Rice Extension Coordination by G Plunkett, T Mauger, L Garnett January 2018 Rice Extension Coordination by G Plunkett, T Mauger, L Garnett January 2018 AgriFutures Australia Publication No 18/030 AgriFutures Australia Project No PRJ-009296 © 2018 AgriFutures Australia. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-76053-003-7 ISSN 1440-6845 Rice Extension Coordination Publication No. 18/030 Project No. PRJ-009296 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to AgriFutures Australia Communications Team on 02 6923 6900. Researcher Contact Details Gae Plunkett Po Box 706, Leeton NSW 2705 02 6953 1032 [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to AgriFutures Australia publishing this material in its edited form. AgriFutures Australia Contact Details Building 007, Tooma Way Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 02 6923 6900 [email protected] www.agrifutures.com.au Electronically published by AgriFutures Australia in August 2018 at www.agrifutures.com.au AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), a statutory authority of the Federal Government established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. ii Foreword This report details the achievements of the Rice Extension Coordination project in fostering change in the Australian rice industry. The project has improved the adoption of research and development outcomes, best management practices and innovations. It has communicated, coordinated and collaborated with all partners in the rice industry to increase the productivity, sustainability and profitability of rice growers. Rice growers are targeting improved returns per megalitre of irrigation water - growing at least one tonne of rice for each megalitre of irrigation water used. The adoption of new research and development technologies and innovations on farm has improved productivity, resilience to drought and climate variability and the ability of rice to compete against other irrigated crops for the limited irrigation water supply. This project has increased the collaboration and cooperation across all industry partners. The reduced duplication of effort and increased sharing of resources has educated, informed and improved rice growing practices. Connecting researchers, growers and industry bodies has ensured consistent, clear messaging from all for improved outcomes within the rice growing community. The success of the Rice Extension Coordination project would not be possible without the fantastic work and enthusiasm of the Rice Extension team. Thank you to Gae Plunkett, Leah Garnett and Troy Mauger for your dedication and passion for the rice industry. Rice Extension activities have been of enormous benefit to the industry, highlighting the value of R&D and fostering on-farm adoption of rice research and we look forward to the continuation of the Rice Extension Coordination project. AgriFutures Australia invests in rice research and development on behalf of government and industry stakeholders. AgriFutures Australia invested in the Rice Extension Coordination project to support the adoption of innovation and research and development outcomes in the Australian rice industry. The adoption of new research and development outcomes will improve returns and increase the sustainability and competitiveness of rice farming enterprises. An effective extension system improves whole of industry outcomes. This report for the Rice RD&E program is an addition to AgriFutures Australia’s diverse range of over 2000 research publications and it forms part of our Growing Profitability arena, which aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of our levied rural industries. John Harvey Managing Director AgriFutures Australia iii Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding support provided by rice growers and the Australian government through AgriFutures Australia. Thanks also for the collaboration and cooperation provided by: Ian Mason (Chairman) and other representatives of the AgriFutures Rice R&D Advisory Panel Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc. David Troldahl, NSWDPI Neil Bull, RGA Grower Services team from SunRice RRAPL team from SunRice Researchers, grower groups, agronomists and private consultants. Murray and Riverina LLS And the many growers who have shared information, hosted field walks and displayed their passion for the rice industry Abbreviations BMP Best management practices CIA Coleambally Irrigation Area ECP Environmental Champions Program EMV eastern Murray Valley LLS Local Land Services MIA Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area NSW DPI NSW Department of Primary Industries PA Precision Agriculture R&D Research and Development RD&E Research Development and Extension RGA Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia RMB Rice Marketing Board for the state of NSW RRAPL Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd WMV western Murray Valley iv Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. iv Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... iv Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... vi Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 4 Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 4 Results ................................................................................................................................. 8 Implications ....................................................................................................................... 22 Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 23 Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 23 References. ........................................................................................................................ 36 v Executive Summary This report on the Rice Extension Coordination project aims to inform researchers, industry, service providers and growers on the value of extension in the rice industry, the diversity of extension methods used and the outcomes achieved in improved production practices. The planned outcomes of this project were to improve uptake of rice R&D outcomes, BMP and the adoption of new technologies. Growers are now better informed. They are sharing innovative ideas and this will lead to a sustainable and productive rice industry into the future. The Rice Extension Coordination project has designed and delivered communications to promote the adoption of cutting-edge technology in rice production and farm and business management. Coordinating resources and collaboration with of all sectors from across the rice industry has improved extension outcomes. The Rice Extension project has provided a conduit for reporting grower and industry issues back to the AgriFutures Rice R&D Advisory Panel, industry and researchers for implementing relevant targeted R&D for real productivity outcomes. The PI Predictor web app has ensured that nitrogen topdressing operations occur at the most effective stage of the crop, for improved nitrogen use efficiency and yield outcomes. Rice$cenario decision support web tool users have reported an increased understanding of water costs and greater confidence in decision making around growing a crop. The impact of the Rice Extension promotion of the water saving benefits of drill sowing compared to aerial and dry broadcast sowing methods is evident in the years with a lower total water allocation. The total area planted using