GRDC Podcast

For Jessica Zieltjes, agriculture was always part of life. Growing up in a farming family that moved from New Zealand to the New South Wales grain belt, she developed an early interest in crops, farming systems and the people behind them. But finding the right career path wasn't straightforward. After exploring roles in cotton, rice, seed production and research agronomy, Jess eventually found her place with Grassroots Agronomy, where she works directly with growers across the Riverina. In this conversation, she shares the experiences that shaped her career, the importance of following your instincts, and why being farmer-facing was the key to finding work she genuinely loves. Jess also discusses the value of mentorship, learning through experience, and building confidence as a young agronomist. The conversation explores farming systems research, the role of pulses in crop rotations, emerging technologies such as optical spot spraying, and the power of strong communication across the grains industry. At the heart of it all is a passion for continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and helping growers turn small improvements into long-term success.   This episode explores: - Jess' journey from a farming family to a career in agronomy - How moving from New Zealand to Australia shaped her connection to agriculture - Why exploring different agronomy pathways helped her find the right fit - The importance of mentorship, curiosity and continuous learning - What independent agronomy looks like and the value of working closely with growers - How farming systems research and pulse crops are driving on-farm change - The technologies and innovations Jess is most excited about for the future of grain growing Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/Y1TuSR9w4bU   More information Grassroots Agronomy https://www.grassrootsag.com.au/   GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2023, a devastating paddock fire left Popanyinning grower, Tim Haslam, with burns to 38 per cent of his body. He shares his remarkable story of survival and three key safety lessons that all growers should know ahead of harvest.  Tim chairs The Farming Collective for farmers to raise money for life-changing burns research. Farmers can nominate grain on the Fiona Wood Foundation website, or at the CBH load net. This podcast is part of the Farm Safety Series, a GRDC investment led by AgCommunicators in partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health and ifarmwell, Adelaide University. The investment aims to start the conversation on farm safety and raise awareness of safety on grain farms across Australia. GRDC’s Farm Safety series is a collection of articles, videos and podcasts focusing on the different perspectives of farm safety of growers across Australia. It features in-depth interviews with growers who share experiences, near-misses and events that have shaped their approach to farm safety and how they mitigate risk on their farm or the business they work for. The views, opinions and experiences shared by interviewees are made solely in a personal capacity unless stated otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the endorsement, views or policies of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, any entity with which they may be affiliated or other associated parties. Contact:        Tim Haslam                                                                                                                                                  Grower, Popanyinning WA                                                                                                               [email protected]                              More Information:     ifarmwell https://ifarmwell.com.au/ National Centre for Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/ Fiona Wood Foundation https://www.fionawoodfoundation.org.au/ Project/Investment Code:  ACO2503-005SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twin siblings, Cassidy and Kade Smith, share the workplace health and safety changes they have made following a motorbike accident on their family property in Yealering, Western Australia. The survey referenced in this video was conducted by Cassidy on behalf of Safe Farms WA as part of a workplace placement program with Marcus Oldham College.   This podcast is part of the Farm Safety Series, a GRDC investment led by AgCommunicators in partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health and ifarmwell, Adelaide University. The investment aims to start the conversation on farm safety and raise awareness of safety on grain farms across Australia.   GRDC’s Farm Safety series is a collection of articles, videos and podcasts focusing on the different perspectives of farm safety of growers across Australia. It features in-depth interviews with growers who share experiences, near-misses and events that have shaped their approach to farm safety and how they mitigate risk on their farm or the business they work for. The views, opinions and experiences shared by interviewees are made solely in a personal capacity unless stated otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the endorsement, views or policies of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, any entity with which they may be affiliated or other associated parties. Contact: Cassidy Smith Grower, Yealering WA [email protected]                                 More Information:       ifarmwell https://ifarmwell.com.au/ National Centre for Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/ Safe Farms WA https://safefarms.net.au/   Project/Investment Code: ACO2503-005SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angus Butterfield is a Senior Research Agronomist with Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) in north-west Victoria. Originally from Melbourne, Angus found his way into agriculture through a combination of curiosity, opportunity and a growing