MSF Farm Talk Podcast
Business & Finance
About
MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC & SA's low-rainfall Mallee region. For more information visit: www.msfp.org.au/podcast
Episodes
- Managing Dry Saline Land: Insights from the MSF Research Updates
Chris McDonough discusses managing dry saline land based on MSF Research Updates, explaining how salinity impacts crops and offering strategies like retaining surface cover and choosing salt-tolerant varieties for better establishment.
- Veris Mapping Explained: Seeing Soil pH Differently - with Jordan Ball
In this MSF Farm Talk Podcast episode, Jordan Ball discusses Veris mapping and its role in understanding and managing soil pH variability and acidity. The conversation highlights how precision insights from Veris mapping can help farmers t…
- Keeping Sandy Soils in Place: Exploring dust control solutions with Shane Phillips – BioCentral Labs
MSF Farm Talk Podcast features host Sarah Day and Shane Phillips from BioCentral Labs discussing dust control solutions for sandy soils. They explore DustChek, a polymer binder, and AquaBoost, a fermented seagrass product, being trialled t…
- Test Strips, Tough Seasons: What VRT Is Really Delivering
Host Sarah Day discusses variable rate technology (VRT) and the use of test strips with growers David Daniel, Adrian Bormann, and Nathan Paech. The group shares insights on using data to guide farming decisions and input optimization.
- Part 2 Curiosity to Commitment - Farmers Navigating Ag Tech Adoption
This episode features Chris McDonough at the Grain Automate Expo discussing autonomous machinery and on-farm robotics with Bailey Kilpatrick from SwarmFarm Robotics and grower Harry Brown. They explore how robotics can impact time, data, a…
- Part 1 Curiosity to Commitment - Farmers navigating ag tech adoption
Join host Chris McDonough straight from the Grain Automate Expo in Loxton as he catches up with 3 growers and a machinery reps about how farmers are tackling the big leap into ag tech. 🎧 Stick with us—there’s about 30 seconds…
- Salinity and Drought - What every farmer should know
This MSF FarmTalk episode is part of the 101 Soils Questions Series. We explore the basics of dry saline land—how it forms, why it gets worse in drought years, and what steps you can take to support recovery. Dr Chris McDonough, Insi…
- Tackling Compaction with Strategic Ripping
In this episode of MSF FarmTalk’s 101 Soils Questions series, we explore what’s really going on beneath the surface when it comes to compacted sandy soils. Nick Paltridge chats with Nigel Wilhelm about the causes of compaction,…
- Cutting through the carbon clutter
What does "building soil carbon" really mean on Mallee farms and why should you care? In this episode, we cut through the confusion and get straight to the facts. Nick Paltridge sits down with Amanda Schapel from PIRSA to unpack what soil…
- Feeding the Soil, Fueling the Farm
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we dig into what’s really happening beneath the soil surface. Soil biology expert Dr Gupta Vadakattu from CSIRO joins us to explore the hidden microbial world in our paddocks. We talk thr…
- What it's really like using a SwarmBot
In this episode of MSF Farm Talk , we take a look at on-farm adoption of autonomous spraying technology. Merredin grower Brad Jones chats with Kylie Matthewson about his journey bringing Swarm Bot onto his family farm, how it’s worki…
- A Farewell Chat with Nick Paltridge
In this special episode, we say goodbye and thank you to Nick Paltridge, who has been Mallee Sustainable Farming’s podcast host, project manager, communicator, and all-round good sport for the past three years. Nick reflects on his t…
- Building a stronger pulse in the Mallee
In this episode, Nick Paltridge is joined by MSF's Research Manager, Dr Penny Roberts to explore what it takes to grow profitable, resilient lentils and other pulses in the Mallee. They discuss the drivers behind the surge in pulse product…
- Early Sowing, Legumes and Long- Term Fertility
In this episode of MSF Farm Talk , we kick off a new series inspired by the book 101 Questions about SA Cropping Soils . Host Nick Paltridge is joined by Dr. Nigel Wilhelm from the South Australian Research and Development Institute…
- Reshaping Sandy Soils for Gains in the Mallee
Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Reshaping Sandy Soils for Crop Gains in the Mallee Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episod…
- Boosting Productivity on Tough Soils
Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Boosting Productivity on Tough Soils Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and N…
- Precision P for Long Term Soil Health
Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Precision P for Long-Term Soil Health Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and…
- Soil Testing That Pays in the Hills & Fleurieu
Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Soil Testing That Pays in the Hills & Fleurieu Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nick explore how farmers in…
- Managing Soil Variability with VRT
Looking Over the Fence Episode Title: Managing Soil Variability with VRT Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project In this episode, Tanja and Nic…
- Boosting Productivity on AIR EP's Sandy Soils
Looking Over the Fence Podcast Series Episode Title: Boosting Productivity on AIR EP’s Sandy Soils Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Projec…
- What to do when you think you're losing your mind!
