GRDC Podcast

With seasons and environmental challenges often stacked against them, the Schaefer family’s determination to succeed in a sustainable manner has seen them adopt technologies, including precision agriculture practices. Robin’s long family association with farming in the northern Mallee region of South Australia has meant pivoting the business several times to keep pace with technology. His experience in transitioning from a precision agriculture model to an automated one is aligned with the principles of the Grain Automate initiative. This GRDC Grain Automate podcast series is led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia or SPAA, as part of the GRDC Grain Automate Initiative.

Contact:

Robin Shaefer

Grower around Loxton, northern Mallee district

robin.schaefer@bullaburra.net.au

More Information:

https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/2026/grain-automate-from-data-to-decisions

https://grainautomate.grdc.com.au

https://grdc.com.au/research/partnerships-and-initiatives/major-initiatives/grain-automate

https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/2026/grain-automate-getting-started-with-autonomy

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/are-you-ready-for-autonomy

https://grainautomate.grdc.com.au/resources/case-studies/simple-approach-key-to-variable-rate-success-on-branson-farms

https://grainautomate.grdc.com.au/resources/articles/grain-automate-project-round-up

https://www.netimes.com.au/2025/07/23/the-latest-in-ag-tech/

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/innovation/precision-agriculture-and-machinery/momentum-builds-for-on-farm-task-automation

https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2026/04/grain-automate-national-webinar-getting-automation-farm-ready

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/grdc-invests-$35m-to-drive-machine-automation-and-intelligent-technology-for-grain-growers

https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2024/08/paving-the-way-for-on-farm-autonomy?



Project Code:

SPA2404-002RTX
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Dr Rick Llewellyn is the recipient of the 2026 Grain Research and Development Corporation, Seed of Light South Award for his contribution to the grains industry. As a Senior Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO based out of South Australia's Waite campus, Rick has made it his mission to move the industry forward over a stellar career in the research field.   GRDC Seed of Light Award recognises outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to communicating research outcomes to grain growers and others working across the grains industry.

Contact:

Dr Rick Llewellyn 

CSIRO 

rick.llewellyn@csiro.au

 

More Information:    

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/csiro-scientist-receives-grains-industry-awards
                                                                                                                        https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/celebrating-seed-of-light-csiro-recipients

https://grdc.com.au/about/rd-and-e-capacity-and-ability/awards              
grdc-seed-of-light-award.pdf   
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Growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers all using MyGRDC to access information and events relevant to them. Hear from grower, Tim McClelland, researcher, Greta Duff and agronomist, Quenten Knight about the benefits of using MyGRDC - including personalised event notifications, bookmarking relevant articles and easy access no matter where you are.

Contact:

MyGRDC Team

mygrdc@grdc.com.au

Website: my.grdc.com.au

Download app: App store or Google Play

More Information:   

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/mygrdc

https://youtu.be/LtnVWSmkaE8
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GRDC's Farm Business Updates have played a big role in updating growers about changing landscapes, including taxation and managing the ever-increasing asset base of their businesses. As part of a recent update, Joanne Gilbert from world leading tax and consulting service, RSM Australia spoke about the changes that have occurred in the years since the Covid pandemic. Joanne encourages all growers to take control of their income and we caught up with her post-update to find out more.

Contact: Joanne Gilbert

RSM Australia

joanne.gilbert@rsm.com.au

More information:

https://www.rsm.global/australia

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/events/focus-on-farm-business-a-priority-this-february

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grownotes/technical-manuals/farm-business-models

https://grdc.com.au/research/partnerships-and-initiatives/strategic-partnerships/riskwise

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2024/07/mastering-the-whole-system-managing-farm-business-risk-and-building-resilience

https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/2026/grain-automate-from-data-to-decisions

https://grdc.com.au/events/list/2026/04/grdc-farm-business-update,-online-from-busy-to-efficient-streamlining-operations



Project Code: ORM2401-001SAX
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Growers in Western Australia are aware of the benefits of growing legumes in their rotation. However, there are key considerations and drivers that need to be considered when making decisions. A GRDC investment with the Grower Group Alliance is aiming to help with that and in this four-part series, we tackle the agronomy, profitability, marketing, and harvesting of growing legumes. This episode explores what makes legumes profitable, how profitable they need to be to make it worthwhile, and the multi-year factors at play. We hear from grower, Timm House, and his agronomy consultant, Tom McInerney, who are both based at Gnowangerup, WA.

Contacts:  

Timm House

Gnowangerup Grower

timmhouse23@gmail.com

 

Tom McInernery

Great Southern Ag

tom.mcinerney@bigpond.com

 

More Information:     ​

https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/profitable-legumes-becoming-a-reality

​                  

Project Investment Code:   

GGA2110-002SAX 
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