This case study explores how Forbes farmer and contract harvester Bob Wythes balances cropping, livestock and commercial harvesting operations, while managing stubble to maintain efficiency and soil condition across a range of clients and crop types. It highlights how harvest height decisions, mechanical and chemical weed control, and strong client relationships all play a role in supporting profitable and practical stubble management in Central Western NSW.

This case study looks at how Condobolin share farmer and contractor Darren Miles manages harvest stubble across mixed farming operations, balancing stubble height, weed control and client expectations to support efficient sowing and farm profitability. His approach highlights the importance of biosecurity, yield mapping, and maintaining stubble for soil health, while also navigating the practical realities of machinery, labour and seasonal conditions in Central Western NSW.

This case study outlines how the Pfitzner family at Rankins Springs use vetch as a brown manure break crop to support long-term soil health, moisture retention and weed management within a full-cropping, stubble-retained system. Their approach highlights the role of legumes in improving soil structure and nitrogen levels, while balancing short-term income trade-offs for sustained productivity and resilience in Western NSW conditions.

This case study examines how the North Parkes mine farming operation uses field peas as a brown manure break crop to improve soil structure, boost nitrogen availability, and manage herbicide-resistant weeds within a stubble-retained rotation. By integrating peas strategically into a pea–canola–cereal system and refining sowing, manuring, and harvest timing, the operation has strengthened long-term soil health, system resilience, and profitability in Central Western NSW.

This case study shows how the McDonald family use oats strategically as a break crop and as a cover crop for establishing lucerne and medic pastures, supporting profitable wheat production within a mixed farming system at Condobolin. By incorporating oats to improve ground cover, manage disease cycles, support livestock feed needs and enhance soil structure, they maintain long-term soil health and system resilience across varying seasonal conditions in Central Western NSW.

This case study highlights how Derrick Davis uses field peas and lupins as break crops to improve weed control, soil nitrogen levels, and overall system resilience across a large-scale cropping program at Lake Cargelligo. By integrating brown manuring, targeted sowing strategies and inter-row sowing with disc seeders, the approach supports higher yielding, higher protein cereal crops and long-term soil health in stubble-retained systems in Central Western NSW.