Vegalogue Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:00:01 -0400 https://ausveg.com.au/ en-au © 2026 AUSVEG yes Australia cd9d057d-9688-5fdc-a508-5c06e5d7e6ad communications@ausveg.com.au AUSVEG episodic false A dialogue on research, advocacy and people in the Australian vegetable industry from AUSVEG, Australia's peak industry body for the vegetable, potato and onion sectors.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) vegetable,horticulture,agriculture,produce,research,food,farmers,growers AUSVEG communications@ausveg.com.au https://storage.buzzsprout.com/62jqwv9f8sb8nuvpdpp3b0v1hqhn?.jpg Vegalogue https://ausveg.com.au/ Alex Lashchuk - Advocacy Host Campbell Cooney - R&D Host R&D: Part 2 Farming automation and technology - A discussing with the USA's Western Growers Association R&D: Part 2 Farming automation and technology - A discussing with the USA's Western Growers Association This is part 2 of a two part Vegalogue Episode, where we talk to the US Western Growers Association about their research and development of on farm innovation to address issues like labour costs, harvesting automation and weed control, just to name some.

In Part one we focussed on autonomous harvesting aimed at cutting labour costs. In part two we’ll look at their work with weeding technology and also their partnership with Hort Innovation and the VegMech project (Project Code VG 23003) funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.’ which is working to boost the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry, and is being run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Now, in part two they talk about their work in developing weed control solutions and the US Australia partnership.

Guests:

  • Ben Palone, WGA’s Senior Commercialization Director.
  • Walt Duflock, WGA’s Senior Vice President of Innovation. 

You can find out more about the Western Growers Association here: https://www.wga.com/

To learn more about Reservoir Farms please follow this link: https://reservoir.co/

You can watch the VegMech presentation at AVIS here: https://ausveg.com.au/knowledge-hub/avis-2026-harvest-automation-where-its-at-and-where-its-going/

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> This is part 2 of a two part Vegalogue Episode, where we talk to the US Western Growers Association about their research and development of on farm innovation to address issues like labour costs, harvesting automation and weed control, just to name some.

In Part one we focussed on autonomous harvesting aimed at cutting labour costs. In part two we’ll look at their work with weeding technology and also their partnership with Hort Innovation and the VegMech project (Project Code VG 23003) funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.’ which is working to boost the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry, and is being run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Now, in part two they talk about their work in developing weed control solutions and the US Australia partnership.

Guests:

  • Ben Palone, WGA’s Senior Commercialization Director.
  • Walt Duflock, WGA’s Senior Vice President of Innovation. 

You can find out more about the Western Growers Association here: https://www.wga.com/

To learn more about Reservoir Farms please follow this link: https://reservoir.co/

You can watch the VegMech presentation at AVIS here: https://ausveg.com.au/knowledge-hub/avis-2026-harvest-automation-where-its-at-and-where-its-going/

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-19578574 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +1000 1183 4 52 full false R&D: Part 1 Farming automation and technology - A discussion with the USA's Western Growers Association R&D: Part 1 Farming automation and technology - A discussion with the USA's Western Growers Association At this year’s Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar, (Project Code VG24003), funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government, growers got an update on the VegMech project (Project Code VG 23003), which is working to boost the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry, and is being run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

 This year’s update was looking at the research into the automation of harvesting of crops which currently rely on manual labour, like lettuce and broccoli and the work being done in the USA, and the projects which are being led by the Western Growers Association’s Innovations Team.

The WGA is also heavily involved in the research and trialling of a range of automated and autonomous machinery, including spot sprayers and laser weeders which are utilising AI, and which are also being introduced in Australia and being used on some farms. They have also formed a partnership with Hort Innovation.

 In this two part Vegalogue episode we’ll hear from Ben Palone who’s the WGA’s Senior Commercialization Director, and Walt Duflock, who’s the WGA’s Senior Vice President of Innovation. 

In Part one we’ll hear about their research into autonomous harvesting technology and Reservoir Farms, where much of their research is now being done. In part Two we’ll talk about their work in targeted weed control and also how they are working with Hort Innovation.

You can find out more about the Western Growers Association here: https://www.wga.com/

To learn more about Reservoir Farms please follow this link: https://reservoir.co/

You can watch the VegMech presentation at AVIS here: https://ausveg.com.au/knowledge-hub/avis-2026-harvest-automation-where-its-at-and-where-its-going/

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> At this year’s Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar, (Project Code VG24003), funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government, growers got an update on the VegMech project (Project Code VG 23003), which is working to boost the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry, and is being run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

 This year’s update was looking at the research into the automation of harvesting of crops which currently rely on manual labour, like lettuce and broccoli and the work being done in the USA, and the projects which are being led by the Western Growers Association’s Innovations Team.

The WGA is also heavily involved in the research and trialling of a range of automated and autonomous machinery, including spot sprayers and laser weeders which are utilising AI, and which are also being introduced in Australia and being used on some farms. They have also formed a partnership with Hort Innovation.

 In this two part Vegalogue episode we’ll hear from Ben Palone who’s the WGA’s Senior Commercialization Director, and Walt Duflock, who’s the WGA’s Senior Vice President of Innovation. 

In Part one we’ll hear about their research into autonomous harvesting technology and Reservoir Farms, where much of their research is now being done. In part Two we’ll talk about their work in targeted weed control and also how they are working with Hort Innovation.

You can find out more about the Western Growers Association here: https://www.wga.com/

To learn more about Reservoir Farms please follow this link: https://reservoir.co/

You can watch the VegMech presentation at AVIS here: https://ausveg.com.au/knowledge-hub/avis-2026-harvest-automation-where-its-at-and-where-its-going/

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-19578560 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +1000 1141 4 51 full false R&D: India Study Tour R&D: India Study Tour Earlier this year, an Australian vegetable grower-led delegation travelled to India to investigate opportunities to connect Australian growers with skilled and semi-skilled horticulture industry workers from the nation, as part of a pilot program supported by Hort Innovation.

During the week-long visit, the delegation met with key partners to get an in-depth understanding of Indian training pathways, and skill levels, and how they may translate into Australian conditions to help address skills and workforce shortages.

In this R&D edition of Vegalogue, we speak to two of the participating growers – Harvest Supervisor at Fragapane Farms in Victoria, Sammy Singh and Human Resources Manager for Zerella Fresh in South Australia Jessica Paterson about what they learned.

The Pilot program for recruiting and integrating skilled and semi-skilled workers into Australian horticultural enterprises (VG25003), is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Earlier this year, an Australian vegetable grower-led delegation travelled to India to investigate opportunities to connect Australian growers with skilled and semi-skilled horticulture industry workers from the nation, as part of a pilot program supported by Hort Innovation.

During the week-long visit, the delegation met with key partners to get an in-depth understanding of Indian training pathways, and skill levels, and how they may translate into Australian conditions to help address skills and workforce shortages.

In this R&D edition of Vegalogue, we speak to two of the participating growers – Harvest Supervisor at Fragapane Farms in Victoria, Sammy Singh and Human Resources Manager for Zerella Fresh in South Australia Jessica Paterson about what they learned.

The Pilot program for recruiting and integrating skilled and semi-skilled workers into Australian horticultural enterprises (VG25003), is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-19346010 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1158 4 50 full false Advocacy: Farm Safety with Felicity Richards Advocacy: Farm Safety with Felicity Richards Every year lives are lost and families are changed forever by incidents on farm.

Felicity Richards, Chair of Farmsafe Australia and a beef farmer from Northern Tasmania, brings both lived experience and a national perspective to farm safety.

In this episode we dig into some key considerations around farm safety, major contributors to safety incidents, and look at some practical steps that can be taken to keep people safe.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Every year lives are lost and families are changed forever by incidents on farm.

Felicity Richards, Chair of Farmsafe Australia and a beef farmer from Northern Tasmania, brings both lived experience and a national perspective to farm safety.

In this episode we dig into some key considerations around farm safety, major contributors to safety incidents, and look at some practical steps that can be taken to keep people safe.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-19207373 Wed, 20 May 2026 14:00:00 +1000 1287 4 49 full false R&D: New AUSVEG Biosecurity Handbook R&D: New AUSVEG Biosecurity Handbook Earlier this year AUSVEG released it’s updated Biosecurity Handbook, which provides a guide to how vegetable growers can ensure they’re up to date with the latest industry standards.

The Farm Biosecurity Manual has been produced as part of the vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy, known as VegWatch. (Project code: VG22004) which is managed by AUSVEG. Support for it was also provided by Hort Innovation’s Vegetable Fund and Plant Health Australia.

You can download a digital copy of it at ausveg.com.au.

Guests:

Rose Daniel: Rose has had oversight of AUSVEG’s Biosecurity programs including the vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy, which is known as VegWatch.

Zara Burney: Zara is AUSVEG’s Farm Biosecurity Officer.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Earlier this year AUSVEG released it’s updated Biosecurity Handbook, which provides a guide to how vegetable growers can ensure they’re up to date with the latest industry standards.

The Farm Biosecurity Manual has been produced as part of the vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy, known as VegWatch. (Project code: VG22004) which is managed by AUSVEG. Support for it was also provided by Hort Innovation’s Vegetable Fund and Plant Health Australia.

