Paddock Chat
84 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -Local knowledge from a paddock near you. Paddock Chat is a West Midlands Group Original Podcast created to support local growers and help solve farming challenges without having to leave the paddock. The West Midlands Group is a not-for-profit grower group located in Dandaragan, two hours North East of Perth.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Feed Budgeting with Murray Grey
July 06, 2021 01:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBToday on Paddock Chat we are talking all things feed budgeting! We caught up with Murray Grey who farms with his wife Adele, and father-in-law Colin in Yathroo. They run a cattle operation in conjunction with their family’s pastoral station in the West Pilbara. Murray is passionate about optimising feed and works hard to budget available feed accurately throughout the year. Murray unpacked their operation, giving us an insight into how exactly they budget feed, and the improvement they ha...
Feed Budgeting with Murray Grey - Part 1
July 06, 2021 01:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBToday on Paddock Chat we are talking all things feed budgeting! We caught up with Murray Grey who farms with his wife Adele, and father-in-law Colin in Yathroo. They run a cattle operation in conjunction with their family’s pastoral station in the West Pilbara. Murray is passionate about optimising feed and works hard to budget available feed accurately throughout the year. Murray unpacked their operation, giving us an insight into how exactly they budget feed, and the improvement they ha...
Superannuation: Keeping Up With The Changes
June 23, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBToday on Paddock Chat we caught up with Danelle Smith, who is the manager of the Moora RSM branch, to discuss the upcoming changes to the superannuation payment scheme. These changes are some of the first since the inception of the current scheme in 1992. Useful Resources https://www.ato.gov.au/super/apra-regulated-funds/in-detail/apra-resources/superannuation-changes-industry-roadmap/ Get in Touch RSM Moora - (08) 9651 1606 Support the Show.
Crop grazing with Andrew Kenny
June 08, 2021 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBToday on Paddock Chat we caught up with Andrew Kenny who farms a mixed enterprise of cropping and sheep with his family in Badgingarra. The Kenny's use crop grazing during the season as a way of maintaining high stocking rates. Andrew runs us through the benefits, the constraints and the management that goes into crop grazing. We also chatted about their experience with ultrasound preg scanning ewes. It’s a tool the Kenny’s have been using for a long time and they’re now considering the next...
Digging into WA's wild dog problem
May 25, 2021 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBToday on Paddock Chat we’re getting into the research behind WA’s wild dog problem. Joining us today is a wildlife ecologist and DPIRD research scientist, Dr Tracey Kreplins. Tracey busted some common myths about wild dogs, gave us an update on the research being done in WA, and some insight into the kind of activity we may see following a productive breeding season and mild summer. We are also joined by returning guest, Midlands Biosecurity Group coordinator Chris O’Callaghan. You would h...
Pregnancy scanning ewes for lambing success
May 11, 2021 04:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MBToday on Paddock Chat we are talking preg scanning. Ultrasound scanning pregnant ewes, or pre-scanning, is a management practice that can boost lambing percentages by helping producers manage the needs of pregnant ewes. It also means you can manage dry ewes more effectively. We caught up with Bec Martin, who runs Martin's Ewe Scan across the Midlands region, to learn more about how it works and the potential benefits. Useful Resources Get in touch with Bec - [email protected] Sheep p...
Getting the dirt on spud farming
April 27, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBToday on Paddock Chat we are talking potatoes. We caught up with Brad Ryan who farms with his family in Dandaragan. They run a mixed enterprise with a focus on ware and seed potatoes. “Ware Potatoes” refers to any potatoes destined for human consumption while still in potato form. Brad unpacked their operation, giving us an insight into what their growing season looks like, how they tackle constraints such as damaging winds and the innovations they’ve implemented on farm to improve power ...
A practical approach to Precision Ag
April 12, 2021 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBPrecision ag technologies have huge potential for managing variability in our agricultural systems. We caught up with the Agrarian Management consultant, Bindi Isbister, to shed some light on how we can implement precision ag in our farm businesses to improve input efficiency and boost yields. Bindi also shared some great tips on where to start, and how to tackle the roadblocks that many producers face when implementing precision ag tech on-farm. Useful Resources Profit from precision agri...
