Dr Bill Bowden has spent more than five decades shaping the way Western Australia understands soil, fertiliser strategy and plant nutrition. In this episode, he joins host Bill Crabtree for a candid conversation about the science, history and hard-won lessons behind modern cropping systems.
From the early days of superphosphate to the complexities of trace elements, root development, pH buffering and nutrient availability, Bill breaks down how WA’s most infertile soils became productive and what farmers must keep in mind as systems evolve.
Together they unpack:
• The rise of phosphorus use and the foundations of soil testing in WA
• Copper, zinc, manganese and why positional availability still matters
• Root biology and the shift from input-focused thinking to system understanding
• No-till, deep ripping and the long-running debate around disturbance
• Rock phosphate, calcination and the realities of using alternative P sources
• The biological engine driving soils from microbes to termites
A must-listen for growers, agronomists, researchers and anyone working to improve soil fertility and system resilience across Australian agriculture.
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6. ACID SOIL IS KILLING YOUR CROPS: The Science Behind WA's Biggest Farming Challenge
Dr. Steve Carr joins Bill "No-Till Bill" Crabtree for a deep dive into soil acidity, the silent crop killer affecting thousands of Western Australian farms. With decades of research experience from UWA and hands-on fieldwork in the Eastern Wheatbelt, Dr. Carr breaks down the complex science behind why WA's ancient soils are naturally acidic and how modern agriculture accelerates the problem.
Dr. Carr's expertise transforms complex soil chemistry into actionable knowledge that can save your crops and boost profitability. Whether you're battling stubborn acid patches or planning long-term soil health strategies, this episode delivers the scientific insights you need.
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5. They Want to Ban Sheep Farming in Australia?!
From decades in rural broadcasting to witnessing the rise and fall of major agricultural industries, former ABC journalist Owen Grieve joins Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree for one of the most honest and controversial conversations yet.
Together, they unpack the live sheep export ban, government policies that have shaped (and shaken) rural Australia, and the media’s role in shaping public perception of farmers. It’s a deep, unfiltered look at what’s really happening to Australia’s sheep industry and why it matters to every farming family.
Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, or simply curious about the truth behind the headlines, this episode shines a light on the stories that rarely make it to the city.
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4. How No-Till Farming Transformed the WA Wheatbelt
From battling wind erosion to leading the no-till revolution in Western Australia, Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree sits down with Rick Madden and Owen Grieve to reflect on the innovations, challenges, and breakthroughs that reshaped farming across the WA Wheatbelt.
Together, they share raw, funny, and insightful stories about the shift from conventional tillage to direct drilling, the machinery and chemical innovations that made it possible, and the farmer-led movement that spread from WA to the world.
In this episode:
• Life in the WA Wheatbelt and the challenges of farming in the 1980s
• How no-till farming transformed Australian agriculture
• The science and debate around chemicals, soil health, and sustainability
• Stories of resilience, community, and lessons learned on the land
Whether you’re a farmer, ag professional, or simply curious about the people behind modern agriculture, this episode offers a rare look into the highs, lows, and lasting impact of no-till farming in Australia.
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3. The No-Till Revolution: How WA Farmers Transformed Australian Agriculture
From dust storms and soil erosion in Esperance to the birth of no-till farming in Western Australia, this episode of the 4Farmers Podcast captures a turning point in Australian agriculture.
Host Bill Crabtree (“No-Till Bill”) is joined by Rick Madden, one of WA’s early champions of direct drilling and minimum tillage, and Owen Grieve, long-time ABC Rural journalist. Together, they share the stories, challenges, and breakthroughs that reshaped farming across the Wheatbelt.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
• Life and farming in the WA Wheatbelt during the 1970s–1990s
• How no-till farming and direct drilling transformed agriculture in Australia
• The early debates over chemicals, herbicides, glyphosate, and paraquat
• Farmer-led innovation in Esperance, Katanning, and Kondinin
• Lessons in resilience, sustainability, and community from decades on the land
Whether you’re a farmer, agricultural professional, or simply curious about how modern farming practices evolved, this episode offers a rare and personal look at the no-till revolution in Western Australia.
Join Bill Crabtree known worldwide as No-Till Bill, a global keynote speaker and leading authority on no-till farming and Cathy McKenna, seasoned sales strategist, as they unpack the strategies, science, and stories behind providing Australian farmers with low-cost, high-quality agricultural chemicals.
Both Bill and Cathy are former large-scale farmers who understand firsthand the constraints, challenges, and stresses of dryland farming. With Bachelor degrees in Agricultural Science and Bill also holding a Master’s in Soil Science, they bring a rare blend of academic expertise and practical, in-the-paddock experience.
With over 30 years of industry impact, 4Farmers unites farmers, ex-farmers, and scientists to deliver practical insights, local know-how, and industry updates that matter. Each episode dives into agronomic best practice, emerging products, seasonal challenges, and how to get the right product, at the right price, at the right time. Whether you’re managing wheat and other cool-season crops and other weeds or pests, or optimising crop protection strategies, this is your go-to for trustworthy advice and real-world solutions.
and others cool-season crops battling weeds and other pests
4Farmers… for farmers.
Australia