Ever caught yourself muttering, "I'm losing my mind" —half-joking, but mostly serious? In this final episode of the Farming a Growth Mindset series, Dennis Hoiberg returns for a down-to-earth, practical conversation about mental over…
- Are You Bogged Mate? in the Mallee
In this powerful and practical episode, Nick Paltridge sits down with Mary O’Brien , founder of the grassroots mental health initiative Are You Bogged Mate? Mary shares her trademark no-nonsense approach to rural mental health, offer…
- Next Gen Ag - Meet our first MSF intern
What’s the best way to bring fresh energy into farming systems research? In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we introduce Simone Kluge, our first-ever MSF intern! Simone has joined the MSF team to gain hands-on experience i…
- Planning through the unknown in 2025 - Agronomy decisions with Jeff Braun
In another tough start to the cropping season, with no subsoil moisture and the drought showing no signs of breaking, 'The Agronomist' Jeff Braun took part in the Planning for the Unknown Webinar to help growers work through the complexiti…
- Is water repellency challenging your farming success?
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge discusses water repellency in sandy soils with Professor David Henry from Murdoch University. They delve into the chemistry behind non-wetting soils, seasonal behaviors, and…
- Backing Your Gut or Running the Numbers - Smarter Farm Choices
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge talks with Rick Llewellyn from CSIRO about farm decision making and the GRDC RiskWise project. They discuss the decision making processes of farmers, from gut feel to analyt…
- Making Every Input Count - Nutrition Strategies for 2025
After a dry season In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with soil fertility specialist Sean Mason to discuss optimising fertiliser strategies after a challenging 2024 season. They cover the crit…
- Precision Under Pressure - VRT Results In a Drought Year
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, hosts Sean Mason and Peter Treloar discuss the performance and practical applications of Variable Rate Technology (VRT) in a challenging agricultural season. They cover topics such as zoning, t…
- The 5 Planks of Resilience - Staying sane in the chaos of farming
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, part of the Farming and Growth Mindset series, hosts Nick Paltridge and Dennis Hoiberg discuss practical strategies for resilience on the farm. Dennis details his 'five planks of resilience' fr…
- What it takes to shape the future of Mallee farming
In the first episode of the 2025 season of the Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge interviews Steve Burt, the Independent Chair of Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF). They discuss Steve's extensive career in agriculture, his views on sust…
- Optimising Tyne Setup- Rethinking Ripping for Better ROI
In this special two-part episode recorded for the GRDC NGN project, Tanja Morgan and Chris Saunders from Uni SA's Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Center discuss optimising soil amelioration in typical mallee soils. Initially rec…
- The Kokoda Trek - Adventure & Friendship in the Jungle
In the final episode of our harvest binge series, we delve into an inspiring adventure as we chat with Tanja about her April 2024 trek along the Kokoda track. Covering the physical challenges, resilience, and camaraderie she experienced, t…
- Dry Times, Smart Moves & Planning for a Stronger 2025
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge speaks with Rick Rundell-Gordon, a seasoned agronomist from Swan Hill, about the challenges and lessons from the 2024 cropping season. With over 30 years of experience, Rick…
- Start Your Day Like a Hero, Not a Hanrahan
Welcome to the latest episode of MSF FarmTalk Series - Farming a Growth Mindset, hosted by Tanja Morgan and supported by the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. This episode features Dennis J. Hoiberg, an expert in emotional…
- Navigating the Grain Game - Global Markets and Local Strategies
In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, supported by Advantage Grain, hosts David Evans and David Long delve into the complexities of global grain markets. They discuss important factors like geopolitical shifts, weather impacts, and…
- Agronomy after Amelioration - Continuing the Conversation with Stephen Davies
