A rice field day at “Old Coree” in Jerilderie was held last week, with more than 350 rice growers and agribusiness professionals attending. 

The theme for 2017 was “Tradition, Technology, Productivity – A Balancing Act”.

Participants said the event was beneficial to their business and reflected the importance of continual innovation in the rice industry.

The event is held annually and is designed to showcase the latest in rice research and technological advancements in rice growing.

For the second consecutive year it also included a business and innovation forum. 

Rice Research and Development Committee chairman Ian Mason said the event was structured to reflect the importance maintaining and increasing grower profitability. 

“Some of the highlights this year at the field day included the latest information on rice R&D, innovation, new perspectives on agriculture and a SunRice grower update,” he said. 

“R&D topics such as the evolution to aerobic rice and remote sensing for nitrogen management were covered throughout the morning’s field visits and proved to be of interest to growers who attended.

“This is a very important date for rice growers every year and this year we had a fantastic range of speakers to assist Australian rice growers to be smarter farmers and better equipped to make decisions, both in the paddock and the office.”

One of the day’s presenters, Brian Dunn, spoke of remote sensing for nitrogen management.

“The day was a great opportunity to interact with growers and discuss some of the innovative uses growers can use drones for,” he said.

“The use of drones and remote sensing in agriculture is promising many benefits, but it is important that their use can provide increased productivity and profitability in the rice industry.”

A cooking demonstration of a simple, healthy and quick Mediterranean chicken with rice and quinoa by television cook, Zoe Bingley-Pullin was also enjoyed.