District rice growers have been celebrated at the industry’s night of nights, with some Southern Riverina growers earning top awards.
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The most coveted prize of the night - SunRice Grower of the Year - was awarded to Noorong farmers Michael and Felicia Chalmers.
The presentation was made as part of the annual Rice Industry Awards on Thursday night, held during the three-day Australian Rice Conference in Leeton.
Now in its seventh year, the annual awards celebrate excellence in rice growing, showcasing innovation in production, irrigation, and water efficiency across the industry.
The Chalmers’ were recognised for their “outstanding achievements in production, profitability, and sustainability”.
Rice Extension’s Mark Groat praised the couple’s strategic approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
“Michael and Felicia’s farm is a model of excellence,” he said.
“Their results speak volumes, and their dedication to innovation and sustainability is what sets them apart.”
The Chalmers’ are third-generation rice growers.
They have spent the past eight years building their independent farming enterprise at Noorong - between Wakool and Moulamein - with a strong focus on water efficiency, soil health, and trialling new technologies.
Their success is rooted in collaboration and a willingness to learn from others.
“We often talk to other growers, not just in our area but across regions,” Mr Chalmers said.
“That’s how we mastered the Koshi growing trick of withholding nitrogen to prevent lodging.
“Sharing knowledge is key.”
Their farm features a full water storage and recycling system, and they’re currently implementing automated irrigation and redesigning paddock layouts to support direct drill sowing.
They’ve also partnered with Murray Irrigation Limited and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to restore natural habitat on their property.
Irrigation Research and Extension Committee executive officer Iva Quarisa was impressed by the Chalmers’ data-driven decision-making.
“They use spreadsheets, soil testing, and every bit of information they can gather to ensure optimal returns.”
As last year’s award winner, Deniliquin grower Josh Small was on the judging panel for this year’s award.
He said he was equally impressed with the Chalmers’ community involvement.
“Their environmental water project is just one example of how they go beyond their own farm to contribute to the industry,” Mr Small said.
Accepting the award from SunRice chair Laurie Arthur, the Chalmers’ emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“We’re honoured to receive this award and proud to be part of such a strong and innovative rice growing community,” Mr Chalmers said.
The SunRice Grower of the Year Award includes a $10,000 support package for business development and a nomination for the Australian Farmer of the Year Award.
Judging is based on seven key areas: production and agronomy, water use efficiency, innovation and technology, business management, sustainability, work health and safety, and industry and community involvement.
Another big winner was John Lolicato from the Western Murray Valley (Barham/Wakool), who received the Grower Industry Contribution Award.
This recognised his exceptional contributions to the rice industry beyond his own farming operations.
Two Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) Honorary Councillor Awards were also presented by RGA president Peter Herrmann.
Honoured for their “enduring contributions to the success of the Australian rice industry” were Peter Draper and Neil Bull.
A number of local growers were also represented in the two separate highest yield award categories.
Awards were presented for the highest yield per irrigation area, with the Overall Highest Yield Award going to Carlisle Park in the Murrumbidgee area.
Highest Yield Awards regional winners were:
• Western Murray Valley - The Martin Family of Farm 17, who achieved 15.88 tonnes per hectare on 85ha; an impressive 37 per cent above the regional average.
• Eastern Murray Valley - Martin Morona, for a yield of 15.92t/ha on 62ha; 33 per cent above the regional average.
• Coleambally Irrigation Area - Shane Mannes of SG and KM Mannes, with 15.61t/ha on 124ha; 28 per cent above the regional average.
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area - Nathan Cauduro of Carlisle Park, with 16.10t/ha on 126ha; 21 per cent.
The Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield Awards were then presented to recognise top yields by rice variety.
Winners were as follows:
• Topaz - Brett Turner of R & R Turner Management, with 12.75t/ha on 41ha; 29 per cent above the variety average.
• Langi - Craig Bradshaw of C & A Bradshaw, with 12.30t/ha on 27ha; 19 per cent above average.
• Opus - The Strong family of TB & WJ Strong, with 12.82t/ha on 56ha; 26 per cent above average.
• Koshihikari - Kevin Warren of KJ & MT Warren, with 11.10t/ha on 64ha; 23 per cent above average.
• Sherpa - Josh Small of Rivena Nominees, with 14.81t/ha on 125ha; 23 per cent above average.
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