About this workshop

Want better pest control without blowing the budget? This hands-on workshop will give NT vegetable growers the practical skills and know-how to make smarter spray decisions, improve crop and soil health, and get the most value from every tank mix.

At this workshop, you’ll learn how to manage pests more effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your crops – and your bottom line.

Please note that the time of the workshop is to be confirmed.

Topics covered

Getting the most from your sprays – how to read and use chemical labels correctly, avoid resistance, and choose the right product for the job.
Practical pest control – simple principles to save time, reduce waste, and improve results.
Monitoring and identification – how to monitor effectively and identify common NT pests and beneficial insects.

Meet the speakers

Dr Brian Thistleton – Principal Entomologist, NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
With over 50 years’ experience in tropical horticultural entomology, Brian is a national leader in pest diagnostics and management, including pioneering work on fall armyworm. In 2024, he was recognised with the NT Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector.

Callum Hutcheson – Senior Agronomist, Elders
Callum works with growers across the Darwin rural area and Katherine region to develop sustainable, profitable farming solutions. His expertise includes integrated pest management (IPM), nutrition management, and spray efficiency.

Mariah Maughan – VegNET Regional Development Officer NT, NT Farmers Federation
Mariah delivers one-on-one support, workshops, and field trials to NT vegetable growers. With a background in Northern WA agriculture and five years at DPIRD, she focuses on practical, grower-led solutions to boost productivity and profitability.

More Information

Contact Isabella Ellmers, Applied Horticultural Research, 0414 441 215 or isabella.ellmers@ahr.com.au

Acknowledgement

Thank you to Mariah Maughan and VegNET for their support in delivering this workshop.