After guiding this significant phase of growth, Jenny Garonne has stepped down from her role as Managing Director and will continue contributing to the organisation as a Director on the MSF Board.

Stepping into the organisation’s most senior operational role is Tim Smythe, MSF’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. Tim has spent the past two years in program and project management roles at MSF and brings extensive experience from industry and regional development, with previous roles within the wine industry and state and local government.

Tim recognises the vital role farming plays in regional communities and the need to actively manage land to produce food and fibre. He notes that the advancements made over the past 25 years in the Mallee – from water use efficiency to increased groundcover and productivity – have been driven by strong partnerships between farmers, researchers and industry.

“Working together allows us to build a collective capability – to understand our strengths and how others can contribute,” Tim said.

MSF has also welcomed two new farmer directors to its Board – James O’Day (Millewa) and Richard McKee (Cowangie) – while acknowledging and thanking Gavin Howley for his service as a director for the past 6 years.

With its strengthened leadership and board, MSF continues to build capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes for farming communities across the SA, VIC and NSW Mallee.

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Farming practices have advanced significantly in recent years, particularly with the integration of technology. Variable Rate Technology (VRT) is one tool growers are using to better target inputs and manage yield variability.

In the latest MSF Farm Talk Podcast episode, we explore the insights and personal experiences of three growers as they discuss their use of VRT, test strips, and the challenges and benefits of applying these technologies on their farms. Their reflections offer a grounded look at what works, what doesn’t, and how strip trials can help build confidence in fertiliser and input management.

🎧 Listen to the full episode

David Daniel: Building Confidence Through Test Strips

Farming between Parilla and Pinnaroo, David Daniel grows a mix of oats, barley, lentils, lupins and canola alongside running sheep. After attending MSF VRT workshops, David has become an advocate for using test strips as a way to verify decisions rather than rely on assumptions.

This season, he set up fertiliser strips with different application rates to see how crops responded. Although visual differences were subtle during the growing season, the value comes in the data — helping confirm or challenge what’s happening in particular paddocks.

David’s key message is simple: “every farm is different”. Soil history, management practices and variability all influence outcomes, so running your own strips is the best way to build confidence in VRT decisions.

Adrian Bormann: Managing Variability and Playing the Long Game

At Sanderston, Adrian Bormann farms around 2,200 hectares with significant soil variability — and that diversity is exactly why he sees value in test strips. Adrian explains how he uses them to assess phosphorus strategies and track whether changes are helping lift productivity.

He runs different phosphorus rates across the farm and then compares results with harvest data to understand where adjustments might be worthwhile. Adrian encourages growers new to test strips to seek advice, start simply, and recognise that meaningful trends often take multiple seasons to emerge.

Adrian explains that effective VRT doesn’t always rely on the latest technology, and that a strong understanding of your farm can be just as valuable.

Nathan Paech: Proving (or Challenging) VRT Decisions

Farming near Tepko, Nathan Paech runs a mixed enterprise with sheep and broadacre cropping including wheat, barley, canola, lentils, oats and lupins. Nathan uses test strips as a way to double-check that VRT recommendations are on the mark and that no potential yield improvements are being missed.

He places strips at seeding and during urea applications to validate nutrient rates. Using tools like yield maps, satellite imagery and drones, Nathan maps soil types to refine his VRT plans and make nutrient decisions with greater confidence.

Nathan highlights that understanding variability is essential. The better you know your soils, the more targeted and efficient your fertiliser strategy can become.

Wrapping Up

A huge thank you to David, Adrian and Nathan for sharing their experiences. Their stories highlight that VRT isn’t about technology for technology’s sake — it’s about using simple tools like test strips to make smarter decisions, reduce risk and keep learning season after season.

If you’re interested in exploring VRT or strip trials on your own farm, visit the MSF website for resources, workshops and grower case studies.

https://mfi.greecosy.us/projects/demonstrating-soil-zone-mapping/

🎙️ Like and subscribe to the MSF Farm Talk Podcast for more grower insights and practical agronomy conversations.

The post Test Strips, Tough Seasons: What VRT Is Really Delivering appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

Together, they explore the motivations behind running test strips and the key insights gained along the way. The growers share honest reflections on using data to guide decisions 📊, optimise inputs 💧🌾, and refine their approach for future seasons 🌤️.