You can download a digital copy of it at ausveg.com.au.

Guests:

Rose Daniel: Rose has had oversight of AUSVEG’s Biosecurity programs including the vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy, which is known as VegWatch.

Zara Burney: Zara is AUSVEG’s Farm Biosecurity Officer.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-19094290 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +1000 815 4 48 full false R&D: Europe Study Tour to Fruit Logistica & Spain R&D: Europe Study Tour to Fruit Logistica & Spain In February 2026 a group of 13 Australian vegetable growers spent a fortnight in Europe on the first study tour of the year.

Led by AUSVEG and supported by Hort Innovation the tour spent the first week in Berlin attending Fruit Logistica, widely regarded as the biggest horticulture trade show and conference in the world.

From there they moved onto Spain, attending a series of farm field days, and taking a special look at that country’s protected cropping operations.

Three of the tour group were, Lynley Van Latham, the Executive Officer for Marketing with Rugby Farm, headquartered in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley and a grower of a variety of vegetables; Bryce Lamb, the Process Engineer with Wickham Farms based in Killarney in Queensland where they grow Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Onions; and Andrew Braham from Braham Produce near Adelaide in South Australia a family run operation who are specialist capsicum growers.

Lynley, Bryce and Andrew joined the Vegalogue Podcast to talk about the tour.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> In February 2026 a group of 13 Australian vegetable growers spent a fortnight in Europe on the first study tour of the year.

Led by AUSVEG and supported by Hort Innovation the tour spent the first week in Berlin attending Fruit Logistica, widely regarded as the biggest horticulture trade show and conference in the world.

From there they moved onto Spain, attending a series of farm field days, and taking a special look at that country’s protected cropping operations.

Three of the tour group were, Lynley Van Latham, the Executive Officer for Marketing with Rugby Farm, headquartered in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley and a grower of a variety of vegetables; Bryce Lamb, the Process Engineer with Wickham Farms based in Killarney in Queensland where they grow Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Onions; and Andrew Braham from Braham Produce near Adelaide in South Australia a family run operation who are specialist capsicum growers.

Lynley, Bryce and Andrew joined the Vegalogue Podcast to talk about the tour.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18897127 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +1100 1427 4 47 full false Advocacy: Carbon Reporting and Scope 3 for Growers Advocacy: Carbon Reporting and Scope 3 for Growers Carbon reporting and Scope 3 are becoming big topics in the fresh produce supply chain. Claire McClelland and Chris Cosgrove unpack what emissions reporting actually means for horticulture growers and what they need to focus on.

Growers can learn more in the Common Greenhouse Gas Accounting Framework for the Australian Fresh Produce Industry available here: https://freshproduce.org.au/__static/4b16af9cc00e2a952f4921a7772093fb/afpa-ghg-framework.pdf 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Carbon reporting and Scope 3 are becoming big topics in the fresh produce supply chain. Claire McClelland and Chris Cosgrove unpack what emissions reporting actually means for horticulture growers and what they need to focus on.

Growers can learn more in the Common Greenhouse Gas Accounting Framework for the Australian Fresh Produce Industry available here: https://freshproduce.org.au/__static/4b16af9cc00e2a952f4921a7772093fb/afpa-ghg-framework.pdf 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18820450 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +1100 1186 4 46 full false R&D: The Open Weed Locator Project in Manjimup, WA R&D: The Open Weed Locator Project in Manjimup, WA In March 2025 a group of Western Australian vegetable growers, based in the south west of the state began work on developing a low cost, do it yourself, open source weed detection and management tool.

Once the growers decided on what they wanted to develop, they began looking for support, and the grower-led OWL Project in Manjimup was born.

This initiative is being driven by the Warren Cauliflower Group, supported by vegetables WA and seed funding through the VegNET innovation program.

VegNET 3.0, project code VG21000, is the national extension program for the vegetable and onion industry, coordinated by AUSVEG, and funded by Hort Innovation, using vegetable and onion levy funds, as well as contributions from the Australian Government.

The Chairman of the Warren Cauliflower Group Jake Ryan and the groups Executive Officer Jen Riseley spoke to the Vegalogue Podcast.

If you want to find out more about the OWL, or Open Weed Locator, you can find it here.

On the 26th February 2026 the Warren Cauliflower Group, supported by VegNET and alongside Vegetables WA will hold a live demonstration of the project on the Ryans Farm at Manjimup. You can find out more and register to attend here.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> In March 2025 a group of Western Australian vegetable growers, based in the south west of the state began work on developing a low cost, do it yourself, open source weed detection and management tool.

Once the growers decided on what they wanted to develop, they began looking for support, and the grower-led OWL Project in Manjimup was born.

This initiative is being driven by the Warren Cauliflower Group, supported by vegetables WA and seed funding through the VegNET innovation program.

VegNET 3.0, project code VG21000, is the national extension program for the vegetable and onion industry, coordinated by AUSVEG, and funded by Hort Innovation, using vegetable and onion levy funds, as well as contributions from the Australian Government.

The Chairman of the Warren Cauliflower Group Jake Ryan and the groups Executive Officer Jen Riseley spoke to the Vegalogue Podcast.

If you want to find out more about the OWL, or Open Weed Locator, you can find it here.

On the 26th February 2026 the Warren Cauliflower Group, supported by VegNET and alongside Vegetables WA will hold a live demonstration of the project on the Ryans Farm at Manjimup. You can find out more and register to attend here.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18704163 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +1100 853 4 45 full false R&D: 2026 Nuffield Scholar Yumeng Chen R&D: 2026 Nuffield Scholar Yumeng Chen Yumeng Chen is one of the 2026 Nuffield Scholars who has been sponsored by Hort Innovation.

Her project will explore how virtual modelling can optimise production systems and decision-making in vegetable growing. As she describes it the project will look at ways of using a virtual model of part of a farm, or part of an operation’s supply chain, combined with historical sales and production data, to forecast what will be needed in the year ahead.

Yumeng is a Senior Account Manager with Fragapane Farms, which grows lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and other green vegetable crops near Werribee in Victoria.

She’s responsible for the  domestic retailers and the export markets, but is also involved in projects related to supply planning, demand forecasting and data analytics. 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Yumeng Chen is one of the 2026 Nuffield Scholars who has been sponsored by Hort Innovation.

Her project will explore how virtual modelling can optimise production systems and decision-making in vegetable growing. As she describes it the project will look at ways of using a virtual model of part of a farm, or part of an operation’s supply chain, combined with historical sales and production data, to forecast what will be needed in the year ahead.

Yumeng is a Senior Account Manager with Fragapane Farms, which grows lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and other green vegetable crops near Werribee in Victoria.

She’s responsible for the  domestic retailers and the export markets, but is also involved in projects related to supply planning, demand forecasting and data analytics. 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18627453 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +1100 593 4 44 full false Advocacy: AUSVEG Advocacy reflections with Bill Bulmer Advocacy: AUSVEG Advocacy reflections with Bill Bulmer From lifting vegetable consumption to grower confidence, this episode reflects on a defining 12 months for AUSVEG advocacy. AUSVEG Chair Bill Bulmer unpacks key advocacy initiatives, sentiment survey insights, and the evidence shaping change in 2026.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries. 

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture. 

Learn more at ausveg.com.au and follow us on social media.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> From lifting vegetable consumption to grower confidence, this episode reflects on a defining 12 months for AUSVEG advocacy. AUSVEG Chair Bill Bulmer unpacks key advocacy initiatives, sentiment survey insights, and the evidence shaping change in 2026.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries. 

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture. 

Learn more at ausveg.com.au and follow us on social media.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18549907 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +1100 968 4 43 full false Advocacy: Understanding succession planning with Bill Winter Advocacy: Understanding succession planning with Bill Winter Bill Winter unpacks the real dynamics behind farm succession - communication, planning, fairness and fear - and how treating succession as a gradual transition can strengthen families and safeguard the business for the next generation.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Bill Winter unpacks the real dynamics behind farm succession - communication, planning, fairness and fear - and how treating succession as a gradual transition can strengthen families and safeguard the business for the next generation.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18352720 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +1100 1156 3 42 full false R&D: Onion Study Tour - United Kingdom and The Netherlands R&D: Onion Study Tour - United Kingdom and The Netherlands In September onion growers from across Australia spent two very busy weeks in Europe as part of the vegetable and onion study tour program, Project VG23002 funded by Hort Innovation.

Over that fortnight the group visited farming, packaging and processing operations in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.

Two of the tour group were Lynette and Glenroy Logan who are growers based in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley. 

The industry study tours provide opportunities for Australian vegetable and onion growers and supply chain businesses to increase their awareness and knowledge of the research and innovations in the global horticulture industry through the delivery of tours to strategic vegetable and onion growing regions, conferences, facilities, and innovation centres around the globe.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> In September onion growers from across Australia spent two very busy weeks in Europe as part of the vegetable and onion study tour program, Project VG23002 funded by Hort Innovation.

Over that fortnight the group visited farming, packaging and processing operations in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.

Two of the tour group were Lynette and Glenroy Logan who are growers based in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley. 

