Shows
Cherry Picked23. Adapting Cherries to a Changing Climate: Insights from the CVA model with Dr Jane KelleyIn this episode, we explore how climate change is impacting cherry production in New South Wales, with a focus on the Lapin cherry variety. Drawing on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, we discuss projected changes in climate suitability, key vulnerabilities such as chill accumulation and fruit firmness, and the adaptation strategies that could help growers stay resilient. We also unpack the modelling approach used in the CVA, including how different emissions scenarios were applied to assess future risks and opportunities for cherry growers across NSW. Key Topics Co...2025-07-2337 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update, 22.7.25.They’re back. The NSW DPIRD ‘dynamic duo’ of Brad Baxter and Steve Simpfendorfer join us for the first in-crop disease podcast.•The impact of climate on crops: of the samples received in the north this season, 68% were NOT DISEASE.•Cereal disease update & what might be a problem for the rest of the season.•Frequent questions being asked from the paddock.•No stripe rust to report at yet.2025-07-2233 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyImproving sorghum yields & quality in northern NSW.Listen to NSW DPIRD's sorghum expert Loretta Serafin discuss the on-farm research conducted in NW NSW over the last ~ 5 years by her team on agronomic tweaks for sorghum yield improvement.Setting your paddock up for success.Optimising planting time & the place of early planting.Choosing the most suitable row spacings for your region.Getting nutrition right.Hybrid selection.2025-06-3058 min
Productive ProducerSheep and Goat eIDIn this episode, we’re joined by Ebony Nowlan, Senior Biosecurity Officer for eID implementation in sheep and goats. Ebony breaks down what producers need to know about the rollout of electronic identification, from key dates and regulatory timelines to what’s happening behind the scenes to support the transition.We also get into the practical side: how to get started, what systems and setups are working well on farms already using EID, and how producers can use the data to drive better decisions. Whether you're feeling ready or a bit overwhelmed, this episode gives you a clea...2025-06-2722 minCherry Picked21. Using the power of microbes to unlock your soil with Edwina MurrayOn this week's episode, we catch up with NEM's Edwina Murray to chat all things microbes, nutrient cycling and biologicals available! Find out more about NEM visit https://nem.com.au/ Disclaimer: NSW DPIRD does not endorse any of the products discussed in the episode, and growers are encouraged to seek the advice of professionals before using them. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to...2025-06-2528 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyAphids & viruses in broadleaf crops.We talk to NSW DPIRD's aphid & virus experts, Joop van Leur, Zorica Duric & Solomon Maina on:-Viruses: the basics & why they mutate & how they are transmitted.-Aphids: which ones are an issue to us in winter cropping.-Insecticide resistance.-Management options.2025-06-231h 08
NSW DPIRD AgronomyManaging blackleg in canola 2025.Listen to NSW DPIRD's Kurt Lindback & Marcrofts Grains Pathology, Steve Marcroft talk all things blackleg in canola:-disease life cycle -seedling versus upper canopy infection-how to know the risk in your paddock-varietal resistance. The differences & how & why this changes-when to use & not to use fungicides-fungicide resistance.2025-06-1647 min
Water Watch RadioEpisode 98: How does a fish tube work, exactly?Today on Water Watch we are revisiting the Menindee fishway trial to listen to the full interview with Anthony Townsend from NSW DPIRD Fisheries. What does it feel to be a fish slurped up a tube? Tune in, and you might just find out. Watch Watch is produced by Broken Hill Community radio 2DRY. Support the show: https://www.2dryfm.com/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1227 minCherry Picked20. Improving cherry nutrition with AgNova's Cam StoneOn this week's episode, we catch up with AgNova's Cameron Stone to chat about some new products available to cherry growers to improve cherry nutrition. Find out more about AgNova on their website https://agnova.com.au/ Disclaimer: NSW DPIRD does not endorse any of the products discussed in the episode, and growers are encouraged to seek the advice of professionals before using them. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and...2025-06-1124 min
The Business of DairyProducing milk with less lactose - why?Producing milk with less lactose – why might this be important? Our guest this month is Juan Garguilo, one of my NSW DPIRD colleagues. Juan has been involved in a number of research projects as part of the NSW Dairy Up R& D initiative and if you are a long-term listener of this podcast, you will have heard his Argentinian accent before!Juan, in conjunction with other well known dairy researchers, Professor Yani Garcia (University of Sydney) and Russ Hovey (University of California – Davis) has analysed the lactose content in milk – lactose being a milk solid that you don’t...2025-06-0317 minCherry Picked17. Xylella in the orchard with Shannon MulhollandOn this week's episode, we catch up with NSW DPRID's Dr Shannon Mulholland. Shannon works as a Senior Biosecurity Officer and specialises in plant preparedness. We talk about the impacts of Xylella overseas, how we can keep our orchards safe from Xylella and how to identify it. For more information about Xylella, check out these links DPIRD webpage - XylellaYou Tube videos:Xylella fastidiosa: Can science find a solution?What is Xylella?Where is Xylella?We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of C...2025-04-2922 minWater Watch RadioEpisode 94: Restoring The Darling Baaka Part 2This week on water watch we’re going to go back to the Plans and Progress to Restore the Darling Baaka to hear a community perspective from Darryn Clifton of the Darling River/Menindee Lakes Action Group, and hear more from Allan Raine Director, Water Planning Implementation at the NSW Department of Climate Change Energy Environment And Water and Tony Townsend Murray Darling Program Leader in Freshwater Environment for NSW DPIRD Fisheries. Watch Watch is produced by Broken Hill Community radio 2DRY.Support the show: https://www.2dryfm.com/donate/See omn...2025-04-2427 min
