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
<a href="mailto:apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au">apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au</a> 
Geoff Fosbery
Farm Focus Consultants
<a href="mailto:gf@consultag.com.au">gf@consultag.com.au</a> 
Raymond Cowley
Pioneer Seeds                  
<a href="mailto:raymond.cowley@vylor.com">raymond.cowley@vylor.com</a>      
More Information: 
GroundCover article Record canola on canola plantings put sector at risk: <a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk?_gl=1*czmuvw*_ga*MTEzNDI1MDcwMy4xNzgxMDU4NTgy*_ga_ZTGWWXHVRC*czE3OTE5NDU5MDkkbzkyJGcxJHQxNzkxOTQ2NTIwJGo0NyRsMCRoMA">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk</a>
 
Project/Investment Code:   
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=ACO2601-005RTX">ACO2601-005RTX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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 apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au Geoff Fosbery Farm Focus Consultants gf@consultag.com.au Raymond Cowley Pioneer Seeds raymond.cowley@vylor.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
&nbsp;
Contacts:&nbsp;
Angela Van de Wouw The University of Melbourne
<a href="mailto:apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">apvdw2@unimelb.edu.au</a> 
Geoff Fosbery
Farm Focus Consultants
<a href="mailto:gf@consultag.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">gf@consultag.com.au</a> 
Raymond Cowley
Pioneer Seeds&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<a href="mailto:raymond.cowley@vylor.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">raymond.cowley@vylor.com</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
More Information:&nbsp;
GroundCover article Record canola on canola plantings put sector at risk: <a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk?_gl=1*czmuvw*_ga*MTEzNDI1MDcwMy4xNzgxMDU4NTgy*_ga_ZTGWWXHVRC*czE3OTE5NDU5MDkkbzkyJGcxJHQxNzkxOTQ2NTIwJGo0NyRsMCRoMA" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk</a>
&nbsp;
Project/Investment Code:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=ACO2601-005RTX" rel="noopener noreferrer">ACO2601-005RTX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Risks of canola-on-canola cropping

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
<a href="mailto:chris@primarybusiness.com.au">chris@primarybusiness.com.au</a>
 
Ben White
BM White
<a href="ben@bmwhite.com.au">ben@bmwhite.com.au</a>
 
More Information:       
The fumigation process in grain storage video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc</a>
 
Dust masks and eye protection: Grain storage safety essentials video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk</a>
 
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) application in sheds and silos video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ</a>

Fumigation timing for stored grain video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA</a>
 
Project/Investment Code:      
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=PRB2412-001SAX">PRB2412-001SAX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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 chris@primarybusiness.com.au Ben White BM White ben@bmwhite.com.au 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 Fumigation timing for stored grain video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA Project/Investment Code: PRB2412-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chris Warrick
Candid Consulting Services
<a href="mailto:chris@primarybusiness.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">chris@primarybusiness.com.au</a>
 
Ben White
BM White
<a href="ben@bmwhite.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">ben@bmwhite.com.au</a>
 
More Information:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The fumigation process in grain storage video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc</a>
 
Dust masks and eye protection: Grain storage safety essentials video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk</a>
 
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) application in sheds and silos video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ</a>

Fumigation timing for stored grain video
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA</a>
 
Project/Investment Code:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=PRB2412-001SAX" rel="noopener noreferrer">PRB2412-001SAX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Grain storage best practice

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
<a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research">https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research</a>
<a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award?_gl=1*bypane*_ga*MjExOTYzODIxNi4xNzc0Mzk0Njg0*_ga_ZTGWWXHVRC*czE3ODE1OTEzNTYkbzIxJGcxJHQxNzgxNTkxMzcyJGo0NCRsMCRoMA">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award</a>
 
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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
&nbsp;
Watch this episode as a video on YouTube
&nbsp;https://youtu.be/WW_5rd8DTK0 
 
More information
<a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research</a>
<a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award?_gl=1*bypane*_ga*MjExOTYzODIxNi4xNzc0Mzk0Njg0*_ga_ZTGWWXHVRC*czE3ODE1OTEzNTYkbzIxJGcxJHQxNzgxNTkxMzcyJGo0NCRsMCRoMA" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award</a>
&nbsp;
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

GRDC in Conversation: James Manson

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
https://youtu.be/o9N5iKEtTuQ
 
More information
Alex Conway, Control Unlimited <a href="https://www.grainaeration.com.au/">https://www.grainaeration.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage</a>
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage">https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage</a>
 
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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 https://youtu.be/o9N5iKEtTuQ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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
https://youtu.be/o9N5iKEtTuQ
&nbsp;
More information
Alex Conway, Control Unlimited <a href="https://www.grainaeration.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.grainaeration.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage</a>
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage</a>
&nbsp;
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

GRDC in Conversation: Alex Conway

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 Program. The scholarships are valued at $15,000 per participant and are available to early-career grain growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers. TRAIL is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and has developed more than 200 emerging rural leaders, who join a national ARLF alumni network.

Contacts:             
Anne Millar
Elders
<a href="mailto:anne.millar@elders.com.au">anne.millar@elders.com.au</a>
Lachlan Biglin
Nutrien Ag Solutions
<a href="mailto:lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au">lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au</a>
 
More information:         
<a href="https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application">https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application</a>
<a href="https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/">https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/</a>
 
Project/Investment Code:  
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=ARL2607-001FAX">ARL2607-001FAX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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 Program. The scholarships are valued at $15,000 per participant and are available to early-career grain growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers. TRAIL is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and has developed more than 200 emerging rural leaders, who join a national ARLF alumni network. Contacts: Anne Millar Elders anne.millar@elders.com.au Lachlan Biglin Nutrien Ag Solutions lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Program. The scholarships are valued at $15,000 per participant and are available to early-career grain growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers. TRAIL is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and has developed more than 200 emerging rural leaders, who join a national ARLF alumni network.

Contacts:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Anne Millar
Elders
<a href="mailto:anne.millar@elders.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">anne.millar@elders.com.au</a>
Lachlan Biglin
Nutrien Ag Solutions
<a href="mailto:lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au</a>
 
More information:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<a href="https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application</a>
<a href="https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/</a>
 
Project/Investment Code:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=ARL2607-001FAX" rel="noopener noreferrer">ARL2607-001FAX</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="noopener noreferrer">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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