Join Tanja Morgan and Research Engineer Dr Chris Saunders from University of South Australia's, Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Center, as they discuss field trial work aimed at improving soil amelioration efficiency.

This episode explores the second year of trials focusing on tine configurations, power requirements, and fuel efficiency with drought conditions in 2024 highlighting the gains that can be made from overcoming soil constraints.

Chris and Tanja discuss how different setups can help farmers save costs, enhance productivity, and address soil constraints effectively, particularly in sandy soils.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Overview of the Trial Work at Copeville

00:44 Scaling Up the Project

01:07 Power and Fuel Efficiency

02:14 Soil Type and Ripper Performance

03:20 Economic Considerations

06:21 Yield Responses and Final Thoughts

06:49 Conclusion and Future Information

Resources

GRDC Deep Ripping Efficiency Considerations Part 1 - coming soon

GRDC Deep Ripping Efficiency Considerations Part 2 - coming soon

Grower case study - Mick Farley, Farmer, Copeville South Australia. 

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In the final episode of our harvest binge series, we delve into an inspiring adventure as we chat with Tanja about her April 2024 trek along the Kokoda track. Covering the physical challenges, resilience, and camaraderie she experienced, this discussion shares observations on similarities to Mallee farming life.

Join us as we wrap up with reflections on seeking new opportunities and pursuing goals beyond farming. 

00:00 Introduction to the Final Episode

00:15 Reflecting on the Kokoda Trek

00:23 Interview with Nick Paltridge 

00:35 Lessons from the Kokoda Experience

01:53 Insights for Farmers

03:41 The Importance of Teamwork

05:25 Challenges and Humor on the Trek

05:32 Returning Home and New Perspectives

06:46 Weather and Terrain on the Kokoda Track

08:07 Anzac Day and Historical Reflections

09:59 Physical and Mental Challenges

11:16 Conclusion and Future Plans

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s tuned in, shared, and supported the MSF FarmTalk podcast. We’re signing off for 2024 but will return in 2025 with new and exciting episodes to inspire and inform.

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In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge speaks with Rick Rundell-Gordon, a seasoned agronomist from Swan Hill, about the challenges and lessons from the 2024 cropping season.

With over 30 years of experience, Rick discusses strategies for effective planning and preparation, the importance of summer weed control, soil amelioration, and managing crop rotations. He emphasises the need to plan early and control controllable factors to ensure a successful 2025.

The conversation provides valuable insights for farmers aiming to improve their crop yields and sustainability.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:35 Season Review and Challenges

03:23 Lessons Learned and Strategies

06:07 Planning for the Future

11:02 Opportunities and Future Outlook

12:08 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

This podcast was supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program. The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator is an important member of the Western Local Land Services team, helping land managers make better decisions for a more sustainable future. 

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Welcome to the latest episode of MSF FarmTalk Series - Farming a Growth Mindset, hosted by Tanja Morgan and supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

This episode features Dennis J. Hoiberg, an expert in emotional wellbeing and resilience, discussing the transformative power of mindset and choice. Dennis offers practical tips to help farmers develop and sustain a growth mindset, including the 'heroic minute' each morning and the 'hour of power.'

Learn how to navigate personal and professional challenges with optimism and creativity, and understand the importance of sleep, body language, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

Tune in for tips to enhance your productivity and emotional well-being on the farm.

00:00 Introduction to the MSF Farm Podcast

00:25 The Power of Choice and Mindset

01:14 Understanding Different Mindsets

03:07 Developing and Sustaining a Growth Mindset

08:06 Practical Tips for a Positive Mindset

12:06 The Importance of Community and Support

15:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This project is being led by Mallee Sustainable Farming and has been funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and is supported by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

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In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, supported by Advantage Grain, hosts David Evans and David Long delve into the complexities of global grain markets.

They discuss important factors like geopolitical shifts, weather impacts, and financial market volatility that influence grain pricing and exports. The two experts also provide insights into strategies that can help Australian growers effectively manage these challenges, such as structured marketing programs.

This episode offers advice for farmers looking to streamline their grain marketing efforts and set up stable cash flow amidst global uncertainties. 

00:00 Introduction to Grain Marketing

00:41 Global Factors Influencing Grain Markets

01:27 Geopolitical Impacts on Grain Prices

04:19 Australian Market Overview

04:45 Mallee Region Insights

06:40 Grain Marketing Programs and Solutions

08:49 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

For more information on Advantage Grain's programs and services, please visit their website at www.advantagegrain.com.au

To speak directly with our experts:

David Evans: mobile 0437 176 280 or [email protected]

David Long: mobile 0427 012 273 or [email protected]

Alternatively, you can reach out via email at [email protected] or call the main line at 1300 245 586.

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In part two of the MSF Farm Talk podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at DPIRD in WA, the focus is on agronomy practices following soil amelioration.

The discussion covers methods for effective crop establishment, seeding techniques, and the use of longer coleoptile wheat varieties to improve productivity on freshly ameliorated soils.

Dr. Davies also shares insights into the challenges and strategies for managing these soils to ensure successful crop growth. The episode wraps up with considerations on seed rates and the benefits of strategic planning for future planting seasons. We would like to acknowledge that much of the work discussed on the podcast is the result of joint investment across a number of projects by DPIRD and GRDC. 