Listeners will come away with practical, paddock-ready advice 💡 on integrating VRT and test strips into their own farming systems.

🌾 If you want to hear more, like 👍 and subscribe 🔔 to the MSF Farm Talk Podcast 🚜🎙️

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.

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post Test Strips, Tough Seasons: What VRT Is Really Delivering appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

Steve Burt, Chair of MSF, highlighted the strengths that Richard and James bring to the organisation. He stated, “Both Richard and James will be assets to the Board through their understanding and connections in their respective farming communities. Both are advocates for increasing knowledge through research for dryland farming advancement and are hardworking volunteers in the respective communities.” Richard is based in the lower parts of the Victorian Mallee region at Cowangie, while James’s farm is located at Merrinee in the Millewa region.

Steve Burt further expressed his confidence in their contributions, saying, “We are confident that their insights will play a significant role in steering our organisation towards continued success to ensure Mallee farming systems continue to advance in sustainability, thrive through resilience, and remain productive and ready for the future.”

Richard McKee shared his perspective on joining the Board, noting, “The position as Farmer Director at MSF is an opportunity to provide input into research for his region and support farmers to gain insight into improved farm practices. He is drawn to the role given the importance MSF plays in supporting the farmers and the communities he is part of, to continue to be sustainable in the long term.”

James O’Day echoed Richard’s sentiments and added, “He is excited to be involved with MSF that has recently completed the strategic plan for the next ten years and are committed to leadership and innovation in dryland farming. Importantly the farmers remain at the heart of everything that MSF does.”

Richard McKee

James O’Day

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In this episode, Chris chats with:

• Bailey Kilpatrick from SwarmFarm Robotics, who shares insights into how on-farm robotics can transform time, data and spraying management.
• Harry Brown, a Lameroo grower, who reflects on how autonomy could fit into their farming system

🙌 The Grain Automate event was supported by the GRDC and SPAA, giving growers the chance to see new tech up close, ask questions, and think critically about what fits their farming business.

🌾 If you want to hear more, like 👍 and subscribe 🔔 to the MSF Farm Talk Podcast 🚜🎙️

If you missed Part 1 of this podcast, head to https://mfi.greecosy.us/podcast/ 

For more information on SwarmFarm Robotics head to https://www.swarmfarm.com/

#MSFFarmTalk #SustainableAg #MalleeFarming #FarmersLeadingTheWay #AgPodcast #SoilHealth #DroughtResilience

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

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The post Part 2 Curiosity to Commitment – Farmers Navigating Ag Tech Adoption appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Day as its new Communication and Extension Manager. Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in grains research and development from her time at SARDI’s Clare Research Centre.

With a strong background in fostering partnerships between growers, researchers, and industry, Sarah is known for translating complex research findings into practical on-farm solutions. Her expertise in clear communication and building meaningful connections has helped drive innovation and the adoption of improved management approaches throughout the farming community.

Jenny Garonne, Managing Director of MSF, stated, “I am confident that Sarah’s skills and knowledge will be invaluable in advancing MSF’s engagement with farmers and stakeholders. She will play a key role in addressing their needs, supporting MSF to apply new research, and sharing results and innovations.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Ms. Day said, “I have a passion for connecting growers with practical, science-based research and I look forward to continuing a high level of engagement across the Mallee. Together, we will help deliver sustainable farming outcomes for the region.”

MSF also extends its gratitude to outgoing manager Tanja Morgan, who is stepping down to focus on the expansion of her own farm business. “Tanja is to be congratulated for her leadership, energy, and unwavering passion for Mallee farming, which have been central to MSF’s success,” Ms. Garonne added.

Recently published MSF’s latest annual report highlights a 10% increase in membership, surpassing 900 members. The Communication and Extension team hosted over thirty workshops and field days, receiving high ratings from hundreds of participants. Through innovative outreach including social media, podcasts, and video reels MSF reached over 5,000 followers. The team also introduced animated characters, Charlie Carbon and Sandy Grain, to make research more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.

As Sarah steps into the role, she will continue to strengthen these initiatives and explore new ways to connect Mallee farmers with the latest research and innovations.

