Dr David Barron has spent a lifetime at the forefront of agricultural science, from early herbicide trials in the jungles of Sabah to leading Western Australia’s research into weed management, chemistry, and crop tolerance. In this episode, Bill dives deep with David into the real science behind herbicides, the myths that refuse to die, and the innovations that transformed broadacre farming.

David shares candid stories from his decades in the field, including the rise of selective herbicides, the origins of IMI-tolerant crops, the controversy around glyphosate, and why understanding natural resistance is critical for the future. He also unpacks emerging risks in global agriculture, from biosecurity threats to the coming wave of autonomous and drone-driven farming systems.

This conversation offers rare clarity and grounded scientific insight into one of the most misunderstood areas of modern agriculture.

In this episode:

• How selective chemistry reshaped Australian farming • The truth about glyphosate, DDT, and toxicity • The creation of IMI-tolerant wheats and why it mattered

A must-listen for growers, agronomists, researchers, and anyone who wants to understand the real science driving Australian agriculture.

Dr Bill Bowden has spent more than five decades shaping the way Western Australia understands soil, fertiliser strategy and plant nutrition. In this episode, he joins host Bill Crabtree for a candid conversation about the science, history and hard-won lessons behind modern cropping systems.

From the early days of superphosphate to the complexities of trace elements, root development, pH buffering and nutrient availability, Bill breaks down how WA’s most infertile soils became productive and what farmers must keep in mind as systems evolve.

Together they unpack: • The rise of phosphorus use and the foundations of soil testing in WA • Copper, zinc, manganese and why positional availability still matters • Root biology and the shift from input-focused thinking to system understanding • No-till, deep ripping and the long-running debate around disturbance • Rock phosphate, calcination and the realities of using alternative P sources • The biological engine driving soils from microbes to termites

A must-listen for growers, agronomists, researchers and anyone working to improve soil fertility and system resilience across Australian agriculture.

Dr. Steve Carr joins Bill "No-Till Bill" Crabtree for a deep dive into soil acidity, the silent crop killer affecting thousands of Western Australian farms. With decades of research experience from UWA and hands-on fieldwork in the Eastern Wheatbelt, Dr. Carr breaks down the complex science behind why WA's ancient soils are naturally acidic and how modern agriculture accelerates the problem.

Dr. Carr's expertise transforms complex soil chemistry into actionable knowledge that can save your crops and boost profitability. Whether you're battling stubborn acid patches or planning long-term soil health strategies, this episode delivers the scientific insights you need.

From decades in rural broadcasting to witnessing the rise and fall of major agricultural industries, former ABC journalist Owen Grieve joins Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree for one of the most honest and controversial conversations yet.

Together, they unpack the live sheep export ban, government policies that have shaped (and shaken) rural Australia, and the media’s role in shaping public perception of farmers. It’s a deep, unfiltered look at what’s really happening to Australia’s sheep industry and why it matters to every farming family.

Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, or simply curious about the truth behind the headlines, this episode shines a light on the stories that rarely make it to the city.

From battling wind erosion to leading the no-till revolution in Western Australia, Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree sits down with Rick Madden and Owen Grieve to reflect on the innovations, challenges, and breakthroughs that reshaped farming across the WA Wheatbelt.

Together, they share raw, funny, and insightful stories about the shift from conventional tillage to direct drilling, the machinery and chemical innovations that made it possible, and the farmer-led movement that spread from WA to the world.

In this episode: • Life in the WA Wheatbelt and the challenges of farming in the 1980s • How no-till farming transformed Australian agriculture • The science and debate around chemicals, soil health, and sustainability • Stories of resilience, community, and lessons learned on the land

Whether you’re a farmer, ag professional, or simply curious about the people behind modern agriculture, this episode offers a rare look into the highs, lows, and lasting impact of no-till farming in Australia.

From dust storms and soil erosion in Esperance to the birth of no-till farming in Western Australia, this episode of the 4Farmers Podcast captures a turning point in Australian agriculture.

Host Bill Crabtree (“No-Till Bill”) is joined by Rick Madden, one of WA’s early champions of direct drilling and minimum tillage, and Owen Grieve, long-time ABC Rural journalist. Together, they share the stories, challenges, and breakthroughs that reshaped farming across the Wheatbelt.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about: • Life and farming in the WA Wheatbelt during the 1970s–1990s • How no-till farming and direct drilling transformed agriculture in Australia • The early debates over chemicals, herbicides, glyphosate, and paraquat • Farmer-led innovation in Esperance, Katanning, and Kondinin • Lessons in resilience, sustainability, and community from decades on the land

Whether you’re a farmer, agricultural professional, or simply curious about how modern farming practices evolved, this episode offers a rare and personal look at the no-till revolution in Western Australia.

In this episode, Cathy McKenna interviews Bill Crabtree - better known as No-Till Bill about his remarkable journey from growing up on a family farm in WA’s Wheatbelt to becoming a global leader in no-till agriculture. Bill shares personal stories of life as one of ten children, early lessons on tractors and soil, and the challenges of studying and working in agriculture at a time of massive change.

Together, Bill and Cathy explore the science of soil health, the revolution of no-tillage farming, the role of trace elements, and the resilience required to adapt through droughts, dust storms, and market crashes. They also reflect on global farming practices from Canada to Brazil, and how Australian agriculture continues to innovate and inspire.

Whether you’re a grower, agronomist, or simply curious about the people behind farming’s biggest shifts, this candid conversation is part history lesson, part masterclass and proof that challenging the status quo can change the future of agriculture.

In today’s episode, from droughts and dust storms to pioneering no-till farming, Bill Crabtree and Cathy McKenna share raw, funny, and inspiring stories from decades in Australian agriculture. Hear their journey from university mates to industry leaders, tackling the science, challenges, and triumphs of life on the land. Perfect for farmers, ag-industry professionals, and anyone interested in the individuals shaping modern farming.