As an organisation, we have put a lot of focus on the way we communicate with our members about the issues that directly impact their farming businesses. We have recently received some really good feedback about the fact based, concise information regarding the activities being undertaken by the RGA team who are working on your behalf.
As you will see in this edition of Rice Matters, there will be a focus piece on membership to the RGA and its benefits. Membership subs make up approximately 16% of our income, this is a large portion of our core funding used to represent your interests at all levels. I would encourage everyone to make sure their membership fees are up to date, which will ensure that you continue to receive up to date, fact based information for your business. If you have moved on from farming or just interested in the rice industry, please consider staying involved as an industry supporter.
With C20 harvest all but completed, we have heard that yields have been approximately 0.8 Tonne above the 5 year average, which is pleasing. It has been a slow dry down, with solid rainfall events during harvest. A lot of the paddy harvested this season will be set aside to replenish seed for what we hope will be a return to strong rice production in C21. Some good inflows have already been seen over the catchments, and with the area wet, hopefully we see the water resource continue to build.
With a great start to the winter cropping season across the
Riverina, planning for how much rice to sow, is front of mind. The RGA appreciates the amount of detail provided
in the latest SunRice Grower Update last week as we all consider our options.
With
some downward pressure on water markets and high demand for rice, I hope we can
be optimistic of a reasonable season. The question is, will the Covid-19 impact
on demand come to an end, and what will that mean for global rice pricing? To
gauge grower sentiments in relation to this, the RGA will be sending out a
short survey to members asking some questions about rice pricing, the timing of
its release, pool/contract options and what’s important for your planning. We
think that this will be a good way for members to give clear feedback to
SunRice. I would encourage everyone to participate and we welcome your
thoughts.
Robert Massina,
President,
Ricegrowers' Association of Australia
Photo: Anna and Camilla Massina appreciate the value of water, from an early age.