Show Notes
Herbicides have long been the go-to for weed control, but what happens when they’re no longer enough? In this episode, we explore biological control and how it works alongside traditional methods to create more sustainable, long-term solutions. Featuring insights from NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services, we unpack real-world examples, the science behind biocontrol, and why collaboration across property boundaries is key to managing weeds effectively.
Key Moments [00:00:00] Australia ranks high for herbicide resistance risk. [00:02:00] What biological control is and how it works. [00:04:00] Why integrated weed management is essential. [00:06:00] Prickly pear success story with cochineal insects. [00:08:00] Rigorous testing ensures safe biocontrol release. [00:10:00] Biocontrol and herbicides work best together. [00:13:00] Collaboration across landholders drives outcomes. [00:16:00] Future tools like gene tech may shape weed control.
For a transcript of this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmv2C3SaTXfTpsz_lMdAXRkKhgbFTnN_/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103831811474414598304&rtpof=true&sd=true
Useful Links for Show Notes Good Neighbours Program https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/western/projects/good-neighbours-program NSW DPIRD Weed Biocontrol Best Practice Guide https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/invasive-plants-and-animals/weeds/identification-and-control/weeds-biocontrol WeedWise App (NSW WeedWise) https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/WeedWise The Pastoral Poddy is proudly brought to you by Western Local Land Services and is supported through funding from New South Wales Government as part of the Good Neighbours Program.
More from Pastoral Poddy - Australian Farming
What can your soil tell you about how your country is functioning? In this episode of the Pastoral Poddy, host Edgars Greste speaks with soil scientist Karl Anderson about what makes rangeland soils unique and how rainfall, landscape position and soil type influence productivity. Karl explores the role of carbon and organic matter, explains common constraints such as salinity and sodicity, and shares practical insights into groundcover, water infiltration and managing highly variable country. It’s a conversation about looking beneath the surface, understanding how soil systems function, and recognising what happens across the landscape when the rain finally arrives.
Can sheep be bred to produce less methane without sacrificing productivity? In this episode of the Pastoral Poddy, host Edgars Greste speaks with Ed Clayton, Livestock Research Officer with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, about the science and practical realities behind low methane sheep. Together they explore how methane is produced in ruminants, why emissions have become an important focus for the livestock industry, and how researchers are measuring methane production in individual sheep. The conversation also examines the NSW DPIRD Low Methane Sheep project, emerging opportunities in genetics and feed efficiency, research into pasture systems, and practical steps producers can take today to improve productivity while reducing emissions intensity. Whether you're curious about the science or looking for practical on-farm insights, this episode offers a grounded discussion on one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of livestock production.
In this episode of The Pastoral Potty, host Edgar Greste sits down with Brendan Cullen, who manages a 60,000 hectare sheep and cattle station southeast of Broken Hill, alongside Matt Kennedy from the Good Neighbours Program. Together, they explore the importance of coordinated pest and weed management across far western New South Wales, from tackling Hudson pear and wild dogs to building stronger communication and collaboration between neighbours. Brendan shares powerful reflections on mental health, vulnerability, and the parallels between asking for help personally and asking for support with biosecurity challenges on the land. This episode is a story of resilience, practical action, and the power of community in the bush.
How do you manage animals that don't recognise fence lines or property boundaries? Across New South Wales, vertebrate pests like feral pigs, deer, rabbits and foxes are causing millions of dollars in damage to agriculture every year, destroying crops, competing with livestock and impacting fragile ecosystems.
Are you concerned about invasive weeds or pests on your place? This four-part series focuses on working with neighbours to manage weeds and pests across boundaries in the rangelands. This episode features Local Land Services’ Dale Kirby and Matt Kennedy, from the NSW Government’s Good Neighbours Program.