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 time with MSF, sharing memories from the paddock, what he’s learned about Mallee farming systems and community, and why he’s optimistic about the future of low rainfall agriculture.

It’s a warm, honest conversation to wrap up an important chapter for MSF's FarmTalk podcast and to celebrate the work that goes on behind the scenes to connect growers with ideas, research, and each other.

In this special episode, we say goodbye and thank you to Nick Paltridge, who has been Mallee Sustainable Farming&rsquo;s podcast host, project manager, communicator, and all-round good sport for the past three years.
Nick reflects on his time with MSF, sharing memories from the paddock, what he&rsquo;s learned about Mallee farming systems and community, and why he&rsquo;s optimistic about the future of low rainfall agriculture.
It&rsquo;s a warm, honest conversation to wrap up an important chapter for MSF's FarmTalk podcast and to celebrate the work that goes on behind the scenes to connect growers with ideas, research, and each other.

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 

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 &amp; SA's low-rainfall Mallee region. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.msfp.org.au/podcast">www.msfp.org.au/podcast</a>&nbsp;

MSF Farm Talk Podcast

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.

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 &amp; SA's low-rainfall Mallee region.

MSF Farm Talk

A Farewell Chat with Nick Paltridge

What are the key herbicide considerations when managing weeds in lentils, and how can growers protect their herbicide options for the future?

In Part 2 of the presentation from agronomist and WeedSmart Extension Officer Chris Davey, we continue the discussion on lentil weed management from the Mallee Research Updates.

While Part 1 focused on setting lentil crops up for success through rotation, crop competition and the WeedSmart Big 6, this episode takes a closer look at herbicide options, resistance and soil chemistry.

Chris explains why chemical control should be considered as part of an integrated weed management strategy, rather than the first line of defence. He discusses the importance of resistance testing, using multiple herbicide modes of action and getting the timing and application right, particularly given the limited post-emergent options available in lentils.

The conversation also explores how soil type, herbicide solubility and soil binding influence pre-emergent herbicide behaviour. Chris highlights the added challenges of sandy soils, where the margin between effective weed control and crop damage can be narrow, and explains how rainfall, deep ripping and seeding systems can influence herbicide movement and crop safety.

The episode also covers non-chemical options including weed wiping, desiccation and crop topping, harvest weed seed control, and the use of herbicide-tolerant lentil varieties.

This episode provides practical insights for growers looking to improve lentil weed control while managing resistance and protecting crop safety.

This is Part 2 of a presentation from Chris Davey. In Part 1, Chris explores soil constraints, crop rotation, crop competition and the WeedSmart Big 6.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 first, then continue with Part 2 for a deeper look at herbicide options and resistance management.

This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

What are the key herbicide considerations when managing weeds in lentils, and how can growers protect their herbicide options for the future?
In Part 2 of the presentation from agronomist and WeedSmart Extension Officer Chris Davey, we continue the discussion on lentil weed management from the Mallee Research Updates.
While Part 1 focused on setting lentil crops up for success through rotation, crop competition and the WeedSmart Big 6, this episode takes a closer look at herbicide options, resistance and soil chemistry.
Chris explains why chemical control should be considered as part of an integrated weed management strategy, rather than the first line of defence. He discusses the importance of resistance testing, using multiple herbicide modes of action and getting the timing and application right, particularly given the limited post-emergent options available in lentils.
The conversation also explores how soil type, herbicide solubility and soil binding influence pre-emergent herbicide behaviour. Chris highlights the added challenges of sandy soils, where the margin between effective weed control and crop damage can be narrow, and explains how rainfall, deep ripping and seeding systems can influence herbicide movement and crop safety.
The episode also covers non-chemical options including weed wiping, desiccation and crop topping, harvest weed seed control, and the use of herbicide-tolerant lentil varieties.
This episode provides practical insights for growers looking to improve lentil weed control while managing resistance and protecting crop safety.
This is Part 2 of a presentation from Chris Davey. In Part 1, Chris explores soil constraints, crop rotation, crop competition and the WeedSmart Big 6.
🎧 Listen to Part 1 first, then continue with Part 2 for a deeper look at herbicide options and resistance management.
This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

Lentil Weed Control Part 2: Herbicide Options, Resistance & Soil Chemistry

Lentils can be one of the least competitive crops when it comes to weed control, but good planning can make all the difference.

