Sheep as a strategic weed control tool and Dubbo WeedSmart Week preview

Got a question or topic you're interested in? Send us a text!In this episode, we catch up with two growers who will be presenting at WeedSmart Week Dubbo, as well as one of our panel chairs. Our guests provide insights into Western Plains farming systems, as well provide updates on how the season is playing out in this region. We hear from Heuston Agronomy Services Director and New South Wales DPI Project Manager, Penny Heuston. Penny will be chairing our panel at WeedSmart Week Dubbo on “How does The Big 6 fit into mixed farming?”This panel will focus on how growers are using pastures and forage crops to improve weed control options and profit. Panel members include Joe Mason (grower, Wellington), Andrew McFayden (agronomist and grower, Lake Cargelligo), John Kilby (grower, Gilgandra), and Jack Brennan (grower, Warren).Narromine grower, Billy Browning will be on our WeedSmart Week Dubbo Big 6 panel on the Forum Day and we’ll also be visiting his farm on Day 2. He shares some insights about the weed control tools he uses and gives an update on how the season is playing out at his place. Trundle grower, Rhys Curr will be on our WeedSmart Week Dubbo Forum Day panel, ‘Diverse rotations to disrupt weed cycles and drive profit’. He farms with his father and brother, growing wheat, canola, barley, lupins, and vetch. He talks to us about how he's used these rotations to control weeds at his place.WeedSmart Week DubboWe're heading to Dubbo, NSW, for our 10th WeedSmart Week on August 1-3.  Early bird tickets are on sale now, ending on July 2. Get your ticket here.  ArticlesOur content writer Cindy Benjamin has written some excellent articles this month.1.     Reining in FTR with cultivation and competition: Central Queensland farmer and grazier Rhys Daniels invokes the power of cultivation and crop competition against weeds like feathertop Rhodes grass in his family’s farming system. Link: 2.     Disrupt weed cycles and drive profit: this article gives you an overview of our upcoming event, WeedSmart Week Dubbo.  3.     How can I make the most of spring planning sessions? In this Ask an Expert, we chat with Anna Hose, who is an agronomy advisor with Premier Ag in Camperdown Victoria. in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) in Victoria’s south-west, says the spring planning sessions she has with growers are vitally important to keep ahead of weeds and herbicide resistance. She says ryegrass is their biggest challenge in the high rainfall zone and that you can’t manage what you haven’t measured. So, identifying paddocks for resistance testing is critical to planning herbicide programs for the season. Webinar: Success stories and challenges – using weed seed impact mills in the High Rainfall ZoneDon’t forget to register for our webinar on weed seed impact mills in the high rainfall zone. It will be live on June 29, but can be watched later as a recording. Register here. 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:Twitter/XBlueskyFacebookLinkedInInstagramKeen for a monthly update?  Subscribe here!Got a question or topic you are interested to hear about?  Send us an: [email protected] 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