In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Fiona Dempster, a researcher and grower from Mingenew, Western Australia. Fiona’s unique background in natural resource management and her ongoing research with the University of Western Australia bring fascinating insights into the intersection of scientific study and hands-on farming. Â
Fiona shares her journey from city life in Perth to rural farm life, her work on projects that tackle herbicide resistance and risk management in grain farming, and her role in the BeefLinks project, which aims to improve cattle industry practices. Her work highlights the importance of connecting research with practical on-ground needs, and she emphasises the complex decision-making growers face every day.Â
Download the transcript for this episodeÂ
More information:Â
University of Western Australia
BeefLinks Project
RiskWise Project
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.Â
GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAXÂ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-------- Â
30:32
Agricultural study around the world: insights from a GRDC supported Horizon scholar
The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program provides a bursary of $5000 a year during the final two years of a degree, along with professional development, work placements and networking opportunities.Â
Supported by the GRDC, the scholarship program fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders who are interested in contributing to the Australian grains industry's success.Â
In this podcast, we hear from Horizon scholarship recipient, Grace Moloney on how the experience has opened doors for her professionally here in Australia and abroad.Â
Download the transcript for this episode
ContactÂ
Grace Moloney, AgriFutures Horizon scholarÂ
[email protected]
More informationÂ
Cold, wet conditions an eye-opener for travelling grains scholar
AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship
GRDC investment codeÂ
RDC2303-002AWX
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-------- Â
7:34
GRDC in Conversation: Mike Ewing
In this episode, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Mike Ewing, a scientist with over 40 years of experience in agricultural research, particularly in farming systems, break crops and whole-farm profitability. Â
Mike discusses his long-standing passion for plants and their unique adaptations, especially in the challenging environment of Western Australia's grain-growing regions. He shares insights from his career that has trotted the globe and ultimately landed him back in Western Australia to transform the agriculture industry. His research helped introduce and integrate lupins into the farming system as a sustainable legume crop.Â
Through collaboration between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders Mike believes the models and systems they work on together can drive meaningful innovation for the future.Â
Download the transcript for this episodeÂ
Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeÂ
More information:Â
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)Â
Cottesloe Coast Care
Â
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.Â
GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAXÂ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-------- Â
55:07
The how-to of effective mouse baiting - techniques, machinery and safety
Mouse populations across a large part of grain growing regions were higher than average across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, requiring an increased effort in mouse management from growers.Â
To help Australian grain growers reduce crop losses due to mouse damage, a GRDC investment is examining mouse bait application techniques to better understand the performance and likely efficacy of various options.Â
In this episode, we’re joined by agricultural research engineer Ben White who is leading the project team, as well as CSIRO mouse expert Steve Henry who starts us off with a bit of a history lesson.Â
Download the transcript for this episode
Contact:Â
Steve Henry, Mouse expertÂ
CSIROÂ
[email protected]Â
Ben White, Agricultural research engineerÂ
[email protected]Â
More information:Â
Bait spreading methods examined to combat mouse damage in cropsÂ
Mouse tracking project in WAÂ
Project Codes:Â
BVW2302-001SAXÂ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-------- Â
14:02
GRDC in Conversation: Steve Davies
In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre speaks with Steve Davies, a soil scientist and researcher based in Western Australia. Steve’s love of dirt spawned from his quirky teacher in high school. That small moment budded into a 20+ year career investigating how to make grain farming more sustainable and productive.Â
In this episode, Steve explains how he collaborates with researchers, advisers and growers to address some of the west’s most challenging soil constraints. He also reflects on the evolution of the industry, crediting growers' contributions to advancements and discussing the incremental and significant changes in agricultural practices. Â
Download the transcript for this episodeÂ
Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeÂ
More information:Â
CSIROÂ Â
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)Â
University of Western Australia
Urrbrae Agricultural High School
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.Â
GRDC Project Code: HAG2308-001SAX
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices