Getting to the root of it with David Hardwick and Soil Hash
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
Release Date: 08/14/2025
Biological Planting Treatments for Pasture & Livestock Systems with Mark Tupman
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
Imagine sharp early seedling development, resilient plants, and richer soils—all sparked by a tiny biological boost right at the seed stage. That’s the promise of biological planting treatments, a probiotic approach that works with, not against, nature to supercharge your farm’s productivity. In this podcast episode Jo and Kate chat to Regenerative Agriculture Coach Mark Tupman and uncover the science behind biological planting treatments—what they are, how they differ from traditional methods, and why they might be the secret weapon for pasture and livestock farmers as a low-cost...
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Not Just Dirt with Kevin Elmy
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this podcast episode we chat to Kevin Elmy from Cover Cropping Canada on the science of soil health, revealing how to enhance water storage, carbon sequestration, and biological activity beyond standard tests. Hear about practical strategies like using cover crops and understanding the legacy microbiome effect to boost resilience and crop performance. Kevin also shares actionable insights for farmers and landholders to save money, increase profits, and connect with nature. Tune in to rethink farming as a partnership with nature, unlocking your farm's potential for healthier soils and...
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Beyond Pastures: Perennial Shrubs in Grazing Systems
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talking After Hours, we chat with agricultural scientist Dr Dean Revell. Our conversation explores the why, what, where & how of integrating perennial shrubs into grazing systems, the nutritional benefits for livestock, and the management practices necessary for successful establishment and utilization. Our conversation also touches on the economic implications of shrub integration, the training of livestock to utilize new forage types, and the potential for carbon farming and biodiversity credits in enhancing farm profitability. This podcast forms part of a...
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Getting to the root of it with David Hardwick and Soil Hash
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to David Hardwick, agroecologist and partner at Soil Land Food on getting to the root of your soil issues with the aid of the newly developed Soil HASH tool. Our conversation covers the key functions of healthy soil, the development and purpose of the Soil HASH tool, practical applications for farmers, and the significance of monitoring soil constraints. David emphasizes the need for farmers to understand their soil's condition and the benefits of using the Soil HASH tool for effective soil management. Key takeaways include: Soil...
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Talkin' Trees for Farm Resilience with Bob Hingston
Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of trees in farming, focusing on windbreaks and shelter belts. South West forester Bob Hingston shares his extensive knowledge on tree planting, site preparation, and the benefits of agroforestry. He discusses the planning process, common mistakes, and the significance of choosing the right species for effective windbreaks. The conversation also highlights the role of trees in creating wildlife corridors and the necessary post-planting maintenance to ensure tree survival. Some key takeaways from the podcast include: Windbreaks can...
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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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In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to David Hardwick, agroecologist and partner at Soil Land Food on getting to the root of your soil issues with the aid of the newly developed Soil HASH tool. Our conversation covers the key functions of healthy soil, the development and purpose of the Soil HASH tool, practical applications for farmers, and the significance of monitoring soil constraints. David emphasizes the need for farmers to understand their soil's condition and the benefits of using the Soil HASH tool for effective soil management.
Key takeaways include:
- Soil health involves physical, biological, and biochemical properties.
- Understanding soil constraints is crucial for productivity.
- Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions.
- Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions.
- Soil HASH helps farmers identify soil constraints and monitor soil health effectively.
- Soil HASH is designed to be user-friendly for farmers.
- The Soil HASH tool is open source and adaptable.
Chapters
The Soil HASH tool can be accessed at www.soilskills.net.au
This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectare Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program (State Natural Resource Management Program)
This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management Fund.