeds. Contact: Dr Chris Preston Christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/03/the-war-on-weeds-latest-tips https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/sustaining-our-herbicide-options-into-the-future2
Entomologists, with the help of growers and grower groups, are looking at whether chaff lines and other harvest weed seed control are having an impact on invertebrate populations in a paddock. Survey work is underway to find out if insect behaviour and movement are affected by extra chaff left in the paddock after harvest. On this podcast, DPIRD entomologist, Svetlana Micic takes us into the paddock to explain what she thinks may be happening. Contact: Svetlana Micic 08 9892 8591 Svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.go.au
Trials are underway in Western Australia to measure the suitability of Flax (or Linseed) as a viable and profitable break crop in systems that have few other alternatives, at the moment. Flax has been grown in WA’s sandy soils in the past but was dropped for the system when a market disappeared. On this podcast Bronwyn Copestake from Southern Dirt talks about the trials and also potential markets for this new crop that could deliver a lot more diversity for WA farmers. Contact:Bronwyn Copestake 0457 399 677 research@southerndirt.com.au
DPIRD researchers, led by Dr Craig Scanlan, have been investigating nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) crop use efficiency, soil storage and yield responses. The current body of evidence used to support N, P, and K decisions is inadequate across a range of situations and this uncertainty has led to some lack of grower confidence in fertiliser recommendations. These decision gaps exist in N, P and K fertiliser management because of climate and systems changes that have occurred after most crop nutrition knowledge was first documented in WA. GRDC project codes: DAW1801-001TRX & UWA1801-002RTX Further information: Dr Craig Scanlan 0427 160 376 email: craig.scanlan@dpird.wa.gov.au https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5975994/improved-potassium-access-bolsters-grain-yields/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/6293818/nutrient-research-guides-fertiliser-decisions/ https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
Shrinking the difference between your possible crop yield and your actual crop yield is one way of increasing your profitability. On this podcast the “secret” to reducing your yield gap is exposed and it turns out that for most growers there’s plenty of gains to be made. Contact: Harm Van Rees Harm@cropfacts.com.au Further resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/national-paddock-survey-closing-the-yield-gap-and-informing-decisions4
Sandy soils, typical to parts of Western Australia and found in South Australia’s and Victoria’s mallee country, create considerable and costly grain constraints. In WA water repellency, resulting in low nutrient use efficiency and poor crop establishment, affects around 10 million hectares. WA’s annual price tag put on lost production through water repellence is estimated at $250 million. GRDC is investing in a multi-million-dollar soils and crop nutrition strategy aimed at managing nutrition after ameliorating these kinds of soil constraints. Water repellent soils in Western Australia are fairly common in the west midlands region, in the central wheat belt and also on the south coast. So the main problem with water repellence is it leads to uneven wetting of the soil and inefficient use of rainfall and ultimately lower grain yield. Contact: Dr Craig Scanlan 0427 160 376 craig.scanlan@dpird.wa.gov.au Further Information: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5975994/improved-potassium-access-bolsters-grain-yields/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/6293818/nutrient-research-guides-fertiliser-decisions/ https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
A new grain cleaning method is being trialled in WA to enable growers to further reduce the presence of snails in their harvested grain and oilseeds. It’s a snail roller, in common use in Victoria, but new to WA. On this podcast Nathan Dovey from Stirlings to the Coast Farmers talks about the advantages and some of the drawbacks that farmers will have using a snail roller. Contact: Nathan Dovey 0429 468 030 Nathan.dovey@scfarmers.org.au
The GRDC’s nutrition decisions following a dry season project is looking at a variety of ways to fix multiple soil constraints – pH, sodicity and salinity. The second year of the five year project has thrown up some interesting results which makes researchers optimistic that they may be able to deliver a sub-soil amelioration package for growers. Contact: Ehsan Tavakkoli 02 6938 1992 Ehsan.tavakkoli@dpi.nsw.gov.au More information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/nutrition-decisions-following-a-dry-season
Esperance-based grower Gavin Egan started using clay spreading, delving and deep ripping to ameliorate soil water repellence and compaction issues seven years ago. For Gavin, the results have paid off. What was typical Western Australian flat Mallee country, producing around 2t/ha cereal crops, is now delivering double those yields. This topic was the focus of the GRDC investment Soil Constraints West project. The project is a collaboration between the GRDC and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and aims to help improve soil constraints and lift yields and grain grower returns.More info: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Related GRDC project codes - DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projects DAW00252, DAW00236
At a glance you can now determine just how much your local climate has changed over the past 60 years. The Bureau of Meteorology has published climate guides based on your Natural Resource Management (NRM) area. The guides are a part of the Federal Government’s Drought Initiative. On this podcast we speak to one of the authors of the guides and he reveals some data that may – or may not – surprise you. Contact: Joel Lisonbee agriculture@bom.gov.au Climate Guides www.bom.gov.au/climate/climate-guides
Not everyone can be in the Top 20 percent of growers. But YOU can. And the scale of your operation won’t put you into, or keep you out of, that exclusive club. On this podcast, we hear about some practical ways for you to judge and improve your financial performance. And it’s information that you already have. Contact: James Hillcoat 08 8841 4500Twitter @JamesHillcoat Resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/opportunity-for-profit-management-guideline
In Western Australia’s eastern wheatbelt the sand plain soils are prone to acidification. To neutralise the acidity grain growers apply coastal lime usually sources from sites hundreds of kilometres away from their farms. However as part of a project initiated by the Kwinana East Regional Cropping Solution Network group research is being done to locate and assess on-farm lime sources as an alternative to coastal lime. Further information: Greg Shea, DPIRD Great Eastern Highway, Merredin WA 6415 m: 0427 449 398 e: greg.shea@dpird.wa.gov.au GRDC project code: LIE1803-002SAX USEFUL RESOURCES: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/locating-and-assessing-on-farm-lime-sources
An astounding $90 million worth of canola is estimated to be lost from the back of harvesters every year in Western Australia. In this podcast Planfarm consultant and harvest loss expert, Peter Newman, talks about practical steps and resources WA canola and cereal growers can use to minimise harvest losses and maximise capacity. Peter is leading a targeted GRDC extension project on this issue, and has developed a harvest loss calculator and popular Twitter handle for sharing information and solutions. He also works directly with grain growers. Further information: Peter Newman m: 0427 984 010 ph: 08 9964 1170 email: petern@planfarm.com.au GRDC project code – PLN1803-001SAX Join the conversation @harvestloss
Pulse growers consistently report a greater boost in cereal production following a pulse crop than they would normally get from manufactured nutrients like nitrogen. Why is that? What is so special about the nitrogen delivered to the soil by a pulse crop. Soil scientist Cassie Schefe thinks she has the answer.Contact:Cassandra Schefe0419 238 798
Decisions around lime applications to acid soils have suddenly become a lot easier with the availability of the iLime Calculator, a smartphone app that is easy to use and reveals the tangible benefits of applying lime over time. The app can be customised to incorporate your own inputs. On this podcast Chris Gazey, the Soil Science and Crop Nutrition Portfolio Manager with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Region Development, explains how it works and the benefits of the new iLime app. Contact: Chris Gazey 0429 107 976 Chris.gazey@dpird.wa.gov.au
Fungicide resistance is inevitable. That’s a tough message to accept, but experts say resistance is like a train travelling to a destination – nothing will stop it arriving but we can slow it down. On this podcast, fungicide specialist, Nick Poole, suggests a new timetable for the fungicide resistance train. Contact: Nick Poole Nick.poole@faraustralia.com.au More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/protecting-the-longevity-of-new-fungicides
Increasing herbicide use over the last two decades has led to concerns over the potential effects herbicides (and their residues) have on soil health. This concern has led to significant, national GRDC investment over the past five years into the potential impacts of increased herbicide use on key soil biological processes. This is being achieved by benchmarking the level of herbicide residues in cropping soils and generating new knowledge about the fate, behaviour and risk of herbicides to productivity and soil biological function. In this podcast we hear the latest project from NSW Department of Primary Industries research scientist, Dr Mick Rose. Contact: Mick Rose mick.rose@nsw.dpi.gov.au More information:https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/herbicide-residues-in-soil-what-is-the-scale-and-significancehttps://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/impacts-of-residual-herbicides-on-soil-biological-function GRDC project code: DAN00180
Big is definitely the case when it comes to spray nozzle sizes, particularly when spraying in sensitive areas during summer. On this podcast, spray expert Bill Gordon details new label requirements, including nozzle sizes, when using 2-4D chemistries. Bill also re-assures us that it’s still possible to do a good spray job with larger nozzles. Further Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-137-november-december-2018/changes-to-2,4-d-registrations
The GRDC is leading a $16 million project focused boosting the resilience of mixed farms via successful incorporation of pasture legume species currently not widely grown.In today’s podcast, Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior research scientist, Angelo Loi, shares his key steps to successful sowing and establishment of pasture legumes in summer/autumn. Contact: Dr Angelo Loi, DPIRD angelo.loi@dpird.wa.gov.au More information:Twin sowing and summer sowing: alternative techniques to introduce annual legumes into pastures https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pasture-establishment/twin-sowing-and-summer-sowing-alternative-techniques-introduce-annual-legumesPasture Legumes Project To Grow The Fortunes Of Mixed Farms https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/national/2017/10/pasture-legumes-project-to-grow-the-fortunes-of-mixed-farms
Sandy soils account for five million hectares of Australia’s southern grain growing region. Crop water use and productivity on these sandy soils are commonly limited by a range of soil constraints that affect root growth. In this podcast we hear from CSIRO’s Senior Research Scientist Dr Lynne Macdonald who leads GRDC’s sandy soils program in the southern region. The program aims to improve the diagnosis and management of underperforming sandy soil in the Southern Region. Project code: CSP00203
A leading science communicator says rather than educating the general public about farming, farmers should ensure that urban people trust farmers to have their best interests at heart. Heather Bray, from the University of Western Australia, says trust in farmers is more important than how deeply city people understand the business of farming.
