Dry seeding strategies: tackling risk amidst changing rainfall patterns

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 groups in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia (including Facey Group and Corrigin Farm Improvement Group) to improve dry seeding practices.
• Peter Newman, a farm business consultant with Planfarm, is based in Geraldton, WA. As WeedSmart’s Western Extension Agronomist, he shares valuable insights on weed management during dry seeding.

We discuss whether it’s time to rethink approaches to the opening rainfall, and if less risky crops like wheat should be sown before canola. Peter also reflects on lessons from the dry seasons of 2006 and 2007 in the Northern Agricultural region.

The “De-risking the Seeding Program”, funded through the Future Drought Fund, is in its early stages, with a recent survey highlighting the main drivers and knowledge gaps around early sowing.

This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.