News

Connecting with young rice growers

By Sophie Baldwin

Aug 18, 2026

Agronomists Emille Azzopardi from Barham and Rhianna Beacham from Deniliquin, rice grower Emily Fasham from Wakool and RGA’s Perin Davey. Photo by Sophie Baldwin

The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia national industry event, Rice Connect, was held in Barham recently.

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The event featured a half-day session focusing on the next generation of rice growers and stakeholders.

Young rice grower Emily Fasham from Wakool said she wanted to improve her water knowledge and get a better foundation and overview of how water works.

Her family has been growing rice for around 50 years, along with winter cereals and legumes.

“Events like this are good for getting off the farm and networking, and often you get to hear other people’s perspectives, and things you might not have thought about in your own business,” she said.

Retiring executive director Graeme Kruger said part of Rice Connect this year was to encourage the young people in the industry to get involved.

“Water availability is critical to growing rice, and while it is divisive, it is part of the young people’s future, they need to be informed so they can have constructive and informed conversations with government and agencies,” he said.

The session included presentations from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, WaterNSW and NSWIC.