Research undertaken by the Northern Grower Alliance has cast new light on the timing and method of nitrogen application. On this podcast, NGA’s Richard Daniel outlines the latest thinking when it comes to applying nitrogen to crops. Contact: Richard Daniel 0428 657 782 Richard.daniel@nga.org.au Links: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2017/08/tips-for-developing-an-effective-nitrogen-strategy-its-all-about-the-rate
Liming to maintain good soil pH levels and avoiding yield losses is just as important as applying fertiliser for maximising yields.If growers let soil pH levels in the topsoil run-down (pH in CaCl2 < 5.0) they are at risk of creating soil acidity issues at depth which are harder and more expensive to treat.In general, not enough lime has been applied frequently enough to address acidification occurring within the whole soil profile, so soil test to depth and calculate lime requirements for 0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm, not just the top 10cm of soil.Contact:Lisa Miller Southern Farming Systems 23 High St, Inverleigh, Vic 3321 0488 600 226 lmiller@sfs.org.au Further Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/lime-and-liming-managing-soil-healthhttp://www.sfs.org.au/SoilAcidityLimeResponsehttps://agex.org.au/project/soil-acidity/https://grdc.com.au/legumes-in-acidic-soilshttps://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-acidity/soil-acidity-frequently-asked-questions-faqshttp://vlpa.asn.au/w/product-specification/
Snails may be slow to move, but they are quick to survive baits during late Spring and Summer. This surprising development has been revealed as a result of research into snail mortality on the York Peninsula. This fact and several other tips for managing snails are explained by entomologist Helen Brodie on this podcast. Contact: Helen Brodie 08 8429 0557 Helen.brodie@sa.gov.au Link: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-138-january-february-2019/autumn-baiting-timely-for-snail-control
A common pest for canola growers to monitor each Spring is the Cabbage Aphid. DPRID research officer Dusty Severtson describes where within the crop to check for the aphid and the use of monitoring tools such as the Crop Scout app to accurately calculate aphid numbers. Contact: Dusty Severtson Research Officer – Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development m: 0427 196 656 email: dustin.severtson@dpird.wa.gov.au Further information: https://grdc.com.au/CropAphidsBackPocketGuide
Farmers in blackleg prone areas of Australia are generally competent in managing the disease in their canola crops.That is until the recent advent of blackleg infection of the upper canopy. This new way blackleg has developed ways to attack canola crops is the focus of this podcast featuring Steve Marcroft from Marcroft Pathology. Contact: Steve Marcroft 03 5381 2294 0409 978 941 steve@grainspathology.com.au https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5956950/plan-to-beat-upper-canopy-blackleg-infection-in-canola/
Nitrogen fertiliser is arguably a farmer’s biggest variable cost, year on year. Providing the correct amount of nitrogen to a growing crop is the key to success. But how best to deliver that nitrogen without seeing it lost to the environment before it reaches the crop?That was the key question for some recent research in western Victoria – research that is still ongoing in many parts of the southern and northern region.Contact:Ash Wallaceashley.wallace@ecodev.vic.gov.auMore Information:https://communities.grdc.com.au/crop-nutrition/mid-row-banding-promising-for-in-crop-nitrogen/
Valuable frost research is equipping grain growers with practical information on how to identify frost damage in cereal crops. In this podcast WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development research officer, Dr Ben Biddulph, discusses what to look for, when and where, to identify frost damage. According to Dr Biddulph grain growers need to be alert, but not alarmed about frost, and know what management options are available to reduce or mitigate frost risk.Further information: Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRD Grains Directorate 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151 m: 0428 920 654 e: ben.biddulph@dpird.wa.gov.au GRDC project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236 A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website: Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuideFrost - Frequently Asked Questions, a DPIRD publication produced in collaboration with GRDC at https://grdc.com.au/frost-faqThe GRDC YouTube frost playlist which includes segments about the emotional cost of frost and managing the effects of frost https://www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-Video-NationalFrostInitiativePlaylist GRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRiskMore information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes Frost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support and https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop
With water such a valuable commodity nowadays, it’s little wonder that irrigators ask themselves whether they are better off selling their water or using it to grow out a crop. It’s a tough question. So GRDC last year asked the Irrigated Cropping Council to see if they could come up with some answers. Contact: Damian Jones 0409 181 099 Damian.jones@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au
Blackleg is a common yet economically serious canola disease in Western Australia (WA). While it has the potential to cause severe yield loss, the good news is that it can be successfully managed.Dr Ravjit Khangura from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is an expert in this area, and advocates an integrated disease management approach.Dr Khangura joins Deb Bishop to discuss blackleg management tactics and GRDC resources that are available to help WA growers combat the disease.Contact:Dr Ravjit KhanguraDPIRDravjit.khangura@dpird.wa.gov.auAdditional resources:BlacklegCM app (https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/blacklegcm-a-new-app-to-manage-blackleg-in-canola)2018 Blackleg Management Guide (https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/blackleg-management-guide) – National Variety Trials (https://www.nvtonline.com.au/)
Trials are underway to determine accurate control thresholds for Russian Wheat Aphid under Australian conditions. The national trials are also looking at the potential impact of the insect on Australian yields. On this podcast, SARDI Entomologist Maarten van Helden discusses this important work. Contact: Maarten van Helden, SARDI maarten.vanhelden@sa.gov.au Resources: Russian wheat aphid green bridge surveillance https://youtu.be/xA2RB5Mw5jERussian Wheat Aphid: Tactics For Future Control https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2017/07/russian-wheat-aphid-tactics-for-future-control Tips & Tactics: Russian Wheat Aphid https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/tips-and-tactics-russian-wheat-aphid
Diamondback Moth is an occasional pest of canola, but severe infestations of adults and/or caterpillars can cause up to 80 per cent yield losses in canola and other brassica crops.This pest can also rapidly develop insecticide resistance and an integrated pest management plan is advised for sustainable control.Further information:Dusty SevertsonResearch Officer – Department of Primary Industries & Regional Developmentm: 0427 196 656email: dustin.severtson@dpird.wa.gov.auResources: GRDC Factsheet, Resistance Management Strategy For Diamondback Moth In Australian Canola. https://grdc.com.au/fs-resistancestrategydiamondbackmoth
A research effort led by CSIRO, with GRDC investment, has developed a modeling tool that could in future years help growers rapidly understand the extent of crop damage following a frost event to aid with timely decision-making post-frost.The Frost Mapping project is one of a number of projects related to GRDC’s key investment target strategy for frost.Further information:David Gobbett Senior Experimental Scientist / Spatial Data Analyst Integrated Agricultural Systems CSIRO Agriculture & FoodPhone: +61 8 8303 8741 |Mobile: 043 887 5531 |david.gobbett@csiro.au |http://people.csiro.au/G/D/David-Gobbett.aspx |Postal: Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia |Site: CSIRO Waite Campus, Gate 4, Waite Rd, Urrbrae, SA 5064GRDC project code: CSP00198 A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website:Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuideGRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRiskMore information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes
This episode is focussed on the second research component of the Frost Mapping project, assessing frost damage before its visible to the naked eye, using the Electromagnetic spectrum.This is a collaborative project involving Mick Faulkner, the University of Western Australia, Agriculture Victoria and grain growers, including David Mitchell from Mintaro in South Australia’s north eastern grain growing zone.The Frost Mapping project is one of a number of projects related to GRDC’s key investment target strategy for frost.Further information:Mick FaulknerAgrilink Agricultural ConsultantsPO Box 118, Watervale SA 5452Ph: 08 88434282Mob: 0428 857378Email: mick.faulkner@bigpond.comA range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website:Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuideGRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRiskMore information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes
Using a GRDC/RCSN ‘local project’ investment into tactical fungicide use involving a local western region farm adviser is addressing the issue of managing spot form of net blotch (SFNB) in barley crops.This disease is a R&D priority for the Regional Cropping Solutions Network Kwinana West (RCSN) group and for the GRDC Western Regional Panel. This podcast highlights how local research results are providing solutions for this disease, especially the economics of fungicide use.Contact:Garren Knell, ConsultAg agronomistgk@consultag.com.au0427 442 887To report episodes of fungicide resistance: Contact the Centre for Crop and Disease Management at Curtin University, Perth WAfrg@curtin.edu.au(08) 9266 4818More information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/barley-west https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/the-incidence-of-fungicide-resistance-in-spot-form-net-blotch-sfnb-and-its-implications https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/spot-form-net-blotch-impact-of-resistance-and-epidemic-severity-on-yield
