This case study explores insights from pre-emergent herbicide specialist Mark Congreve as part of the ‘De-risking the Seeding Program’ project, funded through the Future Drought Fund. It highlights how dry and early sowing has become an essential strategy across southern Australia in response to increasingly unreliable autumn breaks, and how matching pre-emergent chemistry to local soils, crop types and seasonal risks is critical to success. The case also emphasises the need for growers to adopt strategic, locally tailored seeding and herbicide approaches, reinforcing the role of practical extension and evidence-based guidance in helping farmers optimise crop establishment and manage weeds under drier, more variable conditions.

This case study explores insights from pre-emergent herbicide specialist Mark Congreve as part of the ‘De-risking the Seeding Program’ project, funded through the Future Drought Fund. It highlights how dry and early sowing has become an essential strategy across southern Australia in response to increasingly unreliable autumn breaks, and how matching pre-emergent chemistry to local soils, crop types and seasonal risks is critical to success. The case also emphasises the need for growers to adopt strategic, locally tailored seeding and herbicide approaches, reinforcing the role of practical extension and evidence-based guidance in helping farmers optimise crop establishment and manage weeds under drier, more variable conditions.

This case study highlights work underway through the MLA-funded CWFS Producer Demonstration Site Program to expand the range of annual forage legume options available to red meat producers in the low rainfall zone of central west NSW. It shows how alternative legumes, traditionally under-utilised in the region, can be successfully integrated into mixed farming systems to boost feed supply, support livestock performance and improve resilience to climate variability. The case also captures insights from CWFS Communications Manager Lucy Kirk’s discussion with Achieve Ag consultant Wendy Gill, outlining early trial results and the practical benefits these new legume options may offer producers looking to diversify and strengthen their pasture base.

This case study outlines how GRDC’s long-season wheat research is helping central and southern NSW growers take advantage of early sowing opportunities created by improved fallow management, shifting rainfall patterns and advances in no-till technology. It highlights how earlier sowing requires varieties with different phenology, and how recent breeding efforts have focused on developing winter wheats suited to medium–low rainfall environments. The 2019 Rankins Springs trials demonstrated the importance of stored soil moisture, maintaining adequate plant populations and the strong potential of newer long-season varieties. With the 2020 Lake Cargelligo trials comparing 12 varieties across three sowing dates, the project continues to build regional confidence in earlier sowing strategies, supported by field walks, virtual updates and ongoing extension activities.

This case study provides an overview of the Ezy Lime operation in Parkes, offering insight into how Ian Shannon produces high-quality agricultural lime to support soil health across the region. It highlights the processes involved in sourcing, crushing and screening limestone to achieve consistent particle size, along with the logistical considerations that keep the product reliable and accessible for growers. The case also explores how increasing soil acidity in mixed and continuous cropping systems is driving demand for effective liming solutions, and how Ian’s commitment to quality, efficiency and service underpins Ezy Lime’s role in improving long-term soil productivity in Central West NSW.

This case study explores how Tottenham farmer Wayne Jarvis manages fallow and stubble across two contrasting systems—one fully no-till with high stubble retention, and the other a traditional mixed farming operation. It highlights how removing sheep from the no-till country has improved soil structure and yields, while grazing on the mixed farm reduces chemical costs and helps control weeds such as fleabane, milk thistle and windmill grass. The case also shows how heavy stubble loads sometimes require tactics like offset ploughing or cool burns to maintain sowing efficiency. Wayne’s experience illustrates the practical benefits and trade-offs between no-till and mixed farming, reinforcing the value of flexibility in fallow management in Central Western NSW.

This case study outlines how Weethalle farmer Ian Leulf manages ryegrass and black oats within a retained stubble system, drawing on a simple wheat–barley–fallow rotation suited to his environment. It highlights how herbicide resistance, first observed after a Hoegrass failure, prompted a shift toward strategic cultivation, pre-emergent chemistry and the adoption of Clearfield barley to strengthen grass control. The case also shows how tactics such as chaff diversion, early harvesting of problem paddocks and careful chemical rotation are helping Ian stay ahead of resistance challenges, reinforcing the value of early testing, diverse tools and flexible management in Western NSW.

This case study explores how Ungarie farmer Graham Mason uses inter-row sowing within a long-running, controlled-traffic, no-till cropping system. It highlights how accurate sowing between stubble rows, supported by disc seeding and well-maintained tram tracks, improves seed placement, germination and stubble retention across a continuous cropping program. The case also shows how Graham adapts to challenges such as developing herbicide resistance, evolving machinery requirements and occasional tram-track renovation, using tools like brown-manured vetch and targeted tillage where needed. His experience reinforces the soil-health benefits, moisture gains and operational efficiencies achievable through inter-row sowing in Western NSW.

This case study outlines how Condobolin farmer Ian Manwaring manages fallow and stubble within a large mixed farming system, balancing cropping, livestock and seasonal variability. It highlights how flexible post-harvest decisions—whether grazing, spraying or cultivating—are shaped by feed value, rainfall and the need to prepare paddocks before the end of January. The case also emphasises how long pasture phases, rotational diversity and margin-focused decision-making help minimise weed resistance issues, while moisture conservation remains the key benefit of stubble retention on marginal country. Ian’s experience reinforces the value of adaptability, pragmatic tool selection and close attention to soil health within fallow management in Central Western NSW.

