Best The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity Podcasts (2025)

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Sandy soils series: Understanding and managing non-wetting soils 31:48

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6d ago31:48

31:48

Murdoch University’s Professor David Henry and recent PhD graduate Maria Pfeifle, now with DPIRD, explore the issue of non-wetting soils (also known as soil water repellency) in Western Australia. They unpack what it is, why it occurs, and what remains unknown, delving into the complexities of managing this persistent challenge. The conversation al…

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Liam McWhirter from Origin Zero on the need to build partnerships for successful decarbonisation projects 13:04

8d ago13:04

13:04

In this episode, A2EP CEO, Jarrod Leak, speaks with Liam McWhirter, General Manager – Enterprise & Strategic Partners at Origin Zero, about how leveraging the right partnerships can deliver smarter energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses. Liam highlights Origin Zero’s partnership with Climatech Zero, whose energy-as-a-service mode…

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Sandy soils series: Re-engineering sandy soils into productive land 35:29

20d ago35:29

35:29

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Sandy soils series: The benefits and challenges of sandy soils 30:31

1M ago30:31

30:31

We’re kicking off our Sandy Soils podcast series with Dr Stephen Davies (DPIRD) and Dr Therese McBeath (CSIRO), co-conveners of the 2025 Sandy Soils Conference in Perth. Sandy soils cover more than half of Western Australia, including much of our cropping land. Their importance to food production and land use makes understanding and managing them v…

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Renewables in agriculture: How regional communities can stay ahead of the renewable energy curve 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opport…

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AGL's Wei Sue discusses helping commercial and industrial energy users to decarbonise 10:51

2M ago10:51

10:51

In this episode, Wei Sue, Head of Decarbonisation and Customer Strategy at AGL, joins A2EP CEO, Jarrod Leak, for a conversation about decarbonised energy solutions in the commercial and industrial sectors. They discuss how factors such as corporate net zero targets and mandatory climate disclosures are driving more and more industrial and commercia…

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Renewables in agriculture: Are renewable energy projects worth it for WA growers? 24:44

2M ago24:44

24:44

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opport…

1
Renewables in agriculture: Why energy companies are knocking on WA farm gates 28:14

3M ago28:14

28:14

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields? Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opport…

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Insights from the International Rangelands Congress 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

Pastoralists Alys McKeough (Carey Downs Station) and Debbie Dowden (Challa Station) were sponsored by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) to attend the 2025 International Rangelands Congress in Adelaide. In this episode, Alys and Debbie share key insights and takeaways from the event, from global perspective…

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WaterSmart Dams: understanding dams with the Water Evaluation Platform 25:55

3M ago25:55

25:55

Dr John Duncan from The University of Western Australia and Dr Daniel Kidd from the Grower Group Alliance discuss the recently released Water Evaluation Platform (WEP), which was created as part of the WaterSmart Dams project. WEP is a web application that allows you to simulate the performance of a dam and its catchment allowing the landholder to …

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John Cleland, CEO of Essential Energy on the future of energy networks and markets in Australia 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

In this episode, John Cleland, Chief Executive Officer of Essential Energy, chats with Jarrod Leak from the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) about the role energy networks have to play in the clean energy transition. John shares how Essential Energy is making the most of existing network infrastructure to support electrification a…

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Optimising farm decisions in mixed farm operations 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

In this episode, Dr Michael Young, from Farm Optimisation Group and Johno O'Halloran, a local farmer in Kojonup, explore how decision-making tools can help manage challenges. Decision fatigue is common, but using models and expert advice can reduce the load and improve outcomes. The episode discusses the farm optimisation model that lets you test d…

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WaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams 34:30

5M ago34:30

34:30

Dr Nik Callow from the University of Western Australia shares insights from the WaterSmart Dams project, which aims to build resilient water supplies for cropping and livestock operations. The episode highlights the issue of dams receiving less water due to lower rainfall, low runoff from catchments, and ageing dams; all exacerbating water shortage…

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The triple bottom line: lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolbox 34:57

5M ago34:57

34:57

Business, landscape/production, and mental wellbeing are deeply intertwined, each influencing and reinforcing the others. This episode explores the interconnectedness of these three pillars of the triple bottom line in livestock production in the Southern Rangelands. We are joined by agribusiness management consultant Richard Brake (Richard Brake C…

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Planning for financial security through uncertain times 23:24

