GRDC Podcast

Hosted by Grains Research and Development Corporation

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567

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Aug 2026

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GRDC podcasts cover the latest grains research, development and extension knowledge and outcomes to help grain growers improve their profitability.

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60 recent

September 29, 202641 min

GRDC in Conversation: Alex Conway

Alex Conway grew up surrounded by agriculture, machinery and problem-solving, watching his family business evolve from a small operation run out of a garage into a nationally recognised grain storage technology company. What began as helping program aeration controllers and fit GPS guidance systems as a kid has turned into a career combining agricultural engineering, grain storage extension and a passion for helping growers better manage risk and protect grain quality. Today, Alex balances his role at Control Unlimited with his work on GRDC’s Grain Storage Extension team, supporting growers across Australia through workshops, industry events and practical on-farm advice. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Alex reflects on the experiences that shaped his pathway into agriculture - from harvesting across Australia and Canada to discovering a fascination with grain storage systems, monitoring technology and the evolving challenges facing growers. He shares insights into the importance of saying yes to opportunities, documenting lessons along the way and building a career by following curiosity rather than a perfectly mapped-out plan. This episode explores: - How Alex’s upbringing around machinery, technology and farming shaped his passion for agriculture - The evolution of the Conway family business, Control Unlimited, from a home garage startup to a national agtechnology company - Why grain storage became an unexpected but rewarding career pathway - Lessons learned from harvesting across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Canada - How international farming experiences exposed Alex to new approaches in grain handling, drying and monitoring systems - The growing importance of on-farm grain storage in Australian agriculture - Why curiosity, adaptability and “having a crack” have been central to Alex’s career journey - How documenting experiences and reflecting on lessons helped reveal long-term passions and career direction - The role of technology and engineering in improving grain quality, efficiency and decision-making - Why supporting growers with practical, relevant solutions remains at the heart of the work Alex does today Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/o9N5iKEtTuQ   More information Alex Conway, Control Unlimited https://www.grainaeration.com.au/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage   GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code HAG2507-001SAX https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 22, 202625 min

The moment leadership became real: TRAIL Emerging Leaders program

Young agronomists Anne Millar and Lachie Biglin share how the TRAIL Emerging Leaders program changed the way they think about leadership, relationships and their own potential. From hiking and camping without phones to honest conversations, journaling and building a nationwide network, both participants discovered that leadership isn't about having one particular style — it's about understanding yourself, recognising others and finding your own way to make an impact. GRDC continues to invest in future grains sector leaders through six sponsored places in the 2027 TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program. The scholarships are valued at $15,000 per participant and are available to early-career grain growers, advisers, agronomists and researchers. TRAIL is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and has developed more than 200 emerging rural leaders, who join a national ARLF alumni network. Contacts:             Anne Millar Elders anne.millar@elders.com.au Lachlan Biglin Nutrien Ag Solutions lachlan.biglin@nutrien.com.au More information:         https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/trail-grdc-application https://rural-leaders.org.au/trail-emerging-leaders-program/ Project/Investment Code:   ARL2607-001FAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 15, 202645 min

GRDC in Conversation: Henry Baskerville

In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Queensland Department of Primary Industries extension officer Henry Baskerville in Toowoomba to unpack the role of extension, soil health and decision making in modern grain farming.  Although Henry didn’t grow up on a farm, a passion for agriculture, soils and working outdoors led him into the grains industry and eventually into extension. From travelling across Queensland collecting soil samples to working alongside growers on-farm, Henry shares why helping people make better decisions and being part of the learning process is what drives his work.  The conversation explores grower-led research, soil health challenges, RiskWi$e and how farmers approach risk and decision making. Henry also dives into the future of ag tech, AI, robotics and “digital twins”, while reflecting on why the people in agriculture are what keep him passionate about the industry.    This episode explores: - How Henry’s pathway from wildlife science and dairy farming led him into the grains industry and extension  - Why soil health has become such an important focus across Australian grain growing systems  - The role of extension officers in connecting growers, researchers and practical on-farm outcomes  - Why grower-led research and participation creates stronger learning and adoption  - The importance of collaboration between researchers and growers when designing projects and trials  - How RiskWi$e is helping growers better understand risk, reward and decision making  - The hidden complexity behind grower decision making around inputs like nitrogen  - Why growers often balance profitability with environmental outcomes and long-term soil health  - The growing role of ag technology, satellite imagery and mapping tools in agriculture  - How AI, robotics and digital twins could shape the future of farming   - Why technology needs to focus on practical decision making rather than just producing more data  - The value of curiosity, adaptability and learning through doing in agriculture  - Why the people in agriculture are what continue to drive Henry’s passion for the industry    Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/9ohft-UmPCw   More information  https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/riskwi$e-road-tour    GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.  GRDC Project Code: HAG2507-001SAX https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 8, 202618 min

Is pigeon pea a summer option for QLD and northern NSW growers?

