Grains Convo

In this episode of Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Greg Shea about getting the most from lupins this season.They cover practical agronomy, soil testing and nutrient decisions to maximise nitrogen benefits and manage input costs. The discussion highlights how lupins can set up following crops and support better returns over multiple seasons.Episode links:Producing Lupins Crop Sowing GuideRainfall to date toolSoil water tool

With diesel prices and input constraints front of mind, making the right call on deep ripping has never been more important. In the latest Grains Convo episode, Tim Scanlon speaks with Wayne Parker about the EasyDiesel Calculator, a simple tool designed to help growers understand the financial impact of deep ripping before committing valuable resources.Episode links:Easy Diesel CalculatorDPIRD/GRDC Deep Ripping factsheetSoil Water Tool

In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy and Janette are joined by Dr Dion Nicol to explore practical strategies for nitrogen management across the WA grainbelt.Dion outlines how growers can approach pre-season planning and adapt in-season decisions to improve returns, with a focus on allocating nitrogen where it is most likely to deliver yield and gross margin benefits. He also emphasises the importance of continually reassessing cost–benefit as conditions change, and how timely follow-up applications can be used to respond to the season as it unfolds.Episode Links:Click here to access the Rainfall to Date tool.Click here to access the Potential Yield tool.Click here to access the Soil Water tool.

Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy WebsterGuest Speaker: DPIRD Principal Research Scientist David Hall In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Principal Research Scientist David Hall, as they discuss sodic soils and David's work spanning 30-years (and counting) in this space. David then delves into where sodic and alkaline clay soils occur most throughout WA, and explains the reasons why sodic soils are highly productive in above average rainfall years, but have poor outcomes for grain production in dry years.Episode Links:Click here to read more about the project Increased grower profitability on soils with sodicity

Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Alex Douglas and DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Arslan Peerzada In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Research Scientist Alex Douglas and DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Arslan Peerzada, as they go through an overview of the biology of weeds and what growers can expect in the 2024 season as the biggest threats to agricultural production. Alex takes a look back at the 2023 season, and the various weeds growers can expect to emerge in the upcoming season.While Arslan delves into what farmers should be focusing on for effective weed management throughout the 2024 season, and how to make the most out of soil amelioration. Episode Links:Click here to read Agric article on about Pre-emergent herbicides Click here to read media release 'Research focus on weed management for ameliorated soils' Click here to read Agric article on Improving control of summer weeds Click here to read GrainsConvo newsletter article 'Investigating the effects of soil amelioration on weed management in WA's wheatbelt

Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry and UWA Principal Research Fellow Dr Michael Considine. In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry and UWA Principal Research Fellow Dr. Michael Considine.This podcast revolves around the upcoming 7th International Plant Dormancy Symposium, which is taking place in Perth from September 12-15 2023. Jeremy and Michael talk about how the conference, sponsored by DPIRD, will bring together researchers working on various aspects including seeds and buds. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into their work in the field of plant dormancy. Episode Links: Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on pre-harvest sprouting Click here for bud dormancy journal article.

Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette PrattGuest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Martin Harries and development officer Dayna Hutchinson In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD research scientist Martin Harries and development officer Dayna Hutchinson, who delve into DPIRD's Western Australia Farming Systems Project. Martin sheds light on the evolving farming systems in WA's low and medium rainfall areas, highlighting the shift towards intensive cropping and reduced pasture. Listeners discover how the project aims to evaluate the consequences of these changes on nitrogen use efficiency, water use efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions. Dayna emphasises the project's collaboration with growers and consultants, ensuring its findings and recommendations are applicable and beneficial for farmers. Tune in to gain insights into sustainable farming practices in WA.Episode Links:Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on the Western Australia Farming systems project.Click here for GRDC Research updates paper ‘Improving farming system profitability, management of greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience in the low and medium rainfall zones of WA: Grower perspectives.

Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy WebsterGuest Speakers: DPIRD nematologist Sarah Collins and research scientist Wayne Parker.In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD nematologist Sarah Collins and research scientist Wayne Parker join Cindy Webster to talk about the impact of soil amelioration on soilborne pathogens and nematode pests.Sarah tells us what the difference between pathogens and pests are and explains why they cause issues in particular soils.Wayne chats about the extsive soil renovation work being conducted by DPIRD and how he's collaborating with the wider crop protection team.Together, they detail the trials undertaken at Yerecoin, Darkan and Williams to determine which amelioration methods best mitigate the impact of soilborne pathogens and nematode pests.Some of this work was funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).Episode Links:Click here for more information on nematodes.Click here for an article on the impacts of mechanical soil amelioration on weeds, soilborne nematode pests and fungal pathogens.

Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Brenda ShackleyIn this episode of Grains Convo we discuss the recently released 2023 WA Crop Sowing Guide. This annual publication, compiled by DPIRD officers, is a one stop shop for information on varieties for all the major crops grown in WA.The 2023 guide features information on 31 new variety releases, alongside the latest industry developments.Episode Links:Click here to download or order the 2023 WA Crop Sowing Guide.

Host: Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Dr Yong HanIn this episode of Grains Convo we speak with DPIRD Research Scientist, Dr Yong Han, about gene editing technology and how it will influence the future of plant breeding in Australia.Gene editing technology is different to genetic modification. In this podcast Dr Han explains the key differences and how he is using it to develop the next generation of crop varieties.This technology is revolutionary and was awarded a Nobel prize in 2020. Dr Han is adopting this approach for crop genetic improvements that will influence yield, quality and many other agronomist traits.Episode links:Click here to read: New barley varieties to help cut costs and build a greener planet

Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists, Geoff Moore and Svetlana MicicIn spring 2021 there were widespread areas of bare, or low groundcover, sandy soils in the West Midlands region of WA. This was unusual due to the favourable growing conditions experienced in the previous year. Investigations by DPIRD and the West Midlands Group found that high grasshopper numbers, along with other contributing factors like a false break, over-grazing or a low pasture seed bank resulted in these conditions.In this podcast DPIRD Research Scientist Geoff Moore discusses the findings from investigations by DPIRD and the West Midlands Group, what growers needs to watch out for in 2022 and how to manage low groundcover. DPIRD Research Scientist Svetlana Micic advises how to identify and manage sand grasshoppers.Episode Links: To learn more about seasonal issues visit DPIRD’s Season 2022 webpage.For more information about sand grasshoppers refer to DPIRD’s Identifying and controlling Urnisa grasshopper or sand grasshopper webpage. To report any grasshopper activity, or request an identification, contact the PestFacts WA team on pestfax@dpird.wa.gov.au or use the PestFax Reporter app. Contact Geoff MooreP. +61 (0)8 9368 3293 M. 0427 448 025E. geoff.moore@dpird.wa.gov.auContact Svetlana MicicP. +61 (0) 9892 8591.M. 0427 772 051E. svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au

Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy WebsterGuest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist, Svetlana Micic DPIRD Research Scientist Svetlana Micic discusses the importance of correctly diagnosing snails, their impact on crops and the importance of managing snails before they lay their eggs. Egg laying can occur anytime from mid-March to mid-April depending on rainfall. Episode Link: DPIRD’s Identification and control of pest slugs and snails for broadacre crops in Western Australia Contact Svetlana Micic: P. +61 (0) 9892 8591. M. 0427 772 051 E. svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au

Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette PrattGuest Speakers: DPIRD Epidemiologist Jean Galloway and Entomologist Dusty Severtson.In this episode you'll learn about important early warnings for diseases and insects, and the new technologies that are being researched to aid in crop monitoring. We also discuss why it's necessary to monitor crops and identify some key resources to learn more about crop diseases and insects.