Enhancing Rice Production Across the Riverina.
Welcome to the Rice Extension Focus Sites, where cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and local expertise come together to advance rice farming practices.
We’re working with leading growers across four key regions in the Riverina—each site showcasing innovative approaches to tackling the unique challenges of rice production in their areas.
Our Focus Sites
We have established four strategically located focus sites, each contributing critical insights into rice management:
- Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) at Patrick Sergi’s, Murrami
- Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) at Justin Sutherland’s, Coleambally
- Eastern Murray Valley (EMV) at Josh Small’s, Stud Park
- Western Murray Valley (WMV) at Shaun Thomas’ Tullakool
Each site is a hub of innovation, where cutting-edge research is applied and tested on-farm. We optimise water use, nutrient management, pest control, and yield performance under local conditions.
Purpose and Goals
The purpose of the focus sites is to provide a practical testing ground for new techniques, tools, and management strategies. These real-world trials inform recommendations that help improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability across the entire rice-growing community. Growers, agronomists, and researchers collaborate to make informed decisions that benefit the industry.
Digital Presence and Information
Distribution Each focus site is connected through our digital platforms, providing timely updates, data, and insights.
The Remote Rice Dashboard Tool gives growers instant access to trial results, environmental data, and recommendations for best practices.
The dashboard will include:
- Real-time data on crop growth, weather conditions, and water usage
- Key insights from focus site trials
- Case studies highlighting site-specific successes and challenges
All critical decisions, findings, and challenges are communicated widely to the rice-growing community through the Rice Extension website, social media, and email updates. We also provide growers with handouts and infographics to make critical information easy to access and apply.
Reference Groups and Community Engagement
Each focus site is supported by a Reference Group, comprising local growers, agronomists, and industry experts. These groups meet regularly to review data, discuss trials, and make critical decisions on crop management. Insights from these discussions are shared broadly, ensuring that the knowledge generated at each site benefits the entire industry.
Key Decisions and Learnings
Through the trials conducted at each focus site, we address the following core areas of rice farming:
- Timing of planting and water management
- Nutrient and pest management strategies
- Constraints related to weather, water availability, and soil conditions
By closely monitoring these factors, we can identify best practices for maximizing yield and ensuring long-term sustainability. All decisions are shared with growers to support informed on-farm decision-making.