In this podcast episode, results from Anthony Rowe's vari-rate and sowing time demonstration in Millewa are discussed. Pete Treloar and Anthony Rowe talk about the outcomes presented to the Millewa agronomy group, focusing on the benefits of increasing seeding rates on sandhills for crop yield and ground cover, and the mixed results on different soils. Despite the underwhelming response to reduced rates on heavy soils, the importance of seed over fertilizer was highlighted. The discussion also explores the role of phosphorus in vari-rate fertilization, the prospects of further optimization in ..read more

In this year's first episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we are thrilled to announce the winner of the prestigious 2024 David Roget Award for Excellence. This award is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy and contribution of David Roget, a principal research scientist at the CSIRO, who revolutionized the field by taking research out of the lab and into the paddock. David's passion, enthusiasm, and research had a profound impact on reducing soil erosion and increasing profitability in dry land farming production systems in the Mallee. To honor his work, MSF (Mallee Sustainable Farming) has ..read more

The flashback podcast episode features a discussion with Tanja Morgan from MSF and Jess Koch from Breezy Hill Ag Services in 2021. Jess has been investigating the impact of frost in the Murray Town Valley, an area prone to heavy frost conditions. They discuss the use of precision ag data, temperature sensors, and landscape change maps in identifying frost-prone areas. Jess shares observations from the data collected, revealing that specific locations experience frost events more frequently than assumed. She emphasizes the value of this data in making informed farming decisions, including deter ..read more

The episode discusses the issues of Mallee seeps and introduces a new digital support tool called AgriSolve. The new tool uses satellite NDVI maps for the early identification of Mallee seeps. This tool is a product of collaborative work between MSF and independent consultant Chris McDonough with funding from the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Grassroots Grant.  Chris and Tanja discuss the five key steps in assessing and managing Mallee seeps and the functionality of AgriSolve in aiding this process. The podcast concludes with an offer for listeners to reach out for perso ..read more

What is the influence of sowing time on wheat yields in the Mallee region? Tune in to this podcast to hear how variable rate technology can enhance crop performance. Join Nick Paltridge from Mallee Sustainable Farming as he engages in a down to earth conversation in the field with Millewa farmer Anthony Rowe, agronomist Peter Baird, and SARDI Soilborne Diseases researcher Blake Gontar. Learn about the demonstrations taking place on Anthony's farm, delve into the world of crop disease management and risk mitigation, and gain insights into the 2023 season. This project is supported by the Malle ..read more

Discover the impact of Variable Rate Technology on cereal cropping in the Millewa in the latest MSF Farmtalk podcast. Join us as we dive into Andy Marwood's experience implementing seeding rate test strips at Carwarp this year. Gain valuable insights from local agronomist Peter Baird and SARDI Soilborne diseases researcher Blake Gonter as they share their perspectives on the current season and reveal the top seed and fertilizer inputs for success. This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Suppor ..read more

As the spring season is now upon us it can be an anxious time for many, as the fruits of our labour sit exposed to the elements as we approach the seasonal finish line. We can see that harvest is on the horizon but we are not quite there yet. So what could possibly go wrong? Heat stress, moisture stress, and the f word....frost! At this time of year it’s all out being prepared. Hope for the best but be prepared.  In this episode we catch up with: Peter Hayman, Principal Scientist, SARDI Climate Applications Bill Long, Ag Consulting Co Consultant and Eyre Peninsula Farmer Kate Burke, Thin ..read more

Coming to you from the GRDC Grain legume Production hub site field day at Loxton, we catch up with SARDI Research Scientist and Pulse Pathology Sub Program Leader, Sara Blake.  Making the right decision about fungicide application in a low rainfall region can be tricky.  Sara gives us a better understanding of what to consider before making the decision to apply fungicides and making sure the conditions are right to make it worthwhile.  For more information on PIRSA's Crop Watch, to subscribe or reach out to the Crop Watch team click here For more information about the GRDC Grai ..read more

There are many farms across the Mallee that have salt scalds form in their cropping paddocks, usually at the bottom of a sandhill. This forage shrub podcast looks into the way that Blue Wyatt has used his stand of saltbush to fix a salt scald area. If Blue's experience is anything to go by, the degraded land can be reclaimed quite simply with the shrubs and provide a useful source of sheep feed at the same time. In this second podcast, Nick chats with Blue on his farm at Murrayville.  This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australia ..read more

In this third podcast in our shrubs series, we hear from mixed farmer and forage shrub veteran John Arentz. Over the past two decades, John has learned some valuable lessons on how to keep shrubs at grazing height and how to manage stands so that productive pasture can be grown in amongst the shrubs. John reckons the shrubs pasture stand makes it a lot easier to run stock in the Mallee and has turned an eye sore into an asset, his story is well worth a listen. This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought ..read more