6M ago23:24

23:24

2024 delivered a mixed season for Western Australian growers. It began with extremely dry conditions, then turned around with above-average rainfall through June, July, and August, leading to above-average yields in many regions. However, rising overheads and variable costs meant many farmers finished the year in a neutral financial position. In th…

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Managing back-to-back dry seasons in mixed farming 38:52

6M ago38:52

38:52

In this episode we are joined by a dynamic farming duo, Danielle Lannin England and Jonathan England, from AgInnovate. With a wealth of experience on-farm and in the wider agricultural industry, they share their advice after experiencing multiple dry seasons on their mixed sheep-grain farm in South Australia. Danielle, who originally hails from a f…

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Virtual fencing and drone monitoring: enhancing rangeland management through AgTech 28:17

7M ago28:17

28:17

In this episode, we hear about new technologies in landscape management in the rangelands. Our guests are Megan Willis, Senior Research Officer from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Richard Marver, landscape ecologist and director of Contour Environmental and Agricultural Consulting. Megan shares insights from her…

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Upskilling farming communities with landscape rehydration infrastructure 23:24

7M ago23:24

23:24

Tam Connor, Learning and Development Manager, and Lance Mudgway, Landscape Planner and Hydrologist at the Mulloon Institute, explore the principles of landscape rehydration – using nature-based infrastructure and strategic land management to restore water cycles, enhance water quality, and build ecosystem resilience. They also discuss the Communiti…

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Opportunities and challenges of deep sowing 25:04

8M ago25:04

25:04

CSIRO Plant Physiologist Dr Sarah Rich and Facey Group CEO Tina Astbury discuss the Future Drought Fund project "Improving Sowing Opportunities for Increased Farm Resilience in a Changing Climate". They explore the potential of deep sowing, the current opportunities for adoption, and what’s on the horizon for this practice. The episode delves into …

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Making every drop count: innovations in water harvesting 26:42

8M ago26:42

26:42

How can we make the most of rain when it falls, and what alternatives exist when it doesn’t? In this episode, researchers Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) and Dr Priscilla Tremain (University of Newcastle) share their innovative work on improving water security in agriculture. Samantha, a PhD candidate in the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, introd…

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Livestock nutrition in dry seasons with hay, silage and containment feeding 29:02

9M ago29:02

29:02

Dr Penny Schulz from the SA Drought Hub and Dr Jeisane Accioly-McIllre from Western Beef Association Inc. share insights from their work on drought resilience strategies for livestock feeding. Penny discusses her pilot program on containment feeding, highlighting its benefits for productivity, pasture management, profitability, and drought prepared…

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Managing heat stress in sheep, beef and dairy cattle 30:17

9M ago30:17

30:17

Join UWA’s Professor Shane Maloney and Western Dairy Extension Advisor India Brockman as they delve into the impact of heat stress in sheep and cattle, with a special focus on dairy cows in Western Australia. Shane discusses the Murdoch University-led project "The Benefits of Shelter Belts", which is evaluating the effectiveness of shelterbelts in …

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Thriving through flexible planning in the eastern Wheatbelt 31:05

11M ago31:05

31:05

Nic McGregor from AgVise Merredin and Ben Whisson from ConsultAg Kulin discuss the realities of farming in WA’s eastern Wheatbelt, highlighting the importance of getting the basics right: planning, execution, and cost control. Nic and Ben share strategies for adapting to tough seasons, including building cash reserves in good years, knowing your nu…

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Selecting the weather tools that work for you 31:01

11M ago31:01

31:01

In this episode, Dave Stead from Anasazi Consulting and Phil Smyth from Nutrien Coorow explore the growing array of weather tools and apps available to farmers. With advancements like smartphones and subscription-based services, farmers now have unprecedented access to weather data - but navigating the sheer volume of information can be overwhelmin…

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Land access options amid rising land prices 32:07

12M ago32:07

32:07

Join Carly Veitch, farm management consultant at AgAsset and President of the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (AAAC), along with Ian Donaldson, senior manager of rural valuations at Rabobank, as they delve into the dynamics behind soaring land prices. In recent years, land values have surged, and with increasingly variable season…

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Navigating extreme seasonal variability in WA’s Wheatbelt 29:21

