Resistance: Lucerne’s fightback against insect pests
Chemical resistance has been detected in populations of redlegged earth mites and blue green aphids in new parts of Australia, challenging lucerne producers to consider new methods of crop protection. This episode of Unearthed challenges farmers and industry to move beyond single crop thinking and towards landscape-scale approaches to pest control.
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Second coming: Rehoming Australia’s retired racehorses
Where do Australia’s famed Thoroughbreds go after their career in racing finishes? The question of finding the right post-racing career for Thoroughbreds is at the heart of this episode of Unearthed. AgriFutures is developing a national strategy to increase demand for the 6000 horses that retire from the track each year, with second careers options ranging from the equestrian ring to amazing work healing the bodies and minds of human beings through equine therapy.
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Emergence: New crops for a changing landscape
As the climate shifts and farmers more closely monitor the returns achieved for every megalitre of water invested, the landscape is changing and producers are asking the question of what else could they grow to maximise productivity and profit. This episode builds on our series examining the evolution of Australia’s rice industry over the last 100 years, and investigates the place of new crops like sesame and industrial hemp in modern, water- and climate-efficient farming systems.
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100 Years of Rice - Part 2: A new way of farming
For an industry built on irrigation, modern Australian rice growers have become the most water efficient in the world using 50% less water than their international competitors and producing 50% more rice per megalitre than they did 25 years ago. And the improvements are set to keep on coming as new varieties and agronomic practices transform the farming landscape.
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100 Years of Rice – Part 1: Innovation and Adaptation
Over two big episodes, Unearthed is exploring the rich history and evolution of the Australian rice industry, which is this year celebrating 100 years of commercial production. From horse and plough, to Tiger Moth planes, to massivemachinery, this episode tracks the changes in farming techniques, water management, and the impact of technology on rice production. The conversation features insights from industry veteran George Rathbone, who at 95 has lived through almost everything that has been experienced in the industry, to current day champion growers Michael and Felicia Chalmers. The common theme: the importance of innovation and adaptation in the face of new challenges to deliver both productivity and environmental sustainability.
About Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture
When big ideas and new opportunities run up against established practices of farming in Australia’s unique environment, there’s tough choices to be made - tune in as we unearth the farmers, scientists and big characters who have found a new path to a more profitable, productive and resilient future for Australian agriculture.
“Unearthed: The people changing agriculture” is brought to you by AgriFutures Australia.
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