MSF Farm Talk Podcast

Mallee Sustainable Farming Research Officer Louise Brok shares insights from the Millewa long-term crop rotation trial established in 2025 in the Victorian Mallee. The trial is evaluating pulse-inclusive farming systems, featuring 50% legumes across five fully phased rotations over four years. The project is investigating profitability, nitrogen fixation and fertiliser requirements, and groundcover retention. Designed for the low-organic-carbon sandy soils of the region, the work aims to test and validate farming systems that improve both productivity and resilience in high-risk environments. Despite an extremely dry 2025 season — with crops dry sown on 5 May and receiving only around 90 mm of growing-season rainfall — the trials still delivered valuable early insights. This episode explores the first-year results from the crop rotation and legume integration trial, along with additional demonstrations including wheat–vetch intercropping with varying vetch termination timings and a MAP fertiliser rate demonstration. 📄 Year 1 Results Fact Sheet: Millewa Fact Sheet Year 1📋 Legume based cropping systems project page: Legume Based Cropping Systems - Mallee Sustainable Farming This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, we say goodbye and thank you to Nick Paltridge, who has been Mallee Sustainable Farming’s podcast host, project manager, communicator, and all-round good sport for the past three years. Nick reflects on his time with MSF, sharing memories from the paddock, what he’s learned about Mallee farming systems and community, and why he’s optimistic about the future of low rainfall agriculture. It’s a warm, honest conversation to wrap up an important chapter for MSF's FarmTalk podcast and to celebrate the work that goes on behind the scenes to connect growers with ideas, research, and each other.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, we kick off a new series inspired by the book 101 Questions about SA Cropping Soils. Host Nick Paltridge is joined by Dr. Nigel Wilhelm from the South Australian Research and Development Institute to explore how cropping systems have evolved over recent decades—especially in low rainfall environments. The discussion covers key topics such as early sowing practices, nitrogen and phosphorus management during dry seasons, and the expanding role of grain legumes in sustainable crop rotations. Dr. Wilhelm also shares his perspective on the future of farming, highlighting the importance of diversified weed and pest control strategies for long-term productivity. This practical and forward-looking episode offers valuable insights for farmers, agronomists, and anyone involved in dryland agriculture. Chapters & Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction to MSF Farm Talk Podcast 00:58 – Meet Dr. Nigel Wilhelm: Career and Contributions 01:35 – Evolution of Farming Systems 02:40 – Nitrogen and Phosphorus Management 03:29 – Profitable Break Crops in Mallee Farming 05:06 – Green Manure and Crop Rotation Benefits 05:50 – Challenges and Strategies for Dry Seasons 07:07 – Long-term Crop Nutrition Strategies 09:13 – Future of Farming Systems 10:17 – Conclusion and Resources This episode is supported by the South Australian Grains Industry Trust, the GRDC's RiskWi$e project, and the Mallee CMA, which funds long-term trial work in North Western Victoria. To visit the 101 Question on Soils visit the MSF website: https://msfp.org.au/projects/enhancing-farmer-knowledge-of-soil-function/Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking Over the FenceEpisode Title: Boosting Productivity on Tough SoilsHosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick PaltridgeSupported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in South Australia's Northern and Yorke region are tackling soil constraints like acidity, salinity, and paddock variability using precision agriculture tools. From NDVI mapping and yield tracking to variable rate lime and gypsum applications, they highlight practical, cost-effective ways growers are reducing input waste and building soil health. With 70% savings on lime in some cases, clearer root growth in limed zones, and better decisions driven by local trials, this episode shows that small, targeted changes can lead to big gains in even the driest years. Full case study available at Soils Connect Disclaimer: The practices discussed are based on regional trials and may not suit all farms. Please seek independent advice before applying these approaches on your property. This project is supported by Mallee Sustainable Farming, through funding from the AustralianGovernment’s Future Drought Fund.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking Over the FenceEpisode Title: Soil Testing That Pays in the Hills & FleurieuSupported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in the Hills and Fleurieu region are using regular soil testing to manage constraints like acidity, salinity, and low soil biology. They unpack lessons from the "Soil Your Undies" test, highlight the need for consistent testing methods, and explain how understanding soil pH and nutrient levels can help suppress weeds, improve pasture resilience, and support livestock. From biodiversity benefits to smart rotational grazing, this episode offers practical ideas for building healthier, more productive soils in a complex and varied landscape. Full case study available at Soils Connect  Disclaimer: The practices discussed are based on regional trials and may not suit all farms. Please seek independent advice before applying these approaches on your property. This project is supported by Mallee Sustainable Farming, through funding from the AustralianGovernment’s Future Drought Fund.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking Over the Fence Podcast SeriesEpisode Title: Boosting Productivity on AIR EP’s Sandy SoilsHosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick PaltridgeSupported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick take us “over the fence” to the Eyre Peninsula to explore how AIR EP is helping farmers tackle tough sandy soils and make break crops like lentils a more viable option. They uncover practical strategies for managing compaction, salinity, and poor water retention using deep ripping, on-row sowing, and smart phosphorus management. What you’ll hear about: Why lentils struggle on sandy soils—and how to manage it Key nutrient advice: phosphorus importance, nitrogen exclusion, and copper considerations MAP vs. DAP fertiliser decisions in saline environments The benefits (and risks) of deep ripping for pulse crops How early biomass relates to yield potential Practical paddock planning for lentils The value of peer-to-peer learning and the need for long-term trials Full case study available at Soils Connect Disclaimer: The practices discussed are based on regional trials and may not suit all farms. Please seek independent advice before applying these approaches on your property. This project is supported by Mallee Sustainable Farming, through funding from the AustralianGovernment’s Future Drought Fund.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and practical episode, Nick Paltridge sits down with Mary O’Brien, founder of the grassroots mental health initiative Are You Bogged Mate? Mary shares her trademark no-nonsense approach to rural mental health, offering honest reflections on the pressures faced by farmers, how mental load builds quietly, and why mateship and straight talk are sometimes the best tools we've got. The conversation dives into: Why rural men often go quiet when they’re struggling How Mary uses relatable language (and a bit of humour) to cut through the stigma The signs to look for in yourself or your mates Why being available—and being real—makes a difference Simple ways to start a conversation that could save a life Whether you’re personally doing it tough or just want to be a better support to your mates, this episode is worth your time. This episode is part of our "Farming a Growth Mindset" series - practical conversations that focus on the mental and emotional wellbeing when living life on the land. 🔗 Links and Resources Visit Are You Bogged Mate? Check out TIACS for free and confidential phone or text support This episode is brought to you by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.