12M ago29:21

29:21

In this episode, Coorow farmer Rod Birch and Yuna farmer Jess Grove share their experiences managing extreme seasonal variability in Western Australia’s northern wheatbelt. With 2023 marking the lowest rainfall on record, and 2021, 2022, and 2024 presenting vastly different conditions, Jess and Rod discuss their strategies for adapting to these cha…

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Dry seeding strategies: tackling risk amidst changing rainfall patterns 28:05

1y ago28:05

28:05

In this episode, we explore how changing rainfall patterns are reshaping seeding strategies and risk management across Australia. Our guests are: Rachel May, Farming Systems Adoption Officer for the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, who leads the “De-risking the Seeding Program.” This initiative supports 14 farming gr…

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Autonomous spraying to preserve soil moisture in the northern Wheatbelt 29:22

1y ago29:22

29:22

In this episode, Mullewa farmer John Flannagan and Tom Holcombe, Field Operations Lead at SwarmFarm Robotics, discuss the benefits of using SwarmFarm robots in WA's northern wheatbelt. John shares how the addition of two SwarmFarm robots, alongside a WEED-IT precision sprayer, has significantly reduced labour, chemical, and fuel costs on his family…

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Diverse pastures for year-round feed security 26:54

1y ago26:54

26:54

In this episode, we explore strategies to navigate the evolving challenges of livestock management while boosting productivity and system resilience. Chapman Valley farmer Jason Stokes shares his approach to managing seasonal variability, including break conservation, confinement feeding, and diverse pasture use. Daniel Real from DPIRD delves into …

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Case studies unveil top drought preparedness strategies of Aussie farmers 35:33

1y ago35:33

35:33

Join Ben White from Kondinin Group and Kelly Cussons from Cussons Media as they dive into four compelling case studies showcasing innovative drought resilience strategies employed by farmers across Australia. These case studies are part of a comprehensive, farmer-focused extension and adoption program designed to uncover and share the most effectiv…

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MyClimateView: how past and projected climate data can support on-farm decision making 27:06

1y ago27:06

27:06

Join us as we dive into how MyClimateView is empowering growers to make informed decisions in the face of a changing climate. In this episode, Stephanie Dickson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and Jen Riseley from Pomewest share insights on leveraging historical and predicted climate data tailored to specific regions and crop types. Stephanie …

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Virtual fencing: breaking down boundaries in livestock grazing 28:29

1y ago28:29

28:29

In this episode, we talk about virtual fencing and its applications in farming. Virtual fencing enables farmers to remotely manage and contain livestock without the need for physical fences. Livestock wear GPS-enabled collars that communicate with reception towers, creating a virtual boundary set by the farmer. Our guests today are Esperance farmer…

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Financial considerations at key decision-making times of the year 30:19

1+ y ago30:19

30:19

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie interviews Farmanco consultant Ben Curtis, and West River farmer Joel Ebert. They discuss key agronomic decision-making times of the year such as deciding on top up nitrogen, when to sell grain, and if fungicides are needed. They also discuss some …

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Business first: A decade of on-farm changes through the Drought Pilot program 25:51

1+ y ago25:51

25:51

Farmers Tony White, from Miling, and Peter Daw, from Ravensthorpe, participated in the Western Australia Drought Pilot program over a decade ago. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), aimed to help farmers better prepare for and manage dry seasons. In this episode, Tony and Peter share the str…

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Silage, is it all it’s wrapped up to be? 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

In this episode, we catch up with Dan Parnell, Regional Extension Officer at Western Dairy, and Borden farmer Paul O’Meehan to delve into the world of silage. Silage isn't widely used in the wheatbelt, but Paul has been growing and utilising it near Borden for many years, and opened one pit after 5 years. Dan, a consultant, delivers TopFodder works…

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Profitable grazing systems to manage drought in the Southern Rangelands 31:05

1+ y ago31:05

31:05

In this episode, we talk with Brad Plunkett and Christophe D’Abbadie about profitable and drought-resilient grazing systems for the Southern Rangelands. Brad and Christophe, both economists at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), have conducted extensive research on profitable and sustainable rangeland management s…

1
Your weather questions answered 25:46

1+ y ago25:46

25:46

On this episode, we are joined by Meredith Guthrie from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Michaela Alexander from the Bureau of Meteorology. Together, they discuss various weather tools that can help us gain deeper insights into our forecasts. Meredith and Michaela highlight several tools that farmers can use…