The industry study tours provide opportunities for Australian vegetable and onion growers and supply chain businesses to increase their awareness and knowledge of the research and innovations in the global horticulture industry through the delivery of tours to strategic vegetable and onion growing regions, conferences, facilities, and innovation centres around the globe.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18314840 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +1100 703 3 41 full false Advocacy: Seeds of Future Success: Young Voices in Horticulture Advocacy: Seeds of Future Success: Young Voices in Horticulture Meet the next generation driving Australian horticulture forward. Erin Cranwell, Rashan Walia, and Dylan Bellchambers share their journeys, insights, and hopes for the industry — from workforce and compliance to stronger grower and consumer connections.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Meet the next generation driving Australian horticulture forward. Erin Cranwell, Rashan Walia, and Dylan Bellchambers share their journeys, insights, and hopes for the industry — from workforce and compliance to stronger grower and consumer connections.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18168240 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +1100 906 3 40 full false R&D: NZ Study Tour - The lessons learned R&D: NZ Study Tour - The lessons learned In late August a group of Australian vegetable growers spent a week in New Zealand as part of the vegetable and onion study tour program, funded by Hort Innovation.

‘These industry study tours provide opportunities for Australian vegetable and onion growers and supply chain businesses to increase their awareness and knowledge of the research and innovations in the global horticulture industry through the delivery of tours to strategic vegetable and onion growing regions, conferences, facilities, and innovation centres around the globe.

Over five days the group visited farming operations across the country’s North Island, retail operations, the biosecurity operations at Wellington’s international airport and were delegates at the annual New Zealand horticulture conference.

The tour group included Warrick Purden, the General Manager of Farm Operations with Hussey and Co in Victoria’s Gippsland, and Jimmy Fox and Calvin Parker, who are from near Manjimup in Western Australia, and both part of their family’s farming operations, primarily growing potatoes, but also other vegetable crops.

Campbell Cooney spoke with them about what they learnt on the tour and why they wanted to be part of it. 


VG23002 is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> In late August a group of Australian vegetable growers spent a week in New Zealand as part of the vegetable and onion study tour program, funded by Hort Innovation.

‘These industry study tours provide opportunities for Australian vegetable and onion growers and supply chain businesses to increase their awareness and knowledge of the research and innovations in the global horticulture industry through the delivery of tours to strategic vegetable and onion growing regions, conferences, facilities, and innovation centres around the globe.

Over five days the group visited farming operations across the country’s North Island, retail operations, the biosecurity operations at Wellington’s international airport and were delegates at the annual New Zealand horticulture conference.

The tour group included Warrick Purden, the General Manager of Farm Operations with Hussey and Co in Victoria’s Gippsland, and Jimmy Fox and Calvin Parker, who are from near Manjimup in Western Australia, and both part of their family’s farming operations, primarily growing potatoes, but also other vegetable crops.

Campbell Cooney spoke with them about what they learnt on the tour and why they wanted to be part of it. 


VG23002 is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-18045801 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +1100 803 3 39 full false Advocacy: A Better Way Forward: Reimagining Compliance in Vegetables Advocacy: A Better Way Forward: Reimagining Compliance in Vegetables Compliance and regulation costs vegetable growers over $213M a year — but solutions are urgently needed. This episode explores key reforms to cut duplication, streamline processes, and give growers time back to their real jobs, rather than filling out endless forms.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries.

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture.

Learn more at ausveg.com.au and follow us on social media.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Compliance and regulation costs vegetable growers over $213M a year — but solutions are urgently needed. This episode explores key reforms to cut duplication, streamline processes, and give growers time back to their real jobs, rather than filling out endless forms.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries.

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture.

Learn more at ausveg.com.au and follow us on social media.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17851924 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +1000 1559 3 38 full false R&D: Business benchmarking case study with Mountainview Fresh Farms R&D: Business benchmarking case study with Mountainview Fresh Farms Level Up Hort, the business improvement and benchmarking program funded by Hort Innovation, released its 2024 season benchmarks in June. 

The project is led by Planfarm and supported by RMCG, and in its second seasonal report boasted a rise in grower involvement, as vegetable and onion growers around Australia considered the benefits of business benchmarking. 

One of those is Burdekin vegetable and melon grower Chris Lyne from Mountainview Fresh Farms. Chris is one of the participants in the Level Up Hort project, working with Planfarm Horticultural Business Consultant Maria Fathollahi. 

We had a chat with Chris and Maria about the value the process has had for the grower’s business.

This project is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion industry research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government, under project code MT22009 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Level Up Hort, the business improvement and benchmarking program funded by Hort Innovation, released its 2024 season benchmarks in June. 

The project is led by Planfarm and supported by RMCG, and in its second seasonal report boasted a rise in grower involvement, as vegetable and onion growers around Australia considered the benefits of business benchmarking. 

One of those is Burdekin vegetable and melon grower Chris Lyne from Mountainview Fresh Farms. Chris is one of the participants in the Level Up Hort project, working with Planfarm Horticultural Business Consultant Maria Fathollahi. 

We had a chat with Chris and Maria about the value the process has had for the grower’s business.

This project is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion industry research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government, under project code MT22009 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-17734353 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +1000 994 3 37 full false Advocacy: Healthy Futures: School Lunches & Veg Consumption Advocacy: Healthy Futures: School Lunches & Veg Consumption How can school lunches shape kids’ eating for life? Julie Dunbabin shares lessons from global programs and how Tasmania’s pilot is boosting attendance, food literacy, and children’s appetite for vegetables.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> How can school lunches shape kids’ eating for life? Julie Dunbabin shares lessons from global programs and how Tasmania’s pilot is boosting attendance, food literacy, and children’s appetite for vegetables.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17778683 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +1000 1865 3 36 full false Advocacy: Future Farming - GMO & Editing Advocacy: Future Farming - GMO & Editing How can GMOs and gene editing help solve real-world farm challenges? Dr Jai Denton of CropLife Australia breaks down the science, busts the myths, and shares how smarter regulation can unlock innovation and resilience for Australian horticulture.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> How can GMOs and gene editing help solve real-world farm challenges? Dr Jai Denton of CropLife Australia breaks down the science, busts the myths, and shares how smarter regulation can unlock innovation and resilience for Australian horticulture.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17535781 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +1000 1529 3 35 full false R&D: Lessons from the Soil Wealth ICP Skye trial site R&D: Lessons from the Soil Wealth ICP Skye trial site On a windy day in May, 20 vegetable industry members got together to hear the latest lessons from a trial site hosted by Butler Market Gardens near Melbourne, run by the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection project.

Butler Market Gardens has hosted a Soil Wealth ICP trial at their Skye farm for a number of years, and the trial has been a useful vehicle for the business to explore its own practices, as well as generating lessons for the wider industry.

AUSVEG's Tom Bicknell caught up at the field day with Camilla Humphries from RMCG and Dale Creed from Butler Market Gardens.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection - phase 3 (MT22004)

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> On a windy day in May, 20 vegetable industry members got together to hear the latest lessons from a trial site hosted by Butler Market Gardens near Melbourne, run by the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection project.

Butler Market Gardens has hosted a Soil Wealth ICP trial at their Skye farm for a number of years, and the trial has been a useful vehicle for the business to explore its own practices, as well as generating lessons for the wider industry.

AUSVEG's Tom Bicknell caught up at the field day with Camilla Humphries from RMCG and Dale Creed from Butler Market Gardens.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection - phase 3 (MT22004)

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17400600 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +1000 536 vegetables,horticulture,grower,research,R&D,agronomy,agriculture,soil health 3 34 full false R&D: How do you integrate new agtech into your business? R&D: How do you integrate new agtech into your business? A few episodes ago we spoke to grower Dan Hodges about some of the cutting-edge agtech he’d seen on a study tour of the US.

Well in April, some of that leading tech was on display in Tasmania at the Ag Innovation Expo 2025, held at the Hagley Farm School by the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group.

Ian Layden from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries was at the expo to run a farm mechanisation field demo as part of the VegMech project, a three-year project to help Australian vegetable growers adopt advanced mechanisation technology.

Ian also joined a timely panel discussion on the key issues facing Tasmania’s onion sector, where he spoke about how agtech could be part of the solution.

AUSVEG’s Campbell Cooney caught up with Ian at the expo.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Advanced vegetable mechanisation program to maximise labour and cost efficiency (VG23003)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> A few episodes ago we spoke to grower Dan Hodges about some of the cutting-edge agtech he’d seen on a study tour of the US.

Well in April, some of that leading tech was on display in Tasmania at the Ag Innovation Expo 2025, held at the Hagley Farm School by the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group.

Ian Layden from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries was at the expo to run a farm mechanisation field demo as part of the VegMech project, a three-year project to help Australian vegetable growers adopt advanced mechanisation technology.

Ian also joined a timely panel discussion on the key issues facing Tasmania’s onion sector, where he spoke about how agtech could be part of the solution.

