Reflecting on Four Years of service

Peter Herrmann

President, Ricegrowers' Association | 2022 - 2026

Members, friends - isn't the ongoing rain terrific 👌 These are exciting times to be around the RGA. The vibrant and hopeful association you have today is continually rejuvenating. We have a youthful, motivated Board and Central Executive. It is my pleasure to lead, support and be engaging with directors, staff and members to benefit our great industry. Reputation is the RGA's most valuable asset - nationwide our agricultural advocacy holds utmost respect. Organisations need cash as well. Thanks to good management we are stable, while needing to be continually agile to sustain the organisation. Please remain willing in your contribution to the RGA in many practical ways. Succession is crucial to any organisation. A measure of the RGA's maturity is willingness to engage succession as a natural part of running a successful association. My four years as RGA President have been the most rewarding I have served in a representative role. I am proud to remain part of the story in continuing to serve as a Director. I commend Justin Sutherland as the incoming RGA President and welcome Perin Davey to the RGA Executive Director role.

All the best for the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

Justin Sutherland

President, Ricegrowers' Association

It is an honour to provide my first update to members as President of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia. I am incredibly proud to take on this role and grateful for the confidence and support of our members. The RGA has a long and proud history of representing rice growers and advocating for a strong and sustainable rice industry, and I look forward to building on that work.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Peter Herrmann for his contribution and leadership during his four years as President. The work of our past and current Presidents, RGA Board, CE Delegates and members has played an important role in strengthening the Association, and I look forward to building on that work as we move forward.

I also want to pay tribute to Graeme Kruger for his outstanding contribution and leadership over the past 10 years as Executive Director. The RGA is deeply grateful for the commitment, dedication and hard work Graeme has given to our organisation and our industry. His contribution has helped shape the RGA into the strong organisation it is today, and we are very fortunate to have the legacy of his work to build on.

As we move forward, my focus will be on ensuring the RGA remains a strong and effective voice for rice growers. Water, RD&E, industry sustainability, and the future of our communities will continue to be important areas of focus. Just as importantly, I want to ensure our Association remains connected to our members and that the issues affecting growers on the ground are reflected in our advocacy.

A big thank you to all our members who attended Rice Connect. It was great to see so many members come together, connect and celebrate the achievements of our industry. One thing that really stood out during the Industry Awards was the innovation being demonstrated across our industry, with many of the award recipients recognised for the new ideas, practices and approaches they are bringing to their farms and businesses. It was a great reminder of the capability and forward-thinking nature of our growers and the strength of our industry.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to representing you as we continue to advocate for a strong Australian rice industry.

A Farewell from the Executive Director

Graeme Kruger

Executive Director, Ricegrowers' Association | 2016 - 2026

Friday 21 August was my last day at the helm of the RGA. It’s been a privilege and an honour to serve rice growers, the rice industry and the wider agriculture sector for just over 10 years. Being awarded Honorary Councillor at the rice industry awards was a big surprise and something I will hold dear to my heart. This was only possible because of the amazing leaders and staff I have had the opportunity to work with. An amazing team of people. Thank you to Jeremy Morton, Rob Massina and Peter Herrmann and the RGA board for your leadership and direction during my tenure.

I leave with a full heart and confidence the RGA is in excellent hands. Perin Davey has hit the ground running already and I wish her all the best.

I will remain a member of this fantastic organisation that is now part of me.

Please stay in touch.

Shaping the Next Chapter

Perin Davey

Executive Director, Ricegrowers' Association

I am excited to be taking on the role of Executive Director of the RGA. While we have our challenges, we also have plenty of opportunities. I hope everyone has been able to take advantage of the supplementary flow events that have occurred in the Murray and Murrumbidgee and that we see further allocation growth.

My first week in the job saw me join other agricultural leaders in Canberra for the NFF Leaders' Summit. While there I took the opportunity to have a range of meetings in Parliament including with the Water Minister, Minister for Industry and Minister for Regional Development as well as opposition members and David Farley. It gave me the opportunity to highlight how vulnerable our industry is to poor water policy. Rice growers need confidence to grow, and that confidence comes from two things: reliable access to water and certainty that there will be a profitable market for their product. We need policies that support, rather than reduce, agricultural production.

Last week I was in Shepparton at the Murray Darling Association conference where I participated in panels on the SDL Adjustment Mechanism and on the social and economic impacts of water reform. I spoke of the local impacts that are not reflected in the broad-brush basin-scale economic reviews relied on by Government. I challenged the department representatives to come to Leeton or Deniliquin to tell the laid-off mill workers that the Basin Plan is only having an "insignificant" impact.

There is a lot on the agenda going forward and I am looking forward to working hard to ensure the RGA represents you effectively.

RGA Renewed Membership Proposition Survey

Over the past 12 months the RGA has undertaken a review of its strategy, purpose and long-term sustainability to ensure we remain strong, independent and effective in representing rice growers into the future. As part of this process the RGA board has developed a renewed membership funding proposition and would like to hear from members for consideration and approval.

Please vote and provide your feedback!

"Would you opt in to a subscription model that merges the RGA membership fee and the former RMB levy? The RGA Board believe this initiative will broaden grower representation and create a more sustainable association for all growers and industry."

Click the link to complete the survey → RGA Renewed Membership Proposition Survey

RGA Calls for a New Era of Basin Water Management in Water Act Review

Last week, the RGA lodged our submission to the review of the Water Act 2007, arguing that after nearly two decades of Basin reform the focus should shift from recovering more water to achieving better outcomes with the water already recovered. We make the argument that the Act has been implemented with an overly strong focus on environmental water recovery at the expense of social and economic outcomes. The RGA is calling for amendments that give equal statutory weight to environmental, social and economic considerations, strengthen assessment of community impacts, protect water entitlement reliability and recognise the importance of irrigated agriculture, food production and regional economies in the national interest.

