EP Ag Chats

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls: Growers' Voices,' Jake Giles sits down with Dion Trezona from Streaky Bay to discuss the challenges and decision-making processes during the dry start of 2025. The conversation covers various aspects such as soil conditions, seeding strategies, crop choices, and livestock management. The farmer shares insights on balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability, the impact of past experiences, and the importance of community support. The episode highlights the resilience and adaptability required in farming, especially during uncertain times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls - Seeding 2025,' Jake Giles chats with Minnipa grower, Bruce Heddle about the challenging 2025 seeding season. They discuss key changes in his farming approach, the decision-making process influenced by last year's outcomes, and the importance of flexibility and resilience in handling varying conditions. Key topics include changes in seeding timing, managing frost risk, adjustments in fertilizer application, and the benefits of shallow seeding. The episode underscores the value of peer advice, strategic planning, and maintaining a balanced perspective amidst uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls: Growers Voices,' host Jake Giles converses with Chris Lymm a mixed farmer from Wudinna, dealing with the dry start to 2025. The discussion covers the complexities of managing both livestock and crop enterprises in challenging conditions. Key topics include seeding decisions, risk management, and the importance of ground cover. Chris shares insights on paddock selection, crop choice, and the impact of past residue. Opinions on the unpredictability of weather, financial strategies, and community support also feature prominently, providing a comprehensive look at the realities of farming in uncertain times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Making the Tough Calls,' Jake Giles talks with a Kimba farmer, Paul Schaefer about the challenges and decisions faced during the unusually dry start to the 2025 farming season. The conversation covers the impact of soil types, crop rotation strategies, and the importance of timely decision-making amidst uncertainty. Listeners will gain insights into the grower's cautious approach, including holding back on certain crops and adjusting seeding schedules to accommodate the dry conditions. The episode also touches on the importance of community support and expert advice in navigating these tough farming decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelvin Tiller (farmer), Michael Brougham (agronomist) and Royce Pitchford (agribusiness consultant) discussing different aspects of adopting strip and disc farming systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we catch up with Jake Giles from EP Ag Research as he shares insights from his recent chats with farmers across the Eyre Peninsula. Jake reflects on the challenges of the 2024 season – from dry sowing and herbicide issues to limited rainfall – and looks ahead to the key considerations for 2025, including soil moisture, nitrogen levels, herbicide residues, and seeding strategies. Tune in to hear how local growers are preparing, adapting, and making smart decisions in uncertain conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of EP Ag Chats. In early July, Dr. Kate Burke spoke at the AIR EP member morning events, addressing farmers on the crucial topic of decision making amidst uncertainty. These events were a part of the GRDC-funded RiskWi$e project, which aims to enhance growers' decision-making by balancing the probability of upsides against associated downside risks. The events were also supported by the SA Drought Hub.Key Discussion Points:Understanding Good Decision Making:Dr. Kate Burke, an independent consultant and author, emphasizes that good decision-makers in farming have an innate ability to gauge when to act or seek additional help. This often subconscious skill involves understanding the impact and investment of decisions and their broader business implications.Self-Confidence and Intuition:Successful farmers possess the confidence to make decisions without undue concern for others' opinions. They act on opportunities promptly, such as applying fertilizer before a rain event, rather than waiting to see what others will do.Impact on Profitability:Data shows that top-performing farmers often achieve double the profits of average farmers. The "farm effect" highlights that the unique combination of factors on each farm significantly influences profitability more than external elements like weather or soil type.Changing Mindsets:Changing decision-making processes requires a desire to improve, trust in new methods, and practical tools to test decisions. Dr. Burke introduces concepts like impact vs. investment and control vs. uncontrollable factors to streamline decision-making.Case Study:Dr. Burke shares her experience with share farmers in a variable rainfall area. By identifying climate patterns and providing data, she encouraged them to optimize nitrogen use, resulting in significantly higher yields and profits.Community and Knowledge Sharing:The podcast highlights the importance of community support and diverse expertise in making informed decisions tailored to each farm's unique circumstances.This episode showcases the importance of informed decision-making and managing risks in farming, providing practical insights and examples for farmers to enhance their operations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode Amanda Scott, from the Regenerative Ag Alliance and Farming Together program at Southern Cross University, talks to Amy Wright, the regional agriculture landcare facilitator at AirEp and part host of this podcast, about how this podcast came about and what they learned along the way.This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to Tristan Baldock, a fourth-generation farmer from Buckleboo on upper Eyre Peninsula. Tristan speaks about his journey from university graduate to agronomist and now farmer owner of Karinya Ag. Working as an agronomist ‘out of his patch’ exposed Tristan to a broad variety of agricultural practices on the Eyre Peninsula, which he sees as an invaluable time in his career, especially when it came time to return home. At first returning to the farm with his wife as employees, then later becoming a part of the business, has allowed Tristan to grow into the role of decision maker, working with his parents as well as working closely with their private consultant and agronomist.Tristan gives us insights into hosting trials on his property with researchers, how he became involved with the industry group Grain Growers, as well as his advice to emerging young people in agriculture. This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on EPAgChats Dan Bergmann, a young farmer from a property near Ceduna on the Far West Coast of South Australia, chats to Peter Kuhlmann, a third-generation farmer and well-known advocate and early adopter for broadacre agriculture in South Australia. Peter has held positions on a number of industry boards, is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and a former winner of the Australian ‘Farmer of the Year’ award. Peter’s family has been on the property at Mudamuckla in the state’s far west since 1911. Peter speaks about his time on the soil board and EPARF (Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation) on which served 13 years, some of that as chairperson. As well as other numerous positions he has held.Dan delves into Peter’s journey and how it has shaped his farming practices and business to how it is run today. Peter’s unique situation of farming from his home office in Adelaide has brought with it opportunities to be able to be involved on industry boards and the ability to take a step back from the farm and view things from a different perspective. To learn more about AIR EP visit our website and sign up to the newsletter, follow us on Facebook or TwitterThis project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Baldock is a farmer from Kimba on the Eastern Eyre Peninsula. His path to farming is dissimilar to many, gaining a trade in the big smoke before returning to Kimba. He speaks about their farm business Tola Ag, what it is like being one component of a dynamic family farming business, and how he and his family navigate working together. We also explore Andrew’s time as a Nuffield scholar and the opportunities that have arisen from his experiences. This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we hear from Lochie Siegert and David Giddings. Lochie, a young farmer from Wangary on the lower Eyre Peninsula (EP) interviews David Giddings, an experienced farmer from Wanilla on the lower EP. David delves into how his farming career began and the role in which his father helped shape the scale of their farming business. Doubling their farming area since returning to the farm after tertiary study in 1994 has been a long but rewarding process with plenty of challenges thrown in. David refers to his time studying agriculture and other training opportunities that he has taken advantage of, and how important it is to be continually learning while still working and managing a farming business. Lochie asks about how David has combatted the complexities of farming non-wetting sandy duplex soils and how they have used amelioration to increase their productivity on these soils, while still running a livestock component to his business.To learn more about AIR EP visit our website and sign up to the newsletter, follow us on Facebook or TwitterThis project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays we hear from Amy Wright who is the regional Agricultural Landcare facilitator for the EyrePeninsula. She interviews Bryan Smith the current chairperson of the AIR EP board. Bryan has beenan active member of industry boards for the majority of his farming career starting out very early onat the grass roots level of his local Ag Bureau.Bryan speaks about his involvement on the South Australian Grain Industry Trust board (SAGIT), EyrePeninsula Agricultural Research Foundation Board (EPARF) and now AIR EP. They also delve into howBryan became one of South Australia’s most western farmers. Bryan gives some great advice for anyyoung person in Agriculture wanting to become involved with attracting research and developmentto their district. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Bruce shares his reflections on a season that’s been anything but ordinary. After enduring the driest 18 months on record, conditions flipped dramatically in June, bringing above-average rainfall but also fresh challenges with cold day time temps, and enough wind to last a life time. Bruce opens up about nutrient constraints—particularly phosphorus uptake under dry sowing—and the surprises he’s seen in crop performance on lentil stubbles compared to medic pastures.He discusses what worked (like delayed seeding, dry-sown wheat on lentils, and a winning move with barley) and what didn’t, including lessons around early sowing and second-year wheat. Nitrogen management, moisture conservation, and navigating uneven crop development remain front of mind as he looks for upside in a compressed season.Despite the complexities, Bruce stays grounded, finding positives in strong crop patches and the resilience of his system, while also keeping balance with family and life off the farm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RiskWi$e: Chasing the upside - Grower reflections in a changing season: Todd Matthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RiskWi$e: Chasing the upside - Grower reflections in a changing season: Douglas Pearce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RiskWi$e: Chasing the upside - Grower reflections in a changing season: Bryan "Bull" Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake Giles chat with Todd Matthews a grower from Cootra on the Eyre Peninsula about their approaches to one of the driest starts in recent memory. The discussion delves into decision-making strategies regarding crop residue, paddock selection, and overall farm management amidst challenging conditions. Farmers share their experiences, including maintaining motivation, seeking advice from neighbour and advisors, and staying informed about long-term weather forecasts. The episode underscores the significance of resilience and community support in overcoming agricultural uncertainties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.