Professor David Lindsay reflects on a lifetime in agricultural science — from breakthroughs in animal fertility and nutrition to a deeper problem he believes still undermines science today: poor communication. In this episode, David explains why even brilliant scientists fail to connect with the public, how unclear writing and vague thinking erode trust, and why clarity, structure, and evidence matter more than ever. Along the way, he shares stories from the paddock, the lab, and the lecture theatre that reveal how real scientific progress is made. A thoughtful conversation on science, humility, and the responsibility that comes with expertise.

In this episode, Bill sits down with Professor Kevin Folta, molecular biologist at the University of Florida and host of the Talking Biotech podcast, to unpack the science, controversy, and real-world impact of genetic engineering in modern agriculture. From the early days of producing insulin in bacteria to the development of Bt crops and genetically engineered oilseeds, Professor Folta shares how biotechnology was built to solve practical farming problems and why resistance to these tools has grown despite nearly three decades of safe global use. The conversation dives into the communication breakdown between scientists and the public, exploring why data alone often fails to build trust. Kevin reflects on hard lessons learned engaging with concerned parents, the environmental movement, and policymakers, and explains why safety, transparency, and honesty matter more than technical jargon. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for farmers to step into the public conversation. As trusted voices, their role in sharing real experiences can drive meaningful change, one conversation at a time. As Professor Folta puts it, the science takes care of itself. The challenge now is ensuring farmers have access to every tool available to feed the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably.

Agronomist Wayne Smith opens up about the rise and fall of Kalooka Farms. The bold sheep and pasture project that pushed the limits of genetics, soil health and high-rainfall grazing in WA. He reveals what worked, what didn’t, and why he believes Australia is on the brink of a livestock renaissance despite industry bottlenecks and political setbacks. A clear, honest and highly practical conversation for anyone invested in the future of Australian agriculture.

Agronomist Wayne Smith has been behind some of the biggest shifts in Australian broadacre farming. In this episode, he joins Bill to unpack how no-till, better rotations, improved nutrition and smarter agronomy lifted WA cropping from two-tonne wheat to the high-yield systems farmers run today. Wayne shares the breakthroughs that changed everything from zinc, copper and molybdenum diagnostics to the early disc-seeder revolution, stubble retention, deep roots and the move toward earlier sowing. He also reflects on the cultural resistance of the 80s and 90s, the “yeah-but” years, and the mindset shifts that helped WA growers become global leaders in no-till cropping. A clear, honest and practical conversation for growers, agronomists and anyone wanting to understand why Australia’s grain yields have risen so dramatically.

Dr David Barron joins Bill to break down the real science behind herbicides, resistance, and the chemistry that transformed broadacre farming. From glyphosate myths to IMI-tolerant crops and future risks in global agriculture, this episode offers a grounded, evidence-based look at modern farming’s most debated topics. A concise, insightful listen for growers, agronomists, and industry professionals.

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, soil scientist and agricultural researcher, reveals the hidden science behind Western Australia’s most devastating crop challenge. In this expert interview with Bill ”No-Till Bill” Crabtree, discover why WA’s ancient soils are naturally acidic, how aluminium toxicity destroys root systems, and the practical lime strategies that can save your farm’s profitability. From pH chemistry to particle size selection, Dr. Carr breaks down decades of research into actionable insights for grain growers facing soil acidity problems. Learn why some crops fail while others survive, the real economics of lime application, and how to protect your soil investment for the long term. Essential listening for farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals dealing with acid soil challenges across Australia.

Former ABC journalist Owen Grieve joins Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree to unpack one of the most controversial topics in Australian agriculture, the live sheep export ban. They dive into how government policy, media narratives, and shifting public opinion are reshaping rural communities, farming livelihoods, and the future of Australian agriculture. A candid, thought-provoking episode for anyone who cares about the land, the farmers, and the truth behind the headlines.

Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree joins Rick Madden and Owen Grieve to share the untold story of how no-till farming transformed Western Australia’s Wheatbelt. From soil erosion and chemical debates to farmer-led innovation, this episode dives into the breakthroughs and challenges that shaped modern Australian agriculture.

From soil erosion and dust storms in Esperance to the rise of no-till farming across Western Australia, this episode of the 4Farmers Podcast explores one of the biggest revolutions in Australian agriculture. Host Bill Crabtree (“No-Till Bill”) sits down with Rick Madden, a pioneer of direct drilling, and Owen Grieve, veteran ABC Rural journalist, to reflect on the shift from ploughing to herbicide-based farming. Together they unpack the controversy around glyphosate, paraquat, and spray seed, and share the farmer-led innovations that reshaped the WA Wheatbelt. A must-listen for anyone interested in agriculture, sustainability, and the history of farming in WA.

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.

Bill “No-Till Bill” Crabtree and Cathy McKenna share decades of farming stories, from battling droughts and dust storms to pioneering no-till methods that transformed Australian agriculture.