18. How AI Will Change Farming Forever | Guy Coleman on Precision Agriculture

18. How AI Will Change Farming Forever | Guy Coleman on Precision Agriculture

What happens when agriculture meets artificial intelligence? In this episode, Bill Crabtree interviews rising weed science researcher Guy Coleman about the future of precision agriculture and how AI, robotics, computer vision, and autonomous machines are changing the battle against weeds. The discussion covers laser weeders, smart sprayers, herbicide resistance, harvest weed seed control, and the growing role of machine learning in farming systems worldwide. A fascinating conversation for farmers, agronomists, ag-tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about where agriculture is heading next.

17. Solving Soil, Water & Yield Problems with Chemistry

In this 17th episode, Bill we sat down with David Seagreen, a chemist, innovator, and one of the minds behind some of the most interesting developments in modern agriculture. From growing up in a farming community in South Africa to building a fertilizer company in Western Australia, David shares the journey that shaped his thinking around soil, water, and plant nutrition. We dive into: * The real problem with water use in farming * Why traditional approaches don’t always work * The science behind products like Aquifer and CalBud * How nanotechnology and surface area can impact plant growth * And how small changes in application can lead to major differences in yield This isn’t theory, it’s decades of hands-on experimentation, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries in agriculture. If you’re interested in improving water efficiency, understanding soil behavior, or just thinking differently about farming inputs, this episode is worth your time.

16. What 23 Years in Agriculture Taught Me (Real Talk)

Farming isn’t just about crops, it’s about constant learning. In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Lemon to unpack his journey from South Australia to Western Australia, and how he spent over two decades helping shape farming systems in Esperance. From early canola trials to soil challenges and major industry shifts, this is a grounded, experience-driven conversation about agriculture at its core.

15. From Barley to Breakthrough: The Untold Story of Mohawk Wheat

In this 15th episode, we sit down with Kevin Young, one of Western Australia’s most respected agricultural minds, to unpack decades of innovation, failure, and breakthrough in crop science. From his early days in barley agronomy to pioneering high-yield systems, Kevin shares how farming evolved from 2-ton crops to 6–8 ton potential, and what made that shift possible. We dive deep into: * The rise of no-till farming * The science behind yield improvements * Lessons from decades in plant breeding * The reality of failure in agriculture * And the development of Mohawk, a winter wheat variety changing how farmers think about early sowing This episode is both technical and deeply human, a story of persistence, curiosity, and long-term impact on Australian agriculture. Whether you’re a farmer, agronomist, or just curious about how food systems evolve, this is one conversation worth listening to.

14. The Future of Farming: Politics, GM Crops, Energy & Global Food

In this episode of 4Farmers, Bill sits down with Trevor Whittington for a wide-ranging conversation that moves far beyond agronomy. Trevor comes from a long farming lineage in Western Australia and has spent decades working across agriculture, agri-politics, government policy, and international affairs. From growing up on the land to advising ministers and working in Indigenous pastoral enterprises, Trevor brings a unique perspective on the challenges facing modern agriculture. This conversation explores everything from soil science and farming innovation to global geopolitics, energy policy, and the future of food production. Topics discussed include: * The changing landscape of Western Australian agriculture * Why farm sizes are increasing and farmer numbers are declining * The role of GM crops and agricultural technology * Indigenous land ownership and pastoral station management * Global grain markets and future commodity prices * Population trends and their impact on food demand * Energy policy, nuclear power, and farming economics * The intersection of agriculture and geopolitics Trevor shares insights drawn from decades of experience in policy, farming, and international travel across more than 60 countries. The episode offers a candid look at the forces shaping the future of agriculture, from the paddock to global politics.