Select a Harvest Radio program:

Soil Inoculants - May 2007

This edition of Harvest Radio discusses the latest developments in soil inoculant research. Sandy Gleddie (Philom Bios) outlines some of the new developments in the pipeline for soil inoculants aimed to boost plant productivity. David Herridge (NSW DPI) also outlines some of new formulations of inoculants available to industry.

Pulse Agronomy Trials - May 2007

This issue of Harvest Radio looks at Pulse Agronomy trials and the relationship to managing disease in the Northern Region. Kathi Hertel and Kevin Moore from the NSW Department of Primary Industries overview some of the key issues to consider including planting populations, variety choice, paddock selection and history. This edition also outlines some of the key strategies to manage disease.

Also refer to the Grains Research Update paper on this topic held at Goondiwindi 2007 at: http://www.grdc.com.au/growers/res_upd/north/n07/ferguson.pdf [PDF 175KB]

For more information contact:
Kevin Moore, NSW DPI, kevin.moore@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Kathi Hertel, NSW DPI, kathi.hertel@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Cost Effective Fodder options - May 2007

With a greater focus on pasture production for mixed livestock this issue of Harvest Radio looks at cost effective fodder options including forage brassicas and the benefits for mixed farming systems. Sowing time is discussed with an emphasis on trial results assessing the impact on yields.

For more information contact:
Mike Gout, Seed Force, 02 6944 9001

Positioning yourself for the 2007 cropping year - March 2007

Attached is a four part series looking at some of the key considerations growers will need to watch in 2007 following the recent drought. Interviews are undertaken from the recent GRDC Grains Research Update in Wagga Wagga and using the recent GRDC publication "Agronomy after the drought - a guide to decision making in 2007" available at http://www.grdc.com.au/growers/res_upd/south/agdrought07.pdf [600KB]

Part 1 - Managing diseases after the drought

Harvest Radio caught up with Gordon Murray (NSW Department of Primary Industries) to outline the disease risks for the 2007 cropping season, including the managing rust following the recent finding of a new rust strain and crown rot. Risks associated with rotations are also explored.

Listen to Part 1 - Managing diseases after the drought [1MB] (Total program time - 6:35 min)

Part 2 - Soil nutrition

Mark Conyers (NSW Department of Primary Industries) outlines some of the key considerations and management strategies for maximising the return of investment and efficiency of nutrients in the cropping system.

Listen to Part 2 - Soil nutrition [1MB] (Total program time - 6:48 min)

Part 3 - Chemical carryover

Chris Preston (University of Adelaide) outlines the causes, implications and management options for the critical issue of herbicide carryover following the drought.

Listen to Part 3 - Chemical carryover [609KB] (Total program time - 3:52 min)

Part 4 - Understanding stored nitrogen

John Angus (CSIRO Plant Industry) outlines the understanding of stored nitrogen and managing the system to maximise the use of these nutrients.

Summer Weed Management- February 2007

This months Harvest Radio concentrates on summer weed management programs and the impact on soil moisture and nitrogen. Graham Fromm (PIRSA Rural Solutions) and Jeremy Lemon (DAFWA) discuss the impact of summer weeds on soil moisture. Vicki Osten (DPI&F Qld) discusses the impact of summer weeds on available nitrogen while GRDC Western Panel member Ralph Burnett concentrates on the role of spray management in summer weeds. Andrew Storrie (NSW DPI) looks at timing measures and impact on specific weeds affecting growers in the northern region.

For more information contact:
Graham Fromm - Rural Solutions SA. 08 8535 6400.
Jeremy Lemon - DAFWA. 08 9803 1120.
Vicki Osten - DPI&F Qld. 07 4983 7406.
Andrew Storrie - NSW DPI. 02 6763 1100.

