Best Mallee Sustainable Farming Podcasts (2025)

1
Are You Bogged Mate? in the Mallee 15:11

16d ago15:11

15:11

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…

1
Next Gen Ag - Meet our first MSF intern 6:40

20d ago6:40

6:40

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 …

1
Planning through the unknown in 2025 - Agronomy decisions with Jeff Braun 17:25

21d ago17:25

17:25

In 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…

1
Is water repellency challenging your farming success? 11:05

30d ago11:05

11:05

In 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…

1
Backing Your Gut or Running the Numbers - Smarter Farm Choices 9:57

30d ago9:57

9:57

In 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…

1
Making Every Input Count - Nutrition Strategies for 2025 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

After 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…

1
Precision Under Pressure - VRT Results In a Drought Year 14:21

2M ago14:21

14:21

In 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 …

1
The 5 Planks of Resilience - Staying sane in the chaos of farming 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

In 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…

1
What it takes to shape the future of Mallee farming 7:13

2M ago7:13

7:13

In 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…

1
Optimising Tyne Setup- Rethinking Ripping for Better ROI 11:48

5M ago11:48

11:48

In 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…

1
The Kokoda Trek - Adventure & Friendship in the Jungle 12:34

6M ago12:34

12:34

In 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…

1
Dry Times, Smart Moves & Planning for a Stronger 2025 12:48

6M ago12:48

12:48

In 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…

1
Start Your Day Like a Hero, Not a Hanrahan 16:39

6M ago16:39

16:39

Welcome 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…

1
Navigating the Grain Game - Global Markets and Local Strategies 12:04

6M ago12:04

12:04

In 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…

1
Agronomy after Amelioration - Continuing the Conversation with Stephen Davies 10:56

6M ago10:56

10:56

In 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…

1
Lessons from the West - The journey of soil amelioration in WA 18:17

6M ago18:17

18:17

In 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, …

1
Frost, Risk and Lessons Learnt from 2024 18:24

6M ago18:24

18:24

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…

1
Thriving in Containment - Livestock Strategies for Dry Times 21:40

6M ago21:40

21:40

In 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…

1
Path to Net Zero - Carbon accounting and emissions reduction on farm 9:47

6M ago9:47

9:47

In 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…

1
Weeds and soil amelioration - how weeds reveal soil challenges 15:21

6M ago15:21

15:21

Join 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…

1
Acid Soils, Big Fixes - Solutions for Productive Paddocks 9:10

6M ago9:10

9:10

In 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…

1
Hold your ground - Strategies to safeguard paddocks over summer 13:52

6M ago13:52

13:52

In 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,…

1
Gazania Wars - Tackling a persistent weed problem 15:16

6M ago15:16

15:16

In 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…

1
Navigating Drought: Livestock Management Strategies for Challenging Seasons 20:22

7M ago20:22

20:22

In 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…

1
Don't let a dry season leave you high and dry on info 11:54

7M ago11:54

11:54

In 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…

1
Sleeping naked with your socks on - and other tips for restorative sleep 19:12

7M ago19:12

19:12

In 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…

1
The Ice Breakers: Combatting Bacteria-Induced Frost Damage 8:26

7M ago8:26

8:26

In 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…

1
Weeds in a dry spell - Managing behaviour and resistance 15:23

7M ago15:23

15:23

In 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, …

1
New Tools to Combat Dry Saline Land 8:06

7M ago8:06

8:06

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…

1
Acceptance and Action - farming success amidst challenges 11:22

8M ago11:22

11:22

In 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…

1
Restless Nights - Practical Strategies for Mental Health in Tough Times with Steph Schmidt 17:29

8M ago17:29

17:29

In 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…

1
Field Day Insights from NSW and the Millewa 11:20

9M ago11:20

11:20

In 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…

1
Farming on the Edge: Risk Management and Lentil Harvesting with Barry Mudge 8:14

9M ago8:14

8:14

In 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…

1
From rainfall to grazing - effective management of saline land 6:30

9M ago6:30

6:30

In 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…

1
Conversations on carbon at Coomandook 14:03

9M ago14:03

14:03

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…

1
Practical solutions for managing widespread saline land 4:50

9M ago4:50

4:50

In 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…

1
Tackling salinity with sand and clay at Cootra 11:19

10M ago11:19

11:19

In 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…

1
Reflections from the Browns Well Crop Walk 17:03

10M ago17:03

17:03

In 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…

1
Innovative Chaff Heap Mulching for Saline Land at Minnipa 4:20

10M ago4:20

4:20

In this episode of the Farm Talk Podcast, part of the Future Drought Fund Project, consultants Chris McDonough and farmer Bruce Heddle from Minnipa discuss an innovative method to manage saline soils using chaff heaps as mulch. They explore how spreading chaff has promoted crop growth in previously barren areas, detailing the practicalities and eco…

