Weedsmart Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the world of spot spray technology.Rob Price, from South Australia, and Jake Hamilton, from Queensland, use Bilberry and John Deere See and Spray tech respectively. They explain their motivations for using the tech, and discuss the opportunities and challenges they have faced when incorporating the latest camera/optical spray equipment into their cropping program.NEWS and LINKSWebinar:Spot Spray technology – opportunities & challenges incorporating the latest camera/optical spray equipment: On March 6, Join Weedsmart Extension Agronomists, Peter Newman and Greg Condon as they explore the current spot spray technologies on offer and the opportunities and challenges with incorporating the latest spot (camera/optical) spray equipment.Millers/McIntosh Tech specialist Scott Jamieson and John Deere’s Anton Kowalenko provide their insights into how farmers/spray contractors can address the challenges and opportunities with utilising this technology.Learn more about WeedSmart by vis

Welcome back to the WeedSmart Podcast for 2024.This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower and agronomist Matt Elliott.Matt farms with his family near Nandaly in the Mallee region of Victoria, and is also an agronomist with Dodgshun Medlin.They crop mainly wheat barley, lentils, and export hay, and run their operation on a "take no prisoners" basis when it comes to weed control.After a couple of wet years and a decent amount of summer rain, Matt is excited for what 2024 might bring.Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

In this episode, we wrap up the 2023 season by talking with our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists.Together, Northern Extension Agronomist Paul McIntosh, Southern Extension Agronomists Greg Condon and Chris Davey, and Western Extension Agronomist Peter Newman take us through the year that was in their various parts of the country.The talk about the season itself, how harvest has panned out, and of course the weed control tactics that have proved most beneficial in 2023.NEWS and LINKSWebinar: Biological control of grains weeds – development of novel tools and approaches for integration: Discover the pioneering work of CSIRO researchers Dr Ben Gooden and Dr Michelle Rafter on using biocontrol agents to control crop weeds. They will discuss their work conducting exploratory surveys of biocontrol agents and host-testing with pathogens and insects.Articles1. Testing optical sprayer technology return on investment: Machinery prices have sky-rocketed in recent years, leaving many growers wondering whether new technolog

This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower Katrina (Treen) Swift.Treen farms with her family near Parkes, NSW, where they grow summer and winter crops in incredibly variable conditions.They have 13 different crops in their toolbox, including but not limited to, sorghum, mungbeans, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, lupins, vetch, canola, wheat, barley, and ancient grains.The idea is that gives them options for weed and insect management by not being set in a very short and strict rotations.Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

In this episode, we talk about crop rotations with two researchers from CSIRO. CSIRO senior experimental scientist, Tony Swan, discusses the importance of diverse crop rotations, the benefits of a double break, and how well-planned crop rotations can help nitrogen management. CSIRO farming systems scientist, Lindsay Bell, talks about rotations from a northern perspective, covering the importance of weed control during fallow, how soil water is a driver of decisions, and including legumes in crop diversification. NEWS and LINKS Upcoming webinar: Biological control of grains weeds – development of novel tools and approaches for integrationDiscover the pioneering work of CSIRO researchers Dr Ben Gooden and Dr Michelle Rafter on using biocontrol agents to control crop weeds. They will discuss their work conducting exploratory surveys of biocontrol agents and host-testing with pathogens and insects.Articles1. Investment in holistic weed management pays off: An independent evaluation noted that WeedSmart has found

This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower and Nutrien agronomist Dan Skerman. Dan farms with his family near Dalby, Qld, on 2000 ha. They grow cotton, sorghum and mungbean in summer and wheat, barley and chickpeas in winter.He gives us an update on how the season played out for him, considering the region went from one of the wettest 18-month periods on record to some of the driest three months of summer. Dan says they got 350 mm of rain in last year's winter growing season, versus only 20 mm this year.Dan talks about his summer/winter rotation and the weed control practices he deploys on the farm.Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

In this episode, we talk about harvest preparedness. We hear from two of WeedSmart’s extension agronomists.WeedSmart southern extension agronomist, Chris Davey, discusses the different ways growers can get the crop dry enough to successfully put it through a harvester without any blockages, such as windrowing, desiccation and crop topping. WeedSmart western extension agronomist, Peter Newman, talks about optimum harvester set-up to ensure weed seeds go into the chaff cart, chaff deck or weed seed impact mill.NEWS and LINKSWebinar recording: The economics of weeds — what they cost and the benefits of managing them effectivelyWe don’t often take the time to calculate what yield reduction weeds are actually responsible for, or what a well-planned rotation for weed management can make a farming business. In our latest webinar, we discussed the economic benefits of implementing an integrated weed management approach on your farm. Upcoming webinar: Biological control of grains weeds – development of novel tools and