Glyphosate resistance is on the rise in Australia’s grain growing regions. With 17 key weed species already identified as resistant, sustainable herbicide practices have never been so important.In this podcast Andrew Storrie from AGRONOMO discusses what herbicide resistance (or susceptibility) testing options are available to WA growers.Further information:Andrew StorriePO Box 5944 Albany WA 6332Phone +61 (8) 9842 3598Mobile: 0428 423 577andrew@agronomo.com.au@AgronomoOzAGSWG web site www.glyphosateresistance.org.auFor information on herbicide sustainability visit the WeedSmart information hub at www.weedsmart.org.au
Grain growers in Tasmania could be averaging cereal yields of 7 tonnes per hectare. The top 10 percent of those growers could be doing double that tonnage.This is a major outcome the Hyper Yielding Cereals project wants to see after 5 years of Research, Development and Extension.This podcast will take you to Hagley in northern Tasmania where the GRDC has invested in a major trial to lift feed wheat and barley yields, as well as improve grain quality and reduce the need for the island state to import cereals.Leading the Hyper Yielding Cereals R&D team is Nick Poole from FAR Australia.Further information:https://www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projectsNick PooleManaging Director Foundation for Arable Research Australia23 High Street, Inverleigh, Victoria, 3321, AustraliaPh: +61 3 5265 1290Fax: +61 3 5265 1601Mobile: +61 499 888 066Web: www.far.org.nz (http://www.far.org.nz/)
Researchers at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are testing the law of unintended consequences – in this case whether wheat varieties that stay greener longer are also prolonging the feeding of aphids on wheat plants.On this podcast, Entomologist, Melina Miles and her team take us into the tiny world of aphids.Contact:Melina Miles Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)0407 113 306melina.miles@daf.qld.gov.au
For many central western NSW grain growers in 2018, the decision to graze their cereal crops reaped big rewards. But it’s not as simple as letting a mob of sheep loose on your best farming paddock.On this podcast, Peter Matthews, a Technical Specialist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries discusses the tactical and strategic decisions you need to take for a successful cereal grazing program.Contact:Peter Matthews0427 007 395Peter.matthews@dpi.nsw.gov.auResources:Dual purpose crops boost farm income: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/groundcover-132-january-february-2018/dual-purpose-crops-boost-farm-incomeDual purpose cereal variety performance in NSW farming systems: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/dual-purpose-cereal-variety-performance-in-nsw-farming-systemsDual purpose cereals varieties and management for the northern slopes and plains: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2013/02/dual-purpose-cereals-varieties-and-management-for-the-northern-slopes-and-plains
After identifying a need to lift cereal yields to take advantage of the extensive soil amelioration work that’s been happening in Western Australia and newfound opportunities to sow early crops, a group of innovative Esperance growers were keen to investigate options.Quenten Knight a member of the Soil Constraints West steering committee and an agronomist with Agronomy Focus in Esperance put together a study tour plan for the group and with a GRDC Grower Development award, the Esperance growers had the means to travel.Their destination was the Hyper Yielding Cereals trial site in New Zealand.Further information:GRDC - Grower and Adviser development: https://grdc.com.au/about/scholarships-sponsorships-awards/grower-and-adviser-developmentFAR - Research and Extension projects: https://www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projectsQuenten Knight Agronomist Agronomy Focus9 Currong Street PO Box 2418 Esperance WA 6450M - 0427 720004P - (08) 9072 0542F - (08) 9072 0726E - Quenten@agronomyfocus.com.au
Monitoring a crop is an integral part of a growers integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Not only does it reveal if any damage is occurring, it also helps in determining pest and beneficial presence and abundance.In this podcast, agronomist Phil Bowden explores these insect monitoring methods in detail, to help growers and advisors make an informed risk assessment and to decide if chemical control is warranted.It’s also detailed in the publication Insect Pests Of Establishing Canola In NSW guide developed by cesar (developer of Pestfacts) and the GRDC.Contact:Phil Bowdenphil@bowdenrural.comResources:Insect Pests Of Establishing Canola In NSW guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/insect-pests-of-establishing-canola-in-nswGrowNotes Canola - North: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-north GrowNotes Canola - South: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-southGrowNotes Canola - West: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-westDetecting and managing blackleg in canola crops video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arU7pr0ygqAKeep an eye out for Monitoring for insects in early season canola video series on the GRDC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/theGRDC
The Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) seeder demonstration day was held in April 2019 to compare six commercially-available conventional seeders and precision planters in establishing canola at two sowing rates.In this podcast, the GRDC’s Andrew Etherton talks through the event and the GRDC investment behind it - a four-year industry collaboration aiming to increase the profitability of growers in Australia’s southern and western grain producing areas.The trial data will be analysed later in the growing season by BCG, and the outcomes shared with growers so they can make improvements to seeding machinery and quantify the value of precision planters in optimising plant establishment and yield.Contact: Andrew Etherton andrew.etherton@grdc.com.auResources:Birchip Cropping Group seeder demo day video: https://youtu.be/m7VM3BC4tnE More information: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2019/4/seeder-demonstration-day-at-birchip
Grain yields in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) have always posed a paradox, remaining far lower than modelling had predicted. However, that is now changing as a result of a comprehensive new research program covering farm-management practices, soil nutrition and plant biology and the development of tools that are helping to better predict the yield and economic benefits of applying inputs in the high-rainfall zone.Further information:Dr Penny Riffkin Dept. Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resource - Victoria0418 514 81503 5573 0926penny.riffkin@ecodev.vic.gov.auMalcolm McCaskill03 5573 0957malcolm.mccaskill@ecodev.vic.gov.auUseful resources: https://communities.grdc.com.au/crop-nutrition?s=HRZ+decision+support+toolsVisit https://extensionaus.com.auMore resources GRDC Podcast, Lifting HRZ cereal yields: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/lifting-hrz-cereal-yieldsGRDC project code: DAV00141
It’s actually not about luck. Controlling Crown Rot is about good management. On this podcast, senior plant pathologist, Andrew Milgate, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, explains that the control of Crown Rot in southeastern Australia needs a specific strategy to prevent inoculum levels climbing to the point that reducing the impact of the disease could take years.Contact:Dr Andrew MilgateSenior Plant PathologistDepartment of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, NSW02 6938 1900Andrew.milgate@dpi.nsw.gov.auResources:GRDC Crop variety guides: https://grdc.com.au/crop-variety-guides NSW DPI Winter crop sowing guide: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/guides/publications/winter-crop-variety-sowing-guide
Hagley in northern Tasmania is the site of an extensive trial dedicated to helping the state’s grain growers to achieve higher yields of quality feed grain. It’s also the location of an annual field day that showcases its research into new cereal lines and agronomy strategies to lift feed grain productivity.On this podcast Tasmanian grower and Southern Panel member Michael Chilvers discusses the major constraints to cereal production in high rainfall areas, and how he is using the latest germplasm research and fungicide management strategies to help achieve the potential yield for his region.The trial and field day are part of the GRDC’s Hyper Yielding Cereals Project, that aims to increase average red feed wheat yields in Tasmania from 4.4 t/ha to 7t/ha by 2020 and have 10% of commercial Tasmanian feed wheat crops yielding 14t/ha by 2020.Resources:GRDC Update paper: Hyper yielding cereal project - What has performed well over two contrasting seasons? https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/hyper-yielding-cereal-projectYouTube video: Comparing long & short season feed-grain barley varieties sown on the same date: https://youtu.be/cM4cMIoyd9EYouTube video: See the difference - comparing seeding rates at the Hyper Yielding Cereals trial: https://youtu.be/Oi78unbEZR0YouTube video: Showing the level of disease resistance between fungicide treated and untreated cereals: https://youtu.be/l3g14Vot-d8GRDC Southern panel: https://grdc.com.au/about/what-we-do/region-panels/southern
Winter wheat varieties allow wheat growers in the Southern Region to sow much earlier than currently practised, meaning a greater proportion of farm can be sown on time.The GRDC’s Management of Early Sown Wheat project focuses on which varieties have the best yield, adaptation in different environments and their optimal sowing window.Associate Professor at La Trobe University, James Hunt, is involved in the project and talks us through the results of an experiment and their significance for growers.Contact:James Hunt j.hunt@latrobe.edu.auMore information:Emerging Management Tips For Early Sown Winter Wheats update paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/emerging-management-tips-for-early-sown-winter-wheatsGRDC project code: 9175069
The Regional Cropping Solutions Network encourages West Australian grain growers to voice local farming concerns and put forward research ideas to help increase grower profitability in their local port zone.In this podcast, WA grain grower and western region RCSN co-ordinator, Julianne Hill outlines the network’s collaborative structure and how it makes the best use of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's investment of grower R&D dollars.