Update on Precision Agriculture - October 2006

With the impending pressures to improve productivity on farm, this edition of Harvest Radio outlines the latest developments in Precision Agriculture. Ian Maling (Silverfox Solutions) discusses the options for variable rate technology. Variable application rates and the considerations to use this technology are outlined by Brett Whelan (University of Sydney). Mike Robertson (CSIRO) also outlines the research being undertaken to measure plant available water capacity and its relationship to variable application rates. This edition coincides with the recent release of the Precision Agriculture Manual which is available at http://www.grdc.com.au/bookshop/free.htm#pamanual

For more information contact:
Phil Price, Consultant to the GRDC, mackellarcg@bigpond.com
Ian Maling, Silverfox Solutions, imaling@silverfox.net.au
Brett Whelan, Centre for Precision Agriculture, University of Sydney, b.whelan@acss.usyd.edu.au
Mike Robertson, CSIRO, michael.robertson@csiro.au

Stripe Rust- September 2006

With reports coming in on stripe rust across eastern Australia and potential re-emergence of stem rust in South Australia, the September edition of Harvest Radio looks at potential management strategies required to minimise the impacts from these diseases.

Harvest Radio caught up with Dr Gordon Murray (NSW DPI) to discuss decision points for the management of stripe rust in dry conditions, Peter Hamblin (Agritech Crop Research) to discuss the cost benefits and timing of fungicide treatments and Dr Allan Mayfield (GRDC Southern Panel) to outline the latest research in stem rust research.

For more information contact:
Dr Gordon Murray, NSW DPI, gordon.murray@agric.nsw.gov.au
Peter Hamblin, Agritech Crop Research, pjhamblin@agritechnsw.com.au
Dr Allan Mayfield, GRDC Southern Panel, mayfield@capri.net.au

Further information:

• Stripe Rust Management in Wheat
• Media Release - Stripe rust alert for eastern Australia
• Stripe Rust technical reference links for advisers

Nutrient Management in Cropping Systems - August 2006

This edition of Harvest Radio concentrates on the management of nutrients in the cropping system. Harvest Radio caught up with Wayne Pluske (Nutrient Management Systems) to outline the nutrient management survey conducted as part of the initiative. Mike Bell (QDPI) discusses the application of fertilisers and implications for growers in the northern region, while Roger Armstrong (DPI Victoria) discusses matching nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to cropping demand.

For more information contact:
Wayne Pluske - nutrientmswa@optusnet.com.au
Mike Bell - mike.bell@dpi.qld.gov.au
Roger Armstrong - roger.armstrong@dpi.vic.gov.au

Slugs & Snails  - June 2006

This months Harvest Radio focuses on the problems, caused and potential management strategies for the management of slugs and snails. Harvest Radio caught up with Ian MacKinnon (farmer, Tasmania) to discuss the problem of slugs, Dr Paul Horne (IPM Technologies) to discuss management strategies for pests and beneficials and Dr Rod Mahon (CSIRO Entomology) to discuss genetic solutions to snails. This Harvest Radio is accompanied by the recent release of the Slug Back Pocket Identification Guide for growers.

For further information:
Dr Paul Horne, ipmtechnologies@bigpond.com
Dr Rod Mahon, Rod.Mahon@csiro.au

Listen to Slugs & Snails [1.6 MB] (Total program time - 10.21min)

Frost - March 2006

With major frosts affecting crops across the grains belt in recent years, this month's Harvest Radio concentrated on measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of frost damage. Harvest Radio caught up with Garren Knell (ConsultAg) and Melissa Rebbeck (SARDI) to discuss frost minimisation strategies for the southern and western regions and Jack Christopher of QDPI to discuss issues relating to frost in the northern region. Further information can be found on the Frost Fact Sheet, included in the April edition of Ground Cover.

For further information:
Garren Knell, gk@consultag.com.au
Melissa Rebbeck, rebbeck.melissa@saugov.gov.au
Jack Christopher, jack.christopher@dpi.qld.gov.au

Listen to Frost [2.08 MB] (Total program time - 13.20 min)

Grain Storage  - December 2005

This edition of Harvest Radio looks at some of the new technologies available to combat grain storage constraints such as phosphine resistance while focussing on methods to maximise grain grower productivity. Harvest Radio talks to Peter Botta (Victorian Department of Primary Industries) on sealed storage and aeration systems, Peter Hughes (Department of Primary Industries Queensland) comparing phosphine effectiveness in sealed and unsealed silos, James Darby (CSIRO) concentrating on aeration technologies, Pat Collins (Department of Primary Industries Queensland) on controlling pests in aeration systems and Colin Waterford (CSIRO) on silo bags.

