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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Dry sowing pulse crops is the norm rather than the exception today, however, maximising nitrogen fixation is dependent on a number of factors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.