In this podcast, we’re talking about hybrid canola and how it might benefit your farming system.  We’ll hear from AHRI Agronomy Lead, Mike Ashworth, who has done research in this space, as well as Wagga Wagga grower, Michael Molloy, who grows Clearfield canola. NEWS and LINKSWeedSmart Week presentation recordingsWeedSmart Week Dubbo was a fantastic opportunity to learn first-hand how Western Plains growers control weeds whilst optimising yields and profits. If you were not able to join us in person, you can watch the recordings of the forum presentations on our website.ArticlesOur content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month.1.    Keep clear of paraquat-resistant fleabane: The lack of new broad-spectrum knockdown herbicide options means that growers need to be working hard on other management tools where the double-knock is losing efficacy. Agronomist Barry Haskins gives his top tips to control fleabane.2.    Tackle weeds and herbicide resistance with the Big 6: Nutrien agronom

East Pingelly grain farmer Lance Turner joins us on the Regional Update today.Lance has farming land in the northern part of the Wheatbelt as well in Goodlands, as well as Corrigin. The home farm in Pingelly is and has had quite good rainfall, but as Lance says in the podcast, it's been a mixed bag for his farming properties across the Western region.Lance talks about the different conditions he's had at his properties, as well us how he's rectifying some set-backs, where a few mistakes a couple of years ago lead to a ryegrass blowout. Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

This week on the podcast we're hearing about the key messages shared by presenters and panel members at WeedSmart Week Dubbo.This was our 10th event and we also celebrated WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary.We had excellent presenters and lively panels at the forum day, machinery expo and farm visits.  Our Southern Extension Agronomist, Greg Condon provides a great overview. We also hear from attendees Tess Dimond and Angus Dagliesh, as well as farm visit agronomist presenter, Chris McCormack, who manages Gus O'Brien's farm. New webinar recording You can now watch the latest webinar recording, Combating resistant annual ryegrass in northern farming systems. Annual ryegrass, the Australian grain industry’s most costly weed, is making an unwelcome appearance in summer crops and extending its range further north in winter crops.In this webinar, Nutrien agronomist Garry Onus talks about practical strategies to prevent and manage incursions of resistant annual ryegrass populations in northern cropping sys

Temora grower, Jason Coleman, joins us on the podcast today to give a recap on his experience at WeedSmart Week Dubbo and an update on his farming system.Jason farms with his family in Temora, NSW, on 6000 ha, growing primarily wheat and canola. He said his interest was piqued in the technology space at Dubbo, including the insights into optical spot spraying, drone technology (Single Agriculture) and automation. He said he also found it interesting to hear directly from growers about their experiences on farm. Jason plans to narrow his rows off the back of some of the grower stories shared in Dubbo and surrounds. Follow Jason on Twitter here. Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

This is our 200th WeedSmart podcast episode – thank you for downloading the podcast and being part of the community since 2016. In this episode, we talk about weed hygiene and how to deal with resistant ryegrass incursions, with Moree agronomist Garry Onus. We also talk to Ben Single from Single Agriculture about the Single Shot technology drone mapping technology which will be on display at WeedSmart Week Dubbo at the Machinery Expo on August 2nd. Speaking of WeedSmart Week, this will be our 10th event and we’ll be celebrating WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary – so not only will there be practical information on weed control solutions, but it’ll also be a great networking environment. There’s still time to get your tickets, so head to the WeedSmart website today to secure your spot here. Articles and events Our content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month.1.     Make every drop of herbicide count: For ten years, WeedSmart has stood alongside growers and agronomists, promoting scien

In this Regional update, we head to Central Queensland, to hear from farmer Don Sampson. Don uses a blade plough that cuts weeds off at the roots without inverting the soil.This maintains soil moisture in his conservation farming system. We met Don back in 2019 at our Emerald WeedSmart Week event, so we’re going to hear how he’s been going and how effective the blade plough has been over the last few years.Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

In this episode, we catch up with two growers who will be presenting at WeedSmart Week Dubbo, as well as one of our panel chairs. Our guests provide insights into Western Plains farming systems, as well provide updates on how the season is playing out in this region. We hear from Heuston Agronomy Services Director and New South Wales DPI Project Manager, Penny Heuston. Penny will be chairing our panel at WeedSmart Week Dubbo on “How does The Big 6 fit into mixed farming?”This panel will focus on how growers are using pastures and forage crops to improve weed control options and profit. Panel members include Joe Mason (grower, Wellington), Andrew McFayden (agronomist and grower, Lake Cargelligo), John Kilby (grower, Gilgandra), and Jack Brennan (grower, Warren).Narromine grower, Billy Browning will be on our WeedSmart Week Dubbo Big 6 panel on the Forum Day and we’ll also be visiting his farm on Day 2. He shares some insights about the weed control tools he uses and gives an update on how the season is playing

