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
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! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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
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. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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
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. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Kurt Mayne, Rolleston, QLD
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update we're joined by Rolleston grower, Kurt Mayne. Kurt's main crop is usually chickpeas, although he also rotates through mungbeans, sorghum and barley. Kurt's a big believer in using every tool in the Big 6 toolbox for weed control. In addition to crop rotation, he also aims for zero weed seed set and uses harvest weed seed control. He's currently got a self-propelled sprayer, two tow-behind sprayers and chaff decks on his header. This year he also experimented with swathing his mungbeans for the first time. Tune in to find out how it went! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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
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! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Joe Koch, Flinders Ranges, SA
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update , we're joined by Joe Koch, a grower from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Joe and his family run a mixed "crops and chops" operation in separate high and low rainfall zones. With a rare wet start (200ml from the end of March - April!) under their belts, they've been faced with higher numbers of ryegrass, barley grass, marshmallow weed, capeweed and milk thistle! Joe has been keeping busy on the boomspray, getting in some double-knocks as well as narrow windrow burning. With a bit of imi and glyphosate resistance starting to creep into the region, he's also a big proponent of diverse cropping and mixing and rotating herbicides. Tune in to also hear his reasoning behind their latest purchase - a new green-on-brown sprayer! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Growing the Next Gen of Agronomists with Nutrien's Rachel Minett and Tom Shaw
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance , Shannon chats with South Coastal Agencies Lead Agronomist Rachel Minnett and Nutrien Farm Services Agronomist Tom Shaw about bridging the gap between university training and practical farm agronomy skills. Tom and Rachel discuss how the WeedSmart Big 6 provide a good reminder to view weed control as part of a whole-farm system approach, rather than just individual jobs to be done. Rachel remembers carrying around a print-off of the Big 6 in her car during the early days of her career! Both Rachel and Tom are big proponents of professional development for agronomists at all stages of their career. Tom recommends new agronomists think of their first two years as an apprenticeship, and try and learn as much as possible during this time. Rachel emphasises the importance of confidence, strong communication skills and coming prepared. Tune in for some great advice for up-and-coming agronomists! And if you're looking for more resources, our website is chock full of articles, webinars, videos and fact sheets to help you call the shots against your weeds. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Will Woolcock, Emerald, QLD
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update , we're joined by Will Woolcock, Branch Manager and Agronomist at Nutrien in Emerald, QLD. Will's territory extends about 200km north and south of Emerald, where he's seeing a lot more growers planting chickpeas this year, in response to the current fertiliser cost and supply issues. The region's current weed challenges are feather top rhodes grass, sweet summer grass and fleabane in the summer, with milk thistle and poppy causing issues in winter. Will gives advice on fallow and in-crop chemistry and cautions growers against an over-reliance on glyphosate and glufosinate. He'd recommend looking into strategic tillage and crop rotations! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Paul Ackland, Arthurton SA
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update we're joined by Paul "Chippa" Ackland, senior agronomist at Central Ag Solutions in Arthurton SA. Following a very hot summer, some much needed March rain has brought out ryegrass and cape weed germination on the Yorke Peninsula. Paul notes that resistance in milk thistle, wild vetch and tares is a particular issue for the region. While he's been impressed by growers' uptake of harvest weed seed mills, he'd also encourage farmers to consider all of the WeedSmart Big 6 strategies, including diverse crop rotations and increasing sowing rates. We end with a reminder to check on your mates, especially in these challenging times. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Angus Roberts, Dandaragan, WA
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Angus Roberts, a young grower from Dandaragan, WA. Angus chats to host Shannon about his mixed farming operation 160km north of Perth and their history with clethodim resistance. Since attending Mildura WeedSmart Week in 2022, Angus and his family have aimed to adopt all of the Big 6 strategies to lower their weed seed bank and prevent herbicide resistance. Angus is now a WeedSmart fan and convinced 20 of his mates to join him at WeedSmart Week in Geraldton last year! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Spray Water Quality with Richard Holzknecht & Jeshua Smith
