GRDC Podcast

Twin siblings, Cassidy and Kade Smith, share the workplace health and safety changes they have made following a motorbike accident on their family property in Yealering, Western Australia. The survey referenced in this video was conducted by Cassidy on behalf of Safe Farms WA as part of a workplace placement program with Marcus Oldham College.  

This podcast is part of the Farm Safety Series, a GRDC investment led by

GRDC’s Farm Safety series is a collection of articles, videos and podcasts focusing on the different perspectives of farm safety of growers across Australia. It features in-depth interviews with growers who share experiences, near-misses and events that have shaped their approach to farm safety and how they mitigate risk on their farm or the business they work for. The views, opinions and experiences shared by interviewees are made solely in a personal capacity unless stated otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the endorsement, views or policies of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, any entity with which they may be affiliated or other associated parties.

Contact:

Cassidy Smith

[email protected]

More Information:      

ifarmwell https://ifarmwell.com.au/

National Centre for Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/

Safe Farms WA https://safefarms.net.au/

Project/Investment Code:

ACO2503-005SAX

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Angus Butterfield is a Senior Research Agronomist with Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) in north-west Victoria. Originally from Melbourne, Angus found his way into agriculture through a combination of curiosity, opportunity and a growing interest in agronomy. Since joining BCG as a graduate, he has built experience across a wide range of research and extension projects, working alongside growers, researchers and industry partners throughout the Mallee, Wimmera and beyond.

In this conversation, Angus reflects on his journey into agriculture, the

Angus also discusses the importance of innovation in agriculture, the role research plays in supporting grower decision-making, and why he remains optimistic about the future of the grains industry. From emerging technologies and new crop genetics to the next generation of agronomists, he highlights the opportunities that continue to shape Australian grain production.

This episode explores:

- How a Melbourne student found his way to Birchip and a career in agronomy

- Why working in a farming systems group accelerated Angus' learning and development

- The role BCG plays in connecting research with growers across north-west Victoria

- How growers in low-rainfall environments continue to innovate and adapt

- Current research into weed management, herbicide resistance and future control options

- The opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of agronomists

- What excites Angus most about the future of the Australian grains industry

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube

 https://youtu.be/oUJRjJnzi_E

More information

Angus Butterfield, Birchip Cropping Group

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/trials-assess-the-benefits-of-vetch

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.

GRDC Project Code:

HAG2507-001SAX

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92,000 hectares of canola has been planted into canola stubble this year. Blackleg pathologist from the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor Angela Van de Wouw, Western Australian agronomist Geoff Fosbery, and plant breeder Raymond Cowley explain why the risks of canola-on-canola far outweigh any short-term benefits.

The Disease Management Extension Network (DMEN) is a GRDC investment bringing together plant pathologists, extension specialists and behavioural scientists to improve disease management outcomes for Australian grain growers and advisers.

Contacts: 

Angela Van de Wouw
The University of Melbourne

[email protected]

Geoff Fosbery

Farm Focus Consultants

[email protected]

Raymond Cowley

Pioneer Seeds                 

[email protected]     

More Information: 

GroundCover article Record canola on canola plantings put sector at risk: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk

Project/Investment Code:   

ACO2601-005RTX

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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 video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc

Dust masks and eye protection: Grain storage safety essentials video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) application in sheds and silos video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA

Project/Investment Code:     

PRB2412-001SAX

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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 Southern Region. His research has helped growers better understand faba bean yield formation and now focuses on developing critical period benchmarks for wheat and barley, helping bridge the gap between crop science and practical on-farm decision-making. Driven by a desire to understand how crops work and why they respond the way they do, James is passionate about turning complex agronomic theory into knowledge that growers can use to improve outcomes in the paddock.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, James reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey from Thailand to Australian agriculture, the lessons learned working alongside growers, and how curiosity continues to drive his research. He shares insights into crop yield formation, the science behind critical periods, and why understanding the way plants grow can help unlock better decisions across farming systems.

