Productive Sustainability

More from In The Paddock All episodes →

1. 

   6 Oct 2026 · 10 min

   Field Notes - Can we Have Chemical Free Weed Control in Zero Till Farming?

   Can Australian zero-till farming reduce its reliance on herbicides without going back to full-width cultivation? In this episode of In The Paddock – Field Notes , we look at emerging chemical-free weed control technologies designed to target established weeds while preserving the benefits of zero-till and conservation farming systems. We start with the Hayes Weed Chipper , an Australian-developed system that combines optical weed detection with individually controlled hydraulic tynes to physically remove weeds without cultivating the entire paddock. We then look at GRDC-backed research into…

2. 

   5 Oct 2026 · 16 min

   Diesel Prices Are Surging, What Will It Mean For Harvest?

   Diesel prices are surging just as Australian growers prepare for harvest. In this episode of In The Paddock , we look at what is happening in global diesel markets, why refined fuel is under more pressure than crude oil alone, and what that means for Australian agriculture heading into one of the most fuel-intensive periods of the year. We cover Australia’s reliance on imported fuel, the impact of refinery disruptions and geopolitical tensions, what higher diesel prices could do to farm margins, and why harvest creates a unique fuel-security risk. Most importantly, this isn’t just about…

3. 

   4 Oct 2026 · 17 min

   Could Australia Run out of Diesel? the 48hr Fuel Shock

   Could Australia actually run out of diesel? Australia depends heavily on imported diesel to keep farms, trucks, mines and freight moving. In this episode of In The Paddock , we look at how exposed that system is — and what happens when major exporters start putting their own domestic fuel security first. We unpack China’s October fuel export suspension, Russia’s diesel restrictions, and the recent threat of a US diesel export ban. We also explain why American export policy can affect Australia even when Australia does not buy much diesel directly from the US. The episode covers: where…

4. 

   1 Oct 2026 · 10 min

   Will Solar and Wind Destroy Our Meat Exports

   Could grazing sheep and cattle around solar panels and wind turbines put Australian meat exports at risk? Claims have been circulating that livestock raised around renewable energy infrastructure could face restrictions from overseas markets. But where did the story come from — and has any country actually threatened to ban Australian beef or lamb? In this episode of In The Paddock , Martin Murray traces the rumour back through changes to Australia’s Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, parliamentary debate and concerns about contamination from renewable energy infrastructure. We…

5. 

   14 Jul 2025 · 42 min

   AI in Agriculture: Beyond the Paddock

   In this episode we talk with Jonathan Richetti of the CSIRO, exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming agriculture outside of the paddock. We explore how it is being used to enhance plant breeding, make highly accurate yield predictions and fertilizer recommendations as well as exploring the future of this technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. 

   24 Nov 2024 · 26 min

   Sharing the Risk with Invest in Farming

   Today we're talking with Nicci from Invest in Farming Co-operative. IIF (Invest in Farming Co-operative) is revolutionizing agricultural investment by connecting consumers directly with farmers through a user-friendly app. This platform allows individuals to invest in specific agricultural assets—such as a row of grapevines, a single cow, or a basket of oysters—without the need to own a farm. By preselling a portion of their produce, farmers gain immediate access to capital, enhancing cash flow and reducing reliance on traditional banking systems. Investors, in turn, can watch their…

7. 

   18 Nov 2024 · 43 min

   Chasing Moisture On The Go with Dave Finaly

   Today we're talking with Dave Finlay from MPT Ag on their cutting-edge seeder design. The MTP Seeder is a cutting-edge agricultural implement designed to enhance planting efficiency and crop yields. Engineered for precision, it ensures uniform seed distribution, optimal depth placement, and consistent spacing, which are crucial for maximizing germination rates and promoting healthy plant development. Its robust construction and adaptability make it suitable for various soil types and farming conditions, offering farmers a reliable solution to modern planting challenges. By integrating…

8. 

   12 Sep 2024 · 7 min

   Paraquat in Peril

   In this episode we explore the APVMA's review of paraquat, what the APVMA can use in the their evaluation of a product and my concerns of what may be to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. 

   9 Jul 2024 · 11 min

   Farmer GPT: Out Of The Office and Into the Paddock

   We're taking Chat GPT out of the office and into the paddock, identifying weeds in crops and writing spray recs. Once we are done in the crops we take him the yards to help with cows and later get out hands dirty by throwing spanners and working on machines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. 

    7 Jun 2024 · 18 min

    Chat GPT Hits The Paddock

    Join us in this exciting episode where we delve into the potential of using advanced AI technology, specifically Chat GPT, to revolutionize the field of agronomy. Our host provides a comprehensive summary of their recent discussion with Chat GPT, highlighting how this powerful tool can assist farmers and agronomists in making data-driven decisions for crop management and optimization. From interpreting soil test results to crafting tailored fertiliser strategies, we explore practical applications that can enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Discover how AI can help plan…