Managing herbicide resistant weeds has become a major concern for grain growers, especially in the northern region which has the highest number of glyphosate resistant weed species.These are mainly summer weed species. It was for this reason that GRDC invested in the tactical tillage project and called for a non-chemical means of weed control for use in an integrated weed management system.Answering the call, the University of Western Australia proposed it would engineer a machine that could see weeds and chip them out of the soil.Further information:Dr Andrew Guzzomi, Senior LecturerInaugural Agricultural Engineer, School of EngineeringThe University of Western Australia6488 3883andrew.guzzomi@uwa.edu.auhttps://groundcover.grdc.com.au/story/5872966/mechanical-chipper-added-to-weeds-arsenal/
The push to develop perennial cereals suitable for the Australian landscape is gathering pace with longevity of a new generation of plants being a key focus of researchers.On this podcast Matthew Newell from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) takes us into the heart of ongoing trial work at the Cowra Research Station.Matthew discusses the significance of home grown Australian perennial crops and explores traits with potential to bring higher returns to growers servicing a range of markets.Contact:Matthew Newell, ResearcherNSW DPI02 6342 3862Matt.newell@dpi.nsw.gov.au
A new online publication is available for Western Australia’s southern grain growers who have a snail, slug or slater problem in their crops.Crop damage caused by Gastropods and slaters has increased over the past decade and the Albany and Esperance port zone GRDC Regional Cropping Solution Network has identified the issue as an R&D priority.So the Stirlings to Coast Farmers grower group, independent consultants and a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development entomologist have been running trials to evaluate baiting and other controls measures.Svetlana Micic is DPIRD’s Albany based entomologist and has been running snail baiting trials with local farmers and researching snail reproduction.In this podcast, Svetlana talks specifically about the snail problem and what baiting strategies growers should use to help manage this crop pest issue.Further information:Svetlana Micic | Entomologist Research, Development & Innovation Industry & Economic DevelopmentDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development444 Albany Hwy, Albany WA6330 t +61 (0)8 9892 8591 |m +61 (0)427 772 051 | w dpird.wa.gov.au‘Mitigating snails, slugs and slaters in southern Western Australia’ is available on the GRDC website at http://bit.ly/2V1GC7d and hard copies are available. To obtain a hard copy, contact the GRDC Perth office on western@grdc.com.au or call 08 9230 4600.Useful Resources Snail and slug baiting guidelines:http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/286735/Snail_and_slug_baiting_guidelines.pdf Mitigating snails, slugs and slaters in southern Western Australia: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/mitigating-snails,-slugs-and-slaters
In this podcast, CSIRO’s Steve Henry outlines the research he has been doing with mice in cropping systems. Part of that project, which GRDC has invested in, involves bait trials aimed at getting better uptake of Zinc Phosphide the chemical used in mouse baits.The podcast was recorded during a break between sessions at the Bendigo Update and starts with an update on the situation in the paddocks at the Bendigo Update, February 2019.Further information:Steve Henry, CSIRO0428 633 844steve.henry@csiro.auGRDC Research Code: IAC00002Mr Henry encourages growers and advisers to report and map mouse presence, absence and level of activity using MouseAlert (www.mousealert.org.au) so others can see the scale and extent of localised mouse activity. MouseAlert also provides access to fact sheets about mouse control and forecasts of the likelihood for future high levels of mouse activity in each grain-growing region.The GRDC-funded mouse monitoring project is a collaboration between Landcare Research (New Zealand), CSIRO Agriculture and Food and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.Observations can be directed to Mr Henry via Twitter, @MouseAlert.Information about mouse control is available via the MouseAlert website, www.mousealert.org.au, or the GRDC Fact Sheet on mouse control.Update papers – Bendigo 2019 Mice status, baiting and forecast threat: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/mice-status,-baiting-and-forecast-threatUseful Resources Mouse Control: https://grdc.com.au/mousecontrol Better Mouse Management: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2017/07/tips-and-tactics-better-mouse-managementMonitoring Mice in Australia: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/monitoring-mice-in-australiaControlling Mice - Baiting Strategies: https://agex.org.au/media/controlling-mice-baiting-strategies/ Video: Mice Control - a challenge for conservation farming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQxKXWzkKjQMouse Chew Card: https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/307961/Mouse_card_A4web_compressed.pdf GRDC Mouse Control webinar and Q&A from 28th of March: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/webinars/mouse-control-webinar
Maximising the benefit derived from applied fertiliser has never been more important as nutrient demands increase.Researchers in southern central NSW have tested several different nitrogen application methods and their findings challenge the current industry practice.On this podcast, NSW DPI researcher Graeme Sandral discusses work undertaken over several years and the resulting conclusion that mid row banding of nitrogen has proved to be the most cost efficient application method.Contact:Graeme.sandral@dpi.nsw.gov.auLinks: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/improving-nitrogen-fertiliser-use-efficiency-in-wheat-using-mid-row-banding
Sclerotinia stem rot costs western and southern canola growers around $59 million dollars in crop losses annually.In today’s podcast, Dr Lars Kamphuis from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) shares the latest research on pre-breeding efforts to develop resistant varieties.Supported by the GRDC, researchers from the CCDM have sourced diverse canola genotypes from around the globe in a bid to discover germplasm with better genetic resistance.Contact:Carole Kerr, CCDMcarole.kerr@curtin.edu.auMore information:CCDM Sclerotinia hub: http://ccdm.com.au/sclerotinia/GRDC Grains Research Update papers: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papersGRDC Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Canola fact sheet: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2014/03/grdc-fs-sclerotiniaGRDC Western Region Canola GrowNotes™: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/crop-agronomy/canola-west DPIRD Sclerotinia hub: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/canola/managing-sclerotinia-stem-rot-canola NVT Online: https://nvtonline.com.au
Fungicide Resistance in cereal crops such as barley could become as significant an issue for the Australian grains industry as Herbicide resistance in weeds.Powdery Mildew alone costs many millions a year in crop yield losses according to the industry. Researchers at the Centre for Crop Disease Management, a national research centre co-supported by WA’s Curtin University and the Grains Research & Development Corporation are leading the way in developing new technology and fungicide management strategies to address fungicide resistance in grain crops.Contact:Dr Fran Lopez-RuizCentre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Perth Western Australiam: 0468 766 584ph: (08) 9266 3061e: fran.lopezruiz@curtin.edu.auGRDC project code: CUR00023More information:frg@curtin.edu.au
Just how close is Australia’s grains industry to being able to incorporate robotics into a weed control program? Well a lot closer than perhaps many people think.On this podcast we speak with Guy Coleman from Sydney University on the practical advancements in the field of robotics and discover that making face recognition software applicable to weeds is one of the final hurdles.Contact:Guy Coleman02 8627 7157Guy.coleman@sydney.edu.au
Following a dry 2018 what is the likelihood of disease risk this season. According to the experts, the risk of disease this year can not be ignored. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria scientists, Grant Hollaway and Joshua Fanning, outline the risks and how to minimise them over the coming months.Contact:Grant Hollaway, Agriculture Victoriagrant.hollaway@ecodev.vic.gov.auResources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/cereal-foliar-and-root-disease-update-2019
Impact of cotton production on grain production in the north. Transitioning from dryland cotton back into a cereal or pulse crop can be problematic for growers with residual issues associated with the harvested cotton crop.On this program Jon Baird from NSW DPI at Narrabri discusses trials he has undertaken on differing sowing options following a cotton crop.Contact:Jon Baird02 6799 1520Jon.baird@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Early sowing of canola has clear advantages as is reflected by the number of growers choosing to position their canola seeding program first.On this podcast, NSW DPI Agronomist, Col McMaster outlines the latest research findings and reminds us of the key issues to consider.Contact:Col McMaster, NSWDPIcolin.mcmaster@dpi.nsw.gov.auResources 10 tips to early sown canola guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/ten-tips-to-early-sown-canola
As part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s investment in the Soil Constraints West project, water harvesting on sodic soils is one of the many facets of research this 5 year project has focussed on.In this podcast Dana Mulvany, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development, talks about her work researching sodic soils in low rainfall environments and the impact of water harvesting on crop yields.Further information:Dana MulvanySoils Research officerGrains Research and Innovation Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development1 Mitchell Street, Merredin WA 6415m +61 (0)476 842 063 | w dpird.wa.gov.auhttps://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
In frost-prone areas, it is important to have a comprehensive frost management strategy as part of annual farm planning. In this podcast, Dr Ben Biddulph from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shares his considerations and pre-seeding checklist for grain growers.Contact:Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRDben.biddulph@dpird.wa.gov.auMore information:Frost Damaged Crop Salvage Options And Seed Retention podcast: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/frost-damaged-crop-salvage-options-and-seed-retention IdentifyingFrost Damage & Options Post Frost video: https://youtu.be/_V1l06xDLTwFrost Identification Guide: https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide Frost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support and https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop
Inspired by what he saw a neighbouring doing and with GRDC's investment in the Soils Constraints West project & DPIRD support, Corrigin based grain grower Simon Wallwork bought a mouldboard plough from the UK and began a soil amelioration program that is resulting in improved water penetration and better grain yields.Note: related GRDC project codes - DAW00244Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projects DAW00252, DAW00236Further information: Simon Wallwork email: swallwork@westnet.com.au https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
Western Australian grain growers face a lot of constraints when it comes to the soils they work to grow the grain we demand.In this podcast we’ll look back at the recently concluded Soil Constraints West project, a GRDC 5 year investment to improve soil structure and health, thereby lifting productivity and growers’ profitability.Leader of the Subsoil constraints component of the project is David Hall from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Esperance office.Further information:David Hall, Senior Research Officer (Soil Management)0447 914 013
