Roger Clough and Graham Menzies

Australia’s major rice processor and marketer, SunRice, based in Leeton in the NSW Riverina, supports rice growers in their endeavour to improve productivity and sustainability.

SunRice’s field services officer, Roger Clough, offers technical advice on production and harvesting to producers. ‘To continue the supply of the average 1.3 million tonnes of rice needed annually, we need a productive and financially sound industry,’ he said.

An industry advocate for the PROfarm workshop Rice for Profit, a course developed and delivered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Mr Clough said that, by keeping up with the latest research and development, growers could continually improve their management practices and yields.

‘Because of its practical approach, the workshop is an ideal learning opportunity for those who are new to the industry, and experienced growers are able to update their knowledge of rice cropping systems and the management required for optimum rice yields.’

Griffith rice producer Graham Menzies has been in rice and wheat production for more than 40 years and agrees that keeping on top of the latest research in the industry is important.

‘Rice is very technically complicated with regard to chemicals and the fact that we’re growing a tropical crop in a non-tropical climate. Developing new varieties is also a part of our farming business,’ Mr Menzies explained.

‘The Rice for Profit course is good for young people coming into the industry. It allows the young participants to update their skills and it’s a great refresher for the older ones.’

‘One of the great strengths of our industry is the amount of excellent research that is ongoing and the people who are readily available for us to consult about any problems or issues.’

It’s important for farmers to gain a hands-on understanding, not only of the growing processes, but also of marketing, crucial to any commodity – and this is what the course offers.

Other topics covered in the Rice for Profit workshop include managing the rice production system, preparing the field and irrigator layout, crop establishment and sowing methods, growth stages, fertiliser application, weed management, water management, rice varieties, pests and diseases, targeting top yields, gross margins and aerial imaging.

Roger Clough said good management practices were essential for successful rice production.

‘In order to improve crop yields, growers are consistently seeking new rice varieties, and see this as being one of the pillars of long-term sustainability,’ he explained.

‘Weed control is also of absolute importance in rice production. There are changes with new herbicides, and, in some cases, the development of resistance, which is why remaining at the forefront with herbicide knowledge is critical.’

The Rice for Profit workshop is coordinated by John Lacy, NSW DPI Rice Farming Systems Leader. Workshop speakers include rice research staff, district agronomists, leading rice growers and industry representatives.

The three-day course provides access to the latest research and best management practices for profitable and sustainable rice production.