For this Western Regional Update, we caught up with grower Sandon Knipe who runs a mixed farming enterprise with his family. We caught up  in the field at his home farm based in Spencers Brook in WA's Avon Valley.Sandon explained they've expanded their enterprise away from this region, acquiring more farmland in the Jennapullin township, which is north east of the home farm. This was a strategic decision to chase a dryer climate, better suited to broadacre farming.In this chat, we chat about the evolution of Sandon's farming system, discussing how they effectively adopted a chaff cart, including the benefits of weed control and the ability to supplement their sheep feed.  In recent times, Sandon said they've been running out of time to burn dumps and they've been looking at moving away from this practice for the key reasons of social license, time, and nutrient management.  They've now acquired a Seed Terminator weed seed impact mill. We also catch-up on how seeding is going for

On this podcast episode, we catch up with two growers to see how seeding is going and we get an insight into their farming systems.We hear from Collie, NSW, grower, Andrew Freeth, who outlines his spray application strategy. This is also the topic he'll be presenting at our upcoming WeedSmart Week Dubbo event on August 1. Tim Cooke from WA also shares insights on his mixed farming operation and how seeding has played out for him and his wife Anthea. WeedSmart Week DubboWe're heading to Dubbo, NSW, for our 10th WeedSmart Week on August 1-3.  Early bird tickets are on sale now. Secure your ticket here.ArticlesOur senior content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month.1.     Power of crop rotation to combat herbicide resistance features Glenn Milne who presented at our WeedSmart Week Dalby event back in February. Glenn is a grower and agronomist who has effectively used crop rotation to curb resistance. Glenn’s farming system takes advantage of the variety of crops suited t

An opportunity for a double knock has been few and far between for growers in the region surrounding Wirrabara in South Australia. Russell Zwar is grower in this area, with over 2000 hectares on a zero-till, strip and disc farming system. With an average 450-550mm annual rainfall, the Zwar familiy grow wheat, barley, canola, faba beans and hay. The main problem weed is ryegrass. Russell says the conditions this year have lined up well to be able to do a double knock. On the podcast he talks about this opportunity. Russell, who presented at our Clare WeedSmart Week event in 2020, is now running a Seed Terminator. He was previously using chaff decks, but was finding the chaff wasn't breaking down in the rows as much as he would've liked. He talks about this evolution in his farming system as well. Learn more about WeedSmart by visiting our website. Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too.

In this podcast, we talk about getting the most out of your autumn knockdowns with Mark Congreve. My co-host Peter Newman also provides an update on the changes to the residue limits of canola treated with haloxyfop. Spray application linksWatch Mark Congreve's webinar on glyphosate application here. Read our article discussing spray quality, nozzles and application here. Learn about the expanded options for spot sprayers and access more resources here. WeedSmart Week DubboWeedSmart Week Dubbo Tickets are live at early bird prices, and you get a 10% discount if you’re in a grower or agronomist group of 5 or more. Join us at WeedSmart Week Dubbo from the 1st to the 3rd of August 2023. WeedSmart Week is designed to engage growers and advisors on the WeedSmart Big 6 messages.We’re excited to be bringing WeedSmart Week back to New South Wales for our 10th event and to celebrate WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary! Don’t miss the celebration.The program consists of a Forum day at the Dubbo Regional Theatre & Con

This month on the Regional Update, we head to the Northern Region to chat with Peter Galea, who is a grower just north of Emerald. Peter grows both grains and cotton.He joins host Jessica Strauss to run through his farming system and what works for him to control weeds. Upcoming webinarRegister here for our webinar: The fate of herbicide residues in soil – why it matters and what research is telling usHerbicide breakdown is driven by a range of microbial processes. What does this look like in intensive cropping systems?Dr Mick Rose from NSW Department of Primary Industries (now Southern Cross University) and his team have been investigating the breakdown of different herbicides across a range of soil types and rainfall zones.During the fallow or in-crop season, there are often several applications of herbicide, and some residues may still be present on or near the soil surface when it is time to plant the next crop. Particularly in dry years, residues may even carry over from the crop prior to the fallow.Mick

On this podcast episode, we talk about glyphosate resistant ryegrass with WA grower Greg Curnow and get an overview on the new pre-emergent herbicides available and the stewardship around them from Dr Chris Preston. WeedSmart Week DubboWeedSmart Week Dubbo Tickets are live at early bird prices, and you get a 10% discount if you’re in a grower or agronomist group of 5 or more.Join us at WeedSmart Week Dubbo from the 1st to the 3rd of August 2023. WeedSmart Week is designed to engage growers and advisors on the WeedSmart Big 6 messages.We’re excited to be bringing WeedSmart Week back to New South Wales for our 10th event and to celebrate WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary! Don’t miss the celebration.The program consists of a Forum Day at the Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre and farm visits in the Western Plains to see how forward-thinking growers are implementing the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics to minimise the impact of herbicide resistance on their businesses. Get your early bird tickets here. ArticlesOur