Latest in rice breeding on show at grower field day

Last week, around 60 growers and industry participants joined Rice Breeding Australia’s inaugural field day, held Tuesday 4 March 2025 on-farm at Gogeldrie, New South Wales.

CEO Dr Georgina Pengilley said she was pleased with the turnout and interest, considering harvest has started early.

“It’s an important opportunity to share details about RBA’s breeding program and showcase our largest trial site with growers, industry and research partners.

“We are acutely aware of the responsibility we have to deliver high performing new varieties into growers’ hands as quickly as possible, which is why days like these are so important.”

Formed in 2022, RBA is Australia’s only dedicated rice breeding organisation. It is primarily levy funded, with involvement from AgriFutures Australia, SunRice and Ricegrowers’ Association.

It works closely with research collaborators and industry to integrate the latest research outcomes into its programs.

“We’ve made significant progress over the past 36 months, and days like this are a great way for growers to see and understand what we’re doing and why, and how that may be implemented on their farm,” Dr Pengilley said.

“It takes eight to 10 years for a variety to be developed for growers for use, and there’s a huge amount of work involved.”

The morning specifically covered genetic research projects targeting cold tolerance and lodging resistance, as well as techniques including hill plots, automation and drones designed to help speed up the development of new varieties.

On hand were RBA’s research collaboration partners from the University of Queensland, Deakin University and Rice Extension providing key updates on their work at the site.

“Ultimately, it’s all about getting varieties to growers that will give them what they need – that’s our sole focus,” she explained.

“And while we certainly concentrate on developing genetic solutions to address challenges such as lodging and cold tolerance, we also need to investigate and trial farm management techniques such as the use of raised beds and aerobic systems.

“We have combined agronomy, management and breeding together at this site, to trial and develop varieties that will be grown in the way famers will in the future.”

New world-leading breeding facility to open early 2026

RBA announced the development of a new dedicated rice breeding facility in December 2024. To be built at Leeton in NSW, it is slated for completion in early 2026.

The complex will include a 480m2 glasshouse, 3ha bird-proof nursery, 4ha field trial area, as well as offices, seed processing and storage facilities.

“This is a significant investment, by industry, that will make Australian rice breeding a world leader. The facility and our capability will be on par with the best crop breeding facilities globally,” Dr Pengilley explained.

“We are always trying to work better, faster and smarter so that growers benefit as soon as possible, and this new facility will further boost our ability to do that.”

“It incredibly exciting and shows strong confidence from the industry in its future.”

For further information please visit ricebreedingaustralia.com.au