AUSVEG’s Campbell Cooney caught up with Ian at the expo.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Advanced vegetable mechanisation program to maximise labour and cost efficiency (VG23003)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17229995 Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:00 +1000 537 vegetables,horticulture,grower,levies,research,R&D,agtech,technology,agriculture 3 33 full false Advocacy: National food security starts on the farm Advocacy: National food security starts on the farm Discover why resilient local agriculture is critical to national security. Andrew Henderson shares practical steps to safeguard Australia's food systems for a more secure, sustainable future.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries. 

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Discover why resilient local agriculture is critical to national security. Andrew Henderson shares practical steps to safeguard Australia's food systems for a more secure, sustainable future.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries. 

Join us for insights from growers, industry leaders, and researchers on the latest challenges and opportunities in Australian horticulture.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-17155097 Wed, 14 May 2025 10:00:00 +1000 2080 3 32 full false R&D Edition: Controlling herbicide resistant ryegrass in onions with pre-emergents R&D Edition: Controlling herbicide resistant ryegrass in onions with pre-emergents Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Annual ryegrass is one of the most costly weeds for the Australian ag industry. It’s a major problem in grain crops, and it causes significant issues in horticulture as well.

For many years, farmers have relied on herbicides to control ryegrass, but in Australia the weed has now evolved resistance to multiple chemistries, particularly post-emergents.

The prevalence of herbicide resistance in ryegrass populations varies around the country; across southern Australia the Grains Research and Development Corporation cites a range of 1-93 percent for post emergent herbicide resistance, but only 0-32 percent for pre-emergents.

That lower resistance to pre-emergent herbicides prompted Tim Groom of Tasmanian onion grower Wynyon to explore which pre-emergents might work well for an onion crop, in concert with an integrated weed management approach.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Accelerating the adoption of best management practices for the Australian onion industry


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Annual ryegrass is one of the most costly weeds for the Australian ag industry. It’s a major problem in grain crops, and it causes significant issues in horticulture as well.

For many years, farmers have relied on herbicides to control ryegrass, but in Australia the weed has now evolved resistance to multiple chemistries, particularly post-emergents.

The prevalence of herbicide resistance in ryegrass populations varies around the country; across southern Australia the Grains Research and Development Corporation cites a range of 1-93 percent for post emergent herbicide resistance, but only 0-32 percent for pre-emergents.

That lower resistance to pre-emergent herbicides prompted Tim Groom of Tasmanian onion grower Wynyon to explore which pre-emergents might work well for an onion crop, in concert with an integrated weed management approach.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Accelerating the adoption of best management practices for the Australian onion industry


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16955796 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +1000 902 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agriculture,herbicide,weeds,onions 3 31 full false Advocacy Edition: Education and the path to a stronger horticulture workforce with Luciano Mesiti Advocacy Edition: Education and the path to a stronger horticulture workforce with Luciano Mesiti Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Workforce shortages remain a major challenge for horticulture, with nearly half of Australian vegetable growers reporting difficulty in filling skilled and semi-skilled roles. In this episode, we explore how early education and industry engagement can shape a stronger, more sustainable horticulture workforce.

Luciano Mesiti, CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA), joins us to discuss the crucial role that food and fibre education plays in inspiring the next generation of agricultural workers.

From breaking down industry stereotypes to developing curriculum-aligned resources and building pathways from school to career, Luciano highlights the work being done—and what still needs to be done—to connect students with the world of horticulture. He also shares how partnerships between schools and agribusinesses can create more visible and viable career opportunities for young Australians.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Workforce shortages remain a major challenge for horticulture, with nearly half of Australian vegetable growers reporting difficulty in filling skilled and semi-skilled roles. In this episode, we explore how early education and industry engagement can shape a stronger, more sustainable horticulture workforce.

Luciano Mesiti, CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA), joins us to discuss the crucial role that food and fibre education plays in inspiring the next generation of agricultural workers.

From breaking down industry stereotypes to developing curriculum-aligned resources and building pathways from school to career, Luciano highlights the work being done—and what still needs to be done—to connect students with the world of horticulture. He also shares how partnerships between schools and agribusinesses can create more visible and viable career opportunities for young Australians.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16972993 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +1000 1446 3 30 full false R&D Edition: Recapturing water and nutrients on WA’s deep sands R&D Edition: Recapturing water and nutrients on WA’s deep sands Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The deep, sandy soils of Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain are among the most infertile in the world.

They’re also where many of the state’s vegetables are produced, however, and growers have long struggled with the low ability of these soils to retain nutrients or moisture.

More than 60 percent of irrigation water and nitrogen fertiliser applied to vegetables on the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain leach past the rootzone. The story’s not much better for phosphorus or potassium.

Against that backdrop, input costs continue to grow, water allocations tighten, and concerns about fertiliser runoff into waterways and wetlands increase.

In an effort to address this problem, WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has launched a new levy-funded project to develop a system for capturing leached nutrients and irrigation water from below the crop’s root zone, and recycling this water back onto crops as irrigation.

The project, which runs until February 2030, will investigate the use of geomembranes installed below the root zone of crops to collect leachate and divert it into dams for reuse.

We had a chat with DPIRD research scientist Dr Valeria Almeida Lima about the project, and how this new system might work.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Evaluating on farm water and nutrient recapture in Western Australia production systems 

You can also contact Dr Lima at Valeria.AlmeidaLima@dpird.wa.gov.au.


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The deep, sandy soils of Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain are among the most infertile in the world.

They’re also where many of the state’s vegetables are produced, however, and growers have long struggled with the low ability of these soils to retain nutrients or moisture.

More than 60 percent of irrigation water and nitrogen fertiliser applied to vegetables on the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain leach past the rootzone. The story’s not much better for phosphorus or potassium.

Against that backdrop, input costs continue to grow, water allocations tighten, and concerns about fertiliser runoff into waterways and wetlands increase.

In an effort to address this problem, WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has launched a new levy-funded project to develop a system for capturing leached nutrients and irrigation water from below the crop’s root zone, and recycling this water back onto crops as irrigation.

The project, which runs until February 2030, will investigate the use of geomembranes installed below the root zone of crops to collect leachate and divert it into dams for reuse.

We had a chat with DPIRD research scientist Dr Valeria Almeida Lima about the project, and how this new system might work.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Evaluating on farm water and nutrient recapture in Western Australia production systems 

You can also contact Dr Lima at Valeria.AlmeidaLima@dpird.wa.gov.au.


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16833251 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +1100 1008 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agronomy,Australia 3 29 full false Advocacy Edition: The new Food and Grocery Code of Conduct with Neil Rechlin (pt2) Advocacy Edition: The new Food and Grocery Code of Conduct with Neil Rechlin (pt2) Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

The Australian vegetable industry is at a crossroads. With the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct set to take effect on 1 April 2025, and the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry nearing its conclusion, growers have a rare window of opportunity to reshape their place in the supply chain.

In part two of this discussion, Neil Rechlin, Director of NextGen Group, examines the ongoing power struggles between growers and retailers, the gaps in the current Horticulture Code of Conduct, and the urgent need for pricing transparency.

Tune in as we explore how growers can take control, negotiate better deals, and secure a more sustainable future in an evolving market.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

The Australian vegetable industry is at a crossroads. With the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct set to take effect on 1 April 2025, and the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry nearing its conclusion, growers have a rare window of opportunity to reshape their place in the supply chain.

In part two of this discussion, Neil Rechlin, Director of NextGen Group, examines the ongoing power struggles between growers and retailers, the gaps in the current Horticulture Code of Conduct, and the urgent need for pricing transparency.

Tune in as we explore how growers can take control, negotiate better deals, and secure a more sustainable future in an evolving market.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16687507 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +1100 1009 3 28 full false R&D Edition: Agtech lessons from the US for Peninsula Fresh Organics R&D Edition: Agtech lessons from the US for Peninsula Fresh Organics Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Historically, Australian producers have been rapid adopters of new technology and innovation, and the current generation is no different. Growers are looking to new agricultural technologies, or agtech for short, to help them confront the pressure from climate change, labour shortages, rising input costs and changing market demands.

The technologies being explored read like a list of TED Talks keywords; artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, drones, big data, the internet of things…

Understanding, sourcing and trialling these new technologies can be time consuming and costly, however, so in 2024 Hort Innovation launched a $4.1 million levy-funded project to help Australian vegetable growers adopt advanced mechanisation technology.

Run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries over three years, the project will deliver field days, showcase events, demonstrations, international study tours, webinars and more to help growers engage directly with the latest equipment and manufacturers.

In October 2024, the project took a group of 16 vegetable growers on a study tour to the US, where they attended the FIRA-USA International Forum for Agricultural Robotics in California.

One of those growers was Dan Hodges from Peninsula Fresh Organics in Victoria. Dan’s an enthusiastic adopter of new tech on the grower’s two properties on the Mornington Peninsula, and we spoke to him about the promising agtech he saw in the US, and the potential for applying in Australia.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Advanced vegetable mechanisation program to maximise labour and cost efficiency (VG23003)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Historically, Australian producers have been rapid adopters of new technology and innovation, and the current generation is no different. Growers are looking to new agricultural technologies, or agtech for short, to help them confront the pressure from climate change, labour shortages, rising input costs and changing market demands.

