Rice Industry Awards
The Rice Industry Awards are an annual awards program designed to recognise high achievers whilst encouraging the sharing of award-winning strategies with other growers.
Three main categories exist:
SunRice Grower of the Year: awarded to the grower/s who demonstrate success, sustainability and innovation on their farm. Selected by a judging panel the award includes a monetary support package and nomination for the Australian Farmer of the Year Award.
Port of Melbourne Highest Yield: these are awarded in each of the four areas; Western Murray Valley, Eastern Murray Valley, Coleambally Irrigation Area and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area to the grower with the highest average yield.
Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield: awarded to the grower achieving the highest average yield for each of the specialist varieties; Topaz, Langi, Opus, Koshikari and Sherpa.
Michael & Felicia Chalmers
CY25 SunRice Grower of the Year
The Chalmers were nominated for their consistently exceptional results and long-term strategic approach that has underpinned the growth they’ve seen over the eight years they’ve been farming independently.
As third generation rice farmers, Michael and Felicia haven’t rested on their laurels, but instead they are continuously striving for improvement throughout their operations with a distinct focus on water efficiency, soil health and trialling new technologies and approaches.
Port of Melbourne Highest Yield
15.88T/ha on 85ha
Martin Family
Western Murray Valley
Farm 17
15.61T/ha on 124ha
Shane Mannes
Coleambally Irrigation Area
SG & KM Mannes
15.92T/ha on 62ha
Martin Morona
Eastern Murray Valley
M Morona
16.10T/ha on 126ha
Nathan Cauduro
Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area
Overall Highest Yield Award
Carlisle Park
Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield
12.75T/ha on 41ha
Brett Turner
Topaz
R & R Turner Management
12.82T/ha on 56ha
Strong Family
Opus
TB & WJ Strong
14.81T/ha on 125ha
Josh Small
Sherpa
Rivena Nominees
12.30T/ha on 27ha
Craig Bradshaw
Langi
C & A Bradshaw
11.10T/ha on 64ha
Kevin Warren
Koshikari
KJ & MT Warren
Special mentions were also given to Malcolm Taylor for Excellence in Extension, Research and Advisory and John Lolicato, recipient of the Grower Industry Contribution Award.