Farm safety to protect your people and your business
March 29, 2021 06:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBToday on Paddock Chat we’re talking farm safety. Is your farm business up to scratch when it comes to safety? In light of the recent changes to WA industrial manslaughter legislation, there is a renewed push to get farming operations up to scratch for the safety and well-being of everyone on-farm: employees, employers, family members, contractors, and visitors. To shed some light on how producers can approach farm safety in their farm business, we caught up with the executive officer of Safe...
Eradicating spiny rush to restore farmland
March 15, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIn this episode, WMG’s Brinley Porter caught up with Calingiri farmer, Sarah Mason to unpack her experience eradicating spiny rush from her property. Sarah gives insight into the ongoing activities and tools they use to ensure the re-establishment of the invasive weed is prevented. And later in the episode, we get to know the newest member of the WMG team, Erin O’Brien. We talk about the BEEF LINKS project, what motivated Erin to get into ag after growing up in Perth, and her unique choice ...
Rethink burning stubbles ahead of seeding
March 02, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBAre you planning on burning your crop stubbles ahead of seeding this year? Research has shown there are many benefits to retaining stubbles. West Midlands Group's executive officer Nathan Craig caught up with Ken Flower to discuss the advantages of retaining stubble to ensure good soil moisture retention and crop establishment, and to minimise soil erosion. Ken is a lecturer at UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment and Institute of Agriculture and has conducted extensive farming syste...
Implementing ASBVs to boost flock production
February 15, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBAre you currently using ASBVs to guide your decision making when purchasing rams? If you haven’t had a go at using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) just yet, this episode will give you a better understanding of what they are, and how you can apply them to your operation to improve productivity and profitability. Essentially, ASBVs are an estimate of the genetic potential a sheep will pass on to its progeny. They are a great tool to help you decide whether a ram is the right fit f...
ASBVs: Choosing the right ram to meet your genetics goals
February 15, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBAre you currently using ASBVs to guide your decision making when purchasing rams? If you haven’t had a go at using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) just yet, this episode will give you a better understanding of what they are, and how you can apply them to your operation to improve productivity and profitability. Essentially, ASBVs are an estimate of the genetic potential a sheep will pass on to its progeny. They are a great tool to help you decide whether a ram is the right fit f...
Rehabilitating a zero production paddock into quality grazing pastures
February 01, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn 2020, Coorow farmer and WMG member Charles Wass hosted a collaborative WMG and Liebe Group trial site to explore options to increase production on what was previously an unviable paddock. The paddock was ameliorated with a Plozza Plow in June 2019 and seeded to 8 plots of varying pasture varieties in May 2020. On today’s episode, you’ll hear a conversation between myself, Charles and WMG mixed farming systems officer Brianna Hindle who ran the trial alongside the Liebe Group, where we ...
Mini Episode | WMG Dandaragan trial sites in review
December 21, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 6.14 MBWhen the West Midlands Group’s Nathan Craig caught up with DPIRD’s Paul Findlater recently to chat about the wind erosion in our region, after checking out some of this year’s trial site, they discussed the performance of a few of those as well as checked some of the interesting things that were happening in roadside paddocks on their way back to the WMG office. They also discussed why Paul loves working in agriculture after many years in the industry. Listen to the first episode featuring ...
Mini Episode | WMG Dandaragan trial sites in review
December 21, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 6.14 MBWhen the West Midlands Group’s Nathan Craig caught up with DPIRD’s Paul Findlater recently to chat about the wind erosion in our region, after checking out some of this year’s trial site, they discussed the performance of a few of those as well as checked some of the interesting things that were happening in roadside paddocks on their way back to the WMG office. They also discussed why Paul loves working in agriculture after many years in the industry. Listen to the first episode featuring ...
How to cure our feral pig problem
December 07, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBFeral pigs cost the agricultural industry over $100 million each year, largely via predation of lambs, competition with livestock and damage to property and crops. In this episode, I caught up with Peter Adams, DPIRD development officer and returning guest, the Midlands Biosecurity Group’s coordinator Chris O’Callaghan to get a better understanding of their impact on the Midlands region and what we can do to reduce their populations and damage to farm businesses. You can follow Pete on Twitt...
