Podcast · Tech & Science

Dry Season Resources

by Grower Group Alliance & The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub · English · Tech & Science

The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) is dedicated to sharing information that supports growers in preparing for and responding to dry seasons. In this podcast, you'll hear from growers and industry experts on managing dry season responses, ranging from early p

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 29 min
Latest: 21 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

21 Jul 2026 · 32 min

Rehydrating landscapes through Aboriginal knowledge

The Transformative Aboriginal Agricultural Methods (TAAM) project is exploring how Aboriginal knowledge and modern agricultural science can work together to improve soil health, restore landscapes and support more resilient farming systems. This episode is part of the Indigenous farming methods series and in it, we speak to Clint Hansen, founder of Maaman Marra Boodjar, and Associate Professor Dave Blake from Edith Cowan University. They discuss how Aboriginal knowledge holders, farmers and researchers came together to share their understanding of Country and explore culturally informed…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E9 · 24 Jun 2026 · 26 min
De-risking drilling to secure on-farm water supplies
Securing reliable on-farm water is one of the most pressing challenges for Wheatbelt farmers facing consecutive dry seasons, with some spending over $60,000 in a single year just to keep water up to stock. In this episode, Dr Richard George from DPIRD and Professor Brett Harris from Curtin University talk about a targeted approach to finding water in fractured bedrock aquifers deep beneath the Wheatbelt landscape. Drawing on the results of Phase One of the WaterSmart Farms program, where 75% of sites struck usable groundwater, the conversation covers how precision magnetic surveying is…
S4 · E8 · 26 May 2026 · 31 min
Smart Grazing: Breaking down barriers to technology adoption in the Southern Rangelands
Australia’s Southern Rangelands are some of the most variable and challenging pastoral landscapes in the world. Climate variability, rising costs, legacy land condition and large-scale operations can make it challenging to make management decisions and know where new technologies can genuinely add value. In this episode, landscape ecologist Richard Marver from Contour Consulting and Krystie Bremer, Executive Officer of the Gascoyne Pilbara Rangelands Initiative (GPRI), discuss the planning work underway through the Smart Grazing, Stronger Lands project. Drawing on decades of experience…
S4 · E7 · 29 Apr 2026 · 23 min
Use of virtual fencing to build farm resilience
Virtual fencing could become a game-changer for Australian livestock producers, replacing kilometres of wire and hours of labour with a GPS collar and an app. But its potential goes well beyond convenience. By giving farmers unprecedented control over grazing pressure, virtual fencing is shaping up as a powerful tool for dry‑season management and climate resilience. In this episode, Esperance farmer Simon Fowler and SARDI researcher Bianca Agenbag unpack how the technology is helping producers maximise pasture utilisation, run virtual feedlots through feed gaps, and protect precious feed…
S4 · E6 · 15 Apr 2026 · 21 min
How strategic planning helps farmers stay ahead of uncertain seasons
Uncertain seasons require clear thinking, not more noise. In this episode, Rod Birch, a grain grower from Coorow, shares his approach to planning for and managing through dry seasons and broader uncertainty. Rod discusses the importance of focusing on core fundamentals, identifying key risks such as lower-than-expected rainfall, input supply and markets, and avoiding unnecessary noise when making decisions. The conversation explores planning across short, medium, and long timeframes, along with the role of good relationships and trusted advice in supporting decision making. While Rod speaks…
S4 · E5 · 31 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Optimising limited resources in challenging seasons
Input constraints are a challenge, not just currently in 2026, but also off the back of dry seasons when financial constraints can dominate decision making. In both contexts, smart allocation can make a real difference to whole of farm performance. In this episode, cropping farmer Dylan Hirsch from Latham WA and CSIRO research scientist Roger Lawes discuss practical strategies for making the most of limited inputs, with a strong focus on the highest input cost of nitrogen. They discuss how ranking paddocks by yield potential using historical data and remote sensing can help target limited…
S4 · E4 · 17 Mar 2026 · 27 min
2026 Seasonal forecast: It’s going to rain, but when and how much?
