EP Ag Chats

Jake Giles speaks with Ashley “AJ” Michael, a mixed farmer from Mount Damper west of Wudinna, about a high-potential but demanding start to the 2026 season. AJ discusses early sowing, wet conditions, fertiliser and fuel supply challenges, nitrogen decisions, sand amelioration, the move away from sheep, and the balance between managing costs and taking advantage of a strong seasonal opportunity. The conversation highlights a key RiskWise theme: when the season presents rare upside, growers still need to weigh input costs, logistics, seasonal risk and business confidence before deciding how hard to push.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Risk-Wise Podcast, Jake Giles sits down with Paul Schafer from the Kimba district on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula to unpack how his farming business is evolving in response to changing conditions.Paul shares insights into his mixed farming operation at Pinkawillinie and Caralue, where wheat, barley and medic pastures have long been the foundation — alongside sheep. But in recent years, that balance has shifted, with lentils becoming a more prominent part of the rotation and sheep numbers scaled back.The conversation explores the drivers behind those decisions, from labour efficiency and workload across large paddocks to profitability and lifestyle considerations. Paul also reflects on how their system has changed over time, including increased use of contractors and expansion into new country to spread risk.With timely rainfall across the region, Jake and Paul also discuss how the season is shaping up — from soil moisture and crop planning through to the real-time decisions farmers are making around inputs, timing and uncertainty.It’s an honest and practical look at how one farming business is adapting its strategy while balancing risk, opportunity and the realities of farming in a low rainfall environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a welcome burst of rain across the Eyre Peninsula, the Riskwi$e Podcast is back for 2026. In this episode, Jake Giles sits down with third-generation farmer Andrew Watson to talk about what it really takes to farm in a marginal environment.Andrew runs a mixed farming operation of around 15,000 acres of cropping alongside a growing feedlot enterprise — a shift that has helped the business navigate tough seasons, rising input costs and volatile grain prices. With some significant rainfall recently falling across the region, the conversation explores how that moisture could shape decisions heading into seeding.From machinery costs and changing farm economics to soil moisture, livestock opportunities and sticking to a seasonal plan, Andrew shares practical insights from decades of farming experience. The discussion also touches on the realities of risk in agriculture and the difficult balance farmers face when making decisions in an unpredictable climate.If you want a grounded, honest look at farming in one of EP's more challenging environments, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who’s lived it.Produced as part of the GRDC-funded Riskwi$e project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RiskWi$e: Chasing the upside - Grower reflections in a changing season: Todd Matthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RiskWi$e: Chasing the upside - Grower reflections in a changing season: Bryan "Bull" Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake Giles chat with Todd Matthews a grower from Cootra on the Eyre Peninsula about their approaches to one of the driest starts in recent memory. The discussion delves into decision-making strategies regarding crop residue, paddock selection, and overall farm management amidst challenging conditions. Farmers share their experiences, including maintaining motivation, seeking advice from neighbour and advisors, and staying informed about long-term weather forecasts. The episode underscores the significance of resilience and community support in overcoming agricultural uncertainties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls - Seeding 2025,' Jake Giles chats with Minnipa grower, Bruce Heddle about the challenging 2025 seeding season. They discuss key changes in his farming approach, the decision-making process influenced by last year's outcomes, and the importance of flexibility and resilience in handling varying conditions. Key topics include changes in seeding timing, managing frost risk, adjustments in fertilizer application, and the benefits of shallow seeding. The episode underscores the value of peer advice, strategic planning, and maintaining a balanced perspective amidst uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls,' Jake Giles talks with a Kimba farmer, Paul Schaefer about the challenges and decisions faced during the unusually dry start to the 2025 farming season. The conversation covers the impact of soil types, crop rotation strategies, and the importance of timely decision-making amidst uncertainty. Listeners will gain insights into the grower's cautious approach, including holding back on certain crops and adjusting seeding schedules to accommodate the dry conditions. The episode also touches on the importance of community support and expert advice in navigating these tough farming decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we catch up with Jake Giles from EP Ag Research as he shares insights from his recent chats with farmers across the Eyre Peninsula. Jake reflects on the challenges of the 2024 season – from dry sowing and herbicide issues to limited rainfall – and looks ahead to the key considerations for 2025, including soil moisture, nitrogen levels, herbicide residues, and seeding strategies. Tune in to hear how local growers are preparing, adapting, and making smart decisions in uncertain conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to Tristan Baldock, a fourth-generation farmer from Buckleboo on upper Eyre Peninsula. Tristan speaks about his journey from university graduate to agronomist and now farmer owner of Karinya Ag. Working as an agronomist ‘out of his patch’ exposed Tristan to a broad variety of agricultural practices on the Eyre Peninsula, which he sees as an invaluable time in his career, especially when it came time to return home. At first returning to the farm with his wife as employees, then later becoming a part of the business, has allowed Tristan to grow into the role of decision maker, working with his parents as well as working closely with their private consultant and agronomist.Tristan gives us insights into hosting trials on his property with researchers, how he became involved with the industry group Grain Growers, as well as his advice to emerging young people in agriculture. This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Baldock is a farmer from Kimba on the Eastern Eyre Peninsula. His path to farming is dissimilar to many, gaining a trade in the big smoke before returning to Kimba. He speaks about their farm business Tola Ag, what it is like being one component of a dynamic family farming business, and how he and his family navigate working together. We also explore Andrew’s time as a Nuffield scholar and the opportunities that have arisen from his experiences. This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays we hear from Amy Wright who is the regional Agricultural Landcare facilitator for the EyrePeninsula. She interviews Bryan Smith the current chairperson of the AIR EP board. Bryan has beenan active member of industry boards for the majority of his farming career starting out very early onat the grass roots level of his local Ag Bureau.Bryan speaks about his involvement on the South Australian Grain Industry Trust board (SAGIT), EyrePeninsula Agricultural Research Foundation Board (EPARF) and now AIR EP. They also delve into howBryan became one of South Australia’s most western farmers. Bryan gives some great advice for anyyoung person in Agriculture wanting to become involved with attracting research and developmentto their district. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.