Wind erosion: strategies to save your soil this summer
November 23, 2020 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBEarlier this year, many farms across the West Midlands region suffered a severe weather event and wind erosion. This episode features a conversation from back in late October this year that the West Midlands Group's executive officer Nathan Craig had with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Paul Findlater on the topic of wind erosion. Tune in to hear Nathan and Paul discuss the history of wind erosion impacts on farming, the reasons why wind events have caused so muc...
Protect your flock from Ovine Brucellosis before joining
November 09, 2020 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBHave your lambing percentages been impacted without any obvious cause? Did you get new rams this year? Have the neighbour's ewes or rams found their way into your flock? If you answered yes to any of those questions, your operation may have been exposed to Ovine Brucellosis. Ovine brucellosis is a highly detrimental reproductive disease that can affect all breeds of sheep. West Midlands Group’s mixed farming systems officer, Brianna Hindle and I caught up with DPIRD vet Dr Kristine Rayner...
Protect your flock from Ovine Brucellosis
November 09, 2020 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBHave your lambing percentages been impacted without any obvious cause? Did you get new rams this year? Have the neighbour's ewes or rams found their way into your flock? If you answered yes to any of those questions, your operation may have been exposed to Ovine Brucellosis. Ovine brucellosis is a highly detrimental reproductive disease that can affect all breeds of sheep. West Midlands Group’s mixed farming systems officer, Brianna Hindle and I caught up with DPIRD vet Dr Kristine Rayner...
Keys to a safe and successful harvest
October 26, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBIn this episode, the WMG caught up with farm manager Mark Drake from Lawson Grains' Walyoo operation at Regans Ford. We discuss: How their crops are performing following the 2020 season His tips for finding and retaining staff during harvest What Walyoo did to tackle safety and continue production when COVID19 hit WA earlier this year The procedures in place to ensure the Walyoo team gets through harvest safely and successfully Follow Mark on Twitter @Drakey04. Useful Resources Work ...
WA Beef Cattle Nutrition | Putting the Science into Practice
October 12, 2020 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIf you were lucky enough to attend our Beef Cattle Nutrition in Practice workshop back in August this year, you would have had the opportunity to hear from today’s guest, livestock production specialist and Honorary Research Fellow in the UWA Institute of Agriculture - Dr John Milton. If you didn’t get there, then this episode catches you up on the great information you missed out on! In this episode the West Midlands Group’s Beef Development Officer, Charles Callaghan caught up with, Dr J...
Mini episode | Ag podcasts you'll love
September 28, 2020 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.5 MBYou're listening to our first ever mini-episode! In lieu of our usual programming, we're recommending some great podcasts working in the ag space that we're sure you'll love. Find links to those podcasts in the show notes below. Make sure you listen to the end of this mini-episode for a sneak peek of our upcoming ep featuring livestock production specialist, Dr John Milton on the topic of animal nutrition and an opportunity to trial a West Midlands Group Membership for FREE! Useful Links Ag...
Success in Succession | Part Two
September 14, 2020 01:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBIn this episode, we caught up with Head of Succession Planning at Rabobank, Rosemary Bartle. In part two of our chat with Rosemary we cover: Decision making around active and inactive family members Strategies to continue the process even when you don’t see eye to eye Where should succession planning take place? Is there a spot for success? And Rosemary’s top tips for succession planning Get in touch Rosemary Bartle | E: [email protected] Rabobank Succession Planning Team an...
Success in Succession | Part One
August 31, 2020 01:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode, we caught up with Head of Succession Planning at Rabobank, Rosemary Bartle. We tackle the tricky topic of succession planning! In our conversation, Rosemary shares her tips on: How to get started and what to expect Who needs to be involved in the planning Keeping things fair and negotiating compromise Get in touch Rosemary Bartle | E: [email protected] Rabobank Succession Planning Team and brochure Useful Resources Succession Planning Information Sheet Succes...
What is Regenerative Ag, really?