Seeds for SuccessMulti-species, multi-options: Multispecies fodder crops and their benefits for animal productionThis episode is part two of our two-part chat with Isabele and Pete Roberts. In the last episode, Isabele and Pete opened up about their family’s Poll Dorset stud operation and the importance of good breeding. In this episode, Isabele and Pete highlight the importance of multispecies grazing crops for their farm and the research they have recently undertaken with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, continues his chat with Isabele and Pete at their home in Cudal. Resources and links:...2025-04-0734 minCherry Picked15. Orchard Recovery after Bushfire - Part 1 with Kevin DoddsOn this week's episode, we catch up with Kevin Dodds from NSW DPIRD. Kevin is a Development Officer and part of the Bushfire Recovery project led by NSW DPIRD. Kev talks about preparing your orchard for bushfire and some things to consider if you have a bushfire through the orchard. Bushfires in Orchards Manual https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1592665/Bushfire-recovery-guide-web.pdf Got feedback? Get in touch at jessica.fearnley@dpi.nsw.gov.au We acknowledge the Traditional...2025-04-0238 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyWhat cereal diseases could be an issue in 2025? What's the washup from 2024?Listen to NSW DPIRD's 'dynamic duo', Steve Simpfendorfer and Brad Baxter discuss:What we learnt in 2024 and disease legacy effects for 2025.What's showing up in the stubble testing from this summer.What diseases could be an issue this season.Management tips.2025-03-1745 minThe Business of DairyDrought Forecasting and Seasonal ConditionsToo hot, too dry, too wet - seasonal conditions can be challenging to manage for those on the land. Forecasting for the season ahead can be difficult but is important when planning what you will do now or in the coming months. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Climate team have some excellent freely available resources including a recently released Drought Forecasting tool. Kel Langfield and Jen Wurtzel from the team step us through these tools and how they can be used by farmers and their advisors. Please use the links in the show notes to...2025-03-0131 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyMeet NSW DPIRD's up and coming scientists and their cool research!Introducing some of NSW DPIRD's young researchers and the projects they are looking into:Nicole Dron:Heat tolerance in pulses.Grain protein in pulses, why does it matter?Intergrated disease management (IDM) in in faba bean.Nitrogen fixation.Sam Blanch:Charcoal rot in summer crops.Net form net blotch in barley.Mitch Clifton:Long coleoptile wheats.2025-02-2448 minThe Business of DairyUps & Downs of NSW Dairy Farm Monitor 2023-24The 13th year of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project in NSW was one in which strong milk prices managed to hold gross farm incomes relatively stable. Increases in operating costs reduced average Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) relative to the previous year, with the most noticeable impact coming from purchased feed costs.On average, profits for the 36 NSW Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) participants remained strong at $2.12/kgMS and above the long-term average of $1.36/kgMS, for the fourth consecutive year. This translates to an average return on total assets of 4.5%. This month I discuss the ups a...2025-01-0132 min
Crop Disease PodcastIntroducing PRIM and fungicide resistance updatesWouldn't it be something to see all current and historical fungicide resistant results all in one place? In this podcast episode, let us introduce PRIM - the Pesticide Resistance Integrated Mapping tool from GRDC's Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry, an online app that (in its first release) can tell a grower the severity of fungicide resistance in their region. Access PRIM hereCCDM's Fran Lopez-Ruiz and Leon Hodgson discuss the new PRIM tool and talk about fungicide resistance in general as well as what they will be talking about at the Crop Protection Forum i...2024-11-2515 min