This episode explores:

- How growing up in Thailand shaped James’ curiosity, worldview and approach to agriculture

- The internship that introduced him to agriculture and sparked a passion for research and development

- Why working closely with growers helped shape his career and approach to communicating science

- The journey from Southern Farming Systems to completing a PhD focused on faba bean yield formation

- How critical period research is helping improve decision-making in wheat and barley crops

- The challenge of translating complex crop science into practical outcomes for growers

- What being named the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader for the Southern Region means to him

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube

 https://youtu.be/WW_5rd8DTK0

More information

https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.

GRDC Project Code:

HAG2507-001SAX

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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 variety with an established track record of at least two years of NVT performance data. The risks associated with choosing an untested variety are greater than sticking with one that has a proven track record. Always ask to see the official NVT results when talking to your seed seller.

Contacts:         

- Australian Grain Technologies (AGT)

- InterGrain

- LongReach Plant Breeders

More Information:  

You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au, alongside individual breeder websites.

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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 variety with an established track record of at least two years of NVT performance data. The risks associated with choosing an untested variety are greater than sticking with one that has a proven track record. Always ask to see the official NVT results when talking to your seed seller.

Contacts:

· Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds)      

· Australian Grain Technologies (AGT)

· Nufarm Seeds

· BASF Australia

· Advanta Seeds Pty Ltd

· AgriVentis Technologies

· AdelaideUniversity

· Agriculture Victoria

· Grains Innovation Australia

More Information:  

You can find out more information about the varieties

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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 across Australia through workshops, industry events and practical on-farm advice.

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Alex reflects on the experiences that shaped his pathway into agriculture - from harvesting across Australia and Canada to discovering a fascination with grain storage systems, monitoring technology and the evolving challenges facing growers. He shares insights into the importance of saying yes to opportunities, documenting lessons along the way and building a career by following curiosity rather than a perfectly mapped-out plan.

This episode explores:

- How Alex’s upbringing around machinery, technology and farming shaped his passion for agriculture

- The evolution of the Conway family business, Control Unlimited, from a home garage startup to a national agtechnology company

- Why grain storage became an unexpected but rewarding career pathway

- Lessons learned from harvesting across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Canada

- How international farming experiences exposed Alex to new approaches in grain handling, drying and monitoring systems

- The growing importance of on-farm grain storage in Australian agriculture

- Why curiosity, adaptability and “having a crack” have been central to Alex’s career journey

- How documenting experiences and reflecting on lessons helped reveal long-term passions and career direction

- The role of technology and engineering in improving grain quality, efficiency and decision-making

- Why supporting growers with practical, relevant solutions remains at the heart of the work Alex does today

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube

More information

Alex Conway, Control Unlimited https://www.grainaeration.com.au/

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.

GRDC Project Code

HAG2507-001SAX https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=HAG2507-001SAX

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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.

Contacts:            

Anne Millar

Elders

[email protected]

Lachlan Biglin

Nutrien Ag Solutions

[email protected]

More information:        

https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application

https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/

Project/Investment Code:  

ARL2607-001FAX

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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 process is what drives his work. 

The conversation explores grower-led research, soil health challenges, RiskWi$e and how farmers approach risk and decision making. Henry also dives into the future of ag tech, AI, robotics and “digital twins”, while reflecting on why the people in agriculture are what keep him passionate about the industry. 

This episode explores:

- How Henry’s pathway from wildlife science and dairy farming led him into the grains industry and extension 

- Why soil health has become such an important focus across Australian grain growing systems 

- The role of extension officers in connecting growers, researchers and practical on-farm outcomes 

- Why grower-led research and participation creates stronger learning and adoption 

- The importance of collaboration between researchers and growers when designing projects and trials 

- How RiskWi$e is helping growers better understand risk, reward and decision making 

- The hidden complexity behind grower decision making around inputs like nitrogen 

- Why growers often balance profitability with environmental outcomes and long-term soil health 

- The growing role of ag technology, satellite imagery and mapping tools in agriculture 

- How AI, robotics and digital twins could shape the future of farming 

 - Why technology needs to focus on practical decision making rather than just producing more data 

- The value of curiosity, adaptability and learning through doing in agriculture 

- Why the people in agriculture are what continue to drive Henry’s passion for the industry 

Watch this episode as a video on YouTube

https://youtu.be/9ohft-UmPCw

More information 

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/riskwi$e-road-tour 

GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. 

GRDC Project Code:

HAG2507-001SAX

https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=HAG2507-001SAX

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