WeedSmart Podcast

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On this episode of Beyond Resistance, we're joined by Mitch Allen, Commercial Technical Lead of Crop Protection at Nufarm. Mitch joins host Shannon Beattie to chat all things knockdowns!

Australian farmers are facing a period of adjustment to adapt knockdown strategies for up-front weed control at seeding, but we're not on the ropes yet! Mitch says the mix and rotate pillar is only one part of the Big 6 toolbox which provides a framework for transitioning to challenges now and into the future.

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In this episode of Regional Update, we're joined by Bordertown farmer, Ted Langley!

Ted and his family run a zero till, 12m controlled traffic farm, growing wheat, faba beans, lentils, clover seed, pasture hay, oaten hay, canola and prime lambs.

Ted aims to hit all of the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics in his weed control operation. Soil health is one of his main priorities, and the lighter soils on the farm have been ameliorated twice. 

The family have also adopted 2 i...

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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. Af...

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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 f...

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*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. 

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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...

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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 c...

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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...

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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...

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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 g...

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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...

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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 i...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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 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 We...

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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 an...

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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...

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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 i...

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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.  Ta...

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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.  

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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, int...

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The regional update from the southern growing region with WeedSmart Extension Agronomist Chris Davey, providing you with a dry seeding update for 2025, soil moisture observations and challenges for crop health.  

With negative moisture levels in the soil and limited rainfall over the last 12 months, looking over the spray records will be the key to success to plot the best course of action for the 2025 rotation.  

Knowing the plantback period from last year's herbicide application dates and estimated rainfall requirement to ensure th...

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Welcome to 2025!

The first Regional Update of 2025 takes us to Lock Valley Farms in South Australia, with Henry Coleman, a mixed operations grower and Youtuber.

Documenting his life on the farm alongside his family, he filled us in on the season just been - though dry, he's remaining optimistic this coming year is going to be a ripper, and has been tackling the ryegrass, brome and legacy weed issues through optimising his rotations.

You can check out Henrys Youtube...

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In this episode of the WeedSmart Podcast, we talk about how weed seeds can adapt their dormancy, discussing the selection pressures, interactions with herbicides and the recommended actions from growers to get ahead.

We also caught up with Pete for a quick recap of the season in the West, after an explosion of weeds thanks to an especially wet winter.

If you're interested in finding out more about today's episode, you can catch Dr Gurjeet Gill via our WeedSmart Learning Hub...

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Join WeedSmart Southern Extension Agronomists Jana Freebairn and Chris Davey in discussing the rising resistance to imi’s (imidazolinone) in broadleaf weeds, in 2024 and beyond.

Imi resistance is a growing issue within our cropping systems and is becoming ever more important when considering crop rotation, herbicide selection and yearly environmental pressures.

Jana and Chris share their experiences with imi resistance so far this year in the Southern Region of SA and the Eyre Peninsula, speaking to what they have seen within le...

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Ian Pursehouse is our guest for this episode of the Regional Update.

Located in NSW, in West Wyalong, Ian and his family transitioned from a mixed operation to 100% dryland cropping in the late 2010's, and have been learning from every experience since.

Ian has a systems-focused approach, with an emphasis on optimising rotations to not only control weeds - one of the WeedSmart Big 6 principles - but minimise costs across the board. After a less-than-ideal season with low rainfall and frost...

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This Regional Update Podcast episode, we're joined by grower Stuart Vlahov from Western Australia.

Stu is a grower in Ellendale, WA, around 35kms south-east of Geraldton near Walkaway, who has recently been using two drones to spray crops within his mixed farming operation spanning 3500ha.

With bogged crops and wild radish flourishing, Stu is employing the two DJI drones for weed control and fertiliser application. Talking with us about the drone's short down time, price, set-up and future applications, Stu is...

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In this episode of the WeedSmart Podcast, we heard from Josh Hollitt, an Independant Agronomist located in the Eyre Peninsula, who is presenting at the upcoming WeedSmart Week in Port Lincoln.

Speaking on summer weed control strategies, Josh has over a decade of experience to share and is looking forward to hearing from other growers and agronomists in the region.

We also heard from co-host Pete Newman about his panel, focusing on HWSC and challenges growers have faced. If you're attending...

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This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by former agronomist and grower Vicky French.

With nearly 10 years of experience working for Elders as an agronomist, and now a grower with her husband in Derrinallum,  Victoria, Vicky French has a wealth of knowledge to share - and will be doing so at WeedSmart Week this July!

Vicky will be speaking about glyphosate resistance and the strategies they have implemented to control ryegrass and wild radish, and gave us a small l...

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Joining us on this extra-long episode of the WeedSmart Podcast was Mike Bell, who shared his extensive experience of soil nutrition and more recent work into P&K deep placement in the northern regions.

We also talked with Kurt Mayne, a grower from Rolleston, QLD, who has been implementing a deep placement regime into his operations, and heard about his recent experience with milk thistle.

NEWS and LINKS
Crop Competition:
Improving soil health...

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This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by agronomist Angus Dalgliesh.

Angus is an agronomist with Nutrien Ag Solutions who has recently moved from Dalby to Cloncurry in north-west Queensland, taking on the challenge and opportunity in the burgeoning cropping region. 

Though weeds aren't a problem at this early stage, growers are finding an overabundance of rats impacting their systems, to which Angus is keen to find a solution for.

Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 f...

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In this episode, we talk to Bevan Addison of Adama about pre-emergent herbicide options in canola, and getting the best out of products.

We also spoke to Senior Research Officer Mechelle Owen, who works within the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) to monitor herbicide resistance and development.

NEWS and LINKS
Webinar: Achieve effective pre-em weed control while protecting the crop at seeding

Join WeedSmart Extension Agronomist Greg Condon, FMC's tech specialist Mark...

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This week on the Regional Update, our new podcast host (and WeedSmart Communications Lead) Siobhon Eacott talked to Farm Manager Cameron Jenkin.

Cameron manages the wheat and chemical fallow operations of Mark and John Flannagan near Pindar, 125km east of Geraldton in WA in the low rainfall zone.

The Flanagan's have recently employed the services of an autonomous sprayer, named Alfie, who roams the 44,500ha property for primarily spot spraying.

Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6...

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In this episode, we look at management strategies for glyphosate resistant weeds.

We're joined by University of Adelaide researcher Chris Preston, who recently presented on the topic at the GRDC Crop Updates in Dubbo.

We're also joined by Delta Ag agronomist David Strahorn who speaks about the current state of glyphosate resistance in his patch.

NEWS and LINKS
Webinar:
Spot Spray technology – opportunities & challenges incorporating the latest camera/optical spray equipment: Ex...

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This week on the Regional Update, we are joined by grower and agronomist James Kearines.

James is an agronomist with Elders near Lake Cargelligo in central NSW, where he specialises in broadacre dryland agronomy, mainly dealing with the major crops of wheat, barley, canola, oats and pulses.

His family also manages a number of farms in the area and along with cropping, they also have a few Black Angus cattle.

After a below average year in 2023, James is excited...

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In this episode, we delve into the world of spot spray technology.

Rob Price, from South Australia, and Jake Hamilton, from Queensland, use Bilberry and John Deere See and Spray tech respectively.

They explain their motivations for using the tech, and discuss the opportunities and challenges they have faced when incorporating the latest camera/optical spray equipment into their cropping program.

NEWS and LINKS
Webinar:
Spot Spray technology – opportunities & challenges incorporating the la...