The Rice Industry Awards have been launched as growers wrap up a successful harvest with all growing regions recording crops exceeding 16T/ha, and every variety outpacing its five-year average.
Rice Extension manager Mark Groat said the awards are designed to showcase the best in the business and highlight irrigation and rice industry innovation, as well as the approach that succeeds in agriculture.
“Over the last 100 years of producing rice, our best growers have never been content to stand still but have always looked for the next innovation or best practice change,” he said.
“This is one of the secrets to the success of the rice industry and the awards look to celebrate that.”
Deniliquin rice growing couple Josh and Emily Small were last year’s SunRice Grower of the Year Award winners, and encourage growers to nominate themselves, neighbours, or any rice grower who they know to be doing a great job.
“The awards are not about putting yourself up on a pedestal but rather showcasing what a wonderful crop rice is and achievements we are making as an industry,” Mr Small said.
“It’s also about recognising the depth of support in the industry for people growing rice and getting the story out to the broader community about how sustainable we are as rice growers.”
The 2025 winner will receive $10,000 to be spent on personal or business development, and will be invited to be a member of the crop year 2026 judging panel.
They will also be nominated for the Australian Farmer of the Year Award.
Judges look for excellence in production and agronomy, water use efficiency, innovation and technology, business management, sustainability, work health and safety, and industry and community involvement.
Nominations close Sunday, June 22 and winner announced at the Australian Rice Conference Gala Dinner to be held in Leeton in August.
Other awards to be presented are Port of Melbourne Regional and Highest Yield for C25 Award, Yenda Producers Specialty Variety Awards for C25 Award, RGA Honorary Councillor Award, Contribution to Industry Award, and Excellence in Research, Advisory and Extension.
For more information and to nominate for the 2025 Rice Industry Awards visit Rice Extension on Facebook, Instagram and X @RiceExtension.
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