WeedSmart Podcast
Welcome to the WeedSmart Podcast Channel!
Each fortnight we'll bring you updates and in-depth interviews with farmers, agronomists and weed researchers from around our north, south and west cropping regions. #AusAg #Broadacre #Grains #Cotton #WeedManagement
Our regional update will talk to our industry leaders focusing on managing weeds, emerging regional issues and practical science-based solutions for use on-farm by you. #RegionalUpdate
Our technical update will speak with leading experts to bring the latest application of science to paddock supply chain of diverse weed management to mitigate herbicide resistance and maximise crop gross margins. #BeyondResistance
Our current podcaster, Shannon Beattie, will bring the conversation to you in your paddock, ute or tractor, so you can stay connected and plan ahead for future diverse weed management on your farm. Shannon will be joined by our team of WeedSmart Extension Agronomists Pete Newman, Chris Davey, Jana Freebairn, Greg Condon and Paul McIntosh.
Listen in to the latest podcast or scroll our back catalogue for progressive weed management over the years in Australian broadacre agriculture. Our previous podcasters Siobhon Eacott and Jessica Strauss provide a range of great interviews with farmers and agronomists for a local updates or technical experts bringing the science to you.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay WeedSmart.
#weedsmartau
WeedSmart Podcast
Beyond Resistance - Spray Water Quality with Richard Holzknecht & Jeshua Smith
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text!
This Beyond Resistance podcast episode featuring experts Richard Holzknecht and Jeshua Smith from VICCHEM is an essential resource for farmers and agronomists looking to optimise their herbicide mix in the tank and ensure every drop counts. Since spray water typically makes up more than 95% of what goes into a spray tank, the quality of that water dictates whether a "chemistry experiment" succeeds or fails in the paddock. Our speakers explain how common issues like hard water, high pH, and bicarbonates can tie up active ingredients—such as glyphosate and clethodim—before they even have a chance to work.
By listening to this deep dive, you will learn why "plants don't drink rocks" and how poor water quality can lead to sublethal doses, which inadvertently accelerates the development of herbicide resistance.
This podcast provides practical, field-ready advice on how to transition from reactive troubleshooting to proactive water management.
Listeners can gain insights into the benefits of different water sources, the necessity of regular water testing, and the strategic use of conditioning agents like liquid ammonium sulfate (AMS) and citric acid to ameliorate quality issues. Also discussed is how to distinguish between genuine chemical resistance and spray failures caused by poor water, potentially saving growers from unnecessary and costly management changes. Whether you are an agronomist seeking to refine your recommendations or a grower aiming to maximise return on investment and protect the longevity of your chemical tools, this episode offers the technical expertise needed to stay ahead of the curve.
Resources:
VICCHEM Free Water Quality Test
GRDC Spray water Quality Factsheet
Upcoming GRDC Herbicide Behaviour Workshops
Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website.
Don't forget to follow us on our socials:
Keen for a monthly u
Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website.
Don't forget to follow us on our socials:
Keen for a monthly update? Subscribe here!
Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about? Send us an email
Queue up our other WeedSmart podcasts & audio: #RegionalUpdates & #BeyondResistance podcasts for great stories from across the Australian growing regions. #Paddocktalk fortnightly weed management news & updates for you.
#drivesafe #farmsafe
