Phosphorus can be a complex beast, particularly when coupled with managing alkaline black flats and calcareous soils found in the Limestone Coast.

In direct response to growers keen to learn more on how to leverage its potential, Adam Hancock and the team established a trial site at Bool Lagoon comparing novel phosphorus treatment ideas and strategies.

How does liquid application compare with granular? Broadcasting or deep banding? What are the key barriers to uptake, particularly in the face of seasonal challenges?

With the mantra of 'replace what you remove', Adam unpacks how using yield maps and soil variability data to tailor phosphorus replacement rates can improve long-term nutrient management and paddock performance.

The Prosperous Farmer catches up with spray drift specialist Mary O’Brien following the Best Practice Spray Application Workshop in Naracoorte. Drawing on her experience as a former regulator and industry advisor, Mary shares practical, no-nonsense insights into responsible chemical use, spray drift prevention, and protecting agriculture’s social licence.

From understanding inversion conditions and wind movement to choosing the right nozzle, maintaining accurate records, and managing water quality, Mary outlines the critical decisions that sit firmly in the hands of spray operators. She explains why compliance with chemical labels is non-negotiable, how good record-keeping can protect farmers, and why a few simple tweaks can prevent costly mistakes and industry conflict.

TPF previously caught up with Mary O'Brien in Season 3, Episode 2 with 'Are You Bogged Mate?'.

Having a robust risk management strategy in place is part and parcel of a farming business, a fact Chris Matthews Principal of MGA Naracoorte knows well. Chris is a long time supporter of the MacKillop Group, a former chair and board member serving in its early years throughout the nineties. MGA Naracoorte is a long term sponsor and is currently a Gold Sponsor.

In this episode Chris shares the highlights of his thirty year journey in the insurance industry, underpinned by his strong sense of community and connection with farming businesses.

What does a robust risk management strategy look like? And when a crisis hits, where does a brokers role begin and end?

*content relates to a major Limestone Coast fire event and may be triggering for some listeners.