In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, host Nick Paltridge is joined by Deb Scammell and Felicity Turner to discuss insights from recent sheep management webinars funded by the SA Drought Hub.

With South Australia experiencing one of its driest seasons on record, the trio explores the tough decisions farmers face, such as feed management, culling, and containment strategies.

They also delve into practical tools and tips for navigating these challenging times, including feed budgeting, containment pros and cons, and strategic culling.

The team emphasise the importance of planning, mental health, and community support as farmers work through the drought.

This episode is packed with valuable advice for managing the difficult season ahead.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:01 Reflecting on the Dry Season

01:58 Early Decisions and Strategies

02:55 Decision-Making Tools and Tips

06:10 Containment Strategies

09:59 Feed Budgeting and Management

18:00 Final Thoughts 

Useful links

Containment feeding

Feed cost calculator

This podcast was brought to you by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. 

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan is joined by zoning project regulars Peter Treloar Law and Sean Mason to discuss the impact of this exceptionally dry season on harvest data collection.

The episode emphasises the importance of gathering data to make informed decisions for the next season. The team also provides practical tips for ensuring equipment is ready for harvest and discusses the implications of different soil types, frost, and drought conditions on yields.

They highlight the significance of good record-keeping, monitoring nutrient balances, and the potential to reduce fertiliser inputs next year due to residual nutrients.

The podcast is supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:51 Current Harvest Conditions

02:33 Importance of Data Collection

05:43 Trial Strips and Observations

06:43 Equipment Preparation for Harvest

09:18 Nutrient Management for Next Year 1

1:14 Conclusion and Future Outlook

For more info on the project check out the project page on the MSF website click here

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Frost Decisions podcast, Tanja Morgan discusses advanced frost management techniques with Chaiyya Cooper, a Research Scientist from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Western Australia.

Chaiyya explains the impact of ice-nucleating bacteria on frost damage in crops and shares new findings on products being tested to mitigate this risk. Discover how these research efforts could transform frost damage management for growers and where to find more information on this groundbreaking study.

00:00 Introduction to Frost Management

00:53 Interview with Chaiyya Cooper

01:12 Understanding Ice Nucleating Bacteria

03:31 Research on Frost Management Products

05:29 Field Trials and Future Research

07:36 Conclusion and Further Information

The following links have more information on ice nucleating bacteria 

Agronomy Conference Proceedings 

GRDC publications

This podcast was brought to you by the GRDC project 'Applying current knowledge to inform, grower decision-making to mitigate the impact of frost now and in the future'. 

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Paige Cross converses with Peter Boutsalis from Plant Science Consulting on the intricate challenges of managing weeds during one of the driest years on record in Southern Australia.

The discussion delves into the complexities of herbicide resistance, especially concerning ryegrass and broadleaf weeds, and emphasises the importance of strategic weed management tactics such as residual herbicides, resistance testing, and soil moisture conservation.

Peter provides valuable insights and practical advice on assessing resistance, managing costs, and employing long-term weed control strategies for the upcoming seasons.

00:00 Introduction to Weed Management Challenges

00:34 Meet the Expert: Peter Boutsalis

02:00 Current Weed Challenges in Southern Australia

04:15 Ryegrass and Other Problematic Weeds

06:30 Strategies for Effective Weed Management

07:00 Sampling and Testing for Herbicide Resistance

10:25 Impact of Residual Herbicides and Dry Conditions

12:51 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

14:49 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

This podcast was brought to you by the GRDC project 'Demonstration of summer fallow weed management strategies to reduce input costs in soils of the Wentworth region'. 

For more info on the project visit the MSF project page click here

For more info on Herbicide Resistance Testing visit Plant Science Consulting 

Other useful resources - Kondinin Group Research Report June 2024 Managing Weeds and Pests During Drought

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Tanja Morgan and consultant Chris McDonough as they discuss the critical issue of dry saline land exacerbated by drought. Learn about the new Dry Saline Land Decision Tree tool, designed to help farmers and advisors with practical strategies to prevent land degradation.

Tune in to understand how to maintain soil health and crop productivity despite challenging conditions.

00:00 Introduction to Dry Saline Land Issues

00:36 Introducing the Dry Saline Land Decision Tree

01:05 Insights from the Field with Chris McDonough

01:57 Current Paddock Conditions and Challenges

04:17 Strategies for Managing Dry Saline Land

06:33 Resources and Tools for Farmers

07:27 Conclusion and Further Resources

To access the Dry Saline Land Decision Tree click here

To access the Mallee Seeps Decision Tree click here

This project "Building resilience to drought with landscape scale remediation of saline land" was funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and in collaboration with project partners Insight Extension for Agriculture, Ag Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP), Northern Sustainable Soils (NSS), PIRSA/ SARDI and Frontier Farming Systems. 

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan welcomes Dennis Hoiberg from Lessons Learnt Consulting, who shares over 30 years of expertise in navigating challenging times. As farmers face severe drought conditions, Dennis provides practical tools and heartfelt advice on building resilience, protecting emotional well-being, and taking actionable steps forward.

The discussion covers the importance of self-care, adaptability, acceptance of current challenges, and practical strategies like reaching out for help and practicing mindfulness.

Dennis emphasises the significance of gratitude and highlights the benefits of community support and storytelling in tough times.

Tune in to discover how to tackle stress and maintain a positive mindset despite hardships, with insights geared specifically towards farmers in these trying times.

