The 4Farmers Podcast

About The 4Farmers Podcast

Join Bill Crabtree known worldwide as No-Till Bill, a global keynote speaker and leading authority on no-till farming and Cathy McKenna, seasoned sales strategist, as they unpack the strategies, science, and stories behind providing Australian farmers with low-cost, high-quality agricultural chemicals. Both Bill and Cathy are former large-scale farmers who understand firsthand the constraints, challenges, and stresses of dryland farming. With Bachelor degrees in Agricultural Science and Bill also holding a Master’s in Soil Science, they bring a rare blend of academic expertise and practical, in-the-paddock experience. With over 30 years of industry impact, 4Farmers unites farmers, ex-farmers, and scientists to deliver practical insights, local know-how, and industry updates that matter. Each episode dives into agronomic best practice, emerging products, seasonal challenges, and how to get the right product, at the right price, at the right time. Whether you’re managing wheat and other cool-season crops and other weeds or pests, or optimising crop protection strategies, this is your go-to for trustworthy advice and real-world solutions. 4Farmers… for farmers.

Publisher

Bill Crabtree

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2025

Latest episode

11 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Sept 2026

   24. From Zimbabwe to WA: Professor Ken Flower on No-Till, Weeds & the Future of Farming

   In this 24th episode, Bill sits down with Professor Ken Flower to explore a remarkable career spanning Zimbabwe, the UK and Western Australia, and a lifetime of work in agronomy, weed science and farming systems. Ken shares how growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe shaped his path into agriculture, from early work in tobacco research and weed control to completing postgraduate studies in weed science and eventually moving into academic research. The conversation dives into the evolution of no-till farming, why early systems often struggled, and the key changes that helped no-till become a practical and widely adopted approach. Ken also reflects on the major differences between farming systems in Zimbabwe and Western Australia, particularly around input use, scale and efficiency. Now a Professor at the University of Western Australia, Ken is working at the intersection of agronomy, herbicide resistance, weed mapping and emerging technology. He discusses how AI, computer algorithms and better use of historical data could help farmers and researchers better understand weed distribution and improve future weed management. Topics covered include: • Ken’s farming background and early career in Zimbabwe• Tobacco agronomy and weed control• The transition from conventional cultivation to no-till• Moving to Western Australia and joining WANTFA• Herbicide resistance and weed management• Weed mapping and data-driven agriculture• The opportunities and limitations of AI in farming• What the future of agronomy could look like A fascinating conversation about how farming systems evolve, what we can learn from the past, and where technology may take agriculture next. Subscribe for more conversations with farmers, researchers and industry leaders shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

2. 

   3 Sept 2026

   23. The Story Behind 4Farmers: Family, Farming & What Comes Next

   In this special 23rd episode of the 4Farmers Podcast, Bill sits down with Jacinta Patterson and Cameron Beeck to explore the story, people and future behind 4Farmers. First, Jacinta Patterson shares what it was like growing up in the Patterson family and watching 4Farmers grow from its early beginnings into a business that has spent more than 30 years supporting Australian farmers. She reflects on her parents Phil and Wendy Patterson, the unconventional early days of the company, and the family values that continue to shape the business today. Then, Bill speaks with 4Farmers General Manager Cameron Beeck about his journey from growing up on a WA farm to agricultural science, plant breeding and spending 14 years living and working in Mozambique. Cameron shares his perspective on farming systems, food security, agricultural innovation and the challenges of introducing new technology in different farming environments. The conversation finishes with Cameron’s vision for the next chapter of 4Farmers, using practical research, field trials and innovative thinking to develop better solutions for Australian growers. A conversation about family, farming, innovation and continuing to make a positive impact on agriculture.

3. 

   28 Aug 2026

   23. From Family Roots to the Future of 4Farmers | Jacinta Patterson & Cameron Beeck

   In this special two-part episode of the 4Farmers Podcast, Bill sits down with Jacinta Patterson and Cameron Beeck to explore the story, people and future behind 4Farmers. First, Jacinta Patterson shares what it was like growing up in the Patterson family and watching 4Farmers grow from its early beginnings into a business that has spent more than 30 years supporting Australian farmers. She reflects on her parents Phil and Wendy Patterson, the unconventional early days of the company, and the family values that continue to shape the business today. Then, Bill speaks with 4Farmers General Manager Cameron Beeck about his journey from growing up on a WA farm to agricultural science, plant breeding and spending 14 years living and working in Mozambique. Cameron shares his perspective on farming systems, food security, agricultural innovation and the challenges of introducing new technology in different farming environments. The conversation finishes with Cameron’s vision for the next chapter of 4Farmers, using practical research, field trials and innovative thinking to develop better solutions for Australian growers. A conversation about family, farming, innovation and continuing to make a positive impact on agriculture.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

3.8 / 5

6 ratings

Contact The 4Farmers Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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