When used strategically, soil amelioration can help grain growers overcome a suite of soil and agronomic constraints, including acidity, water repellence and high weed populations.In this podcast the focus is on crop establishment challenges after soil amelioration, including the use of pre-emergent herbicides.Tom Edwards, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been part of the statewide Soil Constraints West project an investment by GRDC and DPIRD to help improve soil constraints and lift yields and grain grower returns.Further information:Tom EdwardsResearch officer Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development3 Melijinup Rd Esperance WA 64500427 849 393 P - (08) 9083 1151Tom.Edwards@dpird.wa.gov.auhttps://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
Soil is made up of organic and mineral particles and in between these particles are tiny air pockets containing water, soil microbes and fauna. These are essential components for healthy soil and root and crop development.When soil is compacted, the air pockets are squeezed out, compressing the particles closer together making it firmer and more difficult to penetrate. This in turn creates a hostile environment for roots and soil fauna.In this podcast, Wayne Parker, from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Soil Compaction project leader, talks to Lucinda Jose about the causes of soil compaction and the outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that growers can adopt to improve their soils.Contact information:Wayne ParkerLeader of the Soil Compaction Project Soil Constraints West InitiativeDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530m: 0429 080 074email: wayne.parker@dpird.wa.gov.auMore info: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soilsUseful Resources AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellenceAGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compactionAGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidityGRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soilshttp://www.ctfcalculator.org
Hydrophobic, or water-repellent soils are soils coated in organic compounds, which prevent water from properly infiltrating the soil. Usually affecting sandy soils, these compounds can come from plant wax and oils, or microorganisms in the soil, causing patchy and staggered crop establishment for grain growers.In this podcast, Dr Stephen Davies from WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development talks to Lucinda Jose about outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that can help growers better manage water-repellent soils.Further information:Dr Stephen DaviesSoil Constraints West InitiativeDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530m: 0408 439 497email: stephen.davies@dpird.wa.gov.auResources:AGRIC Managing soils > ROSA: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/managing-soils/ranking-options-soil-amendments-toolAGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellenceAGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compactionAGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidityGRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils
In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield. At Matt’s early sowing trial site near Premer on the NSW Liverpool Plains the paddock has a 50-metre variation in elevation.In part two of this podcast Matt moves to the top end of the slope and compares the difference in crop performance and frost risk and discusses what that means for a sowing strategy.And grain grower Tom Simpson who has been involved in the trials tells of his experience on a broad acre scale.Further information:Matt Gardner – AMPS ResearchAMPS Agribusiness46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340PO Box 3493West Tamworth NSW 2340Ph: 02 6762 2677e: matt@ampsagribusiness.com.auResources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation
Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are in the final stages of identifying a new commercial acid tolerant rhizobia strain for Group F. This strain will offer new hope to southern growers looking to enhance nitrogen fixation of pea, bean and lentil crops in low pH soils.In this podcast, SARDI Senior Research Officer Liz Farquharson takes us through the latest rhizobia strain research and related management options available for southern growers. While commercial release of the strain may seem like a while away, there is still plenty that growers can do to promote nodulation of winter pulse crops.Contact:Liz Farquharson SARDliz.farquharson@sa.gov.auMore information:Improving The Performance Of Rhizobial Inoculants In Suboptimal Conditions: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/fixing-more-n-improving-the-performance-of-rhizobial-inoculants-in-suboptimal-conditionsInoculating legumes: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/bookshop/2015/07/inoculating-legumesLegumes and nitrogen fixation: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2017/06/tips-and-tactics-legumes-and-nitrogen-fixationNitrogen fixation in field pea: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/nitrogen-fixation-in-field-peaLegumes In Acidic Soils - maximising production potential: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/legumes-in-acidic-soils
For some grain growers the potential risk of a frost event damaging their cereal crop can result in a conservative sowing strategy. But sowing late to avoid frost damage can result in less than optimal grain yields at the end of the season.In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield.And in part-one Matt deals with frost risk versus heat stress.Further information:Matt Gardner – AMPS ResearchAMPS Agribusiness46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340PO Box 3493West Tamworth NSW 2340Ph: 02 6762 2677e: matt@ampsagribusiness.com.auResources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation
Grain growers in central and southern NSW cannot afford to ignore crown rot inoculum levels in their paddocks. Allowing inoculum levels to build even for just one year can create a problem that may take several years to resolve.In this podcast, Crown Rot scientist Steven Simpfendorfer, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries at Tamworth, explains the case for eternal vigilance.Contact:Steven Simpfendorfer0439 581 672steven.simpfendorfer@dpi.nsw.gov.auResources:PreDicta B soil testing service that helps grain and pulse producers identify soil-borne pathogens to minimise risk of yield loss: http://pir.sa.gov.au/research/services/molecular_diagnostics/predicta_b
We sometimes hear about the rundown of Phosphorus nutrient deep in the soil profile and a deal of research is being conducted right now into Deep P Placement and the benefits derived from that. Well just recently research in south eastern Australia has attempted to address another issue deep in the soil profile and that is soil acidity or low pH and its effect on legume yields.Work undertaken by Dr Helen Burns and Mark Norton from NSW DPI has looked closely at this problem and a new GRDC publication will detail this complex issue for growers and their advisers.Download the Publication 'Legumes in acidic soils - maximising production potential' here: https://grdc.com.au/legumes-in-acidic-soilsFurther information:Dr Helen Burns(02) 6938 1947helen.burns@dpi.nsw.gov.auMore info: https://grdc.com.auSubscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribeFor LIVE Events https://grdc.com.au/eventsGet the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcoverPODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDCTWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDCINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/
NVT is the largest coordinated field trial work of its kind in the world, with 650 trials per year and 1.3 million plot measurements available.Since 2005, NVT covers; Wheat, Barley, Canola, Chickpea, Field pea, Lentils, Faba beans, Lupins, Oats and more recently Sorghum. All varieties are tested within 2 years of commercial release to help growers and advisers get ahead start on emerging varieties and how they may perform in their circumstances.The GRDC’s National Variety Trial (NVT) program evaluates approximately 2000 released and near- released varieties across the nation each year. The data is collated and displayed on NVT’s website, creating a valuable and constantly evolving resource for grain growers.This podcast focuses on accessing and using the wealth of information on the NVT website to make informed variety selection decisions.Manager NVT Systems, Neale Sutton says the site makes it easy for growers to connect with crop trial results specific to their location and unique environment.Get started at https://nvtonline.com.auFurther information:Neale Sutton Manager – NVT SystemsGRDCMelbourne 1216B Toorak Road, Camberwell 3124, Victoria0438 579 992neale.sutton@grdc.com.au
A new resource for canola growers will help them better identify insect pests in establishing canola crops, enabling more sustainable and effective control strategies. Find out more on this podcast and watch out for a series of introductory workshops being held across canola growing areas of NSW. To obtain a copy of 'Insect pests of establishing canola in NSW' contact Phil Bowden.Contact:Phil Bowden0427 201 946phil@bowdenrural.comLinks: http://www.australianoilseeds.com/ http://www.australianoilseeds.com/oilseeds_industry/whats-on/managing_early_season_canola_pests2 https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2019/2/hands-on-tips-for-managing-early-season-canola-pests
Indonesia is, by far, Australia’s biggest single wheat customer. Each year, on average, Indonesia buys 4.2 million tonnes of Australian wheat, worth 1.2 billion dollars. That’s nearly one quarter of all Australian wheat exports.But the threat from low-cost wheat producers, such as Russia and Ukraine – as well as ongoing competition from premium suppliers like Canada and the US – is putting the squeeze on Australian exports to Indonesia.AEGIC, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, is an initiative of GRDC and the WA State Government that exists to increase the value of Australian grain.In this podcast AEGIC CEO Richard Simonaitis talks about the opportunities and challenges facing Australian wheat exports to Indonesia.Further information:Keir TunbridgeAEGIC Communications Coordinator0409 991 817 (08) 6168 9904keir.tunbridge@aegic.org.auwww.aegic.org.au
What if you could confidently predict that a decision you made in the paddock today would deliver agronomic and financial benefits three years into the future.In a nutshell that’s what GRDC’s Farming Systems Project is all about – testing real decisions a farmer might take and how that affects the profitability of a farm now and into the future.On this podcast the CSIRO’s Dr Lindsay Bell takes us through just some of the scenarios being examined at the main trial site at Pampas on the Darling Downs.Contact:Dr Lindsay Bell0409 881 988lindsay.bell@csiro.auResources: http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/images/sampledata/2017/113_ASA2017_Bell_Lindsay_Final.pdf
As a form of weed control in crops reducing row spacing can have a significant impact on weed populations. By reducing crop row spacing the biomass of the weed are reduced but what’s even more important is weed seed numbers are dramatically reduced.These were key messages delivered to grain growers at a Weedsmart conference where Paul McIntosh from the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative was a speaker. Also addressing the growers was a farmer from NSW who told of his experience with overcoming a serious weed issue on his property by reducing crop row spacing.Chris Roche and Paul McIntosh pass on their experiences in this podcast.Further information: Paul McIntosh AHRI Agronomist0429 566 198paul@pulseaus.com.auMore info:https://weedsmart.org.au/the-big-6/Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribeEvents: https://grdc.com.au/eventsGroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcoverFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDCTWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDCINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/
