Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast WeedSmart Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Update - Ted O'Rafferty & Charlie Mitton, Forbes, NSW | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:21:15 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by two agronomists from the central west area of New South Wales: Charlie Mitton from Baker Ag Advantage and Ted O’Rafferty from AGnVET. Charlie and Ted provide a unique dual perspective on the region, covering areas from Forbes and Condobolin to Grenfell. While Charlie predominantly works with straight cropping operations utilizing a four-year rotation of canola, wheat, barley, and pulses, Ted deals mostly with mixed farming enterprises that incorporate livestock, lucerne, and grazing crops. After a late seasonal break in the west, the region is having a good year with warm winter conditions and a lack of frost causing crops to fire through their growth stages. The favourable weather has also brought weed challenges, particularly with annual ryegrass and wild oats showing resistance to common in-crop sprays. Charlie and Ted discuss the importance of robust pre-emergent programs and double break rotations to keep weed numbers low. Charlie and Ted also both made the trip to Geraldton, WA, for WeedSmart Week last year - tune in to hear their thoughts on the event! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance - Recent Resistance Research Results with Roberto Busi & Peter Boutsalis | 17 Jul 2026 | 01:01:21 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, we're joined by herbicide resistance researchers Roberto Busi (DPIRD WA, The University of Western Australia) and Peter Boutsalis (Plant Science Consulting, Adelaide University) for a run-down of their latest resistance testing results. This episode covers some of the fundamentals of herbicide resistance; what it actually is, how it happens, how to take a 'good' test, and what a positive result means for on-farm weed control decisions. Roberto and Peter also share some of the findings from their latest research on glufosinate, clethodim and ammonium sulphate, and discuss what the APVMA's paraquat decision will mean for growers using 'quat products in summer weed control programs. Click here for more information on herbicide resistance testing and to find a service near you. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance - De-Mystifying MRLs with Gordon Cumming & Paul McIntosh | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:53:55 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! *This episode of Beyond Resistance was recorded on 11 June, 2026, before the APVMA announced new restrictions for the use of paraquat and diquat products.* In this episode of Beyond Resistance, we're joined by our own Northern Extension Agronomist, Paul McIntosh, and GRDC's Manager of Chemical Regulations, Gordon Cumming. Australia has one of the most trusted chemical regulatory frameworks in the world and in this podcast, we aim to de-mystify how the maximum residue limit (MRL) system underpins our access to global markets. Gordon and Paul discuss how growers can stay on the right side of the regulations, and the unfortunate reality of what happens if an Aussie shipment doesn't comply with overseas restrictions. Ultimately, it all comes down to communication; read the herbicide labels, talk with your marketer before putting a crop in, and use all of the Big 6 strategies! We can all play a part in preserving Australia's hard-won reputation as a supplier of safe and high-quality food, while also protecting the efficacy of our available herbicides. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Kurt Mayne, Rolleston, QLD | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:19:04 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update we're joined by Rolleston grower, Kurt Mayne. Kurt's main crop is usually chickpeas, although he also rotates through mungbeans, sorghum and barley. Kurt's a big believer in using every tool in the Big 6 toolbox for weed control. In addition to crop rotation, he also aims for zero weed seed set and uses harvest weed seed control. He's currently got a self-propelled sprayer, two tow-behind sprayers and chaff decks on his header. This year he also experimented with swathing his mungbeans for the first time. Tune in to find out how it went! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance: The Finer Points of Spray Efficacy with Adama's Bevan Addison and Andre Sabeeney | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:51:14 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, we're joined by Adama Market Development Managers, Bevan Addison (WA) and Andre Sabeeney (SA), to discuss how this year's unusual seasonal dynamics and fuel/fertiliser issues are altering regional crop rotations and weed control. Our guests unpack why maximizing weed control during pulse and canola phases is essential for driving down grass weed seed banks before returning to cereals, as well as the strategic value of mixing and rotating chemistry to protect herbicides for future seasons. Product choice is just one part of the equation! So, if you're weighing up herbicide options in pulses, reviewing your pre-em program or looking to get more out of your post-em applications, this episode is for you! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Joe Koch, Flinders Ranges, SA | 28 May 2026 | 00:20:15 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Joe Koch, a grower from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Joe and his family run a mixed "crops and chops" operation in separate high and low rainfall zones. With a rare wet start (200ml from the end of March - April!) under their belts, they've been faced with higher numbers of ryegrass, barley grass, marshmallow weed, capeweed and milk thistle! Joe has been keeping busy on the boomspray, getting in some double-knocks as well as narrow windrow burning. With a bit of imi and glyphosate resistance starting to creep into the region, he's also a big proponent of diverse cropping and mixing and rotating herbicides. Tune in to also hear his reasoning behind their latest purchase - a new green-on-brown sprayer! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance - Growing the Next Gen of Agronomists with Nutrien's Rachel Minett and Tom Shaw | 11 May 2026 | 00:45:19 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Shannon chats with South Coastal Agencies Lead Agronomist Rachel Minnett and Nutrien Farm Services Agronomist Tom Shaw about bridging the gap between university training and practical farm agronomy skills. Tom and Rachel discuss how the WeedSmart Big 6 provide a good reminder to view weed control as part of a whole-farm system approach, rather than just individual jobs to be done. Rachel remembers carrying around a print-off of the Big 6 in her car during the early days of her career! Both Rachel and Tom are big proponents of professional development for agronomists at all stages of their career. Tom recommends new agronomists think of their first two years as an apprenticeship, and try and learn as much as possible during this time. Rachel emphasises the importance of confidence, strong communication skills and coming prepared. Tune in for some great advice for up-and-coming agronomists! And if you're looking for more resources, our website is chock full of articles, webinars, videos and fact sheets to help you call the shots against your weeds. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Will Woolcock, Emerald, QLD | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:18:52 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Will Woolcock, Branch Manager and Agronomist at Nutrien in Emerald, QLD. Will's territory extends about 200km north and south of Emerald, where he's seeing a lot more growers planting chickpeas this year, in response to the current fertiliser cost and supply issues. The region's current weed challenges are feather top rhodes grass, sweet summer grass and fleabane in the summer, with milk thistle and poppy causing issues in winter. Will gives advice on fallow and in-crop chemistry and cautions growers against an over-reliance on glyphosate and glufosinate. He'd recommend looking into strategic tillage and crop rotations! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Paul Ackland, Arthurton SA | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:16:31 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update we're joined by Paul "Chippa" Ackland, senior agronomist at Central Ag Solutions in Arthurton SA. Following a very hot summer, some much needed March rain has brought out ryegrass and cape weed germination on the Yorke Peninsula. Paul notes that resistance in milk thistle, wild vetch and tares is a particular issue for the region. While he's been impressed by growers' uptake of harvest weed seed mills, he'd also encourage farmers to consider all of the WeedSmart Big 6 strategies, including diverse crop rotations and increasing sowing rates. We end with a reminder to check on your mates, especially in these challenging times. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Angus Roberts, Dandaragan, WA | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:14:48 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Angus Roberts, a young grower from Dandaragan, WA. Angus chats to host Shannon about his mixed farming operation 160km north of Perth and their history with clethodim resistance. Since attending Mildura WeedSmart Week in 2022, Angus and his family have aimed to adopt all of the Big 6 strategies to lower their weed seed bank and prevent herbicide resistance. Angus is now a WeedSmart fan and convinced 20 of his mates to join him at WeedSmart Week in Geraldton last year! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance - Spray Water Quality with Richard Holzknecht & Jeshua Smith | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:44:48 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This Beyond Resistance podcast episode featuring experts Richard Holzknecht and Jeshua Smith from VICCHEM is an essential resource for farmers and agronomists looking to optimise their herbicide mix in the tank and ensure every drop counts. Since spray water typically makes up more than 95% of what goes into a spray tank, the quality of that water dictates whether a "chemistry experiment" succeeds or fails in the paddock. Our speakers explain how common issues like hard water, high pH, and bicarbonates can tie up active ingredients—such as glyphosate and clethodim—before they even have a chance to work. By listening to this deep dive, you will learn why "plants don't drink rocks" and how poor water quality can lead to sublethal doses, which inadvertently accelerates the development of herbicide resistance. This podcast provides practical, field-ready advice on how to transition from reactive troubleshooting to proactive water management. Listeners can gain insights into the benefits of different water sources, the necessity of regular water testing, and the strategic use of conditioning agents like liquid ammonium sulfate (AMS) and citric acid to ameliorate quality issues. Also discussed is how to distinguish between genuine chemical resistance and spray failures caused by poor water, potentially saving growers from unnecessary and costly management changes. Whether you are an agronomist seeking to refine your recommendations or a grower aiming to maximise return on investment and protect the longevity of your chemical tools, this episode offers the technical expertise needed to stay ahead of the curve. Resources: VICCHEM Free Water Quality Test GRDC Spray water Quality Factsheet Upcoming GRDC Herbicide Behaviour Workshops Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an email. Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Kate Shooter, Toowoomba, QLD | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:17:22 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we hear from Kate Shooter, an agronomist at McGregor Gourlay based in Toowoomba. Kate shares how conditions are progressing in the Eastern and Western Downs regions of Queensland, particularly in the wake of last November’s hailstorm. With mung bean planting in full swing and sorghum crops just coming into head, Kate also flags barnyard grass, feathertop grass, milk thistle and fleabane as the region’s current priorities for weed control. Tune in to this episode to hear Kate’s advice on staying ahead of resistance and getting on top of summer grasses. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Reece Rayson, Kimba, SA | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:23:09 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we hear from Reece Rayson, who continues to make the best out of a couple of below average rainfall seasons, with an eye on the WeedSmart Big 6 to lead the challenge on herbicide resistance. Reece attended WeedSmart Week 2025 in Geraldton this year, and highlights some of the common factors discussed and incorporated into their own system, from chemical fallow, pre-em controls, and fenceline management. Building a robust rotation, addressing soil constraints, along with mixing herbicides are some of the key takeaways to keep herbicide resistance on the boundary to maintain flexibility within the years were rainfall does prove a challenge. When in the thick of a weather-affected harvest on a less than best season, keeping an eye on the end-game is important to be ready for the next season and next challenges ahead. Whether it be delayed starts to sowing or summer weeds germinating during harvest, having a plan from the Big 6 could help set you up for successful weed management. Tune in to hear first-hand what a couple of WeedSmart Weeks can do for your system’s thinking and keep ahead of the curve! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance – Early harvest tips from around the Regions | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:42:39 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists from the Western and Southern regions on steps to take from this point in the season with cool soft spring finish to the winter growing season and points to think about when considering harvest operations and planning the next season of weed control. Pete Newman will highlight a few gems of research and on-farm practices to remember when dealing with this long growing season in the Western region. Greg Condon speaks to the weed control options to consider across a range of on-farm situations for the Southern growing region going into the clean-up phase of the 2025 season. WeedSmart Resources: Why chaff decks are a great option for harvest weed seed control - WeedSmart Setting up for chafflining - WeedSmart Harvest weed seed control in a nutshell - WeedSmart Other Resources: Harvest weed seed control southern high rainfall zone WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Erin Dalton, Forbes, NSW | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:16:13 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text!
WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Who Really Decides How You Spray? | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:55:42 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Tom Wolfe pulls back the curtain on the forces driving (and sometimes derailing) new spray technology – and how farmers can cut through the noise to find what will work for them! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, spray technology expert Tom Wolfe tackles one of agriculture’s most complex balancing acts – aligning stewardship, technology, and on-farm practicality. As optical spot spraying, precision application, and automation surge ahead, farmers are caught in the crossfire of competing priorities: herbicide manufacturers pushing product strategies, machinery manufacturers driving rapid equipment innovation, with industry’s shared responsibility for sustainable chemical use. Tom unpacks where these interests converge – and where they collide – revealing the practical realities farmers face when trying to integrate new tools without sacrificing agronomic outcomes or profitability. We explore how stewardship principles can work hand-in-hand with technology, the regulatory and market pressures shaping decisions, and why the right fit for a farm isn’t always the flashiest or most promoted option. This is a candid, insightful conversation for growers, advisers, and industry stakeholders navigating the future of weed control in a world where every spray counts. 