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! This Beyond Resistance podcast episode featuring experts Richard Holzknecht and Jeshua Smith from VICCHEM is an essential resource for farmers and agronomists looking to optimise their herbicide mix in the tank and ensure every drop counts. Since spray water typically makes up more than 95% of what goes into a spray tank, the quality of that water dictates whether a "chemistry experiment" succeeds or fails in the paddock. Our speakers explain how common issues like hard water, high pH, and bicarbonates can tie up active ingredients—such as glyphosate and clethodim—before they even have a chance to work. By listening to this deep dive, you will learn why "plants don't drink rocks" and how poor water quality can lead to sublethal doses, which inadvertently accelerates the development of herbicide resistance. This podcast provides practical, field-ready advice on how to transition from reactive troubleshooting to proactive water management. Listeners can gain insights into the benefits of different water sources, the necessity of regular water testing, and the strategic use of conditioning agents like liquid ammonium sulfate (AMS) and citric acid to ameliorate quality issues. Also discussed is how to distinguish between genuine chemical resistance and spray failures caused by poor water, potentially saving growers from unnecessary and costly management changes. Whether you are an agronomist seeking to refine your recommendations or a grower aiming to maximise return on investment and protect the longevity of your chemical tools, this episode offers the technical expertise needed to stay ahead of the curve. Resources: VICCHEM Free Water Quality Test GRDC Spray water Quality Factsheet Upcoming GRDC Herbicide Behaviour Workshops 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an email . 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. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Kate Shooter, Toowoomba, QLD
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update , we hear from Kate Shooter, an agronomist at McGregor Gourlay based in Toowoomba. Kate shares how conditions are progressing in the Eastern and Western Downs regions of Queensland, particularly in the wake of last November’s hailstorm. With mung bean planting in full swing and sorghum crops just coming into head, Kate also flags barnyard grass, feathertop grass, milk thistle and fleabane as the region’s current priorities for weed control. Tune in to this episode to hear Kate’s advice on staying ahead of resistance and getting on top of summer grasses. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Reece Rayson, Kimba, SA
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update , we hear from Reece Rayson , who continues to make the best out of a couple of below average rainfall seasons, with an eye on the WeedSmart Big 6 to lead the challenge on herbicide resistance. Reece attended WeedSmart Week 2025 in Geraldton this year, and highlights some of the common factors discussed and incorporated into their own system, from chemical fallow, pre-em controls, and fenceline management. Building a robust rotation, addressing soil constraints, along with mixing herbicides are some of the key takeaways to keep herbicide resistance on the boundary to maintain flexibility within the years were rainfall does prove a challenge. When in the thick of a weather-affected harvest on a less than best season, keeping an eye on the end-game is important to be ready for the next season and next challenges ahead. Whether it be delayed starts to sowing or summer weeds germinating during harvest, having a plan from the Big 6 could help set you up for successful weed management. Tune in to hear first-hand what a couple of WeedSmart Weeks can do for your system’s thinking and keep ahead of the curve! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 – Early harvest tips from around the Regions
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Beyond Resistance , we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists from the Western and Southern regions on steps to take from this point in the season with cool soft spring finish to the winter growing season and points to think about when considering harvest operations and planning the next season of weed control. Pete Newman will highlight a few gems of research and on-farm practices to remember when dealing with this long growing season in the Western region. Greg Condon speaks to the weed control options to consider across a range of on-farm situations for the Southern growing region going into the clean-up phase of the 2025 season. WeedSmart Resources: Why chaff decks are a great option for harvest weed seed control - WeedSmart Setting up for chafflining - WeedSmart Harvest weed seed control in a nutshell - WeedSmart Learning Hub – HWSC 101 Other Resources: Harvest resources - GRDC Harvest weed seed control southern high rainfall zone WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Erin Dalton, Forbes, NSW
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode of Regional Update, we hear from Erin Dalton , Baker Ag Advantage, an experienced agronomist working closely with growers in her region to tackle the season’s biggest challenges. Erin shares valuable on-the-ground insights into how local conditions are shaping cropping decisions, the strategies farmers are using to manage weeds, and the role weed management practices are playing in building resilience. Erin brings a full Big 6 approach to the Forbes region pushing the boundaries around knowing what works and continuing to look to the future edge on weed management. A program of herbicide resistance testing has revealed differences in levels across the region, highlighting differences in management and machinery. Farming systems and weed control need to evolve, with Erin speaking to tailoring solutions to regional conditions demonstrated with trials – mixing herbicides, adopting other pulses plus testing newer varieties of wheat and canola for the area. Whether you’re a grower, adviser, or industry stakeholder, Erin’s perspective provides a practical and timely snapshot of the current season and the innovations influencing future farm practice. Tune in for real-world updates, that will help you stay ahead in an ever-changing farming landscape. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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
Who Really Decides How You Spray?
