Industry and Investment NSW Rice Farming Systems Leader, John Lacy said the great season, filling dams and recent irrigation allocation announcements contributed to the enthusiasm.

“Many farmers have not grown rice for 4 to 5 years because of the drought conditions,” Mr Lacy said.

“Although there was great interest in growing rice a number of farmers said their rice area would be limited because most of their farms were sown to winter crops which have good yield potential.”

“Also some farmers still have to repay Snowy water borrows,” he said.

Information on rice varieties was provided by Industry & Investment NSW Rice Breeders Peter Snell and Russell Reinke who said the new cold tolerant YRM69 had been averaging 13% higher yield than the standard variety Amaroo and its later sowing time from mid October to early November will fit in with later water allocation announcements.

Farmers showed great interest in the 19% average water savings and 14% higher water productivity research results from delayed permanent water trials conducted by I&I NSW Research Agronomist Brian Dunn.

He also discussed nitrogen technology which was great revision for farmers.

Agropraisals Weed Researcher Malcolm Taylor reminded farmers weed control is important.

“A 5% yield loss from weeds translated to a loss of $150/ha,” Mr Taylor said.

“It was likely barnyard grass seed populations have reduced during the drought but aquatic weed seed numbers have probably remained the same.

“Hence farmers need to carefully plan a grass and aquatic weed control program for their rice,” he said.

Mr Lacy said he was surprised relatively few farmers have had experiences with locusts attacking rice.

“Where rice had been attacked and eaten to the waterline or to the ground, the rice had recovered,” Mr Lacy said.

“Although pest control recommendations are unchanged we are waiting to hear about a permit for bluestone for snail control.

“Snails may be a problem in rice stubbles from last season or wetter fields,” he said.

Nearly all farmers in the Murray Valley indicated they would be aerial sowing while there was a mixture between aerial and drill in the Murrumbidgee Valley.