Armed with a PhD in ruminant nutrition and physiology from the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy College, and with experience in senior research roles at the University and the Thomas Elder Institute, Michael launched his own livestock nutrition consultancy in Naracoorte three years ago.

In this episode Michael unpacks learnings from the Dry Feed to Dollars project as part of SA Drought Hub's Decision Making for Drought.

He dives into smart, cost-effective strategies for managing dry feed during tough seasons, showing how targeted protein, mineral, and nitrogen supplementation can unlock more value from poor-quality pasture. Listen in for practical rules of thumb to boost feed utilisation, protect animal performance, reduce feed costs, turn dry feed into dollars and build more resilient livestock systems.

Nitrogen application doesn’t have to be a guessing game. In this episode, Dr Melissa Fraser and agronomist Lee Menhenett reveal how moisture, measurement and timing can transform your nitrogen strategy—and your bottom line.

Mel and Lee break down the tools, data and on-farm decisions that drive profitable, resilient cropping. Packed with smart tools, practical insights and memorable one-liners (yes—rainfall is a tool, not just pub bragging rights!), this lively, insightful conversation is full of farmer-tested wisdom, good humour, and a reminder that you can’t manage what you don’t measure.

The Mastering Nitrogen Application Seminar was held in July in Naracoorte.

Shownotes:

CliMate website : https://climateapp.net.au/

Yield Prophet Lite: https://www.yieldprophet.com.au/yplite/

Soil Moisture Probe: https://app.outpostcentral.com/remote/MFMGLogin.html

CoTL Mesonet: https://cotl.com.au/mesonet

Tom Kepcevejs is a Durum Breeder with Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) MFMG sponsor, and Australia’s largest plant breeding company and market leader in wheat genetics.

At the recent Southern Australia Durum Growers Association Crop Walk at Bordertown Tom took some time out to catch up with The Prosperous Farmer. Tom dives into the two new releases of durum wheat varieties - Rimfire and Banker - discussing their performance, their limitations, their yield, and how they stack up against common diseases for durum wheat.

Durum wheat in the Limestone Coast is a positive story, with a strong domestic market with San Remo together with a growing export market.

And what's with the variety names? And what do they have to do with the Melbourne Cup?