Talkin' Using Bugs to Manage Bugs
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
Release Date: 05/29/2025
Talkin' Using Bugs to Manage Bugs
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, we delve into the world of integrated pest management (IPM) and the alarming decline of insect populations, referred to by some as the 'insect apocalypse.' Entomologist Dr. Anthony Rice discusses the significant role insects play in ecosystems and agriculture, the detrimental effects of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, and the importance of finding alternatives to these harmful chemicals. Dr Rice emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to pest management that harnesses the power of beneficial insects and promotes biodiversity. Our...
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Talkin' Nutrient Dense Food Production with Dan Kittredge
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, the LCDC’s Kate Tarrant and guest host Mark Tupman chat to Dan Kittredge, farmer, educator, and founder of the Bionutrient Association. Dan has become one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” with ground breaking research to measure and define food quality, and linking it directly to how it’s grown. Our conversation delves into the significance of nutrient density in food, the challenges of defining it, and the critical role of soil health in achieving high nutritional quality. Dan also shares his journey in sustainable agriculture,...
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Talkin' Ferals with Shane Franklin & Les Dunnet
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode we chat to trappers Shane Franklin and Les Dunnet. Our conversation delves into the world of feral management management and control, the issues, challenges and what we are doing about it in the Lower Blackwood catchment of the south west of Western Australia. Our discussion highlights the successful outcomes of recent feral pig control projects, the importance of landholder collaboration, and the challenges faced in managing feral cats and foxes.
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Syntropic Farming with Charles Otway and Jasper Harvey
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talking After Hours, Jo and Kate chat to south west educators, and permaculturalists, Charles Otway and Jasper Harvey. Our conversation explores the principles and practices of syntropic farming, a method that emphasizes biodiversity, succession, and ecological balance. Also discussed are the benefits & challenges of this farming style, including resilience to climate extremes, soil health, and commercial viability, plus some of the resources available for those interested in this innovative approach to agriculture.
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Water on Farms with Lance Mudgway
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this Talkin’ After Hours Podcast we chat to Hydrologist Lance Mudgway from the Mulloon Institute on the importance of effective water management in WA's agricultural landscapes, particularly in the context of climate change and land degradation. Our conversation explores the need for a shift towards more natural systems that enhance resilience and productivity and uses the Scott River region in the south west of Western Australia as a case study, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for sustainable agriculture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hydrology and Landscape...
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Spring Summer Grazing in a Mediterranean Climate
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode we chat to agroecologist Mark Tupman and cattle farmer & Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development Technical Officer Eric Dobbe. Our conversation covers the intricacies of grazing management in Mediterranean environments, focusing on the transition of annual pastures from vegetative to reproductive growth in spring. We also explore strategies for maintaining pasture quality, the importance of species selection, and effective livestock management techniques to optimize nutrition and recovery, delving into pasture recovery, stockpiling, and adaptive...
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Talkin' Farmers Doing it Differently: Nutritional Wisdom, Shepherding, and Wool with Nan Bray
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode we chat to Nan Bray of White Gum Wool, located in the highlands of Tasmania. Nan farms a flock of 600 Saxon Merino on 330ha of high country, and with occasional snow in winter, summers reaching up to 35C, and an average of only 550cm of rainfall, it can be challenging. Nan is no ordinary farmer however, about 15 years ago she decided to move away from conventional farming methods and make some radical changes to the way she does things. Her wool growing production system now relies on three main commitments: excellence in nutrition, a conservation land ethic, and...
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Talkin' Biochar with Professor Stephen Joseph
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this Talking After Hours podcast Kate chats to Professor Stephen Joseph about biochar and its applications in renewable energy and agriculture. Biochar is the result of thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-starved environment. It can be made from various feedstocks, including grasses, manures, and wood. Different biochars have different effects on soil and plant growth, and their application rates need to be optimized. Biochar can increase yields, improve water holding capacity, and enhance soil health. Biochar has the potential to improve soil health and agricultural...
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Talkin' Regenerative Chickens with Sam & Steph Hondema
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to Sam & Steph Hondema of Rosas Ridge based near Margaret River in the South West of Western Australia. These first generation farmers have been building a successful pasture raised chicken enterprise since 2019, with a vision to supply superior meats, both in nutritional density and rich flavour to their customers table whilst at the same time improving the health of their soils & pasture through regenerative practices Like all start ups their journey has not been without challenges, particularly when you want to do it...
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Leveraging Foliar Nutrition to Boost Fertility with Mark Tupman
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this Talkin' After Hours Episode Jo & Kate chat once again to local agroecologist Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology. This time we explore how to get a better band for your buck by including foliar nutrition to complement your soil fertility program.
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In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, we delve into the world of integrated pest management (IPM) and the alarming decline of insect populations, referred to by some as the 'insect apocalypse.' Entomologist Dr. Anthony Rice discusses the significant role insects play in ecosystems and agriculture, the detrimental effects of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, and the importance of finding alternatives to these harmful chemicals.
Dr Rice emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to pest management that harnesses the power of beneficial insects and promotes biodiversity. Our conversation also explored the complexities and historical context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including the barriers to its adoption among farmers, the influence of consumer demand for chemical-free food, and the practical steps necessary for implementing effective IPM systems. Highlighted was the role of beneficial insects, plant communication in pest defense, and the importance of farmers having a broad understanding of how ecosystems operate.
Correction: At 14:17 there is an error in the dialog saying that 50 seeds per ha was a common planting rate and it should have been 50 000.
Additional Information: the APVMA is currently reviewing its registration for use for neonicotinoids in Australia. There will be a period for public consultation once they have released their review. It may be a good opportunity for us all to have a say in the future of these chemicals. For a timeline you can see here https://www.apvma.gov.au/chemicals-and-products/chemical-review/listing/neonicotinoids
This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectares Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program and you can find out more about it on the RegenWA website at regenwa.com.