Show Notes
In this episode of GRDC In Conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Queensland Department of Primary Industries extension officer Henry Baskerville in Toowoomba to unpack the role of extension, soil health and decision making in modern grain farming.
Although Henry didn’t grow up on a farm, a passion for agriculture, soils and working outdoors led him into the grains industry and eventually into extension. From travelling across Queensland collecting soil samples to working alongside growers on-farm, Henry shares why helping people make better decisions and being part of the learning process is what drives his work.
The conversation explores grower-led research, soil health challenges, RiskWi$e and how farmers approach risk and decision making. Henry also dives into the future of ag tech, AI, robotics and “digital twins”, while reflecting on why the people in agriculture are what keep him passionate about the industry.
This episode explores:
- How Henry’s pathway from wildlife science and dairy farming led him into the grains industry and extension
- Why soil health has become such an important focus across Australian grain growing systems
- The role of extension officers in connecting growers, researchers and practical on-farm outcomes
- Why grower-led research and participation creates stronger learning and adoption
- The importance of collaboration between researchers and growers when designing projects and trials
- How RiskWi$e is helping growers better understand risk, reward and decision making
- The hidden complexity behind grower decision making around inputs like nitrogen
- Why growers often balance profitability with environmental outcomes and long-term soil health
- The growing role of ag technology, satellite imagery and mapping tools in agriculture
- How AI, robotics and digital twins could shape the future of farming
- Why technology needs to focus on practical decision making rather than just producing more data
- The value of curiosity, adaptability and learning through doing in agriculture
- Why the people in agriculture are what continue to drive Henry’s passion for the industry
Watch this episode as a video on YouTube
More information
https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/agronomy/soil-and-nutrition/riskwi$e-road-tour
GRDC in Conversation is a limited series GRDC Podcast. It features in-depth interviews with growers and other experts in the grains industry who share their expertise, knowledge and experiences by exploring their personal stories, history, influences and motivations. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of GRDC, the interviewees’ employer, institution or other associated parties.
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