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Tom Wolfe pulls back the curtain on the forces driving (and sometimes derailing) new spray technology – and how farmers can cut through the noise to find what will work for them! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, spray technology expert Tom Wolfe tackles one of agriculture’s most complex balancing acts – aligning stewardship, technology, and on-farm practicality. As optical spot spraying, precision application, and automation surge ahead, farmers are caught in the crossfire of competing priorities: herbicide manufacturers pushing product strategies, machinery manufacturers driving rapid equipment innovation, with industry’s shared responsibility for sustainable chemical use. Tom unpacks where these interests converge – and where they collide – revealing the practical realities farmers face when trying to integrate new tools without sacrificing agronomic outcomes or profitability. We explore how stewardship principles can work hand-in-hand with technology, the regulatory and market pressures shaping decisions, and why the right fit for a farm isn’t always the flashiest or most promoted option. This is a candid, insightful conversation for growers, advisers, and industry stakeholders navigating the future of weed control in a world where every spray counts. 2025 GRDC Research Updates Paper Agrimetrix Research & Training Webinar: Making Every Drop(let) Count – An International Perspective on Spraying Efficiencies #AskAnExpert: How can I gain more spray efficiency? #Big6 #sprayefficacy #sprayefficiency #stewardship #weedsmart #innovation WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Austin Rayner, Nabawa, Midwest WA
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Austin Rayner , farm manager with EF Smart Pty Ltd, brings an update from Midwest WA with insights into the weed strategy after a period of soil amelioration investment combined with new chemistry, leading to a low weed seed bank plus leaving plenty of other tools in the toolbox for future management. While building to this situation using a diverse weed management program based around the Big 6, the Smart's enterprise continues to keep an eye on emerging challenges, ready to overcome through incorporation of all of the weed management tools where you can. You can hear from Austin at the 2025 WeedSmart Week held at the end of July (29th and 30th) in the midwest region of WA at Geraldton! WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Max Schmelzer, Jimbour Plains, SE Qld
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! Our June Regional Update gives us an insight into the Northern cropping region during this year, as crops are being harvested and sown simultaneously with the season presenting a few challenges. Hear from UQ graduate, Max Schmelzer as he talks about herbicide resistance and tools in the box working to address the weed seed bank across their family farm. A focus on the insights from new technology used helps to address the weed strategy for the future germinations across their dual season enterprise. Taking note of the data created from weed control applications helps inform potential sources of new outbreaks, adding value to the weed management strategy. Take a listen! Links and Further Information: WeedSmart Big 6 Case Study: Jamie and Susie Grant, Jimbour Qld Weed management with a focus on prevention through stubble retention, soil health and rotation of chemicals using sensor spraying and automation. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Greg Condon, Northern Region, & Jana Freebairn, Southern Region
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! In this episode, we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists, Jana Freebairn and Greg Condon, updating from their respective Southern and lower Northern growing regions. With many farms commencing a dry seeding program to efficiently get across the hectares in what will be a less than ideal start to the winter growing season, the podcast focuses on tactics for short-term management with a long-term weed strategy. WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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 - Nipping Gazania In The Bud with Ali Bajwa & Chris Davey
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text! As our farming environment changes with our management, so to do the plant populations growing across our landscape. Gazania , a long-term weed within Australia is taking advantage of harsher summers competing well where water is a scarce resource. Ali Bajwa, weed researcher and Senior Lecturer in Weed Science and Agronomy with @LaTrobe university is aiming to nip gazania in the bud with @GRDC research project ( GRDC Code: ULA2402-002RTX) . WeedSmart Extension Agronomist, Chris Davey , introduces the foundation for this GRDC NGN project, putting grower funds to work on preventing gazania from as a hard-to-control weed becoming established in paddock situations. Ali Bajwa describes progress and applicable trial work for managing gazania within broadacre situations, citing prevention is better than the cure. Coordinated approaches between public and private land managers need to be vigilant from letting this 'pretty and hardy garden escapee' from becoming a persistent perennial stealing precious soil water. @A1Bajwa @SABE_LaTrobe and @LaTrobe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-bajwa-686b5a37/ Mallee Sustainable Farming: https://msfp.org.au/gazania-wars-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-tackling-a-persistent-weed/ Technical Experts: Deep Dive Review Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/6/915 WeedSmart Week 2026 is heading to Griffith, NSW, August 18-19! Join us for an engaging week of peer-to-peer discussion and learning about sustainable weed management and herbicide stewardship. The event will include a forum day, farm tours, machinery expo, plus plenty of food and fun! Tickets are on sale now ! 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: Twitter/X Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here! Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an: 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
