Hay Matters

Feed Central

Stay up to date and learn more about the industry with the Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast – your portal to the intricate world of hay, brought to life through real stories and expert analysis.

  1. Life, Legacy and Farming the Future with Ella Lanyon

    3월 18일

    Life, Legacy and Farming the Future with Ella Lanyon

    Show Notes In this episode of the Hay Matters Podcast, part of our Next Generation series, we sit down with Ella Lanyon, a broadacre grower from Victoria’s Wimmera region, to talk about farming, industry connections and the inspiration behind the Griffin Lanyon Legacy Tour. Ella shares the story behind the tour, created in memory of her younger brother Griffin, and how it brought together young people from across Australia to explore different farming systems, businesses and opportunities within agriculture. Alongside the tour, Ella also talks about her own farming operation near Birchip, where she manages a broadacre cropping business with her father while completing a Masters in Agriculture. From crop rotations and hay production to machinery investment and planting strategies, the discussion offers a practical look at decision-making on farm. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The idea behind the Griffin Lanyon Legacy Tour and how it honours Griffin’s passion for agriculture and community Why getting young farmers off farm to see other systems and operations is so valuable • The importance of networking and learning from others across the industry Visiting farms, feedlots, machinery operations and processing facilities across Victoria and South Australia Ella’s broadacre cropping operation near Birchip A three-way rotation of legumes, barley and oaten hay Increasing lentil production and how it compares to vetch Balancing grain and hay production depending on seasonal conditions Opportunistically cutting cereals for hay when moisture becomes limiting Planning for the season ahead, including planting windows and weed control Investing in machinery to improve efficiency and expand capacityElla’s story highlights both the opportunities and pressures facing the next generation of farmers, from managing family businesses to making strategic decisions about crops, inputs and investment. One key takeaway? Young farmers benefit enormously from stepping outside their own operations. Seeing different systems, sharing experiences and building industry connections can bring new ideas, perspective and confidence back to the farm.

    18분
  2. Hay in the Rotation: Agronomy in the Mallee with Georgia Boddington

    3월 3일

    Hay in the Rotation: Agronomy in the Mallee with Georgia Boddington

    Next Generation is a special mini-series within Hay Matters — spotlighting the voices building agriculture’s future. In this episode Steve Page catches up with graduate agronomist Georgia Boddington from ExceedAg to discuss hay production and cropping systems across the Wimmera Mallee. Georgia shares her journey from growing up on a sheep and hay contracting operation near Narracoorte to becoming an agronomist based in Swan Hill. With strong early exposure to hay production, she now works closely with growers across the region advising on rotations, crop management and seasonal decisions. The conversation explores how hay fits into mixed cropping systems in a low rainfall environment, with growers often planning paddocks that can go either to grain or hay depending on how the season unfolds. Georgia also talks about the importance of hay in managing resistant ryegrass, improving rotations and maintaining strong gross margins. Steve and Georgia discuss the realities of the past season, including dry starts, staggered germination and the challenges of managing crops across variable Mallee soil types. They also cover current paddock preparation, moisture conservation and how growers are positioning themselves ahead of the coming season. Georgia also reflects on her first year conducting hay inspections with Feed Central, explaining how the role complements her agronomy work and gives her the opportunity to see crops all the way through to the finished hay product. In this episode: Georgia’s pathway into agronomy and hay productionCropping systems and rotations in the Wimmera MalleeWhy growers include hay paddocks in their rotationsManaging resistant ryegrass through hay productionPlanning paddocks that can switch between grain and haySeasonal challenges and lessons from last yearCurrent paddock preparation and moisture conservationGeorgia’s experience as a Feed Central hay inspectorIf you work in cropping, hay production or agronomy, this episode offers practical insights into how hay fits into modern rotations in one of Australia’s key grain growing regions.

    24분
  3. Summer Series - From Baling to the Boardroom

    1월 20일

    Summer Series - From Baling to the Boardroom

    As the Hay Matters Summer Series wraps up, host Steve Page is joined by Harry Divall, a progressive hay and mixed farming operator based around West Wyalong and Stockinbingal, and a recent National Hay Award winner. Harry shares his journey into agriculture, from leaving school early and working with livestock in cold southern NSW, to discovering his passion for hay production and building a growing multi-farm operation. Together, they discuss the realities of making quality hay, managing weather risk, and adapting cropping and storage strategies across diverse regions. The conversation also explores Harry’s approach to crop rotations, soil health, silage versus hay decisions, and how spreading production geographically helps manage seasonal variability. Harry reflects on the steep learning curve of haymaking, the importance of continual improvement, and his vision for the future of the industry. The episode closes with Harry’s thoughts on joining the AFIA board, and his desire to see practical, accessible education become a cornerstone of the hay and silage sector. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Harry’s pathway into agriculture and hay productionLessons learned from producing quality hay in challenging seasonsCrop rotations including oats, barley, vetch, canola and lucerneManaging risk through silage, grain, and staggered cutting timesBenefits of farming across multiple regions and climatesHay storage strategies, including sheds and tarpingHarry’s goals for AFIA and industry educationThanks for listening to the Hay Matters Summer Series. Season 3 is coming soon with new conversations, fresh insights, and more stories from across the hay and forage industry. Interested in being a guest, sponsor, or advertiser? Get in touch with the team at Feed Central. The Hay Matters Podcast is proudly presented by Feed Central and LocalAg.

    13분

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Stay up to date and learn more about the industry with the Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast – your portal to the intricate world of hay, brought to life through real stories and expert analysis.

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