Seasonal climate outlooks can inform planning, but they are only one part of farm decision-making. In this episode, Dr Meredith Guthrie, from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Phil Smyth, northern Wheatbelt agronomist from Nutrien Coorow, talk about the 2026 seasonal outlook. Meredith explains current climate drivers, how to interpret climate model probabilities and how the potential development of an El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may result in 2026 looking a bit like the difficult year of 2023. They then go on to discuss what these…
S4 · E3 · 4 Mar 2026 · 33 min
Water quality the hidden driver of spray efficacy
Water quality is one of the most overlooked factors in spray performance, yet it can have major impacts on efficacy, compatibility and long-term resistance risk. In this episode, agronomist Bill Campbell from Campbell Ag and Damon Cusack from the Fitzgerald Biosphere Group (FBG) discuss how water quality varies across Western Australia and what growers can do to better manage it. They explore common issues including hard water tying up glyphosate, high turbidity reducing the effectiveness of paraquat, and elevated pH shortening the half-life of certain insecticides and fungicides. The…
S4 · E2 · 17 Feb 2026 · 33 min
Managing livestock health and disease during dry seasons
Livestock monitoring and management is crucial for keeping animals healthy and productive during extended summer periods. In this episode, we are joined by Dr Izzy Drage, Field Veterinary Officer at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Katherine Davies, Senior Development Officer in DPIRD’s Animal Systems group. They bring valuable experience in livestock health and practical on‑farm management. We discuss the practical and strategic approaches to managing livestock during prolonged dry and hot periods, touching on water management, feed planning,…
S4 · E1 · 3 Feb 2026 · 35 min
Managing farming risks with soil surveys
Quality soil data and precision agriculture can reduce risk and improve farm performance. This episode kicks off our new Innovation series, dropping every second instalment of the Dry Season Resources podcast. This series is hosted by Doug Hamilton, Innovation Specialist with the Grower Group Alliance and the SW WA Hub. In this episode, Doug is joined by Aidan Sinnott, consultant and director at VRT Solutions, and Giles McMeikan, agronomist at Farmanco. Both bring extensive experience in precision agriculture and the handling, processing, analysis and interpretation of on-farm datasets. They…
S3 · E23 · 17 Dec 2025 · 42 min
Salinity in the Wheatbelt: insights from four decades of research
More than one million hectares of broadacre farmland are estimated to be affected by dryland salinity in Western Australia, causing significant production losses. In this episode, Dr Richard George from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) reflects on four decades of work tackling dryland salinity across Western Australia. He unpacks the complexity of salinity in the Wheatbelt, tracing its historical roots and examining the pressures of land clearing, climate, and agricultural practices on salinity levels, and outlines practical management strategies that…
S3 · E22 · 2 Dec 2025 · 28 min
Putting real-time water usage data into the hands of horticulturalists
Declining rainfall and reduced water availability since the 1970s have made efficient water use in food production more important than ever. In this episode, Dr Julia Easton and Professor Mark Gibberd from the Centre for Crop Disease Management at Curtin University discuss the 'On Farm Water Demand' project, funded through the WA Node of Food Agility CRC. On Farm Water Demand is a regional project that began with a community meeting and grew into a multi-farm trial using soil moisture sensors and irrigation monitoring to better understand water use in high-value crops like avocados,…
S3 · E21 · 18 Nov 2025 · 37 min
Building better projects through effective co-design
In this episode, we’re joined by Jethro Sercombe, Director of Innovation Practice at Third Story, and Tanya Kilminster, SW WA Hub Knowledge Broker, for a deep dive into co-design in agriculture. Together, they unpack what co-design really means and explore how it can be applied to agriculture-related projects to achieve stronger outcomes. They highlight why intent matters: true co-design is about making decisions with stakeholders, not steering them toward a pre-determined solution. Done well, co-design strengthens projects, builds trust, and fosters lasting relationships rather than burning…
S3 · E20 · 5 Nov 2025 · 21 min
Sandy soils series: Managing water and nutrients for horticulture
Neil Lantzke, Principal Research Scientist in DPIRD’s Intensive and Irrigated Plant Systems team, shares his expertise on growing horticultural crops on the sandy soils of Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain. Neil explains why these soils struggle to retain nutrients and water, and highlights innovative agricultural practices that are being developed to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of climate change on water resources and how these changes shape horticultural management. He shares practical insights and advice on various irrigation techniques,…
