Mr Mauger takes the job following the departure of Gae Plunkett who held the role for four years.

“Troy brings deep knowledge and experience to the role having previously served as the Murray Valley Rice Extension Officer for four and a half years and prior to that as extension co-ordinator with Dairy Australia,” RGA executive director Graeme Kruger said.

Mr Kruger said the formal selection process was “well contested”.

“Troy is also a rice grower in his own right, has a masters in agriculture and is in the final year of the Australian Rural Leadership Program,” Mr Kruger said.

Mr Mauger will be looking to fill hire two extension officers for the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valley.