In this episode of MSF Farm Talk podcast, we revisit the Mallee Research Updates from March, where agronomist and WeedSmart Extension Officer Chris Davey explores practical strategies for managing weeds in lentil crops.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series with Chris Davey on lentil weed management.

Chris explains why lentils are particularly vulnerable to weed pressure and how decisions made before sowing can set crops up for success. He discusses the importance of crop rotation, improving crop competition and addressing soil constraints to give lentils the best chance of establishing and competing with weeds.

The conversation also unpacks the WeedSmart Big 6, a framework for integrated weed management that combines multiple tactics to reduce weed pressure and slow the development of herbicide resistance. From herbicide strategies and double knock tactics to harvest weed seed control, Chris shares practical insights growers can apply to their own farming systems.

Whether you're planning your next lentil crop or looking to strengthen your weed management strategy, this episode offers valuable advice to help improve crop competitiveness and support long-term weed control.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Chris explores in-crop weed control options and how to maximise herbicide performance.

This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

Lentils can be one of the least competitive crops when it comes to weed control, but good planning can make all the difference.
In this episode of MSF Farm Talk podcast, we revisit the Mallee Research Updates from March, where agronomist and WeedSmart Extension Officer Chris Davey explores practical strategies for managing weeds in lentil crops.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series with Chris Davey on lentil weed management.
Chris explains why lentils are particularly vulnerable to weed pressure and how decisions made before sowing can set crops up for success. He discusses the importance of crop rotation, improving crop competition and addressing soil constraints to give lentils the best chance of establishing and competing with weeds.
The conversation also unpacks the WeedSmart Big 6, a framework for integrated weed management that combines multiple tactics to reduce weed pressure and slow the development of herbicide resistance. From herbicide strategies and double knock tactics to harvest weed seed control, Chris shares practical insights growers can apply to their own farming systems.
Whether you're planning your next lentil crop or looking to strengthen your weed management strategy, this episode offers valuable advice to help improve crop competitiveness and support long-term weed control.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Chris explores in-crop weed control options and how to maximise herbicide performance.
This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

Lentil Weed Control Part 1: Soils, Rotation and the WeedSmart Big 6

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we revisit Mallee Sustainable Farming's Variable Rate Technology Forum held in Lameroo in March, where Kylie catches up with Pete Treloar after a series of pre-seeding VRT workshops across the South Australian Mallee.

Pete shares what recent trial work is revealing about applying phosphorus and nitrogen more strategically using VRT. He explains why many paddocks in a low-yielding season showed little response to additional phosphorus, how test strips can help validate decisions, and why some high-performing soil zones continue to justify greater investment.

The conversation also explores how combining soil moisture, nitrogen testing, yield maps and local knowledge can help growers better target inputs, reduce unnecessary fertiliser costs and improve confidence in variable rate decisions across contrasting seasons.

Whether you're already using VRT or considering where to start, this episode offers practical insights into making fertiliser decisions that are backed by data and local experience.

This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board and the Australian Government through funding from the National Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Subscribe to MSF Farm Talk so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we revisit Mallee Sustainable Farming's Variable Rate Technology Forum held in Lameroo in March, where Kylie catches up with Pete Treloar after a series of pre-seeding VRT workshops across the South Australian Mallee.
Pete shares what recent trial work is revealing about applying phosphorus and nitrogen more strategically using VRT. He explains why many paddocks in a low-yielding season showed little response to additional phosphorus, how test strips can help validate decisions, and why some high-performing soil zones continue to justify greater investment.
The conversation also explores how combining soil moisture, nitrogen testing, yield maps and local knowledge can help growers better target inputs, reduce unnecessary fertiliser costs and improve confidence in variable rate decisions across contrasting seasons.
Whether you're already using VRT or considering where to start, this episode offers practical insights into making fertiliser decisions that are backed by data and local experience.
This podcast episode is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board and the Australian Government through funding from the National Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Subscribe to MSF Farm Talk so you never miss an episode!

A Farewell Chat with Nick Paltridge

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