The submission also recommends streamlining Water Resource Plans, reducing duplication across Basin institutions and providing greater flexibility for environmental water management including trade. It argues that future environmental gains are more likely to come from complementary measures such as fish passage, habitat restoration, invasive species control, water quality improvements and infrastructure upgrades, rather than further reductions to the consumptive pool.

Overall, the RGA says the review should propose a transition from water recovery to water management focused on delivering environmental outcomes while maintaining productive farming industries and resilient regional communities.

Climate-Smart Agriculture | Rice Industry Baseline Knowledge Questionnaire

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) focuses on management practices and decision-making that improve the long-term health and condition of soil, water-use efficiency and on-farm biodiversity. SunRice Group is running a pilot program to support climate‑smart practices on rice farms, helping ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in a changing climate. As an individual or business who is involved in the rice industry, we would love to hear your thoughts in this survey. Please select the statement that best represents your opinion. All responses are anonymous.

Click here to complete the survey → Climate-Smart Agriculture - Rice Industry Baseline Knowledge Questionnaire

Rice Extension CY27 Pre-Sowing Meetings

Hosted on-farm, these sessions will provide the latest information ahead of planting, helping growers prepare for the season and make informed decisions with confidence.

What to expect:

Seasonal outlook and conditions update
Pre-sowing management best-practice recommendations
Optimising crop establishment
Current industry priorities and developments
Opportunities for grower questions and discussion

Key details:
Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm

MIA location - Trent Temporali’s, Casserley Rd, Warrawidgee
MV location – Laurie Arthur’s, Dhuragoon Rd, Moulamein

Thursday 10 September 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm

MIA location - Nathan Crowley’s, Hamilton Rd, Bilbul
MV location - Peter Burke’s, Willows Rd, Coree

Rice Extension Program Update

Growers are encouraged to complete the survey below and have their say on what rice extension should look like beyond CY27. Your feedback will help inform future extension priorities and delivery models for the industry and ensure continuity in activities that deliver the greatest on-farm value.

Click here to complete the survey → Rice Extension - Tell us what you value! Survey

AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2027-32

A new five-year RD&E Plan will guide future investment in the rice industry: The AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2027-2032 sets the direction for research, development and extension investments, with a focus on improving water productivity, farm profitability and innovation in a more water-constrained operating environment.

Four priority areas will drive industry growth and resilience: The Plan focuses on productive and efficient rice systems; genetics, variety and product value; resilience, sustainability and operation; and adoption, capability and coordination. Together, these priorities aim to improve productivity, sustainability and industry competitiveness.

Previous RD&E investments have delivered strong returns: Between 2021 and 2026, more than $56 million was invested across 63 projects, generating an estimated $202 million in industry value. The new Plan builds on successes such as the Rice Management Dashboard and advances through Rice Breeding Australia, while placing greater emphasis on translating research into on-farm outcomes.

Rice Program RD&E Plan 2027-32: AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2027-32 | AgriFutures Australia

Plan on a Page: Project snapshot: AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2027-32 | AgriFutures Australia

RGA Landcare is a proud supporter of the Edward River Council Rural Tree Planting Scheme.

This scheme encourages landholders to plant native vegetation to enhance the biodiversity of the region. Orders are now open for ERC ratepayers to purchase subsidised trees grown by McKindlays Riverine Nursery for delivery in May 2027. A species list and order form can be found here. Orders close Friday 18 September 26.

NSW Landcare Conference – Early Bird registrations closing soon

Taking place 27–29 October 2026 in Corowa, along the beautiful Murray River, this year’s theme, “The Sum of It All,” brings Landcare and Local Land Services communities together to share ideas, experiences, achievements, and explore the work shaping our landscapes, communities, and future. Our very own Neil Bull will be giving a talk on the history of Landcare in the Murray and the formation of the Murray Landcare Collective. Other Murray locals speaking include Hayley Pattison (Wakool), Dr John Conallin (Deniliquin) and Marg Bull and Liz Mecham (Conargo). RGA Landcare will also be hosting a Sustainable Rice tour on Day 2 of the conference.

More information and tickets are available here: NSW Landcare & LLS Conference | Corowa '26

Last month, RGA Landcare partnered with Southern Growers and Murray LLS to hold two Office Efficiency and Xero workshops in Deniliquin and Finley.

Carman Quade from Agrifocused ran the workshops, which focused on practical ways to set up efficient farm office systems and tips to utilise Xero reports, workflows and coding. The day provided participants with an opportunity to not only learn from Carmen but also from each other, with many great discussions around problems people had and possible solutions. The next series of workshops will be occurring in March so keep an eye out in our member update and on socials.

Seedballs, muddy hands and thankful birds (FRRR grant funding) - August 10

Thirty-six lower primary students from Berrigan Public School recently took part in a seed ball workshop led by Local Landcare Coordinator Andrea Mitchell and Aunty Lorraine (Sos) Hawkins from the Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group, funded through an FRRR grant.

Using clay, compost, vermiculite and native seed, the students created seed balls for local wildlife while learning about native plants, habitat and biodiversity. Once dried, the seed balls will be dispersed at the Berrigan Tank Paddock and on local farms to help establish native vegetation.

As the activity concluded, native birds arrived to investigate the scattered seed, providing a fitting end to a day that combined culture, conservation and hands-on environmental learning.