Soil constraints are reducing grain grower profitability in Western Australia. Soil compaction, low pH and water repellence are estimated to cost the state’s grains industry a billion dollars annually in lost productivity.That is why the GRDC invested in a multi-organisation 5 year R&D program called the Soil Constraints West Initiative. Now in its final year and with up to $33 million invested, changes are happening on farm.Chris Gazey from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is Soils and Nutrition portfolio manager with the Department and oversees the Soil Constraints West projects.The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business.Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soilsYouTube playlist, Soil Constraints: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHHe0RZUASSU6fpCtkpHK6vLFurther information:Chris Gazey0429107976chris.gazey@dpird.wa.gov.auhttps://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils
WA’s sand plain soils feature multiple constraints including water repellence, acidity and compaction, all focus points of GRDC’s $33-million-dollar investment in the Soil Constraints West Project.Soil constraints result in lost grain production worth more than $4 billion annually, just in WA.A key project outcome is that growers should consider treating multiple constraints over smaller areas, rather than working on one constraint at a time.The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business.Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soilsGRDC project codes: DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projectsDAW00252, DAW00236Further information:Dr Stephen Davies0408 439 49708 9956 8515Stephen.davies@dpird.wa.gov.au
After harvest can be a good time to think about your future on-farm grain storage capacity.In this podcast Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider when planning new on-farm grain storage and provides tips about storage hygiene.Check out Grain Storage Bunker podcast: https:///grdc/grain-storage-bunkersFurther information:Philip BurrillSenior Development Agronomist, Postharvest Grain ProtectionDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries0427 696 500philip.burrill@daf.qld.gov.auwww.daf.qld.gov.auHermitage Research Facility604 Yangan Rd., Warwick QLD. 4370DAF Customer Service Centre 13 25 23More info: http://storedgrain.com.auAdding grain storage video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHEXfx7v0hPuJXJ_8y5P8jCDSubscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribeFor LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/eventsGet the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/
From time to time a grain grower might be in the position of needing temporary on-farm grain storage. One options for storing grain is a Bunker or grain pad.In this podcast Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider if planning to construct a bunker or grain storage pad.Further information:Philip BurrillSenior Development Agronomist, Postharvest Grain ProtectionDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries0427 696 500philip.burrill@daf.qld.gov.auwww.daf.qld.gov.auHermitage Research Facility604 Yangan Rd., Warwick QLD. 4370DAF Customer Service Centre 13 25 23More info: http://storedgrain.com.auAdding grain storage video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHEXfx7v0hPuJXJ_8y5P8jCDSubscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribeFor LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/eventsGet the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcoverPODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDCTWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDCINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/
GRDC funded research is revealing the importance of managing nutrient availability to the crop deeper in the soil profile. On this podcast, David Lester from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), joins Darling Downs farmer John Alexander to talk about the encouraging results of trials in which phosphorus and potassium were placed deep below the soil surface.Links: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2016/08/delving-deeper-into-deep-banding http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/images/sampledata/2017/176_ASA2017_Lester_David_Final.pdfContact:David LesterDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)07 4529 1386david.lester@daf.qld.gov.auMore info: https://grdc.com.auSubscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribeFor LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/eventsGet the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcoverPODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/
This podcast focuses on summer weed identification and control options.GRDC’s Regional Cropping Solutions Network has highlighted the issue of effective summer weed control as a priority.During February, Western Australia grain growers have the opportunity to attend a series of summer weed control workshops to be held in key WA grain growing regions.Andrew Storrie from AGRONOMO is leading the free of charge workshops.GRDC has invested in the early and effective summer weed control workshops and the dates.Each event is free. Register for your nearest location below:Mingenew 5 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-grain-cropping-mingenew-tickets-53529644608Merredin 7 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/early-and-effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-merredin-tickets-54157714181Esperance 8 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-grain-esperance-tickets-53530678701And Corrigin 22 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/early-and-effective-summer-weed-control-workshop-corrigin-tickets-54512964745?ref=estw Further information: Andrew Storrie 0428 423 577 email: Andrew@agronomo.com.au or visit http://agronomo.com.au
GRDC’s multi million dollar investment in sorghum research is looking for ways to maximise yield and profitability while positioning the crop in total farming systems.One aspect of the research relates to row spacing and tillering and on this podcast two leading researchers, Trevor Philp from Pacific Seeds and Dr Joe Eyre from QAFFI, a research institute at the University of Queensland supported by the Queensland Government discuss their respective research efforts.Contacts:Trevor Philp – 0427 568 517Dr Joe Eyre – 0467 737 237Links:https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/impact-of-narrow-row-spacing-in-sorghumhttps://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/12/finding-a-balance-optimising-sorghum-agronomy-in-central-queensland-and-how-it-has-changed-over-the-last-15-years
Despite having a better climate for grain production than most of mainland Australia, the average cereal yield in Tasmania is still considered to be well below its potential.In this podcast you’ll hear from GRDC’s MD Dr Steve Jefferies talk about two GRDC investments that are working to address this challenge, to help Tasmanian, and high rainfall zone cereal growers on the mainland, close the yield gap and develop new fungicide management strategies.Both areas of research are part of The Hyper Yielding Cereals project and the project’s annual field day at Hagley in northern Tasmania attracted grain growers from as far away as South Australia’s York Peninsular.GRDC’s Managing Director, Dr Steve Jefferies, was at the field day.Further information: www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projects https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/hyper-yielding-cereal-project
There’s increasing awareness of the damage off-target spraying, or spray drift, can do to your own crops and those of your neighbours, sometimes many, many kilometers away.A community in western NSW has decided to act and the steps they’ve taken appear to have had a positive impact on the numbers of spray drift incidences.Called SOS Macquarie, the Stop Off-target Spraying action group has as one of its conveners the Grain Orana Alliance manager Maurie Street.In this podcast Maurie explains why and how the group got started and what outcomes they want to achieve.Further information:Maurie StreetChief Executive Office, Grain Orana Alliance0400 066 201email: maurie.street@grainorana.com.au
Home gardeners know the benefits of mulch in suppressing weeds, but researchers are also encouraging broadacre grain producers to deprive weeds of sunlight and space and take the pressure off herbicides as the ‘heavy lifters’ of in-crop weed control.While defeating weeds through crop competition isn’t new, Queensland trials have shown that crop density and narrow row spacing have significantly suppressed the prevalent weeds common sowthistle and fleabane in the northern region.The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) and the University of Queensland (UQ) are currently testing other non-chemical controls such as varietal differences and fertiliser placement for their impact on weed growth and seed production.QDAF project leader Dr Michael Widderick says narrow row spacing has so far shown the clearest benefit in limiting weeds.The tactic suppressed sowthistle and fleabane quite dramatically, but in trials testing control of feathertop Rhodes grass and awnless barnyard grass, the feathertop was quick growing and competed very well against sorghum and mung beans which didn’t suppress it as much as barnyard grass, which isn’t as robust a plant.Both awnless barnyard grass and common sowthistle no have glyphosate resistant populations and sowthistle is becoming an all year round weed issue.The trials showed that:Growing a competitive crop can significantly reduce weed numbers, biomass and seed production in crop while providing increases in grain yield.Growing faba beans and chickpea at a narrow row spacing of 25cm and a high plant density of 70 and 80 plants/m2 respectively significantly reduced sowthistle biomass and seed production while increasing crop yield.Growing wheat at narrow row spacing of 25cm and a high density of 120 plants/m2 significantly reduced awnless barnyard grass density, biomass and seed production while increasing crop yield.Narrow row spacing (25cm) in mung bean and soybean can reduce weed growth and increased crop yield. The critical time of weed removal in mung bean and soybean occurs at later stages of crop growth in narrow (25cm) compared to wide rows (75cm).Michael says these key weeds are increasingly emerging later and affecting winter crops at a growth stage when residual chemistries are no longer persistent in the soil and when in‐crop herbicides are either unavailable or can no longer be applied.But by purposefully using crop competition alongside in-crop residual and knockdown herbicides, producers can delay herbicide resistance and limit future weed populations by reducing seed set.Further information:Dr Michael WidderickLeslie Research FacilityQueensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries Toowoomba, Qld07 4529 1325michael.widderick@daf.qld.gov.auGRDC project code: US00084 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/deprive-weeds-of-sunlight-and-space-crop-competition-research
Can you explain the difference between crop varieties that are tolerant, resistant and susceptible to a particular pest?Researcher Kirsty Owen from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) says knowing the difference is critical for producers responding to one of the northern wheat industry’s thorniest problems.The root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei reduces the ability of crop roots to take up water and nutrients, leaving a sickly plant with yellowing lower leaves and poor tillering.Populations build in susceptible crops, can survive fallow periods and have the ability to carry over between cropping seasons, and there are no registered chemical control methods.Tolerance is the ability of a plant to produce good yields in the presence of P. thornei and its opposite is intolerance, while resistance is the ability of the plant to prevent nematode reproduction. Its opposite is susceptibility.Kirsty says crop varieties may be tolerant but susceptible, that is, they produce good yields but allow the nematode to increase in population. The ideal combinations for management of P. thornei are varieties that are both tolerant and resistant.In USQ’s study of chickpeas, wheat and the build-up and decline of P. thornei in the farming system, researchers found that while chickpea varieties may not suffer yield loss, the crop’s tolerance may lead to a build-up of nematodes that affects the following crop.When P. thornei was present in paddocks at damaging populations (greater than 2/g soil), management relied on growing tolerant crop varieties that don’t suffer yield loss and increasing the number of resistant crops in the cropping sequence to reduce populations.Trials showed that:Chickpeas generally have a good level of tolerance to P. thornei but because most varieties are susceptible, populations of the nematode will increase to attack future cropsThe tolerance of a wheat variety and the populations of P. thornei at the time of planting will determine the degree of yield loss at the end of the seasonIntolerant wheat varieties should be avoided when P. thornei populations are at damaging levels, but even moderately tolerant varieties may suffer yield loss.Growers and agronomists can learn how to sample for root lesion nematodes and interpret the results by taking part in PreDicta®B courses run by SARDI; download an app that has ratings for resistance; use the NVT site comparison tool to find tolerance ratings; and tap into their local crop variety guides for more information.Further Information:Kirsty OwenResearch Fellow (Crop nematology)Centre for Crop HealthInstitute for Agriculture and the EnvironmentUniversity of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld07 4631 1239Kirsty.Owen@usq.edu.auResources GRDC Update Paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/chickpeas,-wheat-and-pratylenchus-thornei-build-up-and-decline-in-the-farming-system.-chickpeas-a-combination-of-susceptibility-and-moderate-tolerance
