Podcast · Tech & Science

GRDC Podcast

by Grains Research and Development Corporation · English · Tech & Science

GRDC podcasts cover the latest grains research, development and extension knowledge and outcomes to help grain growers improve their profitability.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 13 minNew

Grain storage best practice

Ben White and Chris Warrick from GRDC’s grain storage extension team discuss practical grain storage best practice, including fumigation timing, safe application of chemicals, ventilation and withholding periods, as well as the effective use of diatomaceous earth (DE) for storage hygiene. They share recent research and practical tips to help growers manage insects, reduce resistance risks and improve workplace safety. Contacts: Chris Warrick Candid Consulting Services [email protected] Ben White BM White [email protected] More Information: The fumigation process in grain storage…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

11 Oct 2026 · 42 min
GRDC in Conversation: James Manson
James Manson’s pathway into agriculture has been anything but conventional. Growing up in Chiang Mai, Thailand, he spent his early years immersed in a cross-cultural environment before discovering agriculture through an internship with an agricultural development NGO working alongside hill tribe communities near the Myanmar border. What began as an adventure quickly became a passion, leading him to study agriculture and international development before building a career in applied crop research. Today, James is a Crop Systems Researcher with CSIRO and the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader for the…
6 Oct 2026 · 18 min
NVT new variety series 2026 - wheat
Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2027 growing season. This podcast focuses on wheat. There is a separate podcast that focuses on barley, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil. The NVT program is completely independent, funded and managed by GRDC to provide growers with trusted information to assist in variety choice. Note that seasonal conditions can have a more variable impact on variety performance than geographical location. For this reason, choose a…
6 Oct 2026 · 27 min
NVT new variety series 2026 - barley, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil
Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2027 growing season. This podcast focuses on barley, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil. There is a separate podcast that focuses on wheat. The NVT program is completely independent, funded and managed by GRDC to provide growers with trusted information to assist in variety choice. Note that seasonal conditions can have a more variable impact on variety performance than geographical location. For this reason, choose a…
29 Sep 2026 · 41 min
GRDC in Conversation: Alex Conway
Alex Conway grew up surrounded by agriculture, machinery and problem-solving, watching his family business evolve from a small operation run out of a garage into a nationally recognised grain storage technology company. What began as helping program aeration controllers and fit GPS guidance systems as a kid has turned into a career combining agricultural engineering, grain storage extension and a passion for helping growers better manage risk and protect grain quality. Today, Alex balances his role at Control Unlimited with his work on GRDC’s Grain Storage Extension team, supporting growers…
22 Sep 2026 · 25 min
The moment leadership became real: TRAIL Emerging Leaders program
Young agronomists Anne Millar and Lachie Biglin share how the TRAIL Emerging Leaders program changed the way they think about leadership, relationships and their own potential. From hiking and camping without phones to honest conversations, journaling and building a nationwide network, both participants discovered that leadership isn't about having one particular style — it's about understanding yourself, recognising others and finding your own way to make an impact. GRDC continues to invest in future grains sector leaders through six sponsored places in the 2027 TRAIL Emerging Leaders…
15 Sep 2026 · 45 min
GRDC in Conversation: Henry Baskerville
In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Queensland Department of Primary Industries extension officer Henry Baskerville in Toowoomba to unpack the role of extension, soil health and decision making in modern grain farming. Although Henry didn’t grow up on a farm, a passion for agriculture, soils and working outdoors led him into the grains industry and eventually into extension. From travelling across Queensland collecting soil samples to working alongside growers on-farm, Henry shares why helping people make better decisions and being part of the learning…
8 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Is pigeon pea a summer option for QLD and northern NSW growers?