The post Mallee Sustainable Farming Announces New Communication and Extension Manager – Sarah Day appointed to drive engagement and innovation in Mallee farming appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

Coinciding with the release of a refreshed visual identity, the Strategic Plan 2025-2035 cements MSF’s role as a trusted enabler of farmer-led research and a driver of sustainable growth for mallee farming communities across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Chair of MSF, Steve Burt, said the new strategy builds on over 25 years of success in transforming low rainfall farming through innovation, collaboration and community connection.

“Our plan is about more than farming, it’s about shaping the future of our region,” Mr Burt said.

“We’ve worked closely with farmers, researchers and stakeholders to understand what they need to succeed. This plan reflects that collective insight and outlines our commitment to supporting sustainable, profitable and resilient farms and communities.”

The plan is anchored by three key objectives:

• Enhanced productivity and environmental outcomes
• Improved efficiency, cost reduction and risk mitigation
• Resilient and connected rural communities

It also outlines MSF’s enabling goals which are to ensure Mallee farmers are recognised as both economic enablers and environmental stewards, and to grow MSF’s standing as a national leader in dryland farming research and extension

A complementary Research Plan 2025–2035 has also been released, establishing clear priorities for on-farm research, peer-to-peer adoption, and innovation. It focuses on reducing herbicide reliance, improving plant establishment and soil health, increasing pulse adoption, and supporting emerging carbon and commodity markets

“MSF will continue to deliver practical, independent, farmer-driven research that supports decision making in real-world conditions,” said Dr Penny Roberts, MSF’s Research Manager.

“We’re building on years of existing research with new technology, data insights and collaboration to future-proof farms and communities.”

As part of the rollout, MSF has updated its branding to better reflect its forward-thinking and collaborative identity. The new look is now live across MSF’s website, social http://at https://mfi.greecosy.us/reports-publications/media and communications channels.

The new Strategic Plan and Research Plan are now available HERE!!

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🎧 Stick with us—there’s about 30 seconds of background noise at the start as we resolve some mic issues, but the audio improves quickly!

In this episode, Chris chats indoors with:

• Mick Caughey, WA grower managing 5,000ha with VRT & trial strips

• Bryson Rudiger, Mallee farmer about his gradual shift into adopting new technologies.

• David Daniel, a Pinnaroo grower who shares his thoughts on the learning curve of tech 

• Damien Fielke, machinery expert and rep, providing insights into the gear that’s getting attention.

Together, they explore what it takes for farmers to move from curiosity to full commitment when adopting agricultural technology.

📌 Part 2 will take you out into the paddock for a deep dive into autonomous machinery, featuring SwarmFarm and thoughts from a local grower.

🙌 The Grain Automate event was supported by the GRDC and SPAA, giving growers the chance to see new tech up close, ask questions, and think critically about what fits their farming business.

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post Part 1 Curiosity to Commitment – Farmers navigating ag tech adoption appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

• What causes dry saline patches to emerge or expand

• How rainfall and evaporation affect salt movement

• Realistic strategies for recovery and long-term management

This conversation is a must-listen if you’re managing low rainfall mixed farming systems and need practical support navigating drought-affected salt patches.

Useful Links & Resources:

Dry Saline Land Resources
A practical decision tool to assess your site and select appropriate management actions:
🔗 Dry Saline Land Decisions Tree

101 Soils Questions Book (Chapter on Salinity)
Explore common questions and answers about managing dry saline land and other soil constraints:
🔗 101 Soils Questions Book

Learn about identifying and managing Mallee Seeps (a different form of salinity):
🔗 Mallee Seeps Decision Tree

This podcast episode is supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT).

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post Salinity and Drought – What every farmer should know appeared first on Mallee Sustainable Farming.

Whether you’re questioning if you’ve got compaction or weighing up the cost of amelioration, this episode offers practical knowledge you can use to assess your paddocks and improve decisions.

📚 Want more soil know-how?
This episode is based on questions from the 101 Soils Questions book, developed with support from SAGIT. You can download your free copy from Soils Connect.

This episode is part of the MSF FarmTalk – 101 Soils Questions podcast series and is proudly supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT). Special thanks to SARDI’s Nigel Wilhelm for sharing his expertise.

Support the show: https://mfi.greecosy.us/about/membership/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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