Listen to Grain Storage [1.88 MB] (Total program time -12.36 min)

Meeting the challenge with irrigation  - October 2005

This edition of Harvest Radio looks at irrigation in southern NSW and northern Victoria and focussing on the challenge of achieving 20 tonnes per hectare. To discuss the likelihood of achieving this target, Harvest Radio caught up with Bryan Clark (Irrigated Cropping Forum) and Rob Fischer (DPI VIC) to outline the aims of new irrigation research. Harvest Radio also examines potential options for growers in irrigated zones such as the potential for beds in rice bays (Geoff Beecher, NSW DPI) and  options for irrigated barley outlined by NSW DPI's Neil Fettell featured in GRDC's latest edition of Ground Cover.

Listen to Meeting the challenge with irrigation [1.91 MB] (Total program time -12.51 min)

For further information:
Bryan Clark, Irrigated Cropping Forum, ( 02) 6960 1550, bryan@irec.org.au
Rob Fischer, DPI VIC, (03) 5450 9558, Rob.Fisher@dpi.vic.gov.au
Geoff Beecher, NSW DPI, 02 6951 2725, geoff.beecher@agric.nsw.gov.au
Neil Fettell, NSW DPI. (02) 6895 2099, neil.fettell@agric.nsw.gov.au

All the rot on crown rot  - August 2005

This edition of Harvest Radio looks  in some detail at the disease which some say costs Australian graingrowers $78 million per year.  To find out more on the stubble borne fungal disease, Crown Rot,  Chris Brown caught up with  Steven Simpfendorfer  (NSW DPI),  Hugh Ball (Graingrower from Moree, NSW ), and  Hugh Wallwork (SARDI)  as part of the upcoming special feature in Ground Cover on cereal crown and root diseases .

Listen to All the rot on crown rot [1.77 MB] (Total program time -11.54 min)

For further information:
Steven Simpfendorfer, NSW DPI, 02 6763 1100,  steven.simpfendorfer@agric.nsw.gov.au
Hugh Ball , Graingrower, Moree, 02 6754 0234,
Hugh Wallwork, SARDI, 08 8303 9382 , Wallwork.Hugh@saugov.sa.gov.au

Managing this years' climate variability - March 2005

This edition of Harvest Radio takes a look at climate forecasting and how to minimise the risks associated with climate variability in this years grain crop.

Harvest Radio caught up with Dale Baker (Graingrower from Hyden, WA and Chairman of the GRDC supported Managing Climate Variability Program), Harm Van Rees (Birchip Cropping Group, Yield Prophet), Howard Cox (QDPI, Whopper Cropper) and Peter McIntosh (CSIRO, Ocean to Grains) as part of developing the new weather page in the grains industry's premier publication Ground Cover.

The new dedicated weather page coordinated by Dr Peter Hayman from SARDI will include greater coverage of climate and weather science, plus a more regional focus on weather conditions and analysis.

Listen to Managing this year's climate variability [2.11 MB] (Total program time -14:12 min)

For further information:
Dale Baker, MCVP, 08 9841 4471, daleb@albanyis.com.au
Harm Van Rees, BCG, 03 5492 2787, harm@cropfacts.com.au
Howard Cox, Queensland DPI&F, 07 4688 1200, howard.cox@dpi.qld.gov.au
Peter McIntosh, CSIRO, 03 6232 5390, peter.mcintosh@marine.csiro.au

Spray Drift - January 2005

Following recent reports of damage to summer crops caused by herbicides drifting off-target, this edition of Harvest Radio takes a look at Spray Drift, ways to minimise it and the latest developments on the practical side of spray technology. Harvest Radio caught up with Graham Betts (ASK G.B), Tom Wolf (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada), Bill Gordon (Bill Gordon Consulting) and John Nalewaja (North Dakota State University) at the recent GRDC supported 'Spray Options Seminar' in Moree, NSW.