GRDC PodcastLong coleoptile - Disease interaction and deep sowingLong coleoptile wheat varieties have the potential to deliver increased yield and therefore profit to Australian growers. That’s why GRDC is investing in extensive research to future proof the crop. Steve Simpfendorfer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries is part of the nationwide project team, and his area of specialty is looking at how disease interacts with deep sowing. This four-year long coleoptile wheat project, made possible with GRDC investment, is being led by CSIRO along with research partners including the University of Melbourne, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of A...2024-10-2912 minThe Business of DairyResponses and Decision Making in Natural DisastersLate in 2023, a group of dairy farmers from across NSW were interviewed about their experiences, decisions made, support networks and lessons learnt following a number of recent natural disaster events, including the 2021-2022 floods. Tori Alexander (DPIRD) and Nikki Reichelt (University of Melbourne) share some of the findings from these interviews and the key challenges and successes observed. For further information on the interview findings and products take a look at the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (SFIRP) webpage, or the DPIRD Dairy webpage as resources become available.This podcast is an initiative of t...2024-10-0127 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyCereal disease update, 19.8.24.🎧 PODCAST: Cereal disease update 🎧NSW DPIRD's Brad Baxter, Steve Simpfendorfer and Sam Blanch chat with us re:-Cereal disease update & what might be a problem for the rest of the season.-Frequent questions they are being asked.-Fungicides & the kick-back period.-Stripe rust & adult plant resistance (APR) & how it works.-Net form net blotch (NFNB) research. 2024-08-1948 min
NSW DPIRD AgronomyHow do I protect my canola yield from now till harvest?How to manage diseases in your canola from now till harvest.NSW DPIRD's Kurt Lindbeck gives us some tips on: -Knowing your crop's disease risk from now till maturity. -Some key aspects of sclerotinia & blackleg's life cycle that can influence your decision to spray or not. -Real life scenarios from the paddock & management options.2024-08-1343 min
Dry Season ResourcesBenefits of confinement feeding and deferred grazingIn this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie interviews Congellin farmer, Sandra Fowler, and Senior Field Veterinary Officer at the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, Anna Erikson.They discuss the benefits of confinement feeding and deferred grazing during a dry season and things to consider when implementing this type of system.A guide to confinement feeding sheep and cattle in NSW (PDF) - NSW Government Local Land ServicesManaging breeding ewes in containment areas (PDF) - Meat & Livestock AustraliaManaging sheep in drought lots (PDF) - Australian Wool InnovationResearch Re...2024-03-0531 min
Genetics in the Paddock with EmilyRaising the Steaks: Empowering Women in Agriculture with Renee RipponIn this empowering episode, we dive deep into the heart of beef production, exploring the remarkable journey of Renee Rippon, a technical officer for the Southern Multi Breed project (NSW DPIRD), who carved her niche in the industry of beef production. Renee shares her inspiring story and insights into her flourishing career from Queensland, to Northern Territory and finally back to New South Wales.Join us as Renee takes us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in beef production. From breaking stereotypes to managing large scale genetics projects, Renee's experiences...2024-01-2129 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyEvolving Excellence - Updating the Resource Flock with Dr. Sam WalkomJoin us in this enlightening episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily as we sit down with Dr. Sam Walkom, a senior research fellow at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unite (AGBU). Together, we explore the essential task of updating the reference flock to align with industry standards and the dynamic landscape of the sheep genetics realm. In the ever-evolving sheep industry, staying ahead means continuously expanding our understanding of genetics. Dr. Walkom shares his deep insights into the strategic process of updating the reference flock, ensuring it reflects the latest traits and encompasses the full spectrum...2024-01-0742 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilySire Selection and Breeding Decisions with Dr. Matt WolcottIn this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we are joined by Dr. Matt Wolcott, a research fellow from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). Together, we embark on a journey into the intricate world of genetic evaluation tools and how to wield them effectively for making crucial decisions in livestock breeding. Choosing the right sire or making informed breeding decisions can make or break the future of your herd or flock. Dr. Wolcott, an expert in livestock genetics, shares his wealth of knowledge on this essential topic. He explains the ins and outs of...2023-12-1721 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyAdding Selection Indexes to the Toolkit with Dr. Brad WalmsleyIn this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we delve into the power of selection indexes in livestock breeding. Join us as we unravel the science behind these powerful tools that drive genetic progress in the livestock industry. Selection indexes are the cornerstone of modern livestock breeding programs, but what exactly are they, and how do they work? Our guest expert, Dr. Brad Walmsley, a research scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries seconded to Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), breaks down the complex science behind selection indexes into understandable terms and discusses their real...2023-12-1019 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyMaximising Livestock Potential using Breeding Values with Dr. Kirsty MooreIn this informative episode on Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, join us as we delve deep into the world of livestock production with the Dr. Kirsty Moore. Dr. Moore is a senior research scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, and she's here to introduce us to a fundamental concept in livestock genetics: breeding values. Breeding values are the secret sauce behind producing healthier, more productive, and genetically superior livestock. They are a powerful tool that can transform your livestock operation and boost your bottom line. But what exactly are breeding values, and how can you...2023-12-0322 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyBreed Better - Setting a Breeding Objective with Dr. Brad WalmsleyIn this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we embark on a journey of precision and purpose in the world of livestock breeding. