Rice Extension was proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Rice Industry Awards at a gala dinner held in Leeton recently.

The annual awards celebrate excellence across the rice-growing sector, recognising outstanding achievements in innovation, production, irrigation and water efficiency. 

The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA) Honorary Councillor Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the advancement and success of the Australian rice industry. Recipients are nominated by grower members and their peers within the RGA. 2025 Honorary Councillors Peter Draper and Neil Bull received the award.

The CY25 SunRice Grower of the Year Award winners were Michael and Felicia Chalmers from Noorong, NSW.

The Grower of the Year Award highlights the achievements of those in the rice industry and demonstrates why Australian rice growers are some of the most efficient in the world. 

Michael and Felicia's farm was recognised as an outstanding example of production, profitability and sustainability.

“The Chalmers were nominated for consistently producing exceptional results, taking a long-term strategic approach that has underpinned the growth they've seen over their eight years of independent farming,” said a spokesperson for the event.

The SunRice Grower of the Year Award is assessed by a panel of three judges, including two industry representatives, the previous season's Grower of the Year and one independent judge.

The panel assesses applications 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.

The SunRice Grower of the Year winner receives a $10,000 support package to help them further expand their business and a nomination for the Australian Farmer of the Year Award.

The winner of the Excellence in Extension, Research and Advisory Award, recognising agronomists, advisers and researchers who have significantly contributed to advancing rice production, was Malcolm Taylor. 

“Malcolm's research in weed control, enabling more sustainable and water-efficient management, has been a valuable part of the local industry for decades,” said a spokesperson.

The Grower Industry Contribution Award, which acknowledges an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the rice industry beyond their own farming operations, was awarded to John Lolicato from the Western Murray Valley.

In the Port of Melbourne Highest Yield Awards, four growers with the highest yields in their regions were recognised.

The Western Murray Valley highest grain yield was awarded to the Martin Family of Farm 17, yielding 15.88T/ha on 85ha. This was 4.28T or 37 per cent above regional average.

The Eastern Murray Valley highest grain yield was awarded to Martin Morona and received by his agronomist Adam Dellwo, yielding 15.92T/ha on 62ha. 

This was 3.98T or 33 per cent above the regional average.

The Coleambally Irrigation Area highest grain yield was awarded to Shane Mannes on behalf of SG and KM Mannes, yielding 15.61T/ha on 124ha. This was 3.38T or 28 per cent above regional average.

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area highest grain yield was awarded to Nathan Cauduro on behalf of Carlisle Park, yielding 16.10T/ha on 126ha. 

This was 2.82T or 21 per cent above regional average. Carlisle Park was also awarded Highest Overall Yield.

The Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield Awards acknowledge the highest yields by rice variety and included

Topaz highest grain yield - Brett Turner of R and R Turner Management, yielding 12.75T/ha on 41ha. This was 2.87T or 29 per cent above variety average.

Langi highest grain yield - Craig Bradshaw of C and A Bradshaw and received by his agronomist Sam McGrath, yielding 12.30T/ha on 27ha. This was 2.01T or 19 per cent above variety average.

Opus highest grain yield - the Strong family of TB and WJ Strong and received by their agronomist Adam Dellwo, yielding 12.82T/ha on 56ha. This was 2.66T or 26 per cent above variety average.

Koshihikari highest grain yield - Kevin Warren of KJ and MT Warren, yielding 11.10T/ha on 64ha. This was 2.04T or 23 per cent above the variety average.

Sherpa highest grain yield - Josh Small of Rivena Nominees, yielding 14.81T/ha on 125ha. This was 2.80T or 23 per cent above the variety average.