WeedSmart Podcast

WeedSmart

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. 18h ago

    Beyond Resistance - Facing the Knockdown Challenge with Mitch Allen

    Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! On this episode of Beyond Resistance, we're joined by Mitch Allen, Commercial Technical Lead of Crop Protection at Nufarm. Mitch joins host Shannon Beattie to chat all things knockdowns! Australian farmers are facing a period of adjustment to adapt knockdown strategies for up-front weed control at seeding, but we're not on the ropes yet! Mitch says the mix and rotate pillar is only one part of the Big 6 toolbox which provides a framework for transitioning to challenges now and into the future. Knowing your resistance status, getting timing and OSST technology right, using rotations, HWSC and crop competition, all support the chemical tactics to ensure each mixing partner is pulling its weight in the spray tank.  The challenge is knowing when you’re onto a good thing – don’t stick to it! Building good stewardship strategies for herbicide use helps ensure new knockdown and mixing partner registrations are here for a long time and a good time! In this episode Mitch discusses why ammonium sulfate is a non-negotiable with glyphosate, what drives the success of paraquat and group 14 mixes, and why more products in the tank is not always the answer! Shannon and Mitch also discuss how some pre-ems are showing useful knockdown activity beyond their residual roles, where glufosinate performs and where it doesn't, and what OSST is making possible in fallow weed control. 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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 - Facing the Knockdown Challenge with Mitch Allen
  2. Sep 7

    Regional Update - Ted Langley, Bordertown, SA

    Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Bordertown farmer, Ted Langley! Ted and his family run a zero till, 12m controlled traffic farm, growing wheat, faba beans, lentils, clover seed, pasture hay, oaten hay, canola and prime lambs. Ted aims to hit all of the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics in his weed control operation. Soil health is one of his main priorities, and the lighter soils on the farm have been ameliorated twice.  The family have also adopted 2 impact mills on their harvesters, to complement a diverse rotation plan, narrow row spacing and increased seeding rates, which they achieve with a disc system. In addition to mixing and rotating herbicides, Ted is also careful with his spray water quality to ensure maximum efficacy. Tune in to hear more about Ted's farming operation and weed control strategies! 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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 - Ted Langley, Bordertown, SA
  3. Jul 24

    Regional Update - Ted O'Rafferty & Charlie Mitton, Forbes, NSW

    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! 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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 - Ted O'Rafferty & Charlie Mitton, Forbes, NSW
  4. Jul 17

    Beyond Resistance - Recent Resistance Research Results with Roberto Busi & Peter Boutsalis

    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. 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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
  5. Jul 3

    Beyond Resistance - De-Mystifying MRLs with Gordon Cumming & Paul McIntosh

    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. 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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
  6. Jun 12

    Beyond Resistance: The Finer Points of Spray Efficacy with Adama's Bevan Addison and Andre Sabeeney

    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! 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 @WeedSmartAU Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Bluesky LinkedIn Keen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an email: 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

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   

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