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Alternative feed sources for livestock in a dry year 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, we explore different livestock feed options for dry seasons. Joining us are Hayley Norman, a pasture researcher from CSIRO, and Emily Stretch, a farmer from Kojonup. They talk about the impact of the current dry season on livestock operations on WA farms and share alternative feed options farmers can consider. A key topic is the us…

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Financial literacy for young farmers 36:46

1+ y ago36:46

36:46

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, Renae Piggott, a consultant with AgAsset, and Matt Hyde, a young Dalwallinu farmer, talk about the impact of a dry season on WA farms' cash flow. Farmers may need to pull different levers to change or modify farm operations to minimise the impacts of a dry season on th…

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Improving early crop establishment 25:00

1+ y ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, we turn our attention to getting good crop establishment with early sowing. Our guests are Glen Riethmuller, Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Stuart Faulkner, a mixed farmer from Beacon, WA. Good crop establishment and rapid, early growth can improve water efficiency, …

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Getting the most out of on-farm technologies 28:01

1+ y ago28:01

28:01

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie discusses the role of digital technologies in agricultural businesses with Smart Farms coordinator for Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Phil Honey, Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Roger Lawes, and Latham farmer, Dylan Hirsch. A range of technolog…

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Grassroot approaches to support community mental health and wellbeing 43:15

1+ y ago43:15

43:15

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie catches up with Brad Milsteed, farmer and founder of 6Bs (Blokes, BBQ’s, Bonfires, Beers, Bonding and Bullshit) and Owen Catto from the Regional Men’s Health Initiative. They discuss grassroots approaches to support men’s and whole of community men…

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Benefits of confinement feeding and deferred grazing 31:31

1+ y ago31:31

31:31

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie interviews Congellin farmer, Sandra Fowler, and Senior Field Veterinary Officer at the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, Anna Erikson. They discuss the benefits of confinement feeding and deferred grazing during a dry season …

1
Managing large spray programs in hot, dry and dusty conditions with Bill Campbell and Jemma Sadler 29:38

1+ y ago29:38

29:38

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie interviews spray application specialist Bill Campbell, from Campbell Ag, and Jemma Sadler, a Goomalling farmer. They talk about managing large spray programs with the hot, dry and dusty conditions experienced this summer. Water Smart farming manual…

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Managing risk using head, heart and gut with Planfarm and Nicon Rural Services 39:52

1+ y ago39:52

39:52

In the first episode of Season 2 of the South-West WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie chats with Cameron Weeks from Planfarm and Cam Nicholson from Nicon Rural Services about making risky decisions. They discuss knowing about the extremes, and then managing the risks (both good and bad) around those extremes - using head, h…

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15 years of farming systems changes with DPIRD 21:43

2y ago21:43

21:43

Episode four of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast series takes listeners back in time to the drought of 2006-07. DPIRD research scientists Chad Reynolds and Wayne Parker explore the challenges facing growers in the northern-ag region and share some key dry season learnings. The pair talk about their respective families’ e…

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N bank and retained nutrition after a low crop year with CSBP 20:14

2y ago20:14

20:14

In episode five of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast series Host Shannon Beattie and CSBP senior agronomist James Easton discuss considerations for growers when it comes to nitrogen bank and the possibility of retained nutrition after a low crop year. James discusses a range of considerations, highlighting the need to soi…

1
Livestock in a dry year with Elders and Agrarian 35:57

2y ago35:57

35:57

In episode six, the final instalment of Season 1 the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie turns listeners' attention toward livestock. Guests Dean Hubbard, Michael Longford and Ashley Herbert talk about the impact of the dry season on livestock operations on WA farms. The three experts talk at depth on curr…

1
Key agronomy tips from 2023 with Crop Circle 18:32

2y ago18:32

18:32

In episode three of the South-West WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast series, host Shannon Beattie delves into the challenges facing growers in the northern agricultural region and explores some key dry season learning with local agronomy consultant, Grant Thompson. Grant talks about the impact that the low decile season has had on growers in th…

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Best Practice Soil Management with DPIRD 28:33

2y ago28:33

28:33

In episode two of the South-West WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast series host Shannon Beattie interviews the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD's) senior soils research scientist Dr Stephen Davies. Through the conversation, they weigh the cost-benefit of soil amelioration in a dry season through evaporation, wat…

The Australian Alliance For Energy Productivity Podcasts