Listen to Spray Drift [1.55 MB] (Total program time - 10:24 min)

For further information:
Graham Betts, askgb@bigpond.com
Tom Wolf, wolft@agr.gc.ca
Bill Gordon, bill.gordon@bigpond.com

Weather Damage - December 2004

With the recent rainfalls across the southern wheatbelt this edition of Harvest Radio takes a look at understanding the causes of grain quality defects at harvest - pre-harvest sprouting, late -maturity alpha-amylase and blackpoint . Chris Brown caught up with Mike Perry (GRDC Program consultant), Dale Baker (graingrower from Hyden, WA) , Daryl Mares (University of Adelaide) and Peter Williamson (Queensland DPI) following the recent special feature on Weather Damage in GRDC's Ground Cover newspaper.

Listen to Weather Damage [1.81 MB] (Total program time - 12:09 min)

For further information:
Mike Perry, mikeperry@bigpond.com
Dale Baker, daleb@albanyis.com.au
Daryl Mares, daryl.mares@adelaide.edu.au
Peter Williamson, peter.williamson@dpi.qld.gov.au

Precision Agriculture - October 2004

This edition of Harvest Radio takes a look at precision agriculture, the high tech and low tech ends, where its all heading and how you can stick your toe in the water for less than $1,000. Chris Brown caught up with Phil Price (GRDC Program consultant), Ian Blayney (graingrower from Geraldton, WA) , Ian Mailing (Silverfox Solutions), Peter Stone (CSIRO), Brett Whelan (University of Sydney) and Mike Smith (graingrower from Gurley, NSW) following the recent special eight page supplement on PA in GRDC's Ground Cover newspaper.

Listen to Precision Agriculture [1.80 MB] (Total program time - 12:07 min)

For a copy of the Precision Agriculture Investment Calculator please email peter.stone@csiro.au

Soil + Water = ? or ! - May 2004

This edition of Harvest Radio looks at the relationships between soil and water in your paddock to maximise crop production.  Chris Brown speaks with Doctors Warren Bond (CSIRO),  Annie McNeill (left) (University of Adelaide) and Phil Price (GRDC Program Consultant) about Plant Available Water (PAW), sub soil constraints and some of the new technologies in real time rapid soil testing.

Listen to Soil + Water = ? or ! [2.05 MB] (Total program time - 13:47 min)

The movies below illustrate CAT scans of canola roots growing in sand-over-clay on the Eyre Peninsula as part of Annie McNeills work.

1 - Canola roots[1.13MB]
16 week old canola root growing in sand-over-clay soil from Wharminda, Eyre Peninsula. Magenta coloured columns show Nitrogen placement in an experiment where root responses to deep placement of fluid Nitrogen were studied.

2 - Canola roots [750KB]
Same experiment showing root and part of the shoot of 9 weeks old canola.

For further information:
Dr Warren Bond, CSIRO Land & Water, 02 6246 5948 / 019 442 516, warren.bond@csiro.au
Dr Annie McNeill, The University of Adelaide, 08 8303 7879, ann.mcneill@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Phil Price, GRDC Program Consultant, Sustainable Farming Systems, mackellarcg@bigpond.com

Annual ryegrass control - April 2004

Chris Brown speaks with Chris Preston (Weed CRC), Professor Abul Hashem (Agriculture WA) and Professor Jim Pratley (left) (Charles Sturt University) about annual ryegrass control, specifically genetics, minimising chemical resistance and non-chemical farming techniques.

Listen to Annual ryegrass control [1.96 MB] (Total program time - 13:12 min)

For further information: John Sandow, GRDC, 02 6272 5525

Stubble: Keep it or burn it? - March 2004

Understanding your soil and what you want from it is an important ingredient to having a successful stubble management program on your farm. CSIRO soil scientist, Clive Kirkby (left), explains how to decide which stubble management regime is right for you and answers questions from farmers about some of the pitfalls.

Listen to Stubble: Keep it or burn it? [1.86 MB] (Total program time - 12:32 min)

The image below illustrates the stubble decomposition process.

Simplified illustration of processes involved in stubble retention that can affect following crop's performance.

For further information: Martin Blumenthal, GRDC, 02 6272 5525