In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, hosts Sean Mason and Peter Treloar discuss the performance and practical applications of Variable Rate Technology (VRT) in a challenging agricultural season.

They cover topics such as zoning, testing, troubleshooting, and what NDVI maps tell us, even during drought years. This episode provides valuable insights and real-world takeaways for farmers looking to optimise their yield and input costs through precision agriculture.

00:00 Introduction to the VRT project

00:42 Easy VRT Workshop Insights

01:05 2024 Season Recap and VRT Performance

02:41 Drought Year Data and Zoning

06:41 Practical Applications of NDVI Maps

07:50 Managing Constraints with VRT

10:37 Fertiliser Safety and Soil Testing

12:27 Conclusion and Future Outlook

This episode is supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, part of the Farming and Growth Mindset series, hosts Nick Paltridge and Dennis Hoiberg discuss practical strategies for resilience on the farm.

Dennis details his 'five planks of resilience' framework, which includes spirituality, medical health, physical health, connectivity, and mental health. He emphasises that resilience isn't just about bouncing back but bouncing forward and adapting to change.

The conversation covers the importance of self-care, holistic medical approaches, the impact of physical posture and exercise, the value of social and community connections, and activities to keep the brain active.

This episode is funded by the SA Drought Resilience, Adoption, and Innovation Hub with support from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.

00:00 Introduction to the MSF Farm Talk Podcast

00:33 Meet Dennis Hoiberg: The Resilience Expert

00:44 Understanding Resilience: A Practical Approach

02:33 The Five Planks of Resilience

03:04 Spirituality: The First Plank

06:15 Medical Health: The Second Plank

10:25 Physical Health: The Third Plank

14:04 Connectivity: The Fourth Plank

20:05 Mental Health: The Fifth Plank

21:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of the 2025 season of the Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge interviews Steve Burt, the Independent Chair of Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF).

They discuss Steve's extensive career in agriculture, his views on sustainable farming practices, and the positive changes in Mallee farming over the years. Steve also talks about his role at MSF, the importance of farmer-led leadership, and the current call for new MSF board members from New South Wales and Victoria.

Tune in to learn more about how you can contribute to the future of farming in the Mallee region.

00:00 Introduction to the 2025 Season

00:12 Meet Steve Burt, MSF's Independent Chair

00:22 Steve Burt's Career in Agriculture

01:35 The Role and Impact of MSF

03:41 Call for New MSF Board Members

04:50 Board Meetings and Member Benefits

06:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

To learn more about Mallee Sustainable Farming visit msfp.org.au

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special two-part episode recorded for the GRDC NGN project, Tanja Morgan and Chris Saunders from Uni SA's Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Center discuss optimising soil amelioration in typical mallee soils.

Initially recorded in late 2024 at a trial site in Copeville SA, they explore how different ripping configurations impact fuel efficiency and soil loosening. Six months later, they review the harvest results, focusing on yield responses, gross margins, and the return on investment of various setups.

The episode concludes with advice for growers on machine setup and the benefits of ripping in dry seasons.

00:00 Introduction to Soil Amelioration Project

00:17 Field Trials and Initial Observations

00:58 Discussion on Ripping Configurations

02:00 Economic Considerations and Efficiency

02:24 Soil Type and Tractor Performance

07:00 Harvest Results and Yield Analysis

10:30 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

11:09 Conclusion and Resources

This project was delivered in collaboration with UniSA's Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Centre and Frontier Farming Systems. 

Resources

GRDC Deep Ripping Efficiency Considerations Part 1 - click here

GRDC Deep Ripping Efficiency Considerations Part 2 - coming soon

Grower case study - Mick Farley, Farmer, Copeville South Australia - click here 

GRDC Adelaide Update paper - click here

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

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In the final episode of our harvest binge series, we delve into an inspiring adventure as we chat with Tanja about her April 2024 trek along the Kokoda track. Covering the physical challenges, resilience, and camaraderie she experienced, this discussion shares observations on similarities to Mallee farming life.

Join us as we wrap up with reflections on seeking new opportunities and pursuing goals beyond farming. 

00:00 Introduction to the Final Episode

00:15 Reflecting on the Kokoda Trek

00:23 Interview with Nick Paltridge 

00:35 Lessons from the Kokoda Experience

01:53 Insights for Farmers

03:41 The Importance of Teamwork

05:25 Challenges and Humor on the Trek

05:32 Returning Home and New Perspectives

06:46 Weather and Terrain on the Kokoda Track

08:07 Anzac Day and Historical Reflections

09:59 Physical and Mental Challenges

11:16 Conclusion and Future Plans

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s tuned in, shared, and supported the MSF FarmTalk podcast. We’re signing off for 2024 but will return in 2025 with new and exciting episodes to inspire and inform.

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge speaks with Rick Rundell-Gordon, a seasoned agronomist from Swan Hill, about the challenges and lessons from the 2024 cropping season.

