Grains Convo

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
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The Grains Convo podcast shares independent insights from DPIRD’s research - and a look at the work shaping the future of farming in WA - to help you think through your options and plan ahead with confidence.

  1. 26 APR

    Getting ahead with lupins

    In this episode of Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Greg Shea about getting the most from lupins this season. They cover practical agronomy, soil testing and nutrient decisions to maximise nitrogen benefits and manage input costs. The discussion highlights how lupins can set up following crops and support better returns over multiple seasons. Episode links: Producing Lupins  Crop Sowing Guide Rainfall to date tool Soil water tool

    21 min

  2. 23 APR

    Getting more from legumes in your rotation

    In this episode of Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Mark Seymour about how to get the most from pulse crops this season. They cover key decisions around soil type, inoculation, nutrient management and crop selection to reduce risk and maximise returns. The discussion highlights how pulses can improve soil health, manage weeds and deliver valuable nitrogen benefits for following crops. Episode links: ​​​​​​​Potential yield tool Crop Sowing Guide

    25 min

  3. 21 APR

    Deep ripping: what it costs - and what it returns

    With diesel prices and input constraints front of mind, making the right call on deep ripping has never been more important. In the latest Grains Convo episode, Tim Scanlon speaks with Wayne Parker about the EasyDiesel Calculator, a simple tool designed to help growers understand the financial impact of deep ripping before committing valuable resources. Episode links: Easy Diesel Calculator DPIRD/GRDC Deep Ripping factsheet Soil Water Tool

    19 min

  4. 20 APR

    Maximising canola returns with less

    In this episode of Grains Convo, host Tim Scanlon speaks with DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Jackie Bucat about managing canola under tight seasonal and input constraints. With rising costs and uncertainty around rainfall, Jackie outlines strategies to help growers make sound decisions. Episode Links: Crop Sowing GuidePotential yield toolRainfall to date toolSoil water toolWA crop sequence calculatorCanola seeding rate calculator

    23 min

  5. 15 APR

    Smarter nitrogen decisions for the season ahead

    In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy and Janette are joined by Dr Dion Nicol to explore practical strategies for nitrogen management across the WA grainbelt. Dion outlines how growers can approach pre-season planning and adapt in-season decisions to improve returns, with a focus on allocating nitrogen where it is most likely to deliver yield and gross margin benefits. He also emphasises the importance of continually reassessing cost–benefit as conditions change, and how timely follow-up applications can be used to respond to the season as it unfolds. Episode Links: Click here to access the Rainfall to Date tool. Click here to access the Potential Yield tool. Click here to access the Soil Water tool.

    19 min

  6. 01/12/2024

    Canola allies with Entomologist Svetlana Micic

    Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster Guest Speaker: DPIRD Entomologist Svetlana Micic In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Entomologist Svetlana Micic, as they discuss a new invertebrate project that DPIRD is working on, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) as well as other research organisations.   Svet goes through the losses canola growers are currently facing due to invertebrate pests, some typical pest management strategies and what knowledge gaps the project aims to fill about the distribution, biology, and ecology of these beneficial insect species.  Episode Links: Click here to read more about the project

    13 min

  7. 14/11/2024

    11-year acidic soil experiment with Chad Reynolds

    Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist Chad Reynolds In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Research Scientist Chad Reynolds, from the Soil Science portfolio.  Chad has been involved in an 11-year farm-scale experiment investigating liming in low rainfall regions, he goes through some of the most important findings from the experiment.  This includes what ways applying lime to the surface of acidic soils improved crop yields and profitability in the long term.  Episode Links: Click here to read Agric webpage Diagnosing soil acidity

    11 min

  8. 01/11/2024

    An update on the Western Australian Farming Systems project

    Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt Guest Speaker: DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Dr Marty Harries, Senior Development Officer Megan Abrahams and Research Scientist Steph Boyce In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts Dr Marty Harries, Senior Development Officer Megan Abrahams and Research Scientist Steph Boyce, as they dive into an update of the WA Farming Systems Project. The team delve into how the project addresses specific challenges faced by growers in the low, medium-north, and medium-south rainfall regions. Researchers also explain the how the balancing act of reducing nitrogen outputs while maintaining profitability is being approached in the trials. Episode Links: Click here to read further details about the project Click here to read DPIRD media release Future-focused farming systems trials now in the ground

    17 min
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About

The Grains Convo podcast shares independent insights from DPIRD’s research - and a look at the work shaping the future of farming in WA - to help you think through your options and plan ahead with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Show Website
    Grains Convo

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