Pulse growers would be well aware of the damage Helicoverpa larvae can do to their crops. Fortunately, farmers have access to strong chemistry that can adequately control the pest. But for how long?On this podcast, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) entomologist, Melina Miles, offers us an insight into her research and explains why the Helicoverpa Resistance Management Strategy is so important to the future security of the pulse industry.Contact:Melina MilesDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)0407 113 306melina.miles@daf.qld.gov.auResources: https://grdc.com.au/GRDC-FS-Helicoverpa-resistance-management?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=short_url&utm_term=National&utm_content=Resistance%20management%20strategy%20for%20Helicoverpa%20armigera%20in%20Australian%20grains
According to WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development that estimate of $4.3 Billion in lost production is nearly equal to half the value of the state’s annual grain production, so soil constraint issues are significant.The type of constraints common to the West include water repellency, acidity, subsoil compaction and soil structure decline and the Grains Research & Development Corporation has invested in the development of an analytical tool called ROSA.ROSA stands for Ranking Options for Soil Amelioration and its purpose is to help grain growers rank their soils and prioritise soil amelioration options.Further Information:Dr Elizabeth PetersenDPIRD Economist0404 077 194email: Liz.Petersen@dpird.wa.gov.auGRDC Project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236
To aid Russian Wheat Aphid management planning and development of cultural controls, there is a need to know what role green bridges play in supporting RWA populations.This information will be used to develop predictive models that will estimate seasonal aphid risk within each affected region. Findings by cesar and SARDI will enable researchers to better inform advisers and grain growers about how to best manage this new pest.Additionally, determining what beneficial insects are best placed to manage RWA is another big question that will be investigated.Further information:Dr Elia PirtleConsultant - Sustainable Agriculturecesar 293 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052m: 0414 143 456e: epirtle@cesaraustralia.comGRDC project code: 9176535Useful resources Russian wheat aphid: Tactics for future control https://grdc.com.au/rwa-tacticsfuturecontrol Russian wheat aphid: Tips & Tactics https://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA Crop aphids: The Back Pocket Guide https://grdc.com.au/CropAphidsBackPocketGuide Beneficial Insects: The Back Pocket Guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2010/08/beneficial-insects-the-back-pocket-guide-southern-and-western-regionsContacts Greg Baker, SARDI Science Leader - Entomology, 08 8429 0933, greg.baker@sa.gov.au James Maino, Senior Consultant - cesar, 03 9349 4723, jmaino@cesaraustralia.com.auReporting RWA occurrences in 2018Growers and advisers are encouraged to continue reporting occurrences of RWA to PestFacts and to take advantage of pest identification services provided by cesar and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) through the National Pest Information Service.Reports from Tasmania, Victoria and Southern NSW can be made through:the cesar website the PestFacts Reporter App available on iTunes and Google Playthrough Twitter on @cesaraustraliacontacting cesar directly at 03 9349 4723.Reports from South Australia can be submitted through:Twitter @PestFactsSARDIcontacting SARDI directly: Rebecca Hamdorf p: 08 8429 0682 e: rebecca.hamdorf@sa.gov.au or Kym Perry p: 08 8429 0738 m: 0421 788 357 e: kym.perry@sa.gov.aureports can be submitted online using the PestFacts Map.
People tend to see farmers as one large group of food and fibre producers. But have you ever thought about what different individuals they are? How would you encourage these independent, self-sufficient people to adopt change or innovate?Agronomist Cam Nicholson is passionate about providing advice to boost farmers’ profitability and productivity, and one of the keys he uses is to work out the personality types of his clients.Everybody learns and responds differently, Cam says, and over the past 15 years he’s developed his assessment of farmers based on the temperament typing of the Myers Briggs Type Indicators (MBTI) and the work of Queensland psychologist Rod Strahan.Cam says farmers break up loosely into four types:SJs, or ‘the dependables’ – love what they do, very reliable and methodical. They need a good reason to change.SPs, ‘the doers’ – a bit like the dependables but they work at a more frantic pace and tend to not quite finish off jobs.NFs, ‘the pioneers’ – first to try something, adopt new technology quickly, love to think strategically about big picture, take risks.NFs, ‘the team builders’ – they farm with intergenerational change and the environment in mind, and both males and females contribute equally.About 80% of farmers fall in to the first two categories - about 55% are dependables and 25% are doers. In the Australian population overall, the dependables are 40% and the doers account for 15%.The balance are the pioneers and the team builders, who together make up about 20% of farmers. In the Australian population there are only 15% of these types.The trick to providing advice, Cam says, is to pick the temperament type by asking the client questions, assessing their answers and observing how their farm runs.This works both ways. Cam says farmers should identify their own personality types through simple testing online, so that they know their strengths and how they’ll respond to pressure or making decisions.Then find complementary personality types within the business, he says, or bring someone with the necessary skills in. Ditto for involving women in the decision making, as that helps to balance out the way in which decisions are made and information gathered.And while it’s difficult to change the personality type you’re born with, you can choose to work in some areas that aren’t natural to you, rather than continuing to work in the same way.While there’s a bit of conjecture over the actual split, Cam believes that the influence on temperament types is 40% genetic, 40% what you learn in the formative years aged 12-15, and about 20% the crowd you hang out with.And funnily enough, there’s not a lot of difference between the average Australian farmer in his/her 50s and 60s, and the younger digital natives coming through – they’re young, but inherently conservative, he says. While it took him 15 years to learn this, Cam says he’s spent the following 15 years sharing his knowledge with others and becoming a more effective advisor.Further InformationCam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services03 5258 3860 or 0417 311 098cam@niconrural.com.auhttps://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/agronomists-as-drivers-of-practice-change http://www.grainandgraze3.com.au/resources/Farm_Decision_Making.pdf http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/outlook/Documents/innovation-nicholson.pdf
In this podcast WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development research officer and Frost specialist, Dr Ben Biddulph, discusses salvage and harvest options for frost-affected cereal crops as well as what to consider if you intend holding onto seed from a frost affected crop. On the day Ben Biddulph was at DPIRD’s Frost evaluation trial site at Dale about 100k’s east of Perth.Further InformationDr Ben BiddulphDPIRD Grains Directorate3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 61510428 920 654 ben.biddulph@dpird.wa.gov.auA range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website:Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesFrost - Frequently Asked Questions, a DPIRD publication produced in collaboration with GRDC at https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesThe GRDC YouTube frost playlist which includes segments about the emotional cost of frost and managing the effects of frost https://www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-Video-NationalFrostInitiativePlaylist?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources GRDC Managing Frost RiskTips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRisk?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesMore information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesFrost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support?utm_source=grdc_soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesand https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop?utm_source=grdc_soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resourcesGRDC Project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236
Fifty years ago, the pioneers of zero and minimum tillage cropping systems had a challenging time to convince researchers and growers that these systems had benefits over a tractor and plough criss-crossing a paddock, but in 2018 the conservation farming methods are widely used across Australia.Associate Professor David Freebairn from the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba grew up on a farm in NSW where cropping country was cultivated and stubble burnt every year.As a University graduate, his first research task was to assess the impact on soil erosion of not cultivating and not burning stubble. David admits to thinking ‘This won’t work’, but he was amazed when rainfall simulators on different soils with different cover returned the same result every time – a significant reduction in erosion.David has reviewed the past 50 years of research into zero and minimum till practices, since the 1960s when there were two different mindsets – the traditional method of burning stubble to reduce disease and make it easier to plant the next crop, and the idea of leaving it on the surface to protect the soil and retain water.Catchment studies looking at water storage, erosion and runoff showed quite early the dramatic impacts of retaining stubble. One study had reduced a soil loss of 50 tonnes/ hectare/ year down to 6t/ha/yr if stubble was mulched, and 1t/ha/yr if it were zero till.The challenge was to make the method easy to practice. At the time there were no minimum till machines on the market to plant directly into stubble, and very few herbicides. Roundup® entered the market in 1974 but cost $20/litre, and at that time growers were using 1-2L/ha.In 1969, Hector Tod was one of the early farmers to explore tillage and planting equipment to handle higher stubble loads. Machinery evaluation programs, testing equipment imported from Canada and the US, were initiated in Queensland in the mid 1970s.In 1968 a study started at Warwick in southeast Queensland that provided more support for conservation farming methods. It clearly showed that where there was less tillage or no tillage and stubble retained, there was an extra 30-50mm of stored water for the crop in most years.This should have converted to extra yield, but the extra water resulted in poorer mineralisation of nitrogen into sowing, translating as lower protein and lower yields. And there was an accumulation of foliar and root diseases which got in the way of maximising the improved water capture.From 1968-90 researchers initiated the breeding of nematode-resistant varieties.In response to root diseases, the NSW Department of Agriculture decided to trial no till in tandem with the rotation of other crops like sorghum and pulses to follow a winter cereal.The yield response was dramatic. The extra water was used by the rotational crop, the disease pressure was less, and yields improved by half a tonne to a tonne per hectare. The machinery followed suit.So should growers fear the return of cultivation? The occasional working of a no till paddock may bring new weed seeds into action, but it won’t destroy 10 years of hard work, David says.From his review of 50 years of conservation farming, he advises growers who are still sceptical to start small and experiment.Further Information:Associate Professor David FreebairnNational Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (Research)University of Southern Qld, Toowoomba, Qld.0408 876 904david.freebairn@usq.edu.auResources GRDC Update Paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/tillage-stubble-and-zero-till-understanding-the-data-sets-underpinning-notill-farming-systemsPresented at the Dubbo and Goondiwindi GRDC Grains Research Updates by David M Freebairn on Tillage, stubble and zero‐till