S3 · E19 · 21 Oct 2025 · 32 min
Sandy soils series: Understanding and managing non-wetting soils
Murdoch University’s Professor David Henry and recent PhD graduate Maria Pfeifle, now with DPIRD, explore the issue of non-wetting soils (also known as soil water repellency) in Western Australia. They unpack what it is, why it occurs, and what remains unknown, delving into the complexities of managing this persistent challenge. The conversation also examines how sandy soils, temperature, drought, organic matter, and microbial activity all influence the extent and impact of water repellency across the State. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and…
S3 · E18 · 7 Oct 2025 · 35 min
Sandy soils series: Re-engineering sandy soils into productive land
Dr Gaus Azam, a soils researcher at DPIRD leading the GRDC project “Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil”, joins Esperance agronomist Quenten Knight from Agronomy Focus to discuss the soil re-engineering work underway across Western Australia. Together, they explore how this innovative approach to soil management is improving water access for crops, increasing yields, and strengthening drought resilience. They share insights on the importance of understanding soil types, the practical applications of soil amelioration,…
S3 · E17 · 23 Sep 2025 · 31 min
Sandy soils series: The benefits and challenges of sandy soils
We’re kicking off our Sandy Soils podcast series with Dr Stephen Davies (DPIRD) and Dr Therese McBeath (CSIRO), co-conveners of the 2025 Sandy Soils Conference in Perth. Sandy soils cover more than half of Western Australia, including much of our cropping land. Their importance to food production and land use makes understanding and managing them vital to building climate resilience. Stephen and Therese share highlights from the conference, where experts from agriculture, mining, and natural resource management came together to drive collaboration and innovation. They also dive into the key…
S3 · E16 · 9 Sep 2025 · 28 min
Renewables in agriculture: How regional communities can stay ahead of the renewable energy curve
What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in…
S3 · E15 · 26 Aug 2025 · 25 min
Renewables in agriculture: Are renewable energy projects worth it for WA growers?
What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in…
S3 · E14 · 12 Aug 2025 · 28 min
Renewables in agriculture: Why energy companies are knocking on WA farm gates
What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in…
S3 · E13 · 29 Jul 2025 · 29 min
Insights from the International Rangelands Congress
Pastoralists Alys McKeough (Carey Downs Station) and Debbie Dowden (Challa Station) were sponsored by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) to attend the 2025 International Rangelands Congress in Adelaide. In this episode, Alys and Debbie share key insights and takeaways from the event, from global perspectives on rangeland management to the importance of international collaboration. Alys and Debbie also reflect on the important role of women in rangelands leadership and how their contributions are shaping more sustainable, environmentally conscious…
S3 · E12 · 15 Jul 2025 · 26 min
WaterSmart Dams: understanding dams with the Water Evaluation Platform
Dr John Duncan from The University of Western Australia and Dr Daniel Kidd from the Grower Group Alliance discuss the recently released Water Evaluation Platform (WEP), which was created as part of the WaterSmart Dams project. WEP is a web application that allows you to simulate the performance of a dam and its catchment allowing the landholder to understand and analyse the different options available. The WEP was designed with industry experts and growers to support individual farms, private contractors, water planners, and local communities to make drought-resilient investment decisions.…
S3 · E11 · 17 Jun 2025 · 31 min
Optimising farm decisions in mixed farm operations
In this episode, Dr Michael Young, from Farm Optimisation Group and Johno O'Halloran, a local farmer in Kojonup, explore how decision-making tools can help manage challenges. Decision fatigue is common, but using models and expert advice can reduce the load and improve outcomes. The episode discusses the farm optimisation model that lets you test different scenarios, helping farmers move beyond gut instinct with data-backed decisions. Whether you're fine-tuning livestock vs cropping choices or considering incorporating legumes, this tool helps you understand potential outcomes and key…
S3 · E10 · 3 Jun 2025 · 35 min
WaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams
Dr Nik Callow from the University of Western Australia shares insights from the WaterSmart Dams project, which aims to build resilient water supplies for cropping and livestock operations. The episode highlights the issue of dams receiving less water due to lower rainfall, low runoff from catchments, and ageing dams; all exacerbating water shortages, especially during consecutive low rainfall years. Solutions discussed include using repurposed tarpaulins to increase catchment runoff, daisy dam covers and vegetation to reduce evaporation, repurposing subsurface drainage systems, and…
S3 · E9 · 21 May 2025 · 35 min
The triple bottom line: lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolbox
Business, landscape/production, and mental wellbeing are deeply intertwined, each influencing and reinforcing the others. This episode explores the interconnectedness of these three pillars of the triple bottom line in livestock production in the Southern Rangelands. We are joined by agribusiness management consultant Richard Brake (Richard Brake Consulting), principal landscape ecologist/agroecologist Richard Marver (Contour Consulting) and rural counsellor and wellbeing health advocate Louise O’Neill (Farm Life Fitness). The three of them participated in the Pastoral Business Toolkit…
S3 · E8 · 6 May 2025 · 23 min
Planning for financial security through uncertain times
2024 delivered a mixed season for Western Australian growers. It began with extremely dry conditions, then turned around with above-average rainfall through June, July, and August, leading to above-average yields in many regions. However, rising overheads and variable costs meant many farmers finished the year in a neutral financial position. In this episode, we’re joined by Renae Piggott, Consultant with AgAsset, and Krista Lancaster from Ninghan Spraying and Ag Services and Project Officer at the Merredin & Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG). Renae hosted the Cultivating Profit…
S3 · E7 · 22 Apr 2025 · 39 min
Managing back-to-back dry seasons in mixed farming
In this episode we are joined by a dynamic farming duo, Danielle Lannin England and Jonathan England, from AgInnovate. With a wealth of experience on-farm and in the wider agricultural industry, they share their advice after experiencing multiple dry seasons on their mixed sheep-grain farm in South Australia. Danielle, who originally hails from a farming family in southeast WA, is a highly regarded consultant with expertise in farm business management and decision making. She shares her perspective from the farm office and highlights the importance of maintaining community connections during…
S3 · E6 · 8 Apr 2025 · 28 min
Virtual fencing and drone monitoring: enhancing rangeland management through AgTech
In this episode, we hear about new technologies in landscape management in the rangelands. Our guests are Megan Willis, Senior Research Officer from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Richard Marver, landscape ecologist and director of Contour Environmental and Agricultural Consulting. Megan shares insights from her project exploring the use of virtual fencing to manage livestock across rangelands, with benefits including enhanced, real-time herd monitoring and improved mustering efficiency. Richard shares the potential use of drones to generate…
S3 · E5 · 25 Mar 2025 · 23 min
Upskilling farming communities with landscape rehydration infrastructure
Tam Connor, Learning and Development Manager, and Lance Mudgway, Landscape Planner and Hydrologist at the Mulloon Institute, explore the principles of landscape rehydration – using nature-based infrastructure and strategic land management to restore water cycles, enhance water quality, and build ecosystem resilience. They also discuss the Communities of Practice Project, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, which is empowering farming communities to adopt rehydration techniques and drive long-term landscape restoration. This episode is brought to you by the South-West…
S3 · E4 · 11 Mar 2025 · 25 min
Opportunities and challenges of deep sowing
CSIRO Plant Physiologist Dr Sarah Rich and Facey Group CEO Tina Astbury discuss the Future Drought Fund project "Improving Sowing Opportunities for Increased Farm Resilience in a Changing Climate". They explore the potential of deep sowing, the current opportunities for adoption, and what’s on the horizon for this practice. The episode delves into the mixed success of recent trials, highlighting that deep sowing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it depends on soil type, seasonal conditions, and logistical considerations. Given its opportunistic nature, the discussion unpacks what’s needed…

About Dry Season Resources

Dry Season Resources is a English tech & science podcast from Grower Group Alliance & The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Grower Group Alliance & The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 29 min
Latest episode: 21 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1720316803
Rights: Copyright 2026 Grower Group Alliance & The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub

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