The technologies being explored read like a list of TED Talks keywords; artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, drones, big data, the internet of things…

Understanding, sourcing and trialling these new technologies can be time consuming and costly, however, so in 2024 Hort Innovation launched a $4.1 million levy-funded project to help Australian vegetable growers adopt advanced mechanisation technology.

Run by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries over three years, the project will deliver field days, showcase events, demonstrations, international study tours, webinars and more to help growers engage directly with the latest equipment and manufacturers.

In October 2024, the project took a group of 16 vegetable growers on a study tour to the US, where they attended the FIRA-USA International Forum for Agricultural Robotics in California.

One of those growers was Dan Hodges from Peninsula Fresh Organics in Victoria. Dan’s an enthusiastic adopter of new tech on the grower’s two properties on the Mornington Peninsula, and we spoke to him about the promising agtech he saw in the US, and the potential for applying in Australia.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode: Advanced vegetable mechanisation program to maximise labour and cost efficiency (VG23003)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16693745 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100 853 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agtech,technology,agriculture,artificial intelligence,drones,Australia 3 27 full false Advocacy Edition: The new Food and Grocery Code of Conduct with Neil Rechlin (pt1) Advocacy Edition: The new Food and Grocery Code of Conduct with Neil Rechlin (pt1) Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body, AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

With the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct set to commence on 1 April 2025, and the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry due to report at the end of February, the Australian grocery sector is undergoing significant scrutiny. This episode, the first of a two-parter, delves into the evolving power dynamics between growers and retailers, and how the new Code aims to create a fairer and more sustainable supply chain.

Neil Rechlin, Director of NextGen Group, brings over 20 years of experience in developing category and capability solutions. He shares his insights on the impact of the new Code, the changes it introduces, and what it means for vegetable producers. Neil also discusses the potential for civil penalties, the importance of understanding the Code’s protections, and how it could reshape the grower-retailer relationship.

Keep an eye out next month for part two of this interview.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body, AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

With the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct set to commence on 1 April 2025, and the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry due to report at the end of February, the Australian grocery sector is undergoing significant scrutiny. This episode, the first of a two-parter, delves into the evolving power dynamics between growers and retailers, and how the new Code aims to create a fairer and more sustainable supply chain.

Neil Rechlin, Director of NextGen Group, brings over 20 years of experience in developing category and capability solutions. He shares his insights on the impact of the new Code, the changes it introduces, and what it means for vegetable producers. Neil also discusses the potential for civil penalties, the importance of understanding the Code’s protections, and how it could reshape the grower-retailer relationship.

Keep an eye out next month for part two of this interview.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16600343 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +1100 1035 3 26 full false R&D Edition: Regenerative agriculture with Mulgowie Farming Company R&D Edition: Regenerative agriculture with Mulgowie Farming Company Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Facing rising input costs and greater environmental awareness, an increasing number of Australian vegetable growers are practicing a system of farming that has come to be known as ‘regenerative agriculture’.

Regenerative agriculture means different things to different people, but in a broad-brush sense it’s a holistic way of managing landscapes that aims to move beyond sustainability to regenerate natural systems, while at the same time supporting the viability of farmers.

On farm, that generally translates to practices that improve soil health, store carbon and increase biodiversity, which, importantly, improve yields and reduce input and water requirements.

There isn’t a clear definition of which is and isn’t regen ag, but it’s generally understood to involve things like cover cropping, minimal tillage, rotational grazing and biological inputs, among others. It’s a broad church, and exact practices vary by crop, region, and grower.

The best way to understand it is through five core principles, according to Andrew Johanson, the Sustainable Agriculture Manager at Mulgowie Farming Company, a family-owned vegetable grower with farms in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode: Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection - phase 3 - AUSVEG

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Facing rising input costs and greater environmental awareness, an increasing number of Australian vegetable growers are practicing a system of farming that has come to be known as ‘regenerative agriculture’.

Regenerative agriculture means different things to different people, but in a broad-brush sense it’s a holistic way of managing landscapes that aims to move beyond sustainability to regenerate natural systems, while at the same time supporting the viability of farmers.

On farm, that generally translates to practices that improve soil health, store carbon and increase biodiversity, which, importantly, improve yields and reduce input and water requirements.

There isn’t a clear definition of which is and isn’t regen ag, but it’s generally understood to involve things like cover cropping, minimal tillage, rotational grazing and biological inputs, among others. It’s a broad church, and exact practices vary by crop, region, and grower.

The best way to understand it is through five core principles, according to Andrew Johanson, the Sustainable Agriculture Manager at Mulgowie Farming Company, a family-owned vegetable grower with farms in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode: Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection - phase 3 - AUSVEG

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16523290 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +1100 1499 vegetables,horticulture,grower,regenerative,agriculture,sustainability,environment 3 25 full false R&D Edition: Good biosecurity saves costs for Butler Market Gardens R&D Edition: Good biosecurity saves costs for Butler Market Gardens Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The need for good biosecurity practices on farm has been painfully underlined recently, with the incursion of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus in South Australia costing growers millions. But the benefits of good on-farm biosecurity go a lot further than just this kind of rare but high-impact exotic incursion.

Good biosecurity can also address the standard pest and disease pressures growers face every day. It can translate to a higher marketable yield, lower labour requirements, or lower input costs.

We had a chat with Rick Butler of Butler Market Gardens, a grower of spring onions, herbs and Asian vegetables in Melbourne’s southern suburbs, about how he’s addressed their biosecurity risks with some new technology.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode: VegWatch, the Vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy (VG22004)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The need for good biosecurity practices on farm has been painfully underlined recently, with the incursion of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus in South Australia costing growers millions. But the benefits of good on-farm biosecurity go a lot further than just this kind of rare but high-impact exotic incursion.

Good biosecurity can also address the standard pest and disease pressures growers face every day. It can translate to a higher marketable yield, lower labour requirements, or lower input costs.

We had a chat with Rick Butler of Butler Market Gardens, a grower of spring onions, herbs and Asian vegetables in Melbourne’s southern suburbs, about how he’s addressed their biosecurity risks with some new technology.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode: VegWatch, the Vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy (VG22004)


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16291837 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +1100 514 vegetables,horticulture,grower,biosecurity,pests,herbs 2 24 full false Advocacy Edition: 2024 Year in Review with Bill Bulmer Advocacy Edition: 2024 Year in Review with Bill Bulmer Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The Australian vegetable, potato and onion industry currently faces a range of operating challenges threatening the viability of growers who supply 98 percent of the fresh vegetables bought and consumed in Australia.

Bill Bulmer is a dedicated advocate for vegetable, potato and onion growers, drawing on his experience as a respected third-generation vegetable farmer and owner of Bulmer Farms in Victoria.

He holds the position of Chair of AUSVEG, and is also a member of several committees, including the AUSVEG VIC Executive Committee and the Hort Innovation Vegetable Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.

He joined us on the podcast to recap 2024 and delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Australian vegetable industry in 2025.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The Australian vegetable, potato and onion industry currently faces a range of operating challenges threatening the viability of growers who supply 98 percent of the fresh vegetables bought and consumed in Australia.

Bill Bulmer is a dedicated advocate for vegetable, potato and onion growers, drawing on his experience as a respected third-generation vegetable farmer and owner of Bulmer Farms in Victoria.

He holds the position of Chair of AUSVEG, and is also a member of several committees, including the AUSVEG VIC Executive Committee and the Hort Innovation Vegetable Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.

He joined us on the podcast to recap 2024 and delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Australian vegetable industry in 2025.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16284796 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +1100 1151 2 23 full false Advocacy Edition: Supermarket Scrutiny - Navigating Competition & Consumer Rights with Professor Allan Fels AO Advocacy Edition: Supermarket Scrutiny - Navigating Competition & Consumer Rights with Professor Allan Fels AO Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body, AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

The Australian supermarket sector is under significant examination, with government reviews focusing on market competition, pricing practices, and consumer protection. These reviews aim to address concerns about the dominance of major supermarket chains and seek to ensure, among other things, fair treatment of suppliers and a more sustainable and equitable supply chain. 

Professor Allan Fels AO is a prominent figure in Australian competition law and consumer advocacy, who has also served as the chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

He joined AUSVEG to give his informed views on the recent flurry of attention on the big supermarkets, and the major developments of 2024.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body, AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vibrant sector.

The Australian supermarket sector is under significant examination, with government reviews focusing on market competition, pricing practices, and consumer protection. These reviews aim to address concerns about the dominance of major supermarket chains and seek to ensure, among other things, fair treatment of suppliers and a more sustainable and equitable supply chain. 

Professor Allan Fels AO is a prominent figure in Australian competition law and consumer advocacy, who has also served as the chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

He joined AUSVEG to give his informed views on the recent flurry of attention on the big supermarkets, and the major developments of 2024.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-16131626 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +1100 1145 2 22 full false R&D Edition: Hyper-local weather forecasting for growers R&D Edition: Hyper-local weather forecasting for growers Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

In the aftermath of any weather event, if you talk to five growers in a given region, you’ll get six different weather reports.

General weather forecasts rarely provide the local accuracy needed to make crucial farming decisions. Recognising that shortcoming is a levy funded project started earlier this year that applies AI to the task of hyper-local weather forecasting.

