CY27 Pre-Sowing Meeting Q&A: Key Takeaways
Following our recent pre-sowing meetings, Rice Extension's Siarne Deeves and Mark Groat answered some of the most common questions from growers. Here's a quick summary of the key points.
Published: September 2026
Nitrogen: Get the basics right first
Nitrogen drives yield, but it won't make up for early or late timing, poor establishment, or weed control. Focus on building a strong foundation, then use crop monitoring and dashboard data to fine-tune nitrogen decisions.
Key message: Get the foundation right first. More nitrogen doesn't always mean more yield.
CY26 yields: What happened?
A severe heat event in late January hit many crops during sensitive growth stages, increasing sterility which reduced yield potential. While yields were impacted, it was still an above average year and overall quality was excellent.
Key message: Extreme heat was the major contributor to yield results last season.
Why was quality so good?
Crop timing played a big role. Most crops flowered and filled grain during more favourable conditions than the previous season, helping deliver one of the best quality years on record.
Key message: Getting crop timing right improves both yield and quality opportunities.
Earlier or later sowing?
The recommended sowing window remains the best place to be.
Too early can reduce yield and affect quality with increased heat risk.
Too late can reduce yield potential.
Key message: Timing is a key foundation to crop profitability.
Rice after winter crops
For growers planting after winter cereals or canola:
Check herbicide plant-back periods.
Sow as soon as practical after harvest, avoid soil disturbance.
Focus on crop establishment and timing.
Fill up as soon as the plant can handle it to push the crop along
Do not use extra nitrogen. This will delay plant maturity, not make up for lost time.
Key message: Push the crop timing with irrigation, not fertiliser.
Using the Dashboard
The Dashboard continues to be a valuable tool for monitoring crop growth, nitrogen uptake and drainage timing.
Key message: The Dashboard is a guide, but there's still no substitute for getting out in the paddock and checking the crop yourself.
Beds and land preparation
Interest in beds continues to grow, but preparation is critical. A firm, consolidated seedbed gives crops the best chance of establishing evenly and strongly.
Key message: Good preparation pays dividends later in the season.
Protecting key herbicides
Agixa remains an important tool for rice growers, but stewardship is critical.
Using multiple modes of action and broader weed management strategies will help protect its effectiveness for the future.
Key message: Don't rely on a single herbicide.
The bottom line
Successful rice crops continue to come back to the fundamentals:
✔ Timing is everything
✔ Ensure adequate up-front nutrition for phosphorus, zinc and sulphur.
✔ Consistent and even establishment
✔ Effective irrigation management at all crop stages
✔ Efficient and effective nitrogen use
✔ Timely crop management
Getting this foundation right will put your crop in the best position to maximise both yield and quality.
Every season presents a different set of challenges, and growers are encouraged to reach out to Rice Extension if you need advice specific to your farming business.