2025 GRDC Research Updates Paper Agrimetrix Research & Training Webinar: Making Every Drop(let) Count – An International Perspective on Spraying Efficiencies #AskAnExpert: How can I gain more spray efficiency? #Big6 #sprayefficacy #sprayefficiency #stewardship #weedsmart #innovation WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Austin Rayner, Nabawa, Midwest WA | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:21:49 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Austin Rayner, farm manager with EF Smart Pty Ltd, brings an update from Midwest WA with insights into the weed strategy after a period of soil amelioration investment combined with new chemistry, leading to a low weed seed bank plus leaving plenty of other tools in the toolbox for future management. While building to this situation using a diverse weed management program based around the Big 6, the Smart's enterprise continues to keep an eye on emerging challenges, ready to overcome through incorporation of all of the weed management tools where you can. You can hear from Austin at the 2025 WeedSmart Week held at the end of July (29th and 30th) in the midwest region of WA at Geraldton! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Max Schmelzer, Jimbour Plains, SE Qld | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:17:36 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Our June Regional Update gives us an insight into the Northern cropping region during this year, as crops are being harvested and sown simultaneously with the season presenting a few challenges. Hear from UQ graduate, Max Schmelzer as he talks about herbicide resistance and tools in the box working to address the weed seed bank across their family farm. A focus on the insights from new technology used helps to address the weed strategy for the future germinations across their dual season enterprise. Taking note of the data created from weed control applications helps inform potential sources of new outbreaks, adding value to the weed management strategy. Take a listen! Links and Further Information: WeedSmart Big 6 Case Study: Jamie and Susie Grant, Jimbour Qld Weed management with a focus on prevention through stubble retention, soil health and rotation of chemicals using sensor spraying and automation. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Greg Condon, Northern Region, & Jana Freebairn, Southern Region | 27 May 2025 | 00:27:47 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists, Jana Freebairn and Greg Condon, updating from their respective Southern and lower Northern growing regions. With many farms commencing a dry seeding program to efficiently get across the hectares in what will be a less than ideal start to the winter growing season, the podcast focuses on tactics for short-term management with a long-term weed strategy.
WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Beyond Resistance - Nipping Gazania In The Bud with Ali Bajwa & Chris Davey | 09 May 2025 | 00:42:24 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! As our farming environment changes with our management, so to do the plant populations growing across our landscape. Gazania, a long-term weed within Australia is taking advantage of harsher summers competing well where water is a scarce resource. Ali Bajwa, weed researcher and Senior Lecturer in Weed Science and Agronomy with @LaTrobe university is aiming to nip gazania in the bud with @GRDC research project (GRDC Code: ULA2402-002RTX). WeedSmart Extension Agronomist, Chris Davey, introduces the foundation for this GRDC NGN project, putting grower funds to work on preventing gazania from as a hard-to-control weed becoming established in paddock situations. Ali Bajwa describes progress and applicable trial work for managing gazania within broadacre situations, citing prevention is better than the cure. Coordinated approaches between public and private land managers need to be vigilant from letting this 'pretty and hardy garden escapee' from becoming a persistent perennial stealing precious soil water. @A1Bajwa @SABE_LaTrobe and @LaTrobe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-bajwa-686b5a37/ Mallee Sustainable Farming: https://msfp.org.au/gazania-wars-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-tackling-a-persistent-weed/ Technical Experts: Deep Dive Review Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/6/915 WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Chris Davey, Southern Extension Agronomist, SA | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:23:25 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! The regional update from the southern growing region with WeedSmart Extension Agronomist Chris Davey, providing you with a dry seeding update for 2025, soil moisture observations and challenges for crop health. With negative moisture levels in the soil and limited rainfall over the last 12 months, looking over the spray records will be the key to success to plot the best course of action for the 2025 rotation. Knowing the plantback period from last year's herbicide application dates and estimated rainfall requirement to ensure this season's crop health will be a key driver for a successful crop. Residual chemicals for particular rotations may present a risk needing to be managed from the outset, especially with limited seed available to provide a better fit to suit the situation. Knowing your soil, looking at your records and concentrating on 'how you sow' this year are potential strategies to set up your crop health for winter and spring. Talk to your local agronomist to check your assumptions. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Henry Coleman, Jamestown, SA | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:16:30 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Welcome to 2025! The first Regional Update of 2025 takes us to Lock Valley Farms in South Australia, with Henry Coleman, a mixed operations grower and Youtuber. Documenting his life on the farm alongside his family, he filled us in on the season just been - though dry, he's remaining optimistic this coming year is going to be a ripper, and has been tackling the ryegrass, brome and legacy weed issues through optimising his rotations. You can check out Henrys Youtube channel here, Lock Valley Farms. Latest News and Related Links Latest Article: Reinventing the pre-seeding double-knock tactic The double-knockdown tactic is a key component of the WeedSmart Big 6 strategy, which aims to keep weed numbers low, preserve herbicide efficacy and give competitive crops a head start. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Seed dormancy 101 and a Western region update | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:44:36 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of the WeedSmart Podcast, we talk about how weed seeds can adapt their dormancy, discussing the selection pressures, interactions with herbicides and the recommended actions from growers to get ahead. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Header Run – The imi resistance issue: Dealing with broadleaf weeds in 2024 and beyond | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:40:24 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Join WeedSmart Southern Extension Agronomists Jana Freebairn and Chris Davey in discussing the rising resistance to imi’s (imidazolinone) in broadleaf weeds, in 2024 and beyond. Imi resistance is a growing issue within our cropping systems and is becoming ever more important when considering crop rotation, herbicide selection and yearly environmental pressures. Jana and Chris share their experiences with imi resistance so far this year in the Southern Region of SA and the Eyre Peninsula, speaking to what they have seen within lentil crops and how the WeedSmart Big 6 can assist. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Ian Pursehouse, Grower, West Wyalong, NSW | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:21:17 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Ian Pursehouse is our guest for this episode of the Regional Update. GrainGrowers Paddock Perspective with Ian Pursehouse (referenced in Podcast) The WeedSmart Big 6: Rotate Crops and Pastures Weeds love predictable rotations. They find it easy to evolve resistance to herbicides when they are used in a predictable manner. If we mix it up a bit, the weeds get confused and find it harder to adapt to the farming system. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Stuart Vlahov, Grower, Ellendale, WA | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:14:01 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This Regional Update Podcast episode, we're joined by grower Stuart Vlahov from Western Australia. Ask an Expert Article: Can drones provide early warning of herbicide resistance? Tristan Steventon, StevTech drone and data specialist says ultra-high-resolution cameras on drones provide a practical way to rapidly and remotely collect weed data for spray jobs and to monitor changes over time. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Looking forward to WeedSmart Week 2024! | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:23:41 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of the WeedSmart Podcast, we heard from Josh Hollitt, an Independant Agronomist located in the Eyre Peninsula, who is presenting at the upcoming WeedSmart Week in Port Lincoln. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Vicky French, Grower, Derrinallum, Vic | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:08:30 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by former agronomist and grower Vicky French. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Deep placement of phosphorus and potassium (P&K) | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:57:35 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Joining us on this extra-long episode of the WeedSmart Podcast was Mike Bell, who shared his extensive experience of soil nutrition and more recent work into P&K deep placement in the northern regions. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Angus Dalgliesh, Agronomist, Cloncurry, QLD | 21 May 2024 | 00:16:43 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by agronomist Angus Dalgliesh. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Pre-emergent options and a resistance update | 07 May 2024 | 00:49:24 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we talk to Bevan Addison of Adama about pre-emergent herbicide options in canola, and getting the best out of products. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Cameron Jenkin, Farm Manager, Pindar, WA | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:11:44 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, our new podcast host (and WeedSmart Communications Lead) Siobhon Eacott talked to Farm Manager Cameron Jenkin. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Management strategies for glyphosate resistant weeds | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:44:34 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we look at management strategies for glyphosate resistant weeds. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – James Kearines, Agronomist & Grower, Lake Cargelligo, NSW | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:11:13 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower and agronomist James Kearines. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Spot spray technology - advantages and challenges of the latest equipment | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:42:04 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we delve into the world of spot spray technology. Millers/McIntosh Tech specialist Scott Jamieson and John Deere’s Anton Kowalenko provide their insights into how farmers/spray contractors can address the challenges and opportunities with utilising this technology. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Matt Elliott, Grower & Agronomist, Nandaly, Vic | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:10:54 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Welcome back to the WeedSmart Podcast for 2024. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Wrapping up the 2023 season with a look at weed control across the country | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:48:55 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we wrap up the 2023 season by talking with our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Katrina Swift, Grower, Parkes, NSW | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:11:30 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower Katrina (Treen) Swift. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Diverse crop rotations to drive profit and sustainability | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:44:38 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we talk about crop rotations with two researchers from CSIRO. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Dan Skerman, Grower and Agronomist, Dalby, Qld | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:10:01 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower and Nutrien agronomist Dan Skerman. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Crop preparation ahead of harvest and optimum harvester set-up for HWSC | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:43:43 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we talk about harvest preparedness. We hear from two of WeedSmart’s extension agronomists. WeedSmart southern extension agronomist, Chris Davey, discusses the different ways growers can get the crop dry enough to successfully put it through a harvester without any blockages, such as windrowing, desiccation and crop topping. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| What's better out of hybrid and open-pollinated canola? | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:31:26 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this podcast, we’re talking about hybrid canola and how it might benefit your farming system. We’ll hear from AHRI Agronomy Lead, Mike Ashworth, who has done research in this space, as well as Wagga Wagga grower, Michael Molloy, who grows Clearfield canola. NEWS and LINKS WeedSmart Week presentation recordings WeedSmart Week Dubbo was a fantastic opportunity to learn first-hand how Western Plains growers control weeds whilst optimising yields and profits. If you were not able to join us in person, you can watch the recordings of the forum presentations on our website. Articles Our content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month. 1. Keep clear of paraquat-resistant fleabane: The lack of new broad-spectrum knockdown herbicide options means that growers need to be working hard on other management tools where the double-knock is losing efficacy. Agronomist Barry Haskins gives his top tips to control fleabane. 2. Tackle weeds and herbicide resistance with the Big 6: Nutrien agronomists from across the country shared their tips to help control crop weeds. 3. Can annual ryegrass be beaten in the Northern region? Annual ryegrass is a relatively new weed in the North. With its capacity to produce large amounts of seed and readily evolve herbicide resistance, growers and agronomists should avoid widespread infestation. Garry Onus, senior agronomist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, in Moree, NSW, gives his top tips to control annual ryegrass in northern farming systems in-crop and in the fallow. 4. Does ambient temperature affect herbicide performance? Applying herbicides outside the optimal temperature range is likely to contribute to a spray failure, even in susceptible populations. For example, twice as much clethodim is required to kill ryegrass if the product is applied after 3 days of frost. And glyphosate efficacy is much better at 20°C than at 30°C. Associate Professor Chris Preston (The University of Adelaide) explains how ambient temperature affects herbicide performance. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update - Lance Turner, Grower, East Pingelly, WA | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:09:22 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! East Pingelly grain farmer Lance Turner joins us on the Regional Update today. Lance has farming land in the northern part of the Wheatbelt as well in Goodlands, as well as Corrigin. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Enemy number one was ryegrass at Dubbo WeedSmart Week | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:36:35 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This week on the podcast we're hearing about the key messages shared by presenters and panel members at WeedSmart Week Dubbo. This was our 10th event and we also celebrated WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary. We had excellent presenters and lively panels at the forum day, machinery expo and farm visits. Our Southern Extension Agronomist, Greg Condon provides a great overview. We also hear from attendees Tess Dimond and Angus Dagliesh, as well as farm visit agronomist presenter, Chris McCormack, who manages Gus O'Brien's farm. Annual ryegrass, the Australian grain industry’s most costly weed, is making an unwelcome appearance in summer crops and extending its range further north in winter crops. In this webinar, Nutrien agronomist Garry Onus talks about practical strategies to prevent and manage incursions of resistant annual ryegrass populations in northern cropping systems. Brad Jackson, with his brother Phil, runs a 2500-ha cropping operation in the Gurley area, Northern NSW. Brad shares the cultural, mechanical and chemical strategies he deploys to keep annual ryegrass at bay. The webinar is facilitated by WeedSmart northern extension agronomist, Paul McIntosh. New articles 2. What is the value of fixed nitrogen for suppressing weeds: Rohan Brill, research agronomist, Brill Ag, Ganmain is our August Ask an Expert. Results from research on hyper-yielding crops show that crops need fertile soils, not just fertiliser. One spin-off benefit of vigorous, high-yielding crops is strong crop competition and potentially fewer weeds. Rohan Brill, research agronomist with Brill Ag, Ganmain, NSW, says the results of GRDC-funded pulse research at sites across central and southern NSW have shown that the quantity of atmospheric nitrogen that legumes fix in the soil has been generally under-estimated. Get the details here. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Jason Coleman, Grower, Temora, NSW | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:07:41 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Temora grower, Jason Coleman, joins us on the podcast today to give a recap on his experience at WeedSmart Week Dubbo and an update on his farming system. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| How to deal with resistant ryegrass incursions and an update on the Single Shot | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:31:32 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This is our 200th WeedSmart podcast episode – thank you for downloading the podcast and being part of the community since 2016. Speaking of WeedSmart Week, this will be our 10th event and we’ll be celebrating WeedSmart’s 10th anniversary – so not only will there be practical information on weed control solutions, but it’ll also be a great networking environment. There’s still time to get your tickets, so head to the WeedSmart website today to secure your spot here. Articles and events Our content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month. 1. Make every drop of herbicide count: For ten years, WeedSmart has stood alongside growers and agronomists, promoting science-backed practices known to drive down the weed seed bank and stave off the threat of herbicide resistance. To mark this milestone, the WeedSmart team and our research partners have reviewed the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics and made a few modifications, including the addition of ‘Optimise spray efficacy’. Read more here. 2. Plan your attack on the weed seed bank: Controlling weeds is an on-going task and requires determination and persistence. Having a great plan of attack is essential. Here we summarise the key components of the WeedSmart Big 6 strategies and the principles that underpin them. You can also test your plan using AHRI’s Weed Integrated Management (WIM) decision support software for annual ryegrass, brome grass, barley grass, wild oats and barnyard grass. Read more here. 3. How can I best tackle sterile oat in Northern region wheat crops? In this Ask an Expert, we chat with with Gulshan Mahajan, Adjunct Associate Professor, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. Sterile oat (Avena ludoviciana) is the northern region’s most competitive grass weed in cereal crops, costing growers more than 20 thousand tonnes in yield loss and a revenue loss of $4.5 million. Dr Mahajan, says an integrated approach to controlling this weed will save yield and drive down the weed seed bank. Read more here. 4. Upcoming Webinar Webinar: Combating resistant annual ryegrass in northern farming systems In this webinar, Nutrien agronomist Garry Onus will talk about practical strategies to prevent and manage incursions of resistant annual ryegrass populations in northern cropping systems. Brad Jackson and his family run a 1,700 ha cropping operation in Gurley, in northern NSW, in addition to a 400 ha organic farming system at Westmar, southern Queensland. Brad will share the cultural, mechanical and chemical strategies he deploys to keep annual ryegrass at bay. This webinar will be happening on August 9th and will be facilitated by our Northern Extension agronomist Paul McIntosh. Make sure you register here. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Don Sampson, Central Queensland | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:09:52 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this Regional update, we head to Central Queensland, to hear from farmer Don Sampson. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Sheep as a strategic weed control tool and Dubbo WeedSmart Week preview | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:35:32 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we catch up with two growers who will be presenting at WeedSmart Week Dubbo, as well as one of our panel chairs. This panel will focus on how growers are using pastures and forage crops to improve weed control options and profit. Narromine grower, Billy Browning will be on our WeedSmart Week Dubbo Big 6 panel on the Forum Day and we’ll also be visiting his farm on Day 2. He shares some insights about the weed control tools he uses and gives an update on how the season is playing out at his place. Trundle grower, Rhys Curr will be on our WeedSmart Week Dubbo Forum Day panel, ‘Diverse rotations to disrupt weed cycles and drive profit’. He farms with his father and brother, growing wheat, canola, barley, lupins, and vetch. He talks to us about how he's used these rotations to control weeds at his place. We're heading to Dubbo, NSW, for our 10th WeedSmart Week on August 1-3. Early bird tickets are on sale now, ending on July 2. Get your ticket here. Articles 1. Reining in FTR with cultivation and competition: Central Queensland farmer and grazier Rhys Daniels invokes the power of cultivation and crop competition against weeds like feathertop Rhodes grass in his family’s farming system. Link: 2. Disrupt weed cycles and drive profit: this article gives you an overview of our upcoming event, WeedSmart Week Dubbo. 3. How can I make the most of spring planning sessions? In this Ask an Expert, we chat with Anna Hose, who is an agronomy advisor with Premier Ag in Camperdown Victoria. in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) in Victoria’s south-west, says the spring planning sessions she has with growers are vitally important to keep ahead of weeds and herbicide resistance. She says ryegrass is their biggest challenge in the high rainfall zone and that you can’t manage what you haven’t measured. So, identifying paddocks for resistance testing is critical to planning herbicide programs for the season. Webinar: Success stories and challenges – using weed seed impact mills in the High Rainfall Zone Don’t forget to register for our webinar on weed seed impact mills in the high rainfall zone. It will be live on June 29, but can be watched later as a recording. Register here. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Regional Update – Sandon Knipe, Grower, Spencers Brook, WA | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:15:22 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! For this Western Regional Update, we caught up with grower Sandon Knipe who runs a mixed farming enterprise with his family. We caught up in the field at his home farm based in Spencers Brook in WA's Avon Valley. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||
| Growers explain how they spray strategically and effectively | 31 May 2023 | 00:35:59 | |
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! On this podcast episode, we catch up with two growers to see how seeding is going and we get an insight into their farming systems. We hear from Collie, NSW, grower, Andrew Freeth, who outlines his spray application strategy. This is also the topic he'll be presenting at our upcoming WeedSmart Week Dubbo event on August 1. Our senior content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month. 1. Power of crop rotation to combat herbicide resistance features Glenn Milne who presented at our WeedSmart Week Dalby event back in February. Glenn is a grower and agronomist who has effectively used crop rotation to curb resistance. Glenn’s farming system takes advantage of the variety of crops suited to the Darling Downs region to mix and rotate herbicides, reducing the selection pressure on each mode of action. Read more here. 2. Expanded options for spot sprayers looks at the increase in the adoption of this technology. Industry sources estimate that around 70 per cent of grain production businesses in Queensland and northern NSW either own or use a contractor with an optical spot sprayer. Until recently, only 2,4-D, paraquat, glufosinate and glyphosate were registered for use through optical spot sprayers. Increasingly widespread use of Optical spot sprayer technology has prompted a flush of new registrations and permits for a wide range of herbicides and use patterns. The new registrations and permit allow the use of many different knock-down and residual modes of action, making it possible to mix and rotate fallow weed control chemicals. Read more here. Upcoming Webinar: Success stories and challenges – using weed seed impact mills in the High Rainfall Zone Join us for an interactive discussion on getting the most out of a weed seed impact mill in high rainfall regions. Each of the mill companies (Seed Terminator, iHSD, Redekop) will give an update on how mills can be best adapted to heavy residue loads and tough harvesting conditions. Three high rainfall growers will then share their harvest weed seed control journey and provide insights into how they are persevering with a weed seed mill, and seeing results. This webinar will be facilitated by WeedSmart HRZ extension agronomist, Jana Dixon, and Kondinin Group’s research manager, Ben White. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website. Don't forget to follow us on our socials: Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: weedsmart@uwa.edu.au Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you. #drivesafe #farmsafe | |||