August 17, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode of Paddock Chat, West Midlands Group's executive officer Dr Nathan Craig caught up with Dr Hanabeth Luke to delve into the topic of RegenAg. Their conversation covers: What is Regen Ag really? How does it fit into and does it already exist in traditional farming systems? What the future holds for research in this rapidly developing field and the exciting new Regenerative Agriculture course delving into successful regenerative practices. Get in touch Dr Hanabeth Luke | ...
Best practice weaning win-win for ewe and lamb
August 03, 2020 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBIn today's episode, we're talking weaning for best results. We caught up with Dr Danny Roberts (DPIRD veterinarian and researcher) to talk about: The benefits of weaning at 12 to 14 weeks after the start of lambing Things to consider before weaning Paddock and nutrition tips to get the best results for both ewe and lamb after weaning You can get in touch with Dr Danny via email on [email protected] or call his office on 9892 8535. Useful Resources Flock value grows from wean...
Weeds and bugs: tips for managing crop pests in season
July 20, 2020 03:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBIn this episode, we're talking weeds and pests with agronomist and farmer Courtney Piesse. We cover how the season is looking so far, our options for resistance management, the pests our crops could be vulnerable to in 2020, and the exciting new Agtech on the horizon for managing weeds. This conversation was recorded in early June 2020. Useful Links Get in touch with Courtney on 0429377608 or email him at [email protected]. Support the show (https://www.wmgroup.org.au/become-member) Feedb...
The advantages of late season soil amelioration
July 06, 2020 03:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBIn this episode, we caught up with Dandaragan grower Duncan Glasfurd to delve into his experience with ameliorating soils, and late-season amelioration in particular. We cover why they choose to wait for rain when ameliorating, the preparation of a paddock prior to amelioration, how management changes following amelioration and all the things to consider before giving it a go that will save you time and money. This conversation was recorded on the 29th of June, 2020. USEFUL LINKS Follow Dun...
Don't let mastitis cost your flock this season
June 21, 2020 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode, I caught up with Nutrition & Production Specialist Bronwen Fowler from Nutrien Ag Solutions to talk about mastitis in ewes. Following the dry summer, sheep producers should keep an eye out for this highly contagious and damaging disease in their flock. We caught up with Bronwen in mid-June 2020 to get her advice on preventing, recognising, managing and treating mastitis. USEFUL LINKS: DPIRD - Mastitis in sheep Mastitis in Sheep - Disease Management Understanding mastiti...
The highs and lows of improving pastures
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBThis week's episode has literally come from a paddock near you! We caught up with Dandaragan farmer, Zac Roberts in a paddock full of perennials on Strathmore in Dandaragan to talk all things pasture improvement. Zac farms with his father Wade and brother Jeremy on approximately 10,000 hectares spread across four properties within the Dandaragan Shire. The Roberts family run a mixed enterprise made up of 30% cropping and 70% livestock, and have been experimenting with pasture improvement for...
The highs and lows of improving pastures with Zac Roberts
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBThis week's episode has literally come from a paddock near you! We caught up with Dandaragan farmer, Zac Roberts in a paddock full of perennials on Strathmore in Dandaragan to talk all things pasture improvement. Zac farms with his father Wade and brother Jeremy on approximately 10,000 hectares spread across four properties within the Dandaragan Shire. The Roberts family run a mixed enterprise made up of 30% cropping and 70% livestock, and have been experimenting with pasture improvement for...
Solving the puzzle of crop agronomy
May 22, 2020 01:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this episode, we chat with Summit Fertilizers Area Manager and Marchagee farmer, Juliet McDonald about what's keeping her busy in the paddock right now, how to spot the missing links to improve your crop performance, what she thinks we can expect from the 2020 season and plenty more. This conversation was recorded on the 15th of May 2020 when we were still waiting on the break of the season. USEFUL LINKS: Summit Fertilizers Area Managers - https://www.summitfertz.com.au/area-managers.htm...
Pest Management Starts At Home
May 06, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis is the first ever episode of Paddock Chat, the West Midlands Group podcast that takes a closer look at what is happening in a paddock near you. In this episode, our host Kirra Holley caught up with Chris O’Callaghan and Jim Miller to chat about how the Midlands Biosecurity Group is tackling wild dogs in our region. Our conversation was recorded in mid-April and due to restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this interview was recorded via Zoom so the audio quality isn’...