In part two of the MSF Farm Talk podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at DPIRD in WA, the focus is on agronomy practices following soil amelioration. The discussion covers methods for effective crop establishm…
- Lessons from the West - The journey of soil amelioration in WA
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Nick Paltridge sits down with Dr Stephen Davies, Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), to discuss soil amelioration practic…
- Frost, Risk and Lessons Learnt from 2024
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, SARDI Climate Scientist Peter Hayman and CSIRO Research Agronomist Kenton Porker discuss the significant challenges and key decisions faced by farmers during the 2024 season. They delve into th…
- Thriving in Containment - Livestock Strategies for Dry Times
In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, host Nick Paltridge speaks with livestock consultant Geoff Duddy, Sheep Solutions Principal Consultant, about effective strategies for managing livestock during dry periods. Geoff shares his extensive expe…
- Path to Net Zero - Carbon accounting and emissions reduction on farm
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast, hosts Nick Paltridge and Tanja Morgan discuss with WA farmer Wayne Pech his experiences in carbon farming, recorded during the Agronomy Conference in Albany in 2024. Wayne shares his journey of…
- Weeds and soil amelioration - how weeds reveal soil challenges
Join host Paige Cross and Weed Smart agronomist Chris Davey (CD) in this episode of the MSF Farm Talk Podcast as they discuss the GRDC field day focused on optimising soil amelioration efficiency. CD explores how weeds can indicate underly…
- Acid Soils, Big Fixes - Solutions for Productive Paddocks
In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, host Kylie Matthewson discusses the issue of acid soils affecting farms in the Mallee region with David Woodard, a soils consultant from Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia. They e…
- Hold your ground - Strategies to safeguard paddocks over summer
In this episode of MSF Farm Talk, host Nick Paltridge speaks with John Leys, a soil management expert, about tools for monitoring paddocks and current ground cover conditions across the tri-state Mallee. John shares insights from his caree…
- Gazania Wars - Tackling a persistent weed problem
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Dr. Ali Bajwa from Latrobe University discusses the challenges and current research efforts in managing Gazania, a resilient weed affecting cropping systems in Southern Australia. Dr. Bajwa ela…
- Navigating Drought: Livestock Management Strategies for Challenging Seasons
In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk podcast, host Nick Paltridge is joined by Deb Scammell and Felicity Turner to discuss insights from recent sheep management webinars funded by the SA Drought Hub. With South Australia experiencing one of…
- Don't let a dry season leave you high and dry on info
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, host Tanja Morgan is joined by zoning project regulars Peter Treloar Law and Sean Mason to discuss the impact of this exceptionally dry season on harvest data collection. The episode emphasises…
- Sleeping naked with your socks on - and other tips for restorative sleep
In the inaugural episode of 'Farming a Growth Mindset' from the MSF Farm Talk podcast series, hosts Tanja Morgan and resident mindset expert Dennis delve into the importance of restorative sleep. They discuss the differences between restor…
- The Ice Breakers: Combatting Bacteria-Induced Frost Damage
In this episode of the Better Frost Decisions podcast, Tanja Morgan discusses advanced frost management techniques with Chaiyya Cooper, a Research Scientist from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Western…
- Weeds in a dry spell - Managing behaviour and resistance
In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, Paige Cross converses with Peter Boutsalis from Plant Science Consulting on the intricate challenges of managing weeds during one of the driest years on record in Southern Australia. The discus…
- New Tools to Combat Dry Saline Land
Join Tanja Morgan and consultant Chris McDonough as they discuss the critical issue of dry saline land exacerbated by drought. Learn about the new Dry Saline Land Decision Tree tool, designed to help farmers and advisors with practical str…