Pigeon pea, a mainstay crop grown in India, is now being touted as an alternative summer crop for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales as its hardiness to adverse weather conditions is one of its favoured features. GRDC, Woods Seeds and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries have been running trials over several years around the Toowoomba region with Principal Research Scientist Bruce Winter and Angus Woods of Wood Seeds leading the charge. Contacts: Angus Woods Woods Seeds [email protected] Bruce Winter Queensland DPI [email protected] More…
1 Sep 2026 · 13 min
Gravelling and sanding problematic sodic soils
Gravel and sand mulches are being tested to improve crop emergence in areas affected by challenging soil conditions, including non-wetting soils, waterlogging and salinity with some unexpected results. Ella Shaylor from SLR Agriculture explains how surface mulches can help conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation and limit the movement of salts towards the soil surface. Local grower Jake Latham shares his experience with persistent patches where crops have struggled to germinate year after year. While gravel has performed well in previous trials, sand mulch is showing particularly…
25 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Grain Automate: Dealer download - where farmers get stuck
Farm automation adoption isn’t just about technology - it depends on people. Dealers are essential in building trust, proving value in local conditions, and supporting farmers through training, service, and confidence-building. Andrew Speed has spent a lifetime in the grains industry and knows first hand not just the frustration of when technology doesn’t hit the mark, but the jubilation when it does. Now working in the precision ag team at RDO Equipment, he joins Conor McGuckian from eastern Australia’s Boekeman Machinery in a frank conversation around how growers can work with their…
18 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Managing weeds in tough seasons: HRZ strategies that work
Weeds can be especially challenging in High Rainfall Zones, where favourable growing conditions can drive significant weed pressure. Agronomists Luke Wilkins and Candice Robinson share their insights about proactive weed management strategies for tough seasons, including crop competition, herbicide rotation, harvest weed seed control and emerging technologies. They also discuss changing rainfall patterns, paraquat restrictions, brome grass and the role of research in developing future weed control options. Contacts: Luke Wilkins Bawdens Rural Trading [email protected] Candice…
11 Aug 2026 · 16 min
Reshaping the landscape: Landforming for water flow management
The GRDC investment ‘improving surface and subsurface water management across the medium and high rainfall zones of Australia’ is investigating the benefits and challenges of different drainage options across different production regions, cropping systems and soil types. Grower Jeremy Whyte and agronomist Quenten Knight discuss how landforming uses natural and constructed gradients to assist excess water to flow off paddocks, thereby reducing ponding and waterlogging, and increasing yields. This podcast is part of a 6-part GRDC series on managing soil constraints in Western Australia.…
4 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Dr Lisle Snyman: 2026 Seed of Light award - North
Dr Lisle Snyman always knew she wanted to work in plant science. Growing up in South Africa, Lisle honed her pathology skills from a young age, cumulating in an esteemed career that has seen her work across the globe. Eventually settling in Warwick, Queensland, as a principal plant pathologist for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Lisle has been awarded 2026 GRDC Seed of Light North Award for her contribution to the grains industry. GRDC’s Seed of Light Award recognises outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to communicating research outcomes to grain…
29 Jul 2026 · 16 min
Global genomic research targets herbicide resistance
How similar is herbicide resistance in Canada compared to Australia? Research Fellow and weed scientist at the University of Western Australia, William Kramer, shares his global perspective on this challenging issue for growers and his journey in genomics research to better understand what genes are involved in resistance. William is part of the GRDC Weed Management Initiative research team, run in partnership with The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, Charles Sturt University and The University of Queensland. Contact: William Kramer University of Western Australia…
21 Jul 2026 · 16 min
20 Tips for dual-purpose crops
Growers and agronomists in the southern cropping region discuss how they are maximising their dual-purpose crops using the information found in the GRDC publication “20 Tips for dual-purpose crops”. This practical guide is the result of a GRDC investment led by CSIRO. Hear from growers Ben Lane, Max O’Connor and Brad Cavanagh as well as Delta Agribusiness agronomists, Tim Condon and Ben Lenehan. Contacts: Tim Condon Delta Agribusiness [email protected] Ben Lenehan Delta Agribusiness [email protected] More information:…
14 Jul 2026 · 15 min
Canola fungicides: Worth the spray in medium rainfall zones?