In a bad year the cereal pest Root Lesion Nematode can cost West Australian grain growers up to $110 million in lost production.The two main species in the West are Pratylenchus neglectus and p. quasitereoides and when seasonal conditions are conducive, the nematodes multiply, compromise growth and starve the crop of nutrients.Dr Sarah Collins is senior nematologist with WA’s Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development and in this podcast Dr Collins talks about the current work into evaluating yield loss and what crop rotation recommendations are being offered to grain growers to help manage nematode issues.Further Information:Dr Sarah CollinsDPIRD senior nematologist08 9368 3612sjcollins@agric.wa.gov.au
Fencelines can be a haven for weeds that may also be resistant to glyphosate. On this podcast Weeds Specialist, Tony Cook describes a new, effective treatment for glyphosate resistant weeds in the northern region.Further information: Tony CookTechnical Specialist WeedsNSW Department of Primary Industries 02 6763 1250tony.cook@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Respected northern region agronomist, Drew Penberthy outlines some of the agronomic issues to watch out for after drought. And we hear from a farmer who managed the mental health effects of the drought by digging a giant hole. Drew Penberthy Agricultural consultant Penagcon Pty Ltd 0427 255 752 drew@penagcon.com.au
Sandy soils have constraints that limit crop yield. Low levels of organic matter in these soils restrict the soil’s ability to retain nutrients, compaction hinders root penetration as the plants seeks out those nutrients and water, and the structure of the sand limits its ability to retain water.To help overcome these restrains intervention is needed and in this podcast Therese McBeath describes the types of intervention being investigated, seasonal timing of interventions and the supply of nutrients to sandy soils.Further InformationDr Therese McBeathCSIRO research scientist08 83038455therese.mcbeath@csiro.auRDC Project code: CSP00203
The cereal pest Russian wheat aphid was first detected in Australia two years ago in South Australia’s Mid North and has since made its way into Victoria and southern NSW and across to Tasmania.It’s a major pest of cereal crops that injects toxins into the plant during feeding which retards growth and, with heavy infestations, kills the plant.Entomologist Dr Paul Umina has been closely involved in monitoring Russian wheat aphid and liaising with farmers, and he’s gained some valuable insights into the pest’s behaviour, identification, agronomic management and strategies for prevention.While it’s still early days, Paul says the pest appears to be following a similar pattern to other aphids in Australian conditions and has proven quite manageable, with growers and agronomists using US guidelines for control.While these haven’t been validated for local conditions and cereal varieties, Paul says tips such as monitoring and being aware of the highest risk period, using seed treatments to prevent infestation early in the season, reducing the green bridge between seasons and using chemicals once an economic threshold is reached have all been successful.Fortunately, a number of beneficial insects, predatory beetles and hover flies and other species including parasitic wasps are exerting quite good biological control over the aphid.In the south, populations are at their highest level in spring and relatively common in autumn, with numbers dropping off in the colder, wetter months of winter and in the heat of summer.Climatic conditions are potentially more favourable for the Russian wheat aphid in northern NSW and Queensland. Paul says while aphids are known to disperse long distances on wind currents, it’s difficult to predict how quickly they’ll move north.New infestations of Russian wheat aphid are characterised by leaf rolling and streaking of cereal plants. Growers should be mindful of symptoms of Russian wheat aphid and notify local authorities such as state agriculture departments if they are suspected to be in a crop.Dr Paul Uminacesar Pty LtdMelbournepumina@cesaraustralia.com03 9349 4723https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/managing-insecticide-resistance-helicoverpa-armigera-green-peach-aphid-and-an-update-on-russian-wheat-aphidhttps://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2018/01/act-now-to-reduce-russian-wheat-aphid-risk-in-2018
The cereal pest Russian wheat aphid was first detected in Australia two years ago in South Australia’s Mid North and has since made its way into Victoria and southern NSW and across to Tasmania. It’s a major pest of cereal crops that injects toxins into the plant during feeding which retards growth and, with heavy infestations, kills the plant. Entomologist Dr Paul Umina has been closely involved in monitoring Russian wheat aphid and liaising with farmers, and he’s gained some valuable insights into the pest’s behaviour, identification, agronomic management and strategies for prevention. While it’s still early days, Paul says the pest appears to be following a similar pattern to other aphids in Australian conditions and has proven quite manageable, with growers and agronomists using US guidelines for control. While these haven’t been validated for local conditions and cereal varieties, Paul says tips such as monitoring and being aware of the highest risk period, using seed treatments to prevent infestation early in the season, reducing the green bridge between seasons and using chemicals once an economic threshold is reached have all been successful. Fortunately, a number of beneficial insects, predatory beetles and hover flies and other species including parasitic wasps are exerting quite good biological control over the aphid. In the south, populations are at their highest level in spring and relatively common in autumn, with numbers dropping off in the colder, wetter months of winter and in the heat of summer. Climatic conditions are potentially more favourable for the Russian wheat aphid in northern NSW and Queensland. Paul says while aphids are known to disperse long distances on wind currents, it’s difficult to predict how quickly they’ll move north. New infestations of Russian wheat aphid are characterised by leaf rolling and streaking of cereal plants. Growers should be mindful of symptoms of Russian wheat aphid and notify local authorities such as state agriculture departments if they are suspected to be in a crop. Further Information Dr Paul Umina cesar Pty Ltd Melbourne. pumina@cesaraustralia.com 03 9349 4723 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/managing-insecticide-resistance-helicoverpa-armigera-green-peach-aphid-and-an-update-on-russian-wheat-aphid https://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2018/01/act-now-to-reduce-russian-wheat-aphid-risk-in-2018
Dr Angela Pattison’s been delving into an historic bank of chickpea plant varieties, some of which have been grown for hundreds of years in hot, dry places like the Middle East and brought to the Australian Grains Gene Bank in Horsham, Victoria. From there, Angela has selected small packets of seeds to breed and screen for heat tolerance.
Frost is a costly and often unpredictable problem that costs Australian grain growers more than $300 million a year, but the GRDC’s National Frost Initiative is proactively working to develop more frost resistant varieties, identify best frost management practices and to create tools to predict frosts.It’s important to recognise the psychological and financial cost of frost and how devastating it can be, particularly towards the end of the season when producers anticipate harvest only to have it damaged by frost.
Change is a continual process, Nadine says. The key is investing the same amount in people as we do in infrastructure and technology, so that rural industries can move through change events confidently and survive.
Mike says while we have a wealth of knowledge in Australia about above-ground plant components, we don’t understand enough about roots – how variable they are between species and how they respond to different soil conditions.
Using the autopilot from a drone as the ‘brains’ of their vehicles, Martin and his colleagues aimed to prove that mechatronics could reduce damage to crops and soil from humans and large machines.
Another of the speakers at the Henty Field Days grower forum was NSW DPI’s research agronomist Graeme Sandral. Graeme spoke about the seed quality issues that can result from a tough season and how they impact next year’s grain yield.In this podcast Graeme Sandral also discusses crop nutrition and fertiliser management next season. Graeme points out that because less nutrient will leave the paddock, due to less grain being produced, the unused Nitrogen and Phosphorus left behind in the soil should be factored into next season’s fertiliser needs.
Grain growers attending this year’s Henty Field days had the opportunity to hear timely advice from specialists such as NSW DPI’s southern pastures program leader Nigel Phillips. Nigel was one of four speakers at the GRDC NSW DPI Tough Season Questions Answered forum, held as part of the field days.After addressing the forum Nigel Phillips recorded this podcast and summarised the messages he delivered. His key message was to have an action plan, follow it through and don’t regret making a choice.Nigel also advised growers to think about options. Just because a crop has been impacted by drought or a frost event it doesn’t mean the crop is worthless. These crops can still be a valuable source of livestock feed, high in energy and protein.
Lessons learnt from past droughts and frosts events need to be applied to this season, especially in regards to determining the feed quality of a crop. This was some of the advise passed onto grain growers by NSW DPI Feed lab chemist Richard Meyer at the Henty Field Days grain grower forum.The forum was organised by GRDC and NSW DPI to provide growers with an opportunity to get good farm management advise during a tough season.As you’ll hear in this podcast data kept from feed samples taken from previous drought stressed and frost damaged crops provides a valuable reference point for when to cut for hay or silage to optimism your crop’s feed quality.
At the recent southern NSW, Henty Field Days, GRDC with NSW DPI presented a special grower forum called Tough Season Questions Answered. The idea of the forum was to give grain growers an opportunity to hear timely advise on crop management decisions and have their questions answered.One of the speakers was Dr Felicity Harris a Cereal Physiologist with NSW DPI who highlighted the need to identify biomass in paddocks so that informed decisions could be made to either take a crop through to harvest, cut for fodder, silage, or to consider grazing options.In this podcast Dr Harris encourages growers to measure biomass at both a paddock and farm scale sand to be aware of any underlying damage that might have been caused by frost events.