With over 30 years of experience, Rick discusses strategies for effective planning and preparation, the importance of summer weed control, soil amelioration, and managing crop rotations. He emphasises the need to plan early and control controllable factors to ensure a successful 2025.

The conversation provides valuable insights for farmers aiming to improve their crop yields and sustainability.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:35 Season Review and Challenges

03:23 Lessons Learned and Strategies

06:07 Planning for the Future

11:02 Opportunities and Future Outlook

12:08 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

This podcast was supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program. The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator is an important member of the Western Local Land Services team, helping land managers make better decisions for a more sustainable future. 

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the latest episode of MSF FarmTalk Series - Farming a Growth Mindset, hosted by Tanja Morgan and supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

This episode features Dennis J. Hoiberg, an expert in emotional wellbeing and resilience, discussing the transformative power of mindset and choice. Dennis offers practical tips to help farmers develop and sustain a growth mindset, including the 'heroic minute' each morning and the 'hour of power.'

Learn how to navigate personal and professional challenges with optimism and creativity, and understand the importance of sleep, body language, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

Tune in for tips to enhance your productivity and emotional well-being on the farm.

00:00 Introduction to the MSF Farm Podcast

00:25 The Power of Choice and Mindset

01:14 Understanding Different Mindsets

03:07 Developing and Sustaining a Growth Mindset

08:06 Practical Tips for a Positive Mindset

12:06 The Importance of Community and Support

15:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This project is being led by Mallee Sustainable Farming and has been funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and is supported by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, supported by Advantage Grain, hosts David Evans and David Long delve into the complexities of global grain markets.

They discuss important factors like geopolitical shifts, weather impacts, and financial market volatility that influence grain pricing and exports. The two experts also provide insights into strategies that can help Australian growers effectively manage these challenges, such as structured marketing programs.

This episode offers advice for farmers looking to streamline their grain marketing efforts and set up stable cash flow amidst global uncertainties. 

00:00 Introduction to Grain Marketing

00:41 Global Factors Influencing Grain Markets

01:27 Geopolitical Impacts on Grain Prices

04:19 Australian Market Overview

04:45 Mallee Region Insights

06:40 Grain Marketing Programs and Solutions

08:49 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

For more information on Advantage Grain's programs and services, please visit their website at www.advantagegrain.com.au

To speak directly with our experts:

David Evans: mobile 0437 176 280 or [email protected]

David Long: mobile 0427 012 273 or [email protected]

Alternatively, you can reach out via email at [email protected] or call the main line at 1300 245 586.

 

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of the MSF Farm Talk podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at DPIRD in WA, the focus is on agronomy practices following soil amelioration.

The discussion covers methods for effective crop establishment, seeding techniques, and the use of longer coleoptile wheat varieties to improve productivity on freshly ameliorated soils.

Dr. Davies also shares insights into the challenges and strategies for managing these soils to ensure successful crop growth. The episode wraps up with considerations on seed rates and the benefits of strategic planning for future planting seasons. We would like to acknowledge that much of the work discussed on the podcast is the result of joint investment across a number of projects by DPIRD and GRDC. 

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One

00:28 Agronomy After Amelioration

00:50 Crop Establishment Strategies

03:17 Seeding Techniques and Equipment

05:12 Long Coleoptile Wheat Benefits

08:04 Challenges and Solutions in Crop Establishment

10:09 Conclusion and Future Insights

This podcast was brought to you but the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund project ‘Extension and Adoption of Drought Farming Practices’ and ‘De-risking the seeding program - Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry early sown crops’.

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with Dr Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), to discuss soil amelioration practices in Western Australia.

Stephen, who has over 20 years of experience working in the Northern Greenbelt of WA, shares insights into tackling soil challenges like water-repellent sands through deep ripping, mouldboard ploughing, spading, and more.

This episode provides practical advice, the evolution of WA soil management techniques, and the impact of various methods on soil health and crop yield, acknowledging that much of the work discussed on the podcast is the result of joint investment across a number of projects by DPIRD and GRDC. 

Stay tuned for part two, where the discussion continues into more agronomic decisions crucial for successful soil amelioration.

00:00 Introduction to Soil Amelioration

00:17 Stephen Davies' Background and Experience

00:50 Challenges and Solutions in Soil Management

03:49 Deep Ripping and Soil Inversion Techniques

05:42 Adoption and Impact of Soil Amelioration

09:46 Strategic Tillage and Long-Term Benefits

14:36 Balancing Tillage with Sustainability

17:29 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Useful links from Dr Stephen Davies work

Agronomy Conference 2024 paper

Crop establishment following amelioration PDF

Follow Dr Stephen Davies on X @SteveDsoilsciWA

This podcast was brought to you but the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund projects ‘Extension and Adoption of Drought Farming Practices’ and ‘De-risking the seeding program - Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry early sown crops’.

Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.