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, understanding how to set clear and achievable breeding objectives is essential for success on farm. Join us as we explore the critical aspects of defining your breeding objectives. Our expert guest, Dr Brad Walmsley, a Research Officer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries seconded to the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), will share his wisdom on identifying the specific traits and characteristics...2023-11-2621 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyBreech Wrinkle and New Traits in Sheep Genetics with Dr. Daniel BrownOn this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we continue to dive into how researchers have continued to work with industry to develop new traits. In this episode, our guest speaker Dr. Daniel Brown, a principal scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), discusses how the development of new traits within the sheep genetics evaluation system has continued to drive the industry forward over his 25 years of experience. The incorporation of the breech wrinkle trait into the sheep genetics evaluation system has been a pivotal collaborative issue to address welfare issues in the industry...2023-11-1323 minGenetics in the Paddock with EmilyUnlocking Livestock Genetics Potential with Dr David JohnstonOn this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we strip back to the very basics of why genetics is important to consider when breeding livestock and how it can assist with decision making. Our guest speaker, Dr. David Johnston, a principal scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) walks us through the benefits of using the available genetic information alongside visual assessment.The genetic evaluation systems available incorporate key traits that affect profitability and separate the environmental component, providing an genetic estimate that is based only on the genetic merit of the animal. Join...2023-11-1330 min
Grains ConvoHow the PestFacts WA service can help youHost: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy WebsterDPIRD Research Agronomist Cindy Webster discusses the recently renamed PestFacts WA service. Previously known as the PestFax service, this interactive service provides timely information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pastures throughout the grainbelt. PestFacts WA is upgrading their reporting app and map and will deliver various tools (e-newsletter, insecticide spray guides, webinars, free pest and disease diagnoses, identification training events and more) for WA growers and consultants throughout the growing season.PestFacts WA operates under the IPMforGrains...2022-04-2909 min
Cattle Station ClassroomPonds aren't just for ducks (Landscape rehydration through Waterponding)Welcome to the Cattle Station Classroom Podcast. In today’s lesson we are going to be learning about the landscape rehydration method of Waterponding. To learn about waterponding, we are joined by Jardine Macdonald, the Program Manager for Rangelands Natural Resource Management. Jards is a hydrogeologist who comes from an environmental consulting and mining background, and did research on groundwater recharge and catchment water balance dynamics in the Pilbara. Starting with Rangelands early 2019, he took up the project management role for the West Kimberley LCDC Smart Farms grant project ‘Brining soil back to life...2021-12-1823 min
GRDC PodcastNew pasture legumes overcome old barriersFor the past three years, researchers in Western Australia have been trialling innovative new pasture legume species suited to low to medium rainfall areas. The findings are clear - new species can overcome traditional barriers to use and deliver significant benefits to mixed farming enterprises. In this podcast, Professor John Howieson from Murdoch University discusses the research findings so far and shares how growers can use this insight to boost productivity and profitability on-farm. It’s all part significant $18 million-dollar dryland pasture legume research initiative being led by the GRDC. ...2020-12-2311 min
Crop Disease PodcastManaging sclerotinia on canolaSclerotinia, one of the most talked about crop diseases, continues to challenge canola growers. Join CCDM's Megan Jones and sclerotinia expert Sarita Bennett as we discuss how to get on top of this difficult disease for the coming growing season. We chat with WA Consultant David Pfeiffer from Synergy Consulting and get his perspective on how to manage the disease with the limited tools available including fungicide management.We also chat with pulse and oilseed pathologist Kurt Lindbeck from NSW DPI, who sheds light on some research on what growers can do going forward into this season, given sclerotes can...2019-06-1228 min