AgWatchers

Bigger crops mean bigger levy collections for GRDC, and farmers want to know how GRDC spends that money. This week, Nigel Hart, GRDC's Managing Director, sits down with Matt and Andrew to explain what’s being funded, how research gets prioritised, and why profitability matters more than just growing bigger crops. They dig into the cost-price squeeze hurting margins, what GRDC is doing about nitrogen costs, weed management, and on-farm storage, and how growers can actually influence where research dollars go. If you pay the levy, you need to hear this conversation. Learn how GRDC decides what to fund, what happens at national grower forums, and why a grain farmer’s paddock observations matter as much as laboratory research.

Andrew is on holiday. Matt has been travelling - but here is the only update on ag markets that you need.

Markets are moving, and there is plenty to unpack in this AgWatchers X update. We look at the sharp rally in global wheat markets as Black Sea supply risks finally begin to bite, with Russian export flows slowing and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict putting a sizeable chunk of global wheat and barley exports at risk. We also discuss why Australian growers need to resist the temptation to chase the top of the market and instead use rallies to average up their grain sales. On top of that, weakening US and European corn prospects could provide further support to wheat prices. On livestock, we cover Australian cattle prices, the impact of Chinese and South Korean beef safeguards, and Donald Trump’s latest moves to increase beef imports into the US in an attempt to ease consumer prices. We also look at the growing threat facing Australian sheepmeat exports, with the US inquiry into imported lamb potentially opening the door to significant tariffs. With sheep prices beginning to ease ahead of the spring flush, there is plenty happening across both grain and livestock markets.

What does AI actually mean for the future of Australian agriculture? Andrew and Matt are joined by grain and pork producer Sharon Starick, Chair of the GRDC and the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations, to discuss how artificial intelligence and new technology are changing the agricultural workforce. They look at where AI can genuinely improve productivity, which jobs and skills may change, and why experience, critical thinking and human judgement remain difficult to replace. Sharon also shares a cautionary example from her own canola crop, where ChatGPT and the agronomist came up with very different diagnoses. The conversation ranges from automating the boring jobs on farm to cybersecurity, data ownership, robotics, research, the skills agriculture will need from the next generation and whether AI might actually make a career in agriculture more attractive. Plus pigs, black pudding, Powderfinger and the important distinction between artificial intelligence, artificial insemination and avian influenza. Remember and support the podcast by sharing with your friends and family.

AI, agtech and automation are changing agriculture fast, but are relationships becoming more valuable, not less? This week on AgWatchers, Matt and Andrew are joined by Peta Ward, Westpac’s Managing Director, Regional Commercial & Agribusiness, to discuss innovation on farm, the next generation of agricultural leaders and why Westpac is putting bankers back into regional communities.  They also talk regional careers, diversity, the post-COVID shift back to the bush and why understanding the people behind a farm business still matters in an increasingly digital world. Plus, somehow, polar bear nutrition enters the conversation. Listen now at episode3.net/links.

Ag Watchers X: Market Moves That Matter to Your Farm Tariffs are reshaping export markets. Geopolitical tension is pushing input costs around. And your harvest timing just got more complicated. In this market analysis episode, Matt and Andrew break down what's really happening with beef exports to Korea and China, where grain prices are headed, and why geopolitics matters more than weather right now. If you're making decisions on cattle, crops, or inputs this season, you need to understand these market shifts before they hit your gate.

Forget the ideology. Australian farmers don't need to believe in climate change to care about one thing: their bottom line. This week on AgWatchers, Matt and Andrew explore how practical farmers are cutting costs and creating new income streams through energy solutions and why skepticism is actually the smart approach. Karin Stark, who organizes Australia's agricultural renewables conference, discusses real farmers doing real things on their land. Solar panels reducing diesel bills. Biodigesters turning waste into power. Variable rate fertilizer applications cutting chemical costs. These aren't about saving the planet they're about keeping more money in the farm's pocket. The reality is messier than the marketing. Karin breaks down why some renewable projects fail, how regulatory approval can take years, and what separates farmers actually making money from those chasing buzzwords. She also explores why innovators often come from outside agriculture and what that means for traditional farming families. Whether you're curious about diversifying income or just cutting costs, this conversation cuts through the green noise and gets down to what actually works on Australian farms. Listen to the full episode to hear what farmers are really doing and what's actually worth your time and money. You can find out about the conference on the link below: https://renewablesinagconference.com.au

Veteran economist Saul Eslake joins Matt and Andrew to unpack tariffs, free trade and the increasingly difficult position Australia occupies between the United States and China. They discuss why tariffs are ultimately paid by consumers, whether Australia can still trust its major trading partners, the need to diversify agricultural export markets and what weaker Chinese growth could mean for beef, wool, wine and other premium products. Closer to home, Saul shares his views on inflation, interest rates, productivity, housing and tax reform. Plus black pudding, haggis, questionable compliments and one particularly memorable toilet analogy.

Episode Three is thrilled to announce we'll be hosting the inaugural Australian Agricultural Awards, a groundbreaking national celebration of ag excellence in partnership with the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Nutrien, and Westpac. In this episode, we sit down with Scott McCullough, General Manager of Commercial at ACM Agri, to explore this prestigious new event that's set to transform how we recognize and celebrate the brightest minds driving agriculture forward. We'll be taking the stage as MCs across all five state award events (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane) leading into the National Awards in Canberra on November 19. This is a truly exciting opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of ag leaders and innovators. Featuring five key categories (Next Gen, Women in Agriculture, Sustainability, Well-being, and Innovation), these awards are supported by industry powerhouses including Nutrien and Westpac, who are championing categories alongside the NFF. The inaugural winner across all categories will drive away in a brand new Toyota Tundra, making this the most valuable agricultural award platform Australia has ever seen. Join us as we dive into what makes these awards different, why trust matters in agriculture, and how you can nominate your industry heroes. Nominations close at the end of August, so don't miss your chance to be part of ag's biggest celebration. Ready to celebrate excellence? Tune in now. https://episode3.net/agwatchers

Jo Hall, CEO of WoolProducers Australia, joins the podcast to discuss efforts to diversify Australian wool exports beyond China, including emerging opportunities in Bangladesh, India and Vietnam. We also examine the Future Flock strategy, industry representation and whether the recent wool price recovery can rebuild grower confidence and lift supply. Plus, Pearl Jam, Dhaka’s textile factories and wandering elephants.