Grains Convo

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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. hace 6 días

    What’s shaping WA’s season ahead

    DPIRD research scientists Meredith Guthrie and Steve Bradshaw discuss the 2026 seasonal outlook for WA and how growers can use climate and weather information, and DPIRD tools, to support decision making throughout the season. The episode explores current rainfall conditions, the potential development of an El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole later this year, and what those climate drivers could mean for winter and spring rainfall across the grainbelt.   The discussion also highlights the newly upgraded DPIRD Weather App and DPIRD’s statewide weather station network, which provides growers with real time weather data, radar overlays, and customised alerts to help monitor seasonal conditions. Episode Links: ‎DPIRD Weather Stations App - Apple DPIRD Weather Stations App - Google Play DPIRD Season 2026 webpage Potential yield tool Soil Water Tool Rainfall to date tool Extreme weather events tool

    14 min

  2. 8 may

    Balancing yield and profit this season

    This episode explores how growers can adjust inputs to maximise economic yield potential, not just crop yield. DPIRD economist Nick Thorsager explains the importance of focusing on return on investment, particularly in seasons with high input costs and variable rainfall. The discussion highlights practical ways to balance risk and reward, using tools, data and whole-farm thinking to support more confident decision making. Episode links: MyEconomic tool Potential yield tool Soil water tool Rainfall to date tool

    23 min

  3. 26 abr

    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

  4. 23 abr

    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

  5. 21 abr

    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

  6. 20 abr

    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

  7. 15 abr

    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

  8. 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
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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.

Información

  • Creador
    Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Años de actividad
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodios
    79
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Grains Convo

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