1
The logistics of sand mulch to transform dry saline land 5:43

10M ago5:43

5:43

In this episode of the MSF Talk podcast, stemming from the Future Drought Fund Project, hosts delve into innovative solutions for re-establishing vegetation on dry saline soils. Featuring insights from farmer Tristan Baldock of Buckleboo and consultant Chris McDonough, the discussion focuses on using sand mulch as a transformative strategy. Despite…

1
Fence-free farming - the future of livestock management 6:35

10M ago6:35

6:35

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Nick Paltridge and Rick Llewellyn from CSIRO discuss the revolutionary concept of fence-free farming through virtual fencing technology. They explore recent trials and successful sheep management at Lameroo, along with the broader implications for cattle farming. The conversation highlights the potentia…

1
Deep seeding success - insights from long coleoptile trials 11:52

11M ago11:52

11:52

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan discusses the potential of long coleoptile varieties with Terese McBeath from CSIRO and Andrew Ware, Research Agronomist with EPAG Research. The conversation covers recent research findings from trials in the Mallee and Eyre Peninsula regions, focusing on soil types, seeding strategies…

1
Pioneering safer farming with strip amelioration 19:57

11M ago19:57

19:57

In this episode, Tim Smythe from Mallee Sustainable Farming and Jack Desbiolles from the University of South Australia's Agriculture, Machinery, Research and Design Centre discuss their pioneering work on strip amelioration. This technique involves alternating strips of ameliorated soil and undisturbed standing stubble, offering a flexible, erosion…

1
Navigating weed management in a dry start 22:21

11M ago22:21

22:21

In this episode, we revisit a webinar featuring top experts discussing how to manage crops and weeds during a dry start to the season. Join Dr. Chris Preston, Professor of weed management at Adelaide University, as he sheds light on effective strategies for controlling grass weeds, the importance of pre-emergent herbicides, and handling herbicide r…

1
From theory to field - long coleoptiles in the Mallee 5:18

12M ago5:18

5:18

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we revisit discussions from the MSF Big Ag Day Out events held earlier this year. The focus is on the advancements in long coleoptile wheat and its impact on farming systems. Long coleoptiles are an emerging technology aimed to improve the ability to establish crops on time under drying autumn soil surf…

1
Is it too late to be growing legumes in the Mallee? 11:44

12M ago11:44

11:44

Can grain legumes still perform with a late start? In this episode, Paige Cross discusses the potential for grain legume crops with Dr. Penny Roberts, the resident research manager at MSF. They explore the complexities and opportunities of planting grain legumes late in the season, focusing on crop types, subsoil moisture, and best farm practices. …

1
Frost Insights: Exploring Phenology and Strategies with Ben Smith 19:44

1y ago19:44

19:44

Mitigating Frost Risks: Strategies from the Frost Learning Centre In this episode of the Better Frost Decisions podcast, host Paige Cross speaks with Ben Smith from Agrilink Agriculture Consultants about frost management strategies. They discuss the work being done at the Frost Learning Centre in South Australia, including the role of phenology in …

1
Autumn Climate Driver Conversations with Peter Hayman and the use of climate information to assist with making Better Frost Decisions 19:41

1y ago19:41

19:41

Navigating Climate Uncertainty in Agriculture for 2024 In this second episode of the 'Better Frost Decisions Podcast' for 2024, hosted by Paige Cross of Mallee Sustainable Farming, the focus is on demystifying climate drivers and their implications for agricultural planning and decision-making. Joined by Peter Hayman, Principal Scientist at the Sou…

1
Improving Yields with VRT & Managing Technology Hurdles 8:17

1y ago8:17

8:17

Improving Yields with VRT and Managing Technology Hurdles The discussion revolves around the outcomes and experiences from Variable Rate Technology (VRT) workshops and field implementations in the Mallee region. Tanja Morgan interviews experts Sean Mason and Peter Treloar, focusing on the successes in phosphorus management through VRT, the variabil…

1
Better Frost Decisions April 2024 Podcast 15:47

1y ago15:47

15:47

Navigating Frost Management: Insights and Strategies for the 2024 Season This episode of the Better Frost Decisions podcast series delves into reflections on the 2023 season's frost experiences and discusses innovative frost management strategies for the upcoming 2024 season. Hosted by Paige Cross of Mallee Sustainable Farming, the episode features…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mallee Sustainable Farming Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen