MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC & SA's low-rainfall Mallee region. For more information visit: www.msfp.org.au/podcast
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Tegan Buckley Podcasts
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we dig into what’s really happening beneath the soil surface. Soil biology expert Dr Gupta Vadakattu from CSIRO joins us to explore the hidden microbial world in our paddocks. We talk through: What soil biology actually is How microbes help crops survive drought, disease, and nutrient stress The role of…
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In this episode of MSF FarmTalk, we take a look at on-farm adoption of autonomous spraying technology. Merredin grower Brad Jones chats with Kylie Matthewson about his journey bringing SwarmBot onto his family farm, how it’s working, what it took to get started, and whether it’s stacking up economically. Brad shares his take on why he made the swit…
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In this special episode, we say goodbye and thank you to Nick Paltridge, who has been Mallee Sustainable Farming’s podcast host, project manager, communicator, and all-round good sport for the past three years. Nick reflects on his time with MSF, sharing memories from the paddock, what he’s learned about Mallee farming systems and community, and wh…
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In this episode, Nick Paltridge is joined by MSF's Research Manager, Dr Penny Roberts to explore what it takes to grow profitable, resilient lentils and other pulses in the Mallee. They discuss the drivers behind the surge in pulse production, practical agronomy tips for low rainfall zones, and a new long-term rotation trial that’s set to provide v…
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Early Sowing, Legumes and Long- Term Fertility
11:14
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11:14In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, we kick off a new series inspired by the book 101 Questions about SA Cropping Soils. Host Nick Paltridge is joined by Dr. Nigel Wilhelm from the South Australian Research and Development Institute to explore how cropping systems have evolved over recent decades—especially in low rainfall environments. The discussio…
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Reshaping Sandy Soils for Gains in the Mallee
5:51
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5:51Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Reshaping Sandy Soils for Crop Gains in the Mallee Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick head to Bow Hill in South Australia’s Mallee region to share what Mallee Sustainable Farming learne…
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Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Boosting Productivity on Tough Soils Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in South Australia's Northern and Yorke region are tackling soil constraints like acidity, sa…
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Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Precision P for Long-Term Soil Health Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick visit the Northern Sustainable Soils region to dig into how growers are using strip trials and variable rate tec…
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Soil Testing That Pays in the Hills & Fleurieu
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5:10Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Soil Testing That Pays in the Hills & Fleurieu Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in the Hills and Fleurieu region are using regular soil testing to manage constraints like acidity, salinity, and low so…
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Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Managing Soil Variability with VRT Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in the Mid North High Rainfall Zone are using variable rate technology (VRT) to address pH and …
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Boosting Productivity on AIR EP's Sandy Soils
5:47
5:47
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5:47Looking Over the Fence Podcast Series Episode Title: Boosting Productivity on AIR EP’s Sandy Soils Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick take us “over the fence” to the Eyre Peninsula to explore how AIR EP is helping farmers t…
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What to do when you think you're losing your mind!
19:52
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19:52Ever caught yourself muttering, "I'm losing my mind"—half-joking, but mostly serious? In this final episode of the Farming a Growth Mindset series, Dennis Hoiberg returns for a down-to-earth, practical conversation about mental overload. He shares clear, relatable ways to hit pause, sort through the clutter, and take small steps forward when your h…
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In this powerful and practical episode, Nick Paltridge sits down with Mary O’Brien, founder of the grassroots mental health initiative Are You Bogged Mate? Mary shares her trademark no-nonsense approach to rural mental health, offering honest reflections on the pressures faced by farmers, how mental load builds quietly, and why mateship and straigh…
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What’s the best way to bring fresh energy into farming systems research? In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we introduce Simone Kluge, our first-ever MSF intern! Simone has joined the MSF team to gain hands-on experience in farming systems research and extension. We chat about what drew her to agriculture, how she’s settling in, and the …
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Planning through the unknown in 2025 - Agronomy decisions with Jeff Braun
17:25
17:25
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17:25In another tough start to the cropping season, with no subsoil moisture and the drought showing no signs of breaking, 'The Agronomist' Jeff Braun took part in the Planning for the Unknown Webinar to help growers work through the complexities of seeding decisions for 2025. Jeff reflects on lessons learned from 2024 dry sowing, what worked, what didn…
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Is water repellency challenging your farming success?
11:05
11:05
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11:05In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge discusses water repellency in sandy soils with Professor David Henry from Murdoch University. They delve into the chemistry behind non-wetting soils, seasonal behaviors, and various solutions. They discuss topics from the 101 Soils Questions book, as well as touching on topics like t…
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Backing Your Gut or Running the Numbers - Smarter Farm Choices
9:57
9:57
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9:57In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge talks with Rick Llewellyn from CSIRO about farm decision making and the GRDC RiskWise project. They discuss the decision making processes of farmers, from gut feel to analytical approaches, and the various challenges they face, such as machinery investment and crop sowing times. Rick…
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Making Every Input Count - Nutrition Strategies for 2025
13:44
13:44
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13:44After a dry season In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with soil fertility specialist Sean Mason to discuss optimising fertiliser strategies after a challenging 2024 season. They cover the critical importance of identifying nutrient-responsive soils to maximise returns on nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, the u…
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Precision Under Pressure - VRT Results In a Drought Year
14:21
14:21
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14:21In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, hosts Sean Mason and Peter Treloar discuss the performance and practical applications of Variable Rate Technology (VRT) in a challenging agricultural season. They cover topics such as zoning, testing, troubleshooting, and what NDVI maps tell us, even during drought years. This episode provides valuable …
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The 5 Planks of Resilience - Staying sane in the chaos of farming
21:32
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21:32In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, part of the Farming and Growth Mindset series, hosts Nick Paltridge and Dennis Hoiberg discuss practical strategies for resilience on the farm. Dennis details his 'five planks of resilience' framework, which includes spirituality, medical health, physical health, connectivity, and mental health. He emph…
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What it takes to shape the future of Mallee farming
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7:13In the first episode of the 2025 season of the Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge interviews Steve Burt, the Independent Chair of Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF). They discuss Steve's extensive career in agriculture, his views on sustainable farming practices, and the positive changes in Mallee farming over the years. Steve also talks about hi…
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Optimising Tyne Setup- Rethinking Ripping for Better ROI
11:48
11:48
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11:48In this special two-part episode recorded for the GRDC NGN project, Tanja Morgan and Chris Saunders from Uni SA's Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Center discuss optimising soil amelioration in typical mallee soils. Initially recorded in late 2024 at a trial site in Copeville SA, they explore how different ripping configurations impact fu…
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The Kokoda Trek - Adventure & Friendship in the Jungle
12:34
12:34
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12:34In the final episode of our harvest binge series, we delve into an inspiring adventure as we chat with Tanja about her April 2024 trek along the Kokoda track. Covering the physical challenges, resilience, and camaraderie she experienced, this discussion shares observations on similarities to Mallee farming life. Join us as we wrap up with reflectio…
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Dry Times, Smart Moves & Planning for a Stronger 2025
12:48
12:48
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12:48In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge speaks with Rick Rundell-Gordon, a seasoned agronomist from Swan Hill, about the challenges and lessons from the 2024 cropping season. With over 30 years of experience, Rick discusses strategies for effective planning and preparation, the importance of summer weed control, soil ameli…
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Start Your Day Like a Hero, Not a Hanrahan
16:39
16:39
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16:39Welcome to the latest episode of MSF FarmTalk Series - Farming a Growth Mindset, hosted by Tanja Morgan and supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. This episode features Dennis J. Hoiberg, an expert in emotional wellbeing and resilience, discussing the transformative power of mindset and choice. Dennis offers practical t…
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Navigating the Grain Game - Global Markets and Local Strategies
12:04
12:04
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12:04In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, supported by Advantage Grain, hosts David Evans and David Long delve into the complexities of global grain markets. They discuss important factors like geopolitical shifts, weather impacts, and financial market volatility that influence grain pricing and exports. The two experts also provide insights int…
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Agronomy after Amelioration - Continuing the Conversation with Stephen Davies
10:56
10:56
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10:56In part two of the MSF Farm Talk podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at DPIRD in WA, the focus is on agronomy practices following soil amelioration. The discussion covers methods for effective crop establishment, seeding techniques, and the use of longer coleoptile wheat varieties to improve productivity on freshly am…
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Lessons from the West - The journey of soil amelioration in WA
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18:17In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with Dr Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), to discuss soil amelioration practices in Western Australia. Stephen, who has over 20 years of experience working in the Northern Greenbelt of WA, …
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In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, SARDI Climate Scientist Peter Hayman and CSIRO Research Agronomist Kenton Porker discuss the significant challenges and key decisions faced by farmers during the 2024 season. They delve into the complexities brought by extreme weather conditions, including frost events and seeding strategies, and reflec…
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Thriving in Containment - Livestock Strategies for Dry Times
21:40
21:40
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21:40In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, host Nick Paltridge speaks with livestock consultant Geoff Duddy, Sheep Solutions Principal Consultant, about effective strategies for managing livestock during dry periods. Geoff shares his extensive experience and insights on overcoming feed shortages, implementing confinement feeding, and making crucial decision…
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Path to Net Zero - Carbon accounting and emissions reduction on farm
9:47
9:47
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9:47In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, hosts Nick Paltridge and Tanja Morgan discuss with WA farmer Wayne Pech his experiences in carbon farming, recorded during the Agronomy Conference in Albany in 2024. Wayne shares his journey of reducing emissions while maintaining farm productivity in the Great Southern region. The conversation covers t…
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Weeds and soil amelioration - how weeds reveal soil challenges
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15:21
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15:21Join host Paige Cross and Weed Smart agronomist Chris Davey (CD) in this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast as they discuss the GRDC field day focused on optimising soil amelioration efficiency. CD explores how weeds can indicate underlying soil health issues and shares various soil amelioration techniques to mitigate weed pressure. The conversat…
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Acid Soils, Big Fixes - Solutions for Productive Paddocks
9:10
9:10
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9:10In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, host Kylie Matthewson discusses the issue of acid soils affecting farms in the Mallee region with David Woodard, a soils consultant from Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia. They explore how acid soils impact productivity, the use of gypsum and lime in soil treatment, and the different resu…
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Hold your ground - Strategies to safeguard paddocks over summer
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13:52
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13:52In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, host Nick Paltridge speaks with John Leys, a soil management expert, about tools for monitoring paddocks and current ground cover conditions across the tri-state Mallee. John shares insights from his career, including his work with Dust Watch, and discusses trends in dust storms, ground cover management strategies,…
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Gazania Wars - Tackling a persistent weed problem
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15:16
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15:16In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Dr. Ali Bajwa from Latrobe University discusses the challenges and current research efforts in managing Gazania, a resilient weed affecting cropping systems in Southern Australia. Dr. Bajwa elaborates on the biology of Gazania, its rapid spread, and the ongoing field trials and herbicide screenings aime…
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Navigating Drought: Livestock Management Strategies for Challenging Seasons
20:22
20:22
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20:22In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, host Nick Paltridge is joined by Deb Scammell and Felicity Turner to discuss insights from recent sheep management webinars funded by the SA Drought Hub. With South Australia experiencing one of its driest seasons on record, the trio explores the tough decisions farmers face, such as feed management, cul…
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Don't let a dry season leave you high and dry on info
11:54
11:54
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11:54In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan is joined by zoning project regulars Peter Treloar Law and Sean Mason to discuss the impact of this exceptionally dry season on harvest data collection. The episode emphasises the importance of gathering data to make informed decisions for the next season. The team also provides practi…
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Sleeping naked with your socks on - and other tips for restorative sleep
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19:12
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19:12In the inaugural episode of 'Farming a Growth Mindset' from the MSF Farm Talk podcast series, hosts Tanja Morgan and resident mindset expert Dennis delve into the importance of restorative sleep. They discuss the differences between restorative and regular sleep, share techniques for creating an optimal sleep environment, and explore procedural hab…
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The Ice Breakers: Combatting Bacteria-Induced Frost Damage
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8:26In this episode of the Better Frost Decisions podcast, Tanja Morgan discusses advanced frost management techniques with Chaiyya Cooper, a Research Scientist from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Western Australia. Chaiyya explains the impact of ice-nucleating bacteria on frost damage in crops and shares new find…
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Weeds in a dry spell - Managing behaviour and resistance
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15:23In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Paige Cross converses with Peter Boutsalis from Plant Science Consulting on the intricate challenges of managing weeds during one of the driest years on record in Southern Australia. The discussion delves into the complexities of herbicide resistance, especially concerning ryegrass and broadleaf weeds, …
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Join Tanja Morgan and consultant Chris McDonough as they discuss the critical issue of dry saline land exacerbated by drought. Learn about the new Dry Saline Land Decision Tree tool, designed to help farmers and advisors with practical strategies to prevent land degradation. Tune in to understand how to maintain soil health and crop productivity de…
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Acceptance and Action - farming success amidst challenges
11:22
11:22
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11:22In this episode of the Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan welcomes Dennis Hoiberg from Lessons Learnt Consulting, who shares over 30 years of expertise in navigating challenging times. As farmers face severe drought conditions, Dennis provides practical tools and heartfelt advice on building resilience, protecting emotional well-being, and taking…
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Restless Nights - Practical Strategies for Mental Health in Tough Times with Steph Schmidt
17:29
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17:29In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, Nick Paltridge from Mallee Sustainable Farming interviews Steph Schmidt, a farmer and psychologist specialising in agricultural mental health. They discuss the challenges faced by farmers due to drought and frost conditions in the Southern region, leading to financial strain and stress. Steph shares pra…
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Field Day Insights from NSW and the Millewa
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11:20In today's episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, hosts Tanja Morgan and Nick Paltridge provide a regional seasonal update as part of the Future Drought Fund De-Risking Seeding Project and the Extension and Adoption Project. They discuss the latest trials from New South Wales, exploring the benefits of early and deep sowing techniques, varietal diff…
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Farming on the Edge: Risk Management and Lentil Harvesting with Barry Mudge
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8:14In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, Tanja Morgan speaks with Barry Mudge, a Port Germain farmer involved in the GRDC Risk-Wise Project, about the critical nature of understanding production costs and managing risks in low rainfall environments. They review discussions held with the Lowbank Ag Bureau and delve into Barry's expertise in growing and har…
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From rainfall to grazing - effective management of saline land
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6:30In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, consultant Chris McDonough speaks with farmer Matt Cook about his strategies for using early-season rainfall to establish crops and managing grazing to prevent soil degradation. Cook discusses the challenges of farming in areas with dry saline land and issues with resistant weeds like ryegrass and barle…
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In this episode of the MSF Farmtalk podcast, the focus is on soil carbon and carbon farming in the Mallee. Over the past 12 months, pilot projects supported by the South Australian government's Department of Primary Industries and Regions have explored the feasibility of storing carbon post-soil amelioration. The podcast includes a field day discus…
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Practical solutions for managing widespread saline land
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4:50In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Chris McDonough talks with Philip Johns about the ongoing issues of dry saline land in Australian agriculture. Philip shares his 40 years of experience in managing such land by maintaining cover, using more salt-tolerant crops, and managing livestock effectively. Philip highlights the importance of cove…
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Tackling salinity with sand and clay at Cootra
11:19
11:19
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11:19In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we have a conversation with Terry Schmucker, a farmer from Cootra on the Eyre Peninsula, and consultant Chris McDonough. The discussion focuses on Terry's innovative approach to soil amelioration on his dry salinity-affected land. By utilising sand and clay from high sand hills to enhance heavy flats, T…
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Reflections from the Browns Well Crop Walk
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17:03In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Tanja Morgan discusses recent field day events, focusing on various soil amelioration treatments observed at Jock McNeil's paddock at Paruna. Chris McDonough and Tanja take a walk describing the effects observed from the different techniques such as deep ripping, inversion plowing, and spading, analysin…
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