The project, Using AI and machine learning to improve weather forecasting, is being delivered by Jane’s Weather, a business founded by meteorologist Jane Bunn, who you may recognise as the weather forecaster and presenter at 7NEWS Melbourne.

Jane and her colleague Josh Cross gave growers a run-down of how hyper-local weather forecasting works and what it lets growers do in a recent webinar run by AUSVEG. The webinar and the work presented by Jane's Weather were part of the Building Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry project.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:


The Building Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry project is funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program with support from AUSVEG. The project is coordinated by Marguerite White of ICD Project Services for AUSVEG.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

In the aftermath of any weather event, if you talk to five growers in a given region, you’ll get six different weather reports.

General weather forecasts rarely provide the local accuracy needed to make crucial farming decisions. Recognising that shortcoming is a levy funded project started earlier this year that applies AI to the task of hyper-local weather forecasting.

The project, Using AI and machine learning to improve weather forecasting, is being delivered by Jane’s Weather, a business founded by meteorologist Jane Bunn, who you may recognise as the weather forecaster and presenter at 7NEWS Melbourne.

Jane and her colleague Josh Cross gave growers a run-down of how hyper-local weather forecasting works and what it lets growers do in a recent webinar run by AUSVEG. The webinar and the work presented by Jane's Weather were part of the Building Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry project.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:


The Building Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry project is funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program with support from AUSVEG. The project is coordinated by Marguerite White of ICD Project Services for AUSVEG.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-16016904 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +1100 1159 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agriculture,weather forecasting,climate 2 21 full false Advocacy Edition: Reaching net zero in horticulture with Richard Heath Advocacy Edition: Reaching net zero in horticulture with Richard Heath Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

With the Australian government pushing for net zero emissions by 2050 and customers, retailers, and financial institutions increasingly wanting information on growers’ emissions, the agriculture sector is at the forefront of the climate change narrative, facing pressure to drive down its emissions.

At the same time, decarbonisation is often seen as a cost burden that creates a trade-off against economic imperatives that drive productivity, profitability, growth and asset building at a time of significant margin squeeze.

The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC), however, aims to coordinate opportunities to develop, derisk and scale technologies while growing profitable and sustainable farming businesses.

In this episode we speak with Richard Heath, the CEO of ZNE-Ag CRC and a Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, who says that horticulture makes up just over 1 percent of the total 17 percent that agriculture contributes to Australia's emissions. Much of what we do in horticulture is already well on the way to Australia’s net-zero goals, and Richard explains that the main goal is improving efficiencies and continually building best practices.


Greenhouse gas emissions calculators talked about in the episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

With the Australian government pushing for net zero emissions by 2050 and customers, retailers, and financial institutions increasingly wanting information on growers’ emissions, the agriculture sector is at the forefront of the climate change narrative, facing pressure to drive down its emissions.

At the same time, decarbonisation is often seen as a cost burden that creates a trade-off against economic imperatives that drive productivity, profitability, growth and asset building at a time of significant margin squeeze.

The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC), however, aims to coordinate opportunities to develop, derisk and scale technologies while growing profitable and sustainable farming businesses.

In this episode we speak with Richard Heath, the CEO of ZNE-Ag CRC and a Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, who says that horticulture makes up just over 1 percent of the total 17 percent that agriculture contributes to Australia's emissions. Much of what we do in horticulture is already well on the way to Australia’s net-zero goals, and Richard explains that the main goal is improving efficiencies and continually building best practices.


Greenhouse gas emissions calculators talked about in the episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15906241 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +1100 979 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agriculture,emissions,net zero 2 20 full false R&D Edition: Vegetable production in the Northern Territory R&D Edition: Vegetable production in the Northern Territory Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

With two distinct seasons, the Northern Territory’s vegetable industry has one principal growing window that is ideally placed to meet the needs of Australia’s southern states during their winter.

Most of the NT’s young vegetable industry’s output is sent interstate, which has had a big impact on its structure and crops, but the evolution of Northern Territory horticulture has also been touched by the big South East Asian influence on the territory’s culture and grower community.

AUSVEG’s Deborah Hill had a chat with Mariah Maughan, VegNET Regional Development Officer for the Northern Territory, about the opportunities and unique challenges for vegetable production in the NT.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

With two distinct seasons, the Northern Territory’s vegetable industry has one principal growing window that is ideally placed to meet the needs of Australia’s southern states during their winter.

Most of the NT’s young vegetable industry’s output is sent interstate, which has had a big impact on its structure and crops, but the evolution of Northern Territory horticulture has also been touched by the big South East Asian influence on the territory’s culture and grower community.

AUSVEG’s Deborah Hill had a chat with Mariah Maughan, VegNET Regional Development Officer for the Northern Territory, about the opportunities and unique challenges for vegetable production in the NT.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15854118 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +1000 1061 vegetables,horticulture,grower,agriculture,tropical 2 19 full false Advocacy Edition: Lean management for horticulture with Simon Drum Advocacy Edition: Lean management for horticulture with Simon Drum Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

Lean management is an approach that optimises efficiency by minimising waste and maximising value for businesses. It can be applied to a wide range of industries – from construction to agriculture.

In this episode of Vegalogue we have a chat with Simon Drum, Managing Director of PSVC Advisory, about what lean management can add to a horticulture business.

Simon has 25 years of experience in agribusiness value chains, holding senior roles with some of the largest horticulture businesses in Australia. He specialises in using lean principles to transform client businesses into more productive and profitable operations.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

Lean management is an approach that optimises efficiency by minimising waste and maximising value for businesses. It can be applied to a wide range of industries – from construction to agriculture.

In this episode of Vegalogue we have a chat with Simon Drum, Managing Director of PSVC Advisory, about what lean management can add to a horticulture business.

Simon has 25 years of experience in agribusiness value chains, holding senior roles with some of the largest horticulture businesses in Australia. He specialises in using lean principles to transform client businesses into more productive and profitable operations.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-15731425 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +1000 1231 vegetables,horticulture,grower,lean management,agriculture 2 18 full false R&D Edition: Understanding the 'farmscape' to manage onion pests with Dr Daniel Drost R&D Edition: Understanding the 'farmscape' to manage onion pests with Dr Daniel Drost Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The US is the fourth largest onion producer in the world, and harvests more than 12 times the annual onion volume of Australia.

But despite being an order of magnitude larger, the fundamentals in the field are very similar, and pests, diseases and weeds are as much a threat to the US onion industry as they are in Australia.

Managing those threats is impossible without understanding the total 'farmscape' that you operate in, according to Dr Daniel Drost, Professor Emeritus of Horticulture and a former Extension Vegetable Specialist in the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate at Utah State University.

Dr Drost was in Australia to speak to growers as part of a levy-funded onion study tour, and we had a chat with him at the Hort Connections 2024 trade show.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

The US is the fourth largest onion producer in the world, and harvests more than 12 times the annual onion volume of Australia.

But despite being an order of magnitude larger, the fundamentals in the field are very similar, and pests, diseases and weeds are as much a threat to the US onion industry as they are in Australia.

Managing those threats is impossible without understanding the total 'farmscape' that you operate in, according to Dr Daniel Drost, Professor Emeritus of Horticulture and a former Extension Vegetable Specialist in the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate at Utah State University.

Dr Drost was in Australia to speak to growers as part of a levy-funded onion study tour, and we had a chat with him at the Hort Connections 2024 trade show.

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-15667010 Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +1000 690 2 17 full false Advocacy Edition: Talking workforce and industrial relations with Michael Rogers Advocacy Edition: Talking workforce and industrial relations with Michael Rogers Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

This episode is the first of our new Advocacy Editions, where we'll be unpacking the big issues facing the industry with a range of industry experts.

Recent AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Surveys have highlighted persistent challenges for Australian growers, including ongoing workforce shortages and the mounting burden of compliance and regulation.

In this episode of Vegalogue, we speak to Michael Rogers, the recently-appointed Chief Operating Officer of Agri Labour Australia, as we delve into pressing workforce issues, and explore potential paths forward.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Join us as we discuss the many diverse facets of commercial vegetable production in Australia with growers, industry figures, researchers and many more of the incredible people who make up our vital industry.

This episode is the first of our new Advocacy Editions, where we'll be unpacking the big issues facing the industry with a range of industry experts.

Recent AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Surveys have highlighted persistent challenges for Australian growers, including ongoing workforce shortages and the mounting burden of compliance and regulation.

In this episode of Vegalogue, we speak to Michael Rogers, the recently-appointed Chief Operating Officer of Agri Labour Australia, as we delve into pressing workforce issues, and explore potential paths forward.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15585691 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +1000 1286 vegetables,horticulture,grower,employment,workforce,labour 2 16 full false Rocky Lamattina & Sons - Syngenta Grower of the Year winner 2024 Rocky Lamattina & Sons - Syngenta Grower of the Year winner 2024 Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

At Hort Connections in Melbourne in early June, 10 of the horticulture industry’s leading lights were recognised with the presentation of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence for 2024.

The winners of these awards have fascinating stories to tell about overcoming challenges to build some of the most successful businesses in the industry, groundbreaking research, or personal stories of lives and careers in the dynamic world of horticulture.

