Grains Convo brings you closer to the people behind the research, sharing timely insights and emerging work shaping the future of farming in WA. Each episode is paired with a newsletter, giving you direct access to the tools, links and resources mentioned.
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Episodes
In this episode of Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Greg Shea about getting the most from lupins this season. They cover practical agronomy, soil testing and nutrient decisions to maximise nitrogen benefits and manage input costs. The discussion highlights how lupins can set up following crops and support better returns over multiple seasons.
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In this episode of Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Mark Seymour about how to get the most from pulse crops this season. They cover key decisions around soil type, inoculation, nutrient management and crop selection to reduce risk and maximise returns. The discussion highlights how pulses can improve soil health, manage weeds and deliver valuable nitrogen benefits for following crops.
With diesel prices and input constraints front of mind, making the right call on deep ripping has never been more important. In the latest Grains Convo episode, Tim Scanlon speaks with Wayne Parker about the EasyDiesel Calculator, a simple tool designed to help growers understand the financial impact of deep ripping before committing valuable resources.
Key takeaways
- How deep ripping improves yield and water use efficiency
- The real cost drivers - especially fuel and depth
- How to use the calculator to find your break-even point
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In this episode of Grains Convo, host Tim Scanlon speaks with DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Jackie Bucat about managing canola under tight seasonal and input constraints. With rising costs and uncertainty around rainfall, Jackie outlines strategies to help growers make sound decisions.
Key takeaways
- Why understanding your soil nitrogen starting point is critical
- How to spread risk across paddocks instead of chasing peak yield
- The importance of maintaining rotations to avoid long-term issues
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy and Janette are joined by Dr Dion Nicol to explore practical strategies for nitrogen management across the WA grainbelt. Dion outlines how growers can approach pre-season planning and adapt in-season decisions to improve returns, with a focus on allocating nitrogen where it is most likely to deliver yield and gross margin benefits. He also emphasises the importance of continually reassessing cost–benefit as conditions change, and how timely follow-up applications can be used to respond to the season as it unfolds.
Key takeaways
- Review farm records and soil types before sowing
- Conduct soil tests now to inform nitrogen decisions
- Use rainfall data and in-season tools to adapt management