This case study highlights how Forbes agronomist Chris Baker supports growers across mixed farming and continuous cropping systems to manage nitrogen needs within stubble-retained programs. It outlines how deep soil testing, seasonal moisture assessment and clear yield targets underpin his approach to building N budgets, particularly in seasons like 2015 where a strong start followed by a dry finish challenged early application strategies. The case also shows how improved machinery, break crops, nitrogen-fixing pastures and shifting application timing are helping Chris’ clients use nitrogen more efficiently, reinforcing the importance of early planning, realistic goals and flexible in-season decision-making across Central West NSW.

This case study explores how Rankins Springs farmer Nick Eckermann is advancing inter-row sowing within a large-scale, stubble-retained cropping system. It highlights how the shift away from livestock has enabled a stronger focus on soil moisture conservation, controlled traffic practices and long-term soil health. Nick’s gradual transition toward full CTF, combined with inter-row sowing, improved guidance technology and strategic break crops, is already delivering better water infiltration and more resilient soils. The case also shows how stubble retention, windrow burning to manage weed resistance, and a commitment to minimising soil disturbance underpin the Eckermann family’s approach to productive, sustainable cropping in Western NSW.

This case study explores how Tottenham farmer Paul Adam manages fleabane within a controlled-traffic, stubble-retained system alongside a more traditional mixed farming operation. It highlights how the removal of grazing from retained stubble areas led to a surge in fleabane pressure, prompting Paul to refine his program toward earlier, in-crop control and away from late-season 2,4-D applications. The case also shows how challenges in pulse crops, selective use of tillage, cover-cropping on mixed country and reliance on a narrow range of chemical groups are shaping Paul’s approach. His experience reinforces the importance of early intervention, timely double-knock tactics and careful spray timing to manage this persistent weed in Central Western NSW.

This case study examines how Condobolin farmer Jock Coupland tackles rising ryegrass and black oats pressure within a retained stubble system, while managing a diverse mix of dryland crops, irrigated cotton and cattle. It highlights how shifting resistance to Group A and potentially Group B chemistry is driving Jock to adopt broader rotations, strengthen pre-emergent strategies, and explore tactics such as narrow windrow burning and stubble baling. The case also shows how clean irrigation channels, careful summer cultivation and informed agronomy support more effective long-term weed control, helping Jock stay ahead of resistance challenges in Central Western NSW.

This case study explores how Condobolin farmer Bruce Staniforth manages windmill grass within a retained stubble system across his mixed grazing and cropping operation. It highlights how a long pasture phase, timely fallow spraying, and well-planned early cultivations keep windmill grass pressure low in cropping paddocks, while also acknowledging emerging concerns around herbicide resistance. The case shows how Bruce’s practical approach—integrating grazing, stubble management and openness to new strategies such as narrow windrow burning—supports effective, efficient weed control in Central Western NSW.

This case study examines how Weethalle farmers Ian and Georgie Leulf manage persistent fleabane pressure within a retained stubble system, balancing cropping efficiency with practical weed control. It outlines how a three-year wheat–barley–fallow rotation, controlled traffic, selective grazing, and a strategic mix of pre-emergent and double-knock chemistry have helped the Leulfs regain control of a weed that once dominated their summer paddocks. The case also highlights how occasional cultivation, strong seasonal awareness and a willingness to adapt management tactics all contribute to effective, long-term fleabane control in Western NSW.

This case study provides an update on the ‘De-risking the Seeding Program’ project, featuring winter insights from pre-emergent herbicide expert Mark Congreve. It highlights the project’s aim to accelerate adoption of strategic dry and early sowing practices across a national network of 15 farming systems groups, including CWFS, supported through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. The update reinforces how improving grower confidence, tailoring management to local conditions and strengthening extension across multiple regions are central to helping farmers manage the risks of variable season starts and optimise crop establishment in dry sowing scenarios.

This case study highlights how Tottenham farmer Geoff Chase has adopted inter-row sowing within a stubble-retained, controlled-traffic system to improve seed placement, reduce fuel use and support long-term soil health. By combining disc seeding, careful stubble management, flexible break crop choices and proactive weed control, Geoff has built a more resilient and efficient cropping system that performs across varying seasonal conditions in Central Western NSW.

This case study describes how Pete and Vicki Stuckey manage yellow leaf spot within a stubble-retained, mixed farming system north of Condobolin, using thoughtful rotation planning and targeted nutrition rather than fungicides. By maintaining break crops, monitoring paddocks closely with their agronomist, and prioritising soil health and stubble retention, they minimise disease impact while supporting long-term productivity in variable Central Western NSW conditions.

This case study outlines how Parkes farmer Geoff McCallum manages stubble at harvest by consistently cutting to around 25 cm to support smooth, efficient inter-row sowing in his controlled traffic system. By working closely with trusted contractors, maintaining strong biosecurity practices, and adjusting stubble height where weed pressure is present, Geoff sets up each paddock for improved crop performance in the following season.

This case study shares how Condobolin farmers James and Orlana Butt manage stubble across a mixed cropping and fat lamb operation, using practical harvest and sowing strategies to maintain efficiency and soil health. Their approach highlights rotation planning, contractor relationships, and biosecurity considerations to support a profitable and resilient farming system in Central Western NSW.