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One

00:28 Agronomy After Amelioration

00:50 Crop Establishment Strategies

03:17 Seeding Techniques and Equipment

05:12 Long Coleoptile Wheat Benefits

08:04 Challenges and Solutions in Crop Establishment

10:09 Conclusion and Future Insights

This podcast was brought to you but the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund project ‘Extension and Adoption of Drought Farming Practices’ and ‘De-risking the seeding program - Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry early sown crops’.

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In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with Dr Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), to discuss soil amelioration practices in Western Australia.

Stephen, who has over 20 years of experience working in the Northern Greenbelt of WA, shares insights into tackling soil challenges like water-repellent sands through deep ripping, mouldboard ploughing, spading, and more.

This episode provides practical advice, the evolution of WA soil management techniques, and the impact of various methods on soil health and crop yield, acknowledging that much of the work discussed on the podcast is the result of joint investment across a number of projects by DPIRD and GRDC. 

Stay tuned for part two, where the discussion continues into more agronomic decisions crucial for successful soil amelioration.

00:00 Introduction to Soil Amelioration

00:17 Stephen Davies' Background and Experience

00:50 Challenges and Solutions in Soil Management

03:49 Deep Ripping and Soil Inversion Techniques

05:42 Adoption and Impact of Soil Amelioration

09:46 Strategic Tillage and Long-Term Benefits

14:36 Balancing Tillage with Sustainability

17:29 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Useful links from Dr Stephen Davies work

Agronomy Conference 2024 paper

Crop establishment following amelioration PDF

Follow Dr Stephen Davies on X @SteveDsoilsciWA

This podcast was brought to you but the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund projects ‘Extension and Adoption of Drought Farming Practices’ and ‘De-risking the seeding program - Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry early sown crops’.

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In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, SARDI Climate Scientist Peter Hayman and CSIRO Research Agronomist Kenton Porker discuss the significant challenges and key decisions faced by farmers during the 2024 season.

They delve into the complexities brought by extreme weather conditions, including frost events and seeding strategies, and reflect on what tactics proved effective.

The conversation covers techniques like deep sowing, interpreting forecasts, and understanding risk management to guide future farming decisions.

Listen in to gain valuable insights on making informed agronomic choices amidst uncertainty.

00:00 Introduction to the 2024 Season Challenges

01:00 Weather Patterns and Frost Events

04:18 Seeding Strategies and Farmer Decisions

07:13 Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

07:32 Reflecting on Frost and Water Stress

12:16 Planning for the Next Season

17:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, host Nick Paltridge speaks with livestock consultant Geoff Duddy, Sheep Solutions Principal Consultant, about effective strategies for managing livestock during dry periods. Geoff shares his extensive experience and insights on overcoming feed shortages, implementing confinement feeding, and making crucial decisions about finishing stock or selling stores. 

Listeners will gain valuable advice on maximising feed efficiency, designing containment systems, and improving livestock health to navigate challenging seasons. Tune in for practical tips and expert recommendations to help producers maintain productivity and reduce costs.

00:00 Introduction to Livestock Management in Dry Times

00:55 Meet the Expert: Geoff Duddy's Background

01:55 Current Conditions and Challenges in NSW

03:01 Confinement Feeding: Benefits and Strategies

03:32 Deciding Between Finishing Stock or Selling Stores

07:28 Containment Design and Management Tips

17:09 Health Considerations in Containment

18:52 Future Outlook for the Sheep Industry

20:50 Conclusion and Resources

Useful links

NSW DPI Feed Calculator

Links to Geoff's presentations - click here

This podcast was supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program. The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator is an important member of the Western Local Land Services team, helping land managers make better decisions for a more sustainable 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, hosts Nick Paltridge and Tanja Morgan discuss with WA farmer Wayne Pech his experiences in carbon farming, recorded during the Agronomy Conference in Albany in 2024.

Wayne shares his journey of reducing emissions while maintaining farm productivity in the Great Southern region. The conversation covers the motivations behind his environmental initiatives, the practical steps he's undertaken in carbon calculations, planting trees, and reducing livestock emissions.

Wayne also delves into the challenges faced, the maintenance of carbon farming projects, and the future prospects of carbon credits and environmental plantation benefits.

00:00 Introduction to MSF Farm Talk Podcast

00:52 Wayne's Farming Background

01:36 Addressing Emissions in Agriculture

02:57 Carbon Calculation and Tree Planting

04:21 Challenges and Solutions in Carbon Farming

07:23 Future of Carbon Credits and Funding

09:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast was delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program in collaboration with the Grower Group Alliance. 

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Join host Paige Cross and Weed Smart agronomist Chris Davey (CD) in this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast as they discuss the GRDC field day focused on optimising soil amelioration efficiency.

CD explores how weeds can indicate underlying soil health issues and shares various soil amelioration techniques to mitigate weed pressure. The conversation also touches on crop competition, soil health improvement strategies, and considerations for future growing seasons, particularly in the context of dry conditions.

This episode is full of practical advice for long-term weed management and crop success.

00:00 Introduction to MSF Farm Talk Podcast

00:52 Exploring Soil Amelioration Techniques

01:33 Understanding Soil Health Through Weeds

05:08 Strategies for Soil Amelioration and Weed Management

11:11 Considerations for Dry Seasons and Future Planning

14:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast was brought to you by the GRDC NGN project 'Optimising soil amelioration costs in typical Mallee soils'.  

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

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