Next Generation Grain Growing

<p>Managing a family farm comes with big responsibility but my guest today has not only excelled in the running of Barunga Grains near Bute on the Northern Yorke Peninsula of South Australia – he’s made it his own. Technology has opened up a wealth of information many operators won’t even know exists. His work has just earned him a gong in the Farmer of the Year Awards where he won the Excellence in Technology category. James Venning is the man behind the data and joins me now. We discuss: </p> <ul> <li>James’ favourite place on the family farm.</li> <li>He specialises in many crops including wheat, barley, canola and lentils, and how consumers have driven change in the market. </li> <li>On the 4700 ha family farm, James shares how the sandy soil impacts the growing nature of the crops.</li> <li>James’ experience of growing up on the family farm and why he wanted to build a life there. </li> <li>How the humble lentil sparked James’ interest in technology which led him to introduce new practices with a technological focus.</li> <li>The innovations James is most proud of and, how they work.</li> <li>James has been able to map his farm’s PH through a process called ‘soil sensing.’ </li> <li>Utilising other tools like farm weather stations, a protein machine on the harvester and even satellite imagery.</li> <li>James’ observations of technology like his being introduced to farms and, how the older generations are embracing the changes. </li> <li>Volunteering his farm for various trials and leading by example when it comes to embracing change.</li> <li>James’ favourite thing about life on the land.</li> <li>The most unexpected thing to happen on the farm</li> <li>Common misconceptions about life on the land.</li> <li>James’ ultimate dream for the future of the family farm.  </li> </ul> <p>We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. <br />  <br />  <br /> Links:  <br /> <a href="https://angieasimus.com/">Angie Asimus</a><