Farmers in northern Queensland were left perplexed and alarmed by damage done to soybean crops by fungal disease. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries plant pathologist explains in this podcast that crops had been hit by two fungal diseases – Target Spot and Anthracnose, with damage being compounded by Stem Fly attack. Further information: Lisa Kelly Lisa.kelly@daf.qld.gov.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jun 24, 2020•10 min•Ep. 172
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 ...
Jun 17, 2020•14 min•Ep. 168
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 investm...
Jun 17, 2020•17 min•Ep. 169
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 can...
Jun 17, 2020•14 min•Ep. 170
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...
Jun 10, 2020•12 min•Ep. 166
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. Conta...
Jun 10, 2020•9 min•Ep. 167
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-upda...
Jun 03, 2020•14 min•Ep. 164
Septoria Tritici Blotch has re-emerged as a disease that growers in the southern region should watch out for. Septoria Tritici Blotch is a foliar disease in wheat and was last most prevalent during wet years in the 1970’s. On this podcast, Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist, Grant Hollaway explains the management of a disease that many growers may not have seen before. Contact: Grant Hollaway Grant.hollaway@agriculture.vic.gov.au Useful resources: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publicatio...
Jun 03, 2020•6 min•Ep. 165
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 i...
May 28, 2020•19 min•Ep. 162
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....
May 28, 2020•12 min•Ep. 163
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 pro...
May 27, 2020•7 min•Ep. 160
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/...
May 27, 2020•13 min•Ep. 161
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 Learn more about your ad choices. ...
May 20, 2020•11 min•Ep. 158
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. Con...
May 20, 2020•15 min•Ep. 159
A two-year research trail is underway to assess several strategic/deep tillage options to help Address sandplain soil constraints such as subsoil compaction, water-repellence and acidity. In this podcast we explore this topic in more detail and the what the research is saying so far. We are joined by agVivo agronomist consultant Tim Boyes who is running the research trials at Goomalling in WA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
May 13, 2020•9 min•Ep. 156
Meet the man who is leading the way to reducing the impact of herbicide resistance in Australia. Canadian, Hugh Beckie has a long history with herbicide resistance both as a scientist and as a farmer. Hugh has a keen interest in applied science. He wants to know that solutions to herbicide resistance will work on your farm. Contact: Hugh Beckie Hugh.beckie@uwa.edu.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
May 13, 2020•14 min•Ep. 157
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 Ma...
May 06, 2020•14 min•Ep. 154
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, Keit...
May 06, 2020•15 min•Ep. 155
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-p...
Apr 29, 2020•9 min•Ep. 152
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....
Apr 29, 2020•12 min•Ep. 153
An important role of pulse crops is nitrogen fixation, and key to that process are nodules – what are they and why do growers need to know more about them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 24, 2020•9 min•Ep. 148
Rhizobia are microbes that play an important role in nitrogen fixation in pasture and pulse legumes, but acid soils can have a big impact on the success of rhizobia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 24, 2020•9 min•Ep. 149
Dry sowing pulse crops is the norm rather than the exception today, however, maximising nitrogen fixation is dependent on a number of factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 24, 2020•7 min•Ep. 150
Rhizobium is a tiny microbe with a big dollar impact. Ensuring this beneficial soil bacteria has an optimal effect requires a number of key conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 24, 2020•12 min•Ep. 151
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-paper...
Apr 22, 2020•13 min•Ep. 146
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 tw...
Apr 22, 2020•11 min•Ep. 147
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,-wa...
Apr 15, 2020•16 min•Ep. 144
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Apr 15, 2020•14 min•Ep. 145
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 ...
Apr 08, 2020•17 min•Ep. 142
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: ...
Apr 08, 2020•15 min•Ep. 143