How do you know if it’s worth spraying fungicide on canola to keep diseases like Sclerotinia at bay? Maurie Street, from Grain Orana Alliance in Dubbo and Rohan Brill from Brill Ag in the Riverina, have been conducting field trials on the yield response to different spraying scenarios when dealing with Sclerotinia and discuss the logic behind making decisions at the beginning and even in the middle of a growing season. Contacts: Maurie Street Grain Orana Alliance [email protected] Rohan Brill Brill Ag [email protected] More Information: SclerotiniaCM app:…
7 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Grain Automate: Precision ag to farm automation
With seasons and environmental challenges often stacked against them, the Schaefer family’s determination to succeed in a sustainable manner has seen them adopt technologies, including precision agriculture practices. Robin’s long family association with farming in the northern Mallee region of South Australia has meant pivoting the business several times to keep pace with technology. His experience in transitioning from a precision agriculture model to an automated one is aligned with the principles of the Grain Automate initiative. This GRDC Grain Automate podcast series is led by the…
30 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Dr Rick Llewellyn: 2026 Seed of Light award - South
Dr Rick Llewellyn is the recipient of the 2026 Grain Research and Development Corporation, Seed of Light South Award for his contribution to the grains industry. As a Senior Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO based out of South Australia's Waite campus, Rick has made it his mission to move the industry forward over a stellar career in the research field. GRDC Seed of Light Award recognises outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to communicating research outcomes to grain growers and others working across the grains industry. Contact: Dr Rick Llewellyn CSIRO…
23 Jun 2026 · 11 min
MyGRDC: How we're using it
Growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers all using MyGRDC to access information and events relevant to them. Hear from grower, Tim McClelland, researcher, Greta Duff and agronomist, Quenten Knight about the benefits of using MyGRDC - including personalised event notifications, bookmarking relevant articles and easy access no matter where you are. Contact: MyGRDC Team [email protected] Website: my.grdc.com.au Download app: App store or Google Play More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/mygrdc https://youtu.be/LtnVWSmkaE8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
16 Jun 2026 · 11 min
Managing capital in a farm enterprise
GRDC's Farm Business Updates have played a big role in updating growers about changing landscapes, including taxation and managing the ever-increasing asset base of their businesses. As part of a recent update, Joanne Gilbert from world leading tax and consulting service, RSM Australia spoke about the changes that have occurred in the years since the Covid pandemic. Joanne encourages all growers to take control of their income and we caught up with her post-update to find out more. Contact: Joanne Gilbert RSM Australia [email protected] More information:…
9 Jun 2026 · 14 min
Legume profitability: How they stack up in the west
Growers in Western Australia are aware of the benefits of growing legumes in their rotation. However, there are key considerations and drivers that need to be considered when making decisions. A GRDC investment with the Grower Group Alliance is aiming to help with that and in this four-part series, we tackle the agronomy, profitability, marketing, and harvesting of growing legumes. This episode explores what makes legumes profitable, how profitable they need to be to make it worthwhile, and the multi-year factors at play. We hear from grower, Timm House, and his agronomy consultant, Tom…
2 Jun 2026 · 36 min
GRDC in Conversation: Jessica Koch
Jessica Koch grew up around farming and technology, developing an early interest in precision agriculture as a way to better understand variability in low rainfall environments. What began as curiosity about soils, mapping and machinery has evolved into a career focused on helping growers make clearer, more confident decisions using the right information at the right time. Now a precision agriculture consultant, grower and founder of Breezy Hill Precision Ag Consulting, Jess reflects on her journey from working at a local John Deere dealership to building her own business and backing herself…
26 May 2026 · 13 min
Avoid the smashed egg: Improve on-farm communication
GRDC’s Farm Business Updates play a big role in updating growers about farm management systems, including self-development. Dr Jane Foster teaches emotional resilience and has been a presenter at this year’s events. In this podcast Dr Foster discusses the importance of proactive communication skills on-farm to avoid conflict and keep everyone safe. Contact: Dr Jane Foster Emotional Resilience Training [email protected] 0425 718 632 More Information: Mental health resources https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/resources/mental-health…
19 May 2026 · 43 min
GRDC in Conversation: Matthew Howell
