GRDC Podcast

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Darcy Warren, a leading researcher at Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia based in Geelong. Darcy’s entry into agriculture was far from traditional; growing up in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Greensborough, he discovered agricultural science almost by accident at a university open day. From those early sparks of curiosity, Darcy has built a distinguished career, starting with a joint GRDC and Agriculture Victoria graduate program and progressing to help lead a national research team. 

 

The conversation explores the rapid growth of Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia from a small team of four to a national organisation. Darcy reflects on the "career-defining" Hyper Yielding Cereals project in Tasmania, the complexities of managing disease burdens, and the shifting landscape of fungicide resistance. Beyond the technical science, Darcy discusses the "people side" of agriculture—the importance of mentorship, the challenges of a travel-heavy career, and why he encourages the next generation of "city kids" to find their place in the grains sector. 

 

Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube.

More information 

Far Australia

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
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In this episode, Tim Neale from DataFarming explains a new precision ag tool, weedSAT. weedSAT — a satellite-powered weed detection tool developed with investment from GRDC through the Grain Automate initiative uses high-resolution commercial satellite imagery, to identify larger, hard-to-kill weeds across broadacre paddocks. Before growers even enter the field — it enables targeted spraying using existing boom spray section control systems. We also hear from Precision Ag consultant Bindi Isbister who has been trailing the technology with Western Austalian growers with good success.

Contacts: 

Tim Neale

Datafarming

[email protected]

 

Bindi Isbister

Agrarian Management

[email protected]

 

More Information: 

Satellites deployed to pintpoint summer weeds

 

weedSAT turning your conventional boom into a spot sprayer using ultra high resolution satellite imagery

 

Project Investment Code:   

DFL2304-002RTX
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In this episode, facilitators Amy Wright and Lucy Pedler talk about the rise of young grower groups across South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Supported by AIR EP and the Future Drought Fund, these peer-to-peer networks are creating safe spaces for young growers to build skills, confidence and leadership capacity.

Participants prioritise topics such as soils, technology adoption, drought resilience and business management—while also valuing connection, collaboration and time off-farm with peers. Amy and Lucy highlight increased confidence among members, with some stepping into leadership roles, industry panels and research committees.

With study tours planned and momentum building, these groups are not only strengthening individual businesses but fostering the next generation of resilient, connected agricultural leaders. GRDC is proud to support many of these growers to attend study tours.

Contacts:      

Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Inc
[email protected]

George Pedler Ag
[email protected]

 

More Information:    

GRDC Sponsorship

AIR EP
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Have you been thinking of adding a legume to your rotation? In this episode, we are joined by Calingiri legume grower John Young and Glen Reithmuller who is from DPIRD in WA. John shares his experience with implementing legumes into his rotation and Glen shares the surprising efficiency of legume harvestability.

Contacts:

John Young 

WA Grower 

[email protected]  

 

Glen Reithmuller 

DPRID 

[email protected] 

 

More Information:

Closing the economic yield gap of grain legumes in WALegume Harvesting video

Project Investment Code:

GGA2110-002SAX 
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As we recorded this podcast, the bushfire threat in Victoria was ongoing with lives, homes, and thousands of hectares of cropping land still at risk. In this episode, we hear from Dennis Hoiberg from Lessons Learned Consulting and get some strategies for looking after your mental health in traumatic times such as a bushfire event. We also speak to South Australian grower, Andy Barr, who has firsthand experience dealing with the loss and devastation bushfires can cause. 

Contacts:      

Andy Barr

Grower, South Australia

[email protected]

 

Dennis Hoiberg

Lessons Learned Consulting

[email protected]

 

More Information:  

https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2023/reducing-harvest-fires

https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2025/10/grdc-farm-business-update,-online-reducing-the-risk-of-harvest-fires

https://lessonslearntconsulting.com

https://www.lifeline.org.au 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au
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