Pigeon pea, a mainstay crop grown in India, is now being touted as an alternative summer crop for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales as its hardiness to adverse weather conditions is one of its favoured features. GRDC, Woods Seeds and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries have been running trials over several years around the Toowoomba region with Principal Research Scientist Bruce Winter and Angus Woods of Wood Seeds leading the charge.  Contacts:      Angus Woods Woods Seeds angus.woods@woodsgroup.com.au   Bruce Winter Queensland DPI   bruce.winter@dpi.qld.gov.au   More Information:      https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2026/03/pigeonpea-agronomy,-performance-and-system-fit https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/08/field-trials-confirm-the-potential-of-pigeonpea-as-a-summer-pulse-crop-for-the-northern-region https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events/2024/07/grdc-grains-research-update-goondiwindi https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/pigeonpea-for-central-qld-agronomy-performance-and-system-fit https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/golden-opportunity-for-the-norths-hot-and-dry-spots https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/crops/pulses/new-broadacre-summer-pulse-crop-for-queensland-and-northern-nsw   Project Code:  DAQ2511-004RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 1, 202613 min

Gravelling and sanding problematic sodic soils

Gravel and sand mulches are being tested to improve crop emergence in areas affected by challenging soil conditions, including non-wetting soils, waterlogging and salinity with some unexpected results. Ella Shaylor from SLR Agriculture explains how surface mulches can help conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation and limit the movement of salts towards the soil surface. Local grower Jake Latham shares his experience with persistent patches where crops have struggled to germinate year after year. While gravel has performed well in previous trials, sand mulch is showing particularly promising results— raising new questions about how and why the treatment is working. This podcast is part of a 6-part GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. The project adopting innovative solutions for challenging soils is a GRDC investment led by SLR Agriculture. Contacts: Ella Shaylor SLR Agriculture ella.shaylor@slragriculture.com.au   Jake Latham Grower Lathja16@gmail.com          More Information:  https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2026/02/gravel-mulch-improves-cereal-yield-and-water-use-efficiency-on-alkaline-sodic-soils-in-the-eastern-wheatbelt-of-wa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPqOC5zbwC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foExvBXRFjo    Project/Investment Codes: PLT2409-001SAX SLR25002-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 25, 202623 min

Grain Automate: Dealer download - where farmers get stuck

Farm automation adoption isn’t just about technology - it depends on people. Dealers are essential in building trust, proving value in local conditions, and supporting farmers through training, service, and confidence-building. Andrew Speed has spent a lifetime in the grains industry and knows first hand not just the frustration of when technology doesn’t hit the mark, but the jubilation when it does. Now working in the precision ag team at RDO Equipment, he joins Conor McGuckian from eastern Australia’s Boekeman Machinery in a frank conversation around how growers can work with their machinery dealers to move towards an autonomous business. This GRDC podcast series is led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia as part of the GRDC Grain Automate Initiative. Contacts:    Conor McGuckian Boekeman Machinery conor@boekemans.com.au   Andrew Speed RDO Equipment Andrew.Speed@rdo.com.au       More Information: Grain Automate website Major initiative: Grain AutomateGrain automate project round up Momentum builds for on-farm task automation GRDC invests $35M to drive machine automation and intelligent technology for grain growers Grain Automate webinar: getting automation farm-ready SPAA webinar: Paving the way for on-farm autonomy The latest in ag tech comes to grain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 18, 202625 min

Managing weeds in tough seasons: HRZ strategies that work

Weeds can be especially challenging in High Rainfall Zones, where favourable growing conditions can drive significant weed pressure. Agronomists Luke Wilkins and Candice Robinson share their insights about proactive weed management strategies for tough seasons, including crop competition, herbicide rotation, harvest weed seed control and emerging technologies. They also discuss changing rainfall patterns, paraquat restrictions, brome grass and the role of research in developing future weed control options. Contacts:    Luke Wilkins Bawdens Rural Trading lukew@bawdensrural.com.au Candice Robinson Seftons candice@seftonagronomics.com.au         Project/Investment Code: SPP2502-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 11, 202616 min

Reshaping the landscape: Landforming for water flow management

The GRDC investment ‘improving surface and subsurface water management across the medium and high rainfall zones of Australia’ is investigating the benefits and challenges of different drainage options across different production regions, cropping systems and soil types. Grower Jeremy Whyte and agronomist Quenten Knight discuss how landforming uses natural and constructed gradients to assist excess water to flow off paddocks, thereby reducing ponding and waterlogging, and increasing yields. This podcast is part of a 6-part GRDC series on managing soil constraints in Western Australia. Contact:   Jeremy Whyte Warakirri Cropping jeremy.whyte@warakirricropping.com.au   Quenten Knight Agronomy Focus Quenten@agronomyfocus.com.au More Information: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/drainage-that-delivers-new-tools-for-profitable-water-management   Project Code: PAP2510-001RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 4, 202616 min

Dr Lisle Snyman: 2026 Seed of Light award - North

Dr Lisle Snyman always knew she wanted to work in plant science. Growing up in South Africa, Lisle honed her pathology skills from a young age, cumulating in an esteemed career that has seen her work across the globe. Eventually settling in Warwick, Queensland, as a principal plant pathologist for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Lisle has been awarded 2026 GRDC Seed of Light North Award for her contribution to the grains industry. GRDC’s Seed of Light Award recognises outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to communicating research outcomes to grain growers and others working across the grains industry. Projects of note include GRDC- related research initiatives including three Net Blotch Consortium projects, national net form net blotch pathotyping and National Variety Trials disease screening. Contact:   Lisle Snyman QLD DPI                        lisle.snyman@dpi.qld.gov.au More Information:     https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/scientist-and-grain-storage-expert-net-grdcs-major-northern-awards https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/grains-research-and-industry-champions-acknowledged https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/diseases/new-rusts-a-continual-threat-to-cereals-industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 29, 202616 min

Global genomic research targets herbicide resistance

How similar is herbicide resistance in Canada compared to Australia? Research Fellow and weed scientist at the University of Western Australia, William Kramer, shares his global perspective on this challenging issue for growers and his journey in genomics research to better understand what genes are involved in resistance. William is part of the GRDC Weed Management Initiative research team, run in partnership with The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, Charles Sturt University and The University of Queensland. Contact:    William Kramer University of Western Australia william.kramer@uwa.edu.au More information: https://www.ahri.uwa.edu.au/us-phd-graduate-to-join-ahri-to-deliver-herbicide-technology-program/ Investment code: SPP2502-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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