This episode we have a chat with Angelo Lamattina of Victorian carrot grower Rocky Lamattina & Sons, the winner of this year’s Syngenta Grower of the Year award.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

At Hort Connections in Melbourne in early June, 10 of the horticulture industry’s leading lights were recognised with the presentation of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence for 2024.

The winners of these awards have fascinating stories to tell about overcoming challenges to build some of the most successful businesses in the industry, groundbreaking research, or personal stories of lives and careers in the dynamic world of horticulture.

This episode we have a chat with Angelo Lamattina of Victorian carrot grower Rocky Lamattina & Sons, the winner of this year’s Syngenta Grower of the Year award.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15512649 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +1000 1423 vegetables,horticulture,grower,carrots,award 2 15 full false R&D Edition: Cover cropping converts Peter Schreurs & Sons R&D Edition: Cover cropping converts Peter Schreurs & Sons Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

In the last episode we had a chat with Dr Kelvin Montagu about a project he ran a few years ago exploring the benefits of cover cropping for vegetable growers.

This episode, we speak with a grower who was part of that project, Peter Schreurs and Sons, and how it started them on a cover cropping journey that has changed the face of their farm.

You can watch a video version of this interview here.

Guests:

  • Darren Schreurs, Peter Schreurs & Sons
  • Mark Schreurs, Peter Schreurs & Sons

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

In the last episode we had a chat with Dr Kelvin Montagu about a project he ran a few years ago exploring the benefits of cover cropping for vegetable growers.

This episode, we speak with a grower who was part of that project, Peter Schreurs and Sons, and how it started them on a cover cropping journey that has changed the face of their farm.

You can watch a video version of this interview here.

Guests:

  • Darren Schreurs, Peter Schreurs & Sons
  • Mark Schreurs, Peter Schreurs & Sons

Learn more about the project discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-15414046 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +1000 886 2 14 full false R&D Edition: Cover crops done right with Dr Kelvin Montagu R&D Edition: Cover crops done right with Dr Kelvin Montagu Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we look at the benefits of cover cropping, which are many and varied. Vegetable growers are increasingly working cover crops into their rotations, but getting a good return on the investment can get a little complex.

It’s important to be clear on what you want to get out of a cover crop, according to Dr Kelvin Montagu, a research scientist with Applied Horticultural Research.

Dr Montagu has done quite a bit of work in cover cropping, including a levy-funded project a few years ago called Optimising cover cropping for the Australian vegetable industry, which helped veg growers use cover cropping to boost soil health and improve productivity.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we look at the benefits of cover cropping, which are many and varied. Vegetable growers are increasingly working cover crops into their rotations, but getting a good return on the investment can get a little complex.

It’s important to be clear on what you want to get out of a cover crop, according to Dr Kelvin Montagu, a research scientist with Applied Horticultural Research.

Dr Montagu has done quite a bit of work in cover cropping, including a levy-funded project a few years ago called Optimising cover cropping for the Australian vegetable industry, which helped veg growers use cover cropping to boost soil health and improve productivity.

Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-15320621 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +1000 1910 2 13 full false R&D Edition: The growers earning $20k/ha extra, VegNET drone spraying demo R&D Edition: The growers earning $20k/ha extra, VegNET drone spraying demo Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we discuss:

  • The common factor driving a $20,000 per hectare difference between Australia's most profitable vegetable and onion growers and the industry average, as discovered by the Level Up Hort project.
  • An aerial drone spraying demonstration night run by VegNET Gippsland.


Guests:

  • Paul Omodei, Director of Horticulture and Agronomy, Planfarm
  • Emily Scott, VegNET Regional Development Officer, Food & Fibre Gippsland
  • Cherry Emerick, VegNET National Coordinator, AUSVEG
  • Adam Schreurs, Director, Schreurs & Sons


Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we discuss:

  • The common factor driving a $20,000 per hectare difference between Australia's most profitable vegetable and onion growers and the industry average, as discovered by the Level Up Hort project.
  • An aerial drone spraying demonstration night run by VegNET Gippsland.


Guests:

  • Paul Omodei, Director of Horticulture and Agronomy, Planfarm
  • Emily Scott, VegNET Regional Development Officer, Food & Fibre Gippsland
  • Cherry Emerick, VegNET National Coordinator, AUSVEG
  • Adam Schreurs, Director, Schreurs & Sons


Learn more about the projects discussed in this episode:


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15260673 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +1000 890 vegetables,horticulture,grower,drones,profitability,engagement,agriculture 2 12 full false Onion drying & curing with Tolsma's Brad Hicks Onion drying & curing with Tolsma's Brad Hicks Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we discuss drying and curing onions with Brad Hicks of vegetable storage and handling company Tolsma Australia, and the pros and cons of different curing shed designs used around Australia.

Guests:

  • Brad Hicks, After Sales and Service Manager, Tolsma Australia


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This episode, we discuss drying and curing onions with Brad Hicks of vegetable storage and handling company Tolsma Australia, and the pros and cons of different curing shed designs used around Australia.

Guests:

  • Brad Hicks, After Sales and Service Manager, Tolsma Australia


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-15167380 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +1000 1478 2 11 full false Hort Connections 2024, veg in school canteens, sensor-studded smart farm Hort Connections 2024, veg in school canteens, sensor-studded smart farm Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The upcoming Hort Connections 2024 conference and trade show, the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
  • How to get more vegetables onto primary school canteen menus, and the changing structure of canteens that may make it possible.
  • A sensor-studded smart farm that's building a model to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of chilli and avocado production.


Guests:

  • Nathan McIntyre, National Manager, Events & Partnerships, AUSVEG.
  • Shadia Djakovic, Senior Project Manager: Schools & Community, Healthy Kids Association.
  • David de Paoli, Founder and Chairman, AustChilli Group.
  • Kaushal Gunasekara, Farm Business Development Manager, AustChilli Group.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each episode we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The upcoming Hort Connections 2024 conference and trade show, the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
  • How to get more vegetables onto primary school canteen menus, and the changing structure of canteens that may make it possible.
  • A sensor-studded smart farm that's building a model to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of chilli and avocado production.


Guests:

  • Nathan McIntyre, National Manager, Events & Partnerships, AUSVEG.
  • Shadia Djakovic, Senior Project Manager: Schools & Community, Healthy Kids Association.
  • David de Paoli, Founder and Chairman, AustChilli Group.
  • Kaushal Gunasekara, Farm Business Development Manager, AustChilli Group.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-15098528 Mon, 20 May 2024 14:00:00 +1000 1271 vegetables,horticulture,grower,chilli,schools,healthy food,technology,events 2 10 full false Varroa mite, fall armyworm, cauliflower breeding Varroa mite, fall armyworm, cauliflower breeding Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the transition from varroa mite eradication to management has gone, and the priorities for the new plan.
  • The cross-agriculture collaboration to manage Fall armyworm amidst the largest outbreak of the pest since it was detected in Australia.
  • Why cauliflowers need a sun hat, and what growers are looking for in new cauli varieties.


Guests:

  • Zarmeen Hassan, National Manager of Biosecurity and Extension, AUSVEG
  • Dr Melina Miles, Principal Entomologist, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
  • Eliza Seymour, Regional Business Manager - Victoria & Tasmania, Bayer Vegetable Seeds.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the transition from varroa mite eradication to management has gone, and the priorities for the new plan.
  • The cross-agriculture collaboration to manage Fall armyworm amidst the largest outbreak of the pest since it was detected in Australia.
  • Why cauliflowers need a sun hat, and what growers are looking for in new cauli varieties.


Guests:

  • Zarmeen Hassan, National Manager of Biosecurity and Extension, AUSVEG
  • Dr Melina Miles, Principal Entomologist, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
  • Eliza Seymour, Regional Business Manager - Victoria & Tasmania, Bayer Vegetable Seeds.

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Buzzsprout-14972969 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1000 1661 vegetables,horticulture,grower,cauliflower,varroa mite, fall armyworm,research,R&D,breeding,agronomy 2 9 full false How levies work, more efficient glasshouses, on-farm food waste How levies work, more efficient glasshouses, on-farm food waste Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the Australian horticulture levy system works, and how it gives Australian growers an edge.
  • New glasshouse films that could reduce energy consumption and increase productivity in protected cropping.
  • A new plan that's finding ways to reduce the horticulture sector's on-farm food waste for the benefit of growers’ bottom line, as well as the environment and food security. Read the plan here: https://endfoodwaste.com.au/horticulture/


Guests:

  • Andrew Francey, General Manager of Industry Service and Delivery, Hort Innovation Australia.
  • Associate Professor Chris Cazzonelli, Professor Zhong-Hua Chen, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University.
  • Melissa Smith, End Food Waste Australia.



Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the Australian horticulture levy system works, and how it gives Australian growers an edge.
  • New glasshouse films that could reduce energy consumption and increase productivity in protected cropping.
  • A new plan that's finding ways to reduce the horticulture sector's on-farm food waste for the benefit of growers’ bottom line, as well as the environment and food security. Read the plan here: https://endfoodwaste.com.au/horticulture/


Guests:

  • Andrew Francey, General Manager of Industry Service and Delivery, Hort Innovation Australia.
  • Associate Professor Chris Cazzonelli, Professor Zhong-Hua Chen, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University.
  • Melissa Smith, End Food Waste Australia.



Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-14776662 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100 1950 vegetables,horticulture,grower,protected cropping,levies,research,R&D,glasshouse,greenhouse,food waste 2 8 full false New leafy veg Standard, national biosecurity strategy, Geoff Moar New leafy veg Standard, national biosecurity strategy, Geoff Moar Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the state-by-state rollout of the new Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standard for leafy vegetables, berries and melons is progressing.
  • A major new project developing a national biosecurity strategy for vegetables, the Vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy (VG22004).
  • Changes to the vegetable industry seen during 60 years as a potato grower and 20 years on the AUSVEG Board with outgoing Director Geoff Moar.


Guests:

  • Zarmeen Hassan, National Manager of Biosecurity and Extension, AUSVEG
  • Dr Rosalie Daniel, Program Manager - Biosecurity, AUSVEG
  • Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager of Partnerships and Innovation, Plant Health Australia
  • Geoff Moar, owner, Moar GR & L


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • How the state-by-state rollout of the new Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standard for leafy vegetables, berries and melons is progressing.
  • A major new project developing a national biosecurity strategy for vegetables, the Vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy (VG22004).
  • Changes to the vegetable industry seen during 60 years as a potato grower and 20 years on the AUSVEG Board with outgoing Director Geoff Moar.


Guests:

  • Zarmeen Hassan, National Manager of Biosecurity and Extension, AUSVEG
  • Dr Rosalie Daniel, Program Manager - Biosecurity, AUSVEG
  • Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager of Partnerships and Innovation, Plant Health Australia
  • Geoff Moar, owner, Moar GR & L


Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-14583891 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100 2114 2 7 full false Onions Australia merger, pre-harvest sanitation, snacking vegetables, Gatton AgTech Onions Australia merger, pre-harvest sanitation, snacking vegetables, Gatton AgTech Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The Onions Australia merger with AUSVEG
  • Pre-harvest sanitation of leafy green vegetables
  • The opportunities and hurdles for vegetables as snack foods
  • The Gatton AgTech Showcase

Guests:

  • Michael Coote, CEO, AUSVEG
  • Adjunct Professor Tom Ross and Senior Research Fellow Dr Alieta Eyles,  University of Tasmania
  • Martin Kneebone, Managing Director, Freshlogic
  • Ian Layden, Director for Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The Onions Australia merger with AUSVEG
  • Pre-harvest sanitation of leafy green vegetables
  • The opportunities and hurdles for vegetables as snack foods
  • The Gatton AgTech Showcase

Guests:

  • Michael Coote, CEO, AUSVEG
  • Adjunct Professor Tom Ross and Senior Research Fellow Dr Alieta Eyles,  University of Tasmania
  • Martin Kneebone, Managing Director, Freshlogic
  • Ian Layden, Director for Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-14394454 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +1100 1782 2 6 full false The year ahead for hort, SA onion grower lunch, Angela Candeloro The year ahead for hort, SA onion grower lunch, Angela Candeloro Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The big developments on the horizon for the horticulture sector as we move into 2024
  • Research presented at the levy-funded South Australian Onion Growers Growers Lunch
  • Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award 2023 winner Angela Candeloro

Guests:

  • Michael Coote, CEO, AUSVEG
  • Professor Lindsey du Toit, Department of Plant Pathology Chair, Washington State University
  • Dr Sam Kleemann, Plant Science Consulting
  • Dr Peter Boutsalis, Plant Science Consulting
  • Angela Candeloro, Director, Tripod Farmers

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • The big developments on the horizon for the horticulture sector as we move into 2024
  • Research presented at the levy-funded South Australian Onion Growers Growers Lunch
  • Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award 2023 winner Angela Candeloro

Guests:

  • Michael Coote, CEO, AUSVEG
  • Professor Lindsey du Toit, Department of Plant Pathology Chair, Washington State University
  • Dr Sam Kleemann, Plant Science Consulting
  • Dr Peter Boutsalis, Plant Science Consulting
  • Angela Candeloro, Director, Tripod Farmers

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-14177808 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +1100 1445 1 5 full false Export export export; European opportunities, Multi-Industry Export Program, Frank Frappa Export export export; European opportunities, Multi-Industry Export Program, Frank Frappa Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Opportunities and lessons for Australian vegetable exports in the UK and Europe
  • The levy-funded project bolstering Australian vegetable, onion and melon export development
  • Hort Innovation Exporter of the Year Frank Frappa of Premier Fresh Australia

Guests:

  • Mike Knowles, Managing Director, Fruitnet Europe
  • Fred Searle, Editor, Fresh Produce Journal
  • Andrea Lin, International Trade Specialist, AUSVEG
  • Frank Frappa, Executive GM of Avocado, Citrus, Grapes, International and Stone Fruit, Premier Fresh Australia

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Opportunities and lessons for Australian vegetable exports in the UK and Europe
  • The levy-funded project bolstering Australian vegetable, onion and melon export development
  • Hort Innovation Exporter of the Year Frank Frappa of Premier Fresh Australia

Guests:

  • Mike Knowles, Managing Director, Fruitnet Europe
  • Fred Searle, Editor, Fresh Produce Journal
  • Andrea Lin, International Trade Specialist, AUSVEG
  • Frank Frappa, Executive GM of Avocado, Citrus, Grapes, International and Stone Fruit, Premier Fresh Australia

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-14054055 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100 2180 vegetables,horticulture,grower,export,Australia 1 4 full false European certification schemes, capsicum internal rot, Pirrone Brothers European certification schemes, capsicum internal rot, Pirrone Brothers Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • European certification schemes for horticulture and what they could mean for Australian vegetable growers
  • A levy-funded project investigating the causes and treatment of internal fruit rot of capsicum
  • Moving from sugar cane to groundbreaking vegetable grower with Syngenta Grower of the Year winner Pirrone Brothers

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Dr Jenny Ekman, Research Scientist, Applied Horticultural Research
  • Ross Pirrone, Business Manager, Pirrone Brothers

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • European certification schemes for horticulture and what they could mean for Australian vegetable growers
  • A levy-funded project investigating the causes and treatment of internal fruit rot of capsicum
  • Moving from sugar cane to groundbreaking vegetable grower with Syngenta Grower of the Year winner Pirrone Brothers

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Dr Jenny Ekman, Research Scientist, Applied Horticultural Research
  • Ross Pirrone, Business Manager, Pirrone Brothers

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-13849238 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +1100 1985 vegetables,horticulture,grower,capsicum,protected cropping,certification 1 3 full false Retail spotlight, benchmarking vegetable growers and Young Grower of the Year Retail spotlight, benchmarking vegetable growers and Young Grower of the Year Vegalogue is a new podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Retail is under the spotlight with the Government's Competition Policy Review and the Independent Reviewer's Food and Grocery Code survey
  • A new five-year project helping vegetable growers benchmark their business performance run by Planfarm
  • The challenges of starting a new vegetable operation from scratch with Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year, Robert Arvier of West Pine Ag

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Paul Omodei, Director of Horticulture, Planfarm
  • Peter Dobra, R&D Manager, Loose Leaf Lettuce Company
  • Robert Arvier, West Pine Ag

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a new podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Retail is under the spotlight with the Government's Competition Policy Review and the Independent Reviewer's Food and Grocery Code survey
  • A new five-year project helping vegetable growers benchmark their business performance run by Planfarm
  • The challenges of starting a new vegetable operation from scratch with Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year, Robert Arvier of West Pine Ag

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Paul Omodei, Director of Horticulture, Planfarm
  • Peter Dobra, R&D Manager, Loose Leaf Lettuce Company
  • Robert Arvier, West Pine Ag

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-13616112 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +1000 2423 1 2 full false Workforce shortages, managing leafy veg contamination and the Spud Sisters Workforce shortages, managing leafy veg contamination and the Spud Sisters Vegalogue is a new podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Workforce availability challenges arising from changes in Federal Government policy with AUSVEG's Lucy Gregg
  • Identifying and managing microbial contamination in leafy vegetables with the NSW DPI's SP Singh
  • Evolving from family farm to consumer-direct potato marketer with the Spud Sisters

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Dr Sukhvinder Pal (SP) Singh, Senior Research Scientist (Fresh Produce Safety and Traceability) with the NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Kerri Farrell and Catherine Ramage of Spud Sisters

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> Vegalogue is a new podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we'll be taking a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry.

This month, we discuss:

  • Workforce availability challenges arising from changes in Federal Government policy with AUSVEG's Lucy Gregg
  • Identifying and managing microbial contamination in leafy vegetables with the NSW DPI's SP Singh
  • Evolving from family farm to consumer-direct potato marketer with the Spud Sisters

Guests:

  • Lucy Gregg, AUSVEG's National Public Affairs Manager
  • Dr Sukhvinder Pal (SP) Singh, Senior Research Scientist (Fresh Produce Safety and Traceability) with the NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Kerri Farrell and Catherine Ramage of Spud Sisters

Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.

Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.

]]> AUSVEG Buzzsprout-13420023 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +1000 2409 1 1 full false