GRDC in Conversation: Matthew Howell
About this episode
Matthew Howell discusses his journey in agriculture and the shift from mixed farming to large-scale cropping in South Australia's Upper South East.
Matthew Howell is an agronomist, grower and regional advocate based in South Australia’s Upper South East. Over the past two decades, he has worked alongside growers through a major shift from mixed farming to large-scale continuous cropping, driven by rainfall, soil development and opportunity. In this conversation, Matt reflects on his journey from Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula to building a life and career in Meningie, sharing what it’s been like to work in a rapidly changing region where former dairy country has been converted to broadacre cropping and growers have had to adapt quickly. Matt speaks to the value of being actively involved through agronomy, mentoring, trials and advocacy. He explores what real practice change looks like, how tough seasons sharpen learning, and why regional leadership matters, highlighting the balance between profitability and sustainability and the need for stronger support in precision ag, data and training. This episode explores: How Matt’s upbringing in Cummins shaped his connection to agriculture and regional community Why he moved to the Upper South East and what kept him there How the Meningie region shifted from mixed farming and dairy…
More episodes of GRDC Podcast
- Avoid the smashed egg: Improve on-farm communication
- Keeping crops clean and productive with disease management in faba and broad beans
- Staying ahead of lentil diseases with strategies for healthier crops
- What we’ve learned about lentil pod loss
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the GRDC Podcast podcast page.