Matthew Howell is an agronomist, grower and regional advocate based in South Australia’s Upper South East. Over the past two decades, he has worked alongside growers through a major shift from mixed farming to large-scale continuous cropping, driven by rainfall, soil development and opportunity. In this conversation, Matt reflects on his journey from Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula to building a life and career in Meningie, sharing what it’s been like to work in a rapidly changing region where former dairy country has been converted to broadacre cropping and growers have had to adapt quickly.…
14 May 2026 · 10 min
Keeping crops clean and productive with disease management in faba and broad beans
Controlling disease in crops has traditionally been the ultimate game of chance. However, work being done in faba and broad bean crops in South Australia has taken some of the risk out of the equation. In this episode, Max Bloomfield, a research manager at Field Applied Research Australia or FAR Australia explores strategies to manage major foliar and soil-borne diseases in faba and broad beans, reducing yield losses and improving profitability. Max and his team were involved in the South Australian Grain Legume Project, a joint initiative between South Australian Research and Development…
12 May 2026 · 11 min
Staying ahead of lentil diseases with strategies for healthier crops
Disease prevention is pivotal in any cereal crop. This episode explores recognising and preventing diseases in lentils with research scientist Mohsen Khani from the South Australian Research and Development Institute. Lentils are often favoured because of their profitability, but diseases can undo a season's work in a matter of weeks if not kept in check. GRDC has invested in a multi -year grain legume project in South Australia, with part of that study focused on what to look for and how seasons affect disease development and progress. The SA Grain Legume project: Development and extension…
10 May 2026 · 23 min
What we’ve learned about lentil pod loss
In this episode, agronomist Sam Trengove, from Trengove Consulting, and lentil farmer Tim Millard talk about one of the greatest challenges for legume growers - lentil pod loss. Lentil pod loss can be devastating to a crop. In some instances, farmers can lose up to 60 percent and the main cause, wind, is out of their hands to control. GRDC has invested in a multi-year grain legume project in South Australia, in part looking at how to prevent such dramatic lentil seed pod losses between maturity and harvest. While researchers found no silver bullets, they emphasise controlling what you can…
5 May 2026 · 54 min
GRDC in Conversation: James Hillcoat
James Hillcoat didn’t grow up on a farm. His journey began cycling five miles to a Lincolnshire farm in England, evolved through painting houses and teaching sailing in France, and eventually led him to Australian grain consulting via Marcus Oldham. Today, as a Partner at Pinion Advisory, his work sits at the intersection of profit, people and perspective. In this conversation, James shares what truly drives high-performing farm businesses, why communication is the hidden lever in family enterprises, and how emotion, succession and robotics will shape the next era of Australian grain. This…
28 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Grain Automate: The Autonomous Agronomist
This episode of GRDC’s Grain Automate series speaks with Tim Neale, an expert agronomist and the director of Data Farming, a precision farming company based out of Toowoomba in southern Queensland. Tim works to help the industry get smarter about how to work with technology and managing the influx of automation available now and into the future. Agronomists can spend up to 75 per cent of their time driving, which can be frustrating and unproductive, prompting many of them to look at alternative monitoring options. But Tim is quick to reiterate the autonomous solutions aren't about replacing…
21 Apr 2026 · 56 min
GRDC in Conversation: Edward Scott
Ed Scott grew up on a mixed farming property on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, but his path into agriculture wasn’t a straight line. What began with an interest in animal health and pasture production soon led him deeper into the soil beneath it all. Today, Ed works at the intersection of soils, precision agriculture, automation and sustainability, helping growers better understand what’s happening below the surface and how to turn that knowledge into smarter decisions on the farm. In this conversation, Ed shares how the grains industry has evolved from treating soil as something to…

About GRDC Podcast

GRDC podcasts cover the latest grains research, development and extension knowledge and outcomes to help grain growers improve their profitability.

GRDC Podcast is a English tech & science podcast from Grains Research and Development Corporation. 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: Grains Research and Development Corporation
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1435125424

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English tech & science

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.