Legacy of improvement: the Cameron family’s high-yielding rice system

CY26 Annual Summary | Top 5% Grower Case Study - Kiloran Farming Pty Ltd

The Cameron family began farming rice in the 1960s, with Andrew bringing over 40 years of experience since the 1980s. Continuous improvements in layout (now a terraced, bankless high-flow system), have enhanced water management and efficiency. While various sowing methods have been trialled, drill sowing remains their preferred approach.

Combined with strong management of timing, weeds, water and nutrition, these practices consistently deliver yields of 15–16 T/ha, placing Andrew and Leanne in the top 5% of growers.

Inside the 2026 season

In CY26, the Camerons combined a reduced planting area with strong per-hectare performance. Andrew noted that above-average temperatures during flowering increased water demand and sterility risk. With a drier-than-average season, precise irrigation management was critical to maintaining both yield and grain quality.

Managing the crop

Due to seasonal conditions and management decisions, Matilda rice was planted under a high-input program targeting strong yield and quality outcomes.

Crop monitoring and management decisions

 Rice Management Dashboard and NDVI imagery were used to support zonal analysis and variable rate nitrogen applications, combined with regular paddock inspections to ground-truth decisions.

Key learnings

Andrew and Leanne know that while rice is a relatively resilient crop, consistently high yields depend on consistently even crops, precise timing and disciplined water management. Strong performance comes from proactive decisions at every stage, from establishment through to harvest.

Key takeaways

→ Start strong, finish well: early timing and disciplined water management set yield potential.

→ Be proactive at every stage: consistent decisions from establishment to harvest drive performance.

→ Optimise the system, not just inputs: integrated management of weeds, nutrition and water delivers results.

Looking ahead

For CY27, water availability will again shape both area and management decisions. Andrew and Leanne plan to expand their use of NDVI imagery to support timely decision-making, alongside increased soil testing to better understand paddock variability and refine inputs.

These priorities reflect a clear focus on improving efficiency, consistency and future crop performance.

“Rice is a forgiving crop, but consistency comes down to getting the basics right – timing, the Rice Check (Key Steps to High Yielding Rice Crop) and managing water precisely throughout the season.”

Andrew Cameron