CropWatch

Hosted by MVGWTA

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

CropWatch endeavours to provide growers in the McLaren Vale region with technical information on key viticultural issues such as pest and disease identification, risk and management.

Listen to episodes

33 recent

October 8, 2026Episode 4820 min

Understanding Soil Health with Joel Williams

In this episode of the CropWatch McLaren Vale Podcast, viticulturist James Hook speaks with internationally recognised soil health educator and consultant Joel Williams from Integrated Soils. Joel has worked extensively across Australia, Europe and Canada, helping growers better understand the relationships between soil biology, plant nutrition and crop health. The conversation explores the importance of healthy soils in vineyard management. An informative discussion for grape growers, vineyard managers and anyone interested in improving soil health, vine performance and the long-term sustainability of viticulture. Find out more about Joel Williams: www.integratedsoils.com ⁠

July 8, 2026Episode 4717 min

Beneath the Vines

During a recent visit to the McLaren Vale wine region, Dr Mary Cole joined James Hook for a thoughtful conversation on the living world beneath our feet. Drawing on her deep knowledge of soil biology, Mary explores the vital connection between healthy soils, resilient vines and regenerative farming practices — and why understanding what is happening underground is central to the future of sustainable agriculture.

March 14, 2024Episode 4611 min

CropWatch Vintage 2024 Ep5

Vintage 2024 is halfway through picking in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James, Jen and special guest agronomist Harry Shaw assess grapes after the four-day heatwave. How are the varietals Nero d'Avolo, Aglicianico, Mataro, Montepuliciano compared to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

January 25, 2024Episode 4514 min

"So, was lots of rain a good thing?

Jen and James chat about the challenges of a wet summer in McLaren Vale.

December 7, 2023Episode 4416 min

CropWatch Podcast Vintage 2024, Episode 3

Berries Peasize is this a good time to have rain? James and Jen catch up between Thunderstorms to talk rainfall, disease resistance and upcoming workshops hosted by McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism.

October 19, 2023Episode 4314 min

Bio-Scout and reflections on vintage 2023 growing season.

In this episode James and Jen discuss the new Bio-Scout fungal spore monitoring system and reflect on the growing conditions in vintage 2023.

August 24, 2023Episode 4216 min

Behind the scenes at the MVGWTA Reworking & Grafting Workshop

The CropWatch Podcast returns for a new vintage looking at changing varieties and reworking vineyards. Jen and James review presentations from Foundation Viticulture | South Australia | Nick Dry , which featured websites to help you pick new varieties using the Australian Alternative Wine Show database: Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (aavws.com) and Rauscedo: Grafted vine configurator: choose the perfect one | Vivai Rauscedo Clint Ledgard (CL Contracting) presented tips for grafting, and Matthew Hatwell (Chalk Hill Viticulture) and Jodie Armstrong (MVGWTA) reviewed reworked vines.

March 30, 2023Episode 4114 min

CropWatch Mid-harvest Vintage 23

Rain overnight has changed conditions on vineyards. Canopies and bunches are wet. James Hook is joined by Jen Pedder Agronomist and grape grower to check for Botrytis in the McLaren Vale CropWatch weather station monitoring site. Discussed in this podcast; Harvest is 40% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region Late season Botrytis Control. The Grape Assess App. Snail control during autumn.

March 22, 2023Episode 4011 min

As vintage 2023 progresses

Harvest is approaching 30% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James and Gill meet up to discuss why harvest is late, spring and autumn are cool, and some of the factors that have led to low yields.

February 28, 2023Episode 3916 min

CropWatch Vintage 2023

CropWatch Vintage 2023 Alternative varieties - how are they looking for Vintage 2023. James Hook and Gill Gordon Smith look at the performance of Fiano, Vermentino, Negro Amaro, Nero d'Avolo, Aglianico and Sagrantino.