00:00 Welcome to the Farm Talk Podcast

00:33 Introducing Dennis Hoiberg: Expert in Resilience

01:16 Key Takeaways for Farmers

02:04 Acceptance and Adaptability

03:04 The Importance of Sharing Stories

05:09 Practical Steps to Manage Stress

08:31 The Power of Gratitude and Mindfulness

09:32 Seeking Help and Community Support

10:31 Conclusion and Future Episodes

To learn more or contact Dennis Hoiberg visit Lessons Learnt Consulting

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, Nick Paltridge from Mallee Sustainable Farming interviews Steph Schmidt, a farmer and psychologist specialising in agricultural mental health.

They discuss the challenges faced by farmers due to drought and frost conditions in the Southern region, leading to financial strain and stress. Steph shares practical tips on managing mental health, the benefits of farm life, and the importance of staying connected with the community.

Steph also provides valuable advice on coping and sleeping strategies, including action planning, staying present, and the significance of family time. Additionally, resources and help lines for mental health support are highlighted.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:06 Meet Steph Schmidt: Farmer and Psychologist

01:17 Current Challenges in Farming

01:32 Steph's Farming Background

03:28 Mental Health in Farming

06:48 Strategies for Coping with Stress

11:25 Importance of Community and Connection

13:24 Sleep and Mindfulness Tips

16:33 Final Thoughts and Resources

More about Steph Schmidt

Steph Schmidt is a psychologist, farmer, and mum of three boys, running a large sheep and cropping enterprise in South Australia with her husband. Combining her psychological expertise with her lived farming experience, Steph shares practical mental health strategies to improve wellbeing for rural Australians. Known for her authenticity, she engages audiences with her raw and real journey from city girl to farmer,  her personal mental health journey, and the challenges and joys of farming life. In 2023, she led the "Change The Picture" campaign, highlighting farmer mental health through rural women's stories. Join Steph on her new podcast “Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt”.

Connect with Steph on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych.

Subscribe to Steph's podcast Farm Life Psych www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

Hear about support resources
Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt episode

Resources and links

Regional Access - www.saregionalaccess.org.au - 1300 032 186 
⁠⁠https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠⁠ - 13 11 14
⁠⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://kidshelpline.com.au/⁠⁠
www.ifarmwell.com.au

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, hosts Tanja Morgan and Nick Paltridge provide a regional seasonal update as part of the Future Drought Fund De-Risking Seeding Project and the Extension and Adoption Project.

They discuss the latest trials from New South Wales, exploring the benefits of early and deep sowing techniques, varietal differences in wheat, and soil amelioration efforts.

Interviews with local farmers Peter and Nigel Baird shed light on their experiences with wheat and pulse crops under challenging moisture conditions. The episode emphasises planning, weed control, and timely sowing as key strategies to manage a dry season effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:54 Wheat Variety Trials and Sowing Techniques

03:20 Pulse Crops and Soil Amelioration

05:48 Field Day Insights and Seasonal Challenges

09:51 Future Plans and Conclusion

For more info and photos from the field days check out the blog post click here

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, Tanja Morgan speaks with Barry Mudge, a Port Germain farmer involved in the GRDC Risk-Wise Project, about the critical nature of understanding production costs and managing risks in low rainfall environments.

They review discussions held with the Lowbank Ag Bureau and delve into Barry's expertise in growing and harvesting lentils amidst challenging conditions.

Key topics include the importance of cost management, adapting practices for risk mitigation, leveraging historical rainfall data, and practical tips for successful lentil harvesting.

This episode is supported by GRDC investments in RiskWi$e and Grain Legume Production projects.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:22 Meeting Insights with Lowbank Ag Bureau

01:33 Understanding Cost of Production

02:44 Risk Management in Low Rainfall Environments

04:16 Harvesting Lentils: Tips and Techniques

06:59 Comparing Crop Production Costs

07:40 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

For more information on RiskWi$e click here

For more information on the SA Grain Legume Production project click here

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, consultant Chris McDonough speaks with farmer Matt Cook about his strategies for using early-season rainfall to establish crops and managing grazing to prevent soil degradation.

Cook discusses the challenges of farming in areas with dry saline land and issues with resistant weeds like ryegrass and barley grass. He also shares insights on the impact of grazing, the use of various materials like sand and organic matter from feedlots to improve soil health, and the importance of seeding in damp conditions for better crop establishment.

This episode provides practical advice on maintaining ground cover and building long-term soil resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Opportunistic Rainfall and Livestock Management

00:46 Interview with Farmer Matt Cook: Farming System and Rainfall

01:39 Challenges with Ryegrass and Barley grass Resistance

02:02 Managing Magnesia-Affected Areas

03:33 Impact of Grazing and Electric Fencing

04:43 Seeding Strategies and Early Season Moisture

05:59 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farmtalk podcast, the focus is on soil carbon and carbon farming in the Mallee. Over the past 12 months, pilot projects supported by the South Australian government's Department of Primary Industries and Regions have explored the feasibility of storing carbon post-soil amelioration.

The podcast includes a field day discussion with consultant Ed Scott and various farmers about the initial findings, methods for mapping and managing land, and the challenges in increasing soil carbon in low rainfall sandy environments.

The episode also delves into the practical and agronomic benefits of soil amelioration, the complexities of carbon project registration, and the potential for future carbon accounting and emissions tracking.

00:00 Introduction to Soil Carbon

00:16 Overview of Carbon Farming Pilot Projects

00:53 Field Day Insights with Ed Scott

01:37 Mapping and Strategy Development

03:56 Challenges and Expectations in Carbon Sequestration

05:29 Long-term Monitoring and Results

07:01 Farmer Experiences and Agronomic Benefits

10:46 Farmer Experiences with Project Registration

13:01 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.