SunRice Grower of the Year
Past Winners
Explore the stories of growers who have set the benchmark for excellence across the Australian rice industry. These past recipients highlight what’s possible through innovation, water‑smart systems, sustainability and strong agronomy.
2025 - Michael & Felicia Chalmers
Noorong, NSW
Michael and Felicia Chalmers were recognised for outstanding achievements in production, profitability and sustainability. Their program highlighted water efficiency, soil‑health improvements, automation, and irrigation layout redesign to support direct‑drill sowing. Judges also commended their data‑driven decision‑making and strong community involvement.
Read more: Deniliquin Pastoral Times – Rice growing excellence (12 Aug 2025)
Watch the CY25 GOTY video below:
2024 - Josh & Emily Small
Deniliquin, NSW
Josh and Emily Small were acknowledged for consistently ranking in the top 20% of yields across the Eastern Murray Valley. Their operation was celebrated for its advanced technology adoption, precision agriculture, soil‑testing systems and fully recycled on‑farm water management, demonstrating leadership in water‑use efficiency.
Read more: Dairy News Australia – Sun shines on top rice growers (8 Aug 2024)
Watch the CY24 GOTY video below:
2023 - Robert & April Andreazza
Noorong, NSW
Robert and April Andreazza were celebrated for their commitment to irrigation improvements and layout redesign, reducing 15 bays to just six, delivering significant water savings and operational gains. Their innovation and long‑term planning across a multi‑generational enterprise were strongly recognised.
Read more: Region Riverina – Willbriggie farmers win SunRice Grower of the Year (17 Aug 2023)
Watch the CY23 GOTY video below:
2022 - Neville & Brooke Hollins
Burraboi/Wakool, NSW
Neville and Brooke Hollins, fourth‑generation growers with an 80‑year family rice‑growing legacy, were recognised for disciplined, timely operations and strong WHS and farm presentation standards. Judges highlighted their water‑efficiency practices, including the use of pivots and the removal of unproductive soils.
Read more: Australian Rural & Regional News – Growers award (18 Aug 2022)
Watch the CY22 GOTY video below:
2021 - Darrell Fiddler (De Bortoli Wines)
Bilbul, NSW
Darrell Fiddler was recognised for implementing innovative, sustainability‑focused systems including aerobic rice trials with Deakin University, extensive automation, moisture monitoring and precision agronomy. His approach to delaying permanent water application achieved significant water savings while maintaining strong production outcomes.
Read more: ABC Rural – Riverina's water wise farm manager named rice grower of the year (13 Aug 2021)
Watch the CY21 GOTY video below:
2020 - Peter & Erin Draper
Leeton, NSW
Peter and Erin Draper were honoured for decades of dedication to rice production and for irrigation layout upgrades that improved water‑use efficiency and enabled flexible crop rotation. Their long‑term consistency, agronomic stewardship and industry commitment received widespread recognition.
Read more: ABC Rural – Award-winning Leeton rice growers celebrate 45 years (24 Sep 2020)
Watch the CY20 GOTY video below:
2019 - Peter & Renee Burke
Jerilderie, NSW
Peter and Renee Burke were recognised for excellence in precision agriculture, drill sowing, strong WHS practices and high water‑use efficiency. Their average yield of around 13 t/ha, approximately 33% above the regional five‑year average, was supported by a strategic and diversified water‑portfolio approach.
The Burkes were also honoured nationally as The Weekly Times/Coles 2019 Cropping Farmer of the Year, further highlighting their leadership and innovation within Australian agriculture.
Read more: Country News – Jerilderie farmers named rice growers of the year (5 Aug 2019)