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3.4 Rice
Objective:To improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry.
Expenditure in 1997–98: $2 383 347Strategies
Background
- Provide varieties that result in increased efficiency at the farm level, meet customer requirements and maintain pure seed quality.
- Improve crop establishment, agronomy/physiology, nutrition and protection from weeds and diseases.
- Improve the sustainability of the rice farming system.
- Develop world best practice technologies for harvesting, handling, milling and processing rice.
- Foster and achieve innovation, both on and off the farm.
The Australian rice industry is primarily based in the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valleys of southern New South Wales, where some 2500 family farms produce between 1 million and 1.4 million tonnes of paddy a year. It is one of the most productive and efficient rice industries in the world, with yields averaging 8.6 tonnes per hectare.
The industry has a farmgate gross value of production of around $300 million and earns more than $500 million in exports (mostly of value-added rice in small branded packs) to more than fifty destinations.
Achievements in 1997–98
Publications in 1997–98
- Made good progress with variety development, focusing on grain quality for specific export markets, especially Japan; shorter season varieties that will reduce water requirements; and improved cold tolerance.
- Made good progress in developing integrated weed control strategies for minimising the effects of herbicide resistance in the major rice weeds.
- Produced and published an innovative field guide for identifying invertebrate pests of rice.
- Improved trash management methods for growers and improved information on the performance of harvesting machinery.
- Finalised an evaluation system for supporting rice-breeding strategies that reduce the costs of breeding.
- Conducted preliminary use of electromagnetic conductance measurement (EM31) to assess rice soil suitability.
Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
Common Invertebrates of NSW Rice Fields 1998 Rice R&D Special Issue, Farmers’ Newsletter, Irrigation Research and Extension Committee 1997 Ricecheck Recommendations: A Guide to Objective Rice Crop Management for Improving Yields, Grain Quality and Profits
Phone: (02) 6272 4152 Fax: (02) 6272 5877 Email: jeffd@rirdc.gov.au
3.5 Horses
Objective