interest in agronomy. Since joining BCG as a graduate, he has built experience across a wide range of research and extension projects, working alongside growers, researchers and industry partners throughout the Mallee, Wimmera and beyond. In this conversation, Angus reflects on his journey into agriculture, the opportunities that come from working in a farming systems group, and the value of being closely connected to growers and the challenges they face. He shares insights into the diversity of projects underway at BCG, from weed management and herbicide resistance through to pulse production, crop establishment and farming systems research. Angus also discusses the importance of innovation in agriculture, the role research plays in supporting grower decision-making, and why he remains optimistic about the future of the grains industry. From emerging technologies and new crop genetics to the next generation of agronomists, he highlights the opportunities that continue to shape Australian grain production.   This episode explores: - How a Melbourne student found his way to Birchip and a career in agronomy - Why working in a farming systems group accelerated Angus' learning and development - The role BCG plays in connecting research with growers across north-west Victoria - How growers in low-rainfall environments continue to innovate and adapt - Current research into weed management, herbicide resistance and future control options - The opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of agronomists - What excites Angus most about the future of the Australian grains industry   Watch this episode as a video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/oUJRjJnzi_E More information Angus Butterfield, Birchip Cropping Group https://www.bcg.org.au/our-team/angus-butterfield/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/trials-assess-the-benefits-of-vetch   GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

92,000 hectares of canola has been planted into canola stubble this year. Blackleg pathologist from the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor Angela Van de Wouw, Western Australian agronomist Geoff Fosbery, and plant breeder Raymond Cowley explain why the risks of canola-on-canola far outweigh any short-term benefits. The Disease Management Extension Network (DMEN) is a GRDC investment bringing together plant pathologists, extension specialists and behavioural scientists to improve disease management outcomes for Australian grain growers and advisers.   Contacts:  Angela Van de WouwThe University of Melbourne [email protected] Geoff Fosbery Farm Focus Consultants [email protected] Raymond Cowley Pioneer Seeds                  [email protected]      More Information:  GroundCover article Record canola on canola plantings put sector at risk: https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/record-canola-on-canola-plantings-put-sector-at-risk   Project/Investment Code:    ACO2601-005RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben White and Chris Warrick from GRDC’s grain storage extension team discuss practical grain storage best practice, including fumigation timing, safe application of chemicals, ventilation and withholding periods, as well as the effective use of diatomaceous earth (DE) for storage hygiene. They share recent research and practical tips to help growers manage insects, reduce resistance risks and improve workplace safety. Contacts:       Chris Warrick Candid Consulting Services [email protected] Ben White BM White [email protected] More Information:       The fumigation process in grain storage video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvHTUD6OFnc Dust masks and eye protection: Grain storage safety essentials video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJBwDfrDyjk Diatomaceous Earth (DE) application in sheds and silos video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hwEmbmMoaQ Fumigation timing for stored grain video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHJMoDGeAA Project/Investment Code:      PRB2412-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Manson’s pathway into agriculture has been anything but conventional. Growing up in Chiang Mai, Thailand, he spent his early years immersed in a cross-cultural environment before discovering agriculture through an internship with an agricultural development NGO working alongside hill tribe communities near the Myanmar border. What began as an adventure quickly became a passion, leading him to study agriculture and international development before building a career in applied crop research. Today, James is a Crop Systems Researcher with CSIRO and the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader for the Southern Region. His research has helped growers better understand faba bean yield formation and now focuses on developing critical period benchmarks for wheat and barley, helping bridge the gap between crop science and practical on-farm decision-making. Driven by a desire to understand how crops work and why they respond the way they do, James is passionate about turning complex agronomic theory into knowledge that growers can use to improve outcomes in the paddock. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, James reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey from Thailand to Australian agriculture, the lessons learned working alongside growers, and how curiosity continues to drive his research. He shares insights into crop yield formation, the science behind critical periods, and why understanding the way plants grow can help unlock better decisions across farming systems. This episode explores: - How growing up in Thailand shaped James’ curiosity, worldview and approach to agriculture - The internship that introduced him to agriculture and sparked a passion for research and development - Why working closely with growers helped shape his career and approach to communicating science - The journey from Southern Farming Systems to completing a PhD focused on faba bean yield formation - How critical period research is helping improve decision-making in wheat and barley crops - The challenge of translating complex crop science into practical outcomes for growers - What being named the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader for the Southern Region means to him   Watch this episode as a video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/WW_5rd8DTK0 More information https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2026/march/james-manson-farming-systems-research https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/young-researcher-wins-emerging-leader-award   GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code: HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2027 growing season. This podcast focuses on wheat. There is a separate podcast that focuses on barley, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil. The NVT program is completely independent, funded and managed by GRDC to provide growers with trusted information to assist in variety choice. Note that seasonal conditions can have a more variable impact on variety performance than geographical location. For this reason, choose a variety with an established track record of at least two years of NVT performance data. The risks associated with choosing an untested variety are greater than sticking with one that has a proven track record. Always ask to see the official NVT results when talking to your seed seller. Contacts:          - Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) - InterGrain - LongReach Plant Breeders   More Information:   You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au, alongside individual breeder websites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to GRDC’s National Variety Trials (NVT) new variety podcast series, where Australia's leading breeding companies share their latest releases for the 2027 growing season. This podcast focuses on barley, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil. There is a separate podcast that focuses on wheat. The NVT program is completely independent, funded and managed by GRDC to provide growers with trusted information to assist in variety choice. Note that seasonal conditions can have a more variable impact on variety performance than geographical location. For this reason, choose a variety with an established track record of at least two years of NVT performance data. The risks associated with choosing an untested variety are greater than sticking with one that has a proven track record. Always ask to see the official NVT results when talking to your seed seller. Contacts: · Australian Grain & Forage Seeds (AGF Seeds)       · Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) · Nufarm Seeds · BASF Australia · Advanta Seeds Pty Ltd · AgriVentis Technologies · AdelaideUniversity · Agriculture Victoria · Grains Innovation Australia   More Information:   You can find out more information about the varieties featured in this podcast at www.nvt.grdc.com.au , alongside individual breeder websites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Conway grew up surrounded by agriculture, machinery and problem-solving, watching his family business evolve from a small operation run out of a garage into a nationally recognised grain storage technology company. What began as helping program aeration controllers and fit GPS guidance systems as a kid has turned into a career combining agricultural engineering, grain storage extension and a passion for helping growers better manage risk and protect grain quality. Today, Alex balances his role at Control Unlimited with his work on GRDC’s Grain Storage Extension team, supporting growers across Australia through workshops, industry events and practical on-farm advice. In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Alex reflects on the experiences that shaped his pathway into agriculture - from harvesting across Australia and Canada to discovering a fascination with grain storage systems, monitoring technology and the evolving challenges facing growers. He shares insights into the importance of saying yes to opportunities, documenting lessons along the way and building a career by following curiosity rather than a perfectly mapped-out plan. This episode explores: - How Alex’s upbringing around machinery, technology and farming shaped his passion for agriculture - The evolution of the Conway family business, Control Unlimited, from a home garage startup to a national agtechnology company - Why grain storage became an unexpected but rewarding career pathway - Lessons learned from harvesting across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Canada - How international farming experiences exposed Alex to new approaches in grain handling, drying and monitoring systems - The growing importance of on-farm grain storage in Australian agriculture - Why curiosity, adaptability and “having a crack” have been central to Alex’s career journey - How documenting experiences and reflecting on lessons helped reveal long-term passions and career direction - The role of technology and engineering in improving grain quality, efficiency and decision-making - Why supporting growers with practical, relevant solutions remains at the heart of the work Alex does today Watch this episode as a video on YouTube https://youtu.be/o9N5iKEtTuQ   More information Alex Conway, Control Unlimited https://www.grainaeration.com.au/ https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/northern/two-young-guns-take-over-from-guru-of-grain-storage https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2025/11/managing-grain-quality-in-storage   GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties. GRDC Project Code HAG2507-001SAX https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=HAG2507-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices