WeedSmart Podcast

WeedSmart
  • 4.7 (11)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the WeedSmart Podcast Channel!  Each fortnight we'll bring you updates and in-depth interviews with farmers, agronomists and weed researchers from around our north, south and west cropping regions.  #AusAg #Broadacre #Grains #Cotton #WeedManagement  Our regional update will talk to our industry leaders focusing on managing weeds, emerging regional issues and practical science-based solutions for use on-farm by you.  #RegionalUpdate  Our technical update will speak with leading experts to bring the latest application of science to paddock supply chain of diverse weed management to mitigate herbicide resistance and maximise crop gross margins. #BeyondResistance Our current podcaster, Shannon Beattie, will bring the conversation to you in your paddock, ute or tractor, so you can stay connected and plan ahead for future diverse weed management on your farm.  Shannon will be joined by our team of WeedSmart Extension Agronomists Pete Newman, Chris Davey, Jana Freebairn, Greg Condon and Paul McIntosh.   Listen in to the latest podcast or scroll our back catalogue for progressive weed management over the years in Australian broadacre agriculture.  Our previous podcasters Siobhon Eacott and Jessica Strauss provide a range of great interviews with farmers and agronomists for a local updates or technical experts bringing the science to you.   Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay WeedSmart.   #weedsmartau   

  1. Beyond Resistance - Growing the Next Gen of Agronomists with Nutrien's Rachel Minett and Tom Shaw

    8 HRS AGO

    Beyond Resistance - Growing the Next Gen of Agronomists with Nutrien's Rachel Minett and Tom Shaw

    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. 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    45 min
  2. Regional Update - Will Woolcock, Emerald, QLD

    29 APR

    Regional Update - Will Woolcock, Emerald, QLD

    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! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    18 min
  3. Regional Update - Paul Ackland, Arthurton SA

    31 MAR

    Regional Update - Paul Ackland, Arthurton SA

    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. 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    16 min
  4. Regional Update - Angus Roberts, Dandaragan, WA

    26 FEB

    Regional Update - Angus Roberts, Dandaragan, WA

    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! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    14 min
  5. Beyond Resistance - Spray Water Quality with Richard Holzknecht & Jeshua Smith

    19 FEB

    Beyond Resistance - Spray Water Quality with Richard Holzknecht & Jeshua Smith

    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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    44 min
  6. Regional Update - Kate Shooter, Toowoomba, QLD

    19 JAN

    Regional Update - Kate Shooter, Toowoomba, QLD

    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.   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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    17 min
  7. Regional Update - Reece Rayson, Kimba, SA

    20/11/2025

    Regional Update - Reece Rayson, Kimba, SA

    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!  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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    23 min
  8. Beyond Resistance – Early harvest tips from around the Regions

    28/10/2025

    Beyond Resistance – Early harvest tips from around the Regions

    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 Learning Hub – HWSC 101 Other Resources: Harvest resources - GRDC Harvest weed seed control southern high rainfall zone 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram 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

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to the WeedSmart Podcast Channel!  Each fortnight we'll bring you updates and in-depth interviews with farmers, agronomists and weed researchers from around our north, south and west cropping regions.  #AusAg #Broadacre #Grains #Cotton #WeedManagement  Our regional update will talk to our industry leaders focusing on managing weeds, emerging regional issues and practical science-based solutions for use on-farm by you.  #RegionalUpdate  Our technical update will speak with leading experts to bring the latest application of science to paddock supply chain of diverse weed management to mitigate herbicide resistance and maximise crop gross margins. #BeyondResistance Our current podcaster, Shannon Beattie, will bring the conversation to you in your paddock, ute or tractor, so you can stay connected and plan ahead for future diverse weed management on your farm.  Shannon will be joined by our team of WeedSmart Extension Agronomists Pete Newman, Chris Davey, Jana Freebairn, Greg Condon and Paul McIntosh.   Listen in to the latest podcast or scroll our back catalogue for progressive weed management over the years in Australian broadacre agriculture.  Our previous podcasters Siobhon Eacott and Jessica Strauss provide a range of great interviews with farmers and agronomists for a local updates or technical experts bringing the science to you.   Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay WeedSmart.   #weedsmartau   

Information

  • Creator
    WeedSmart
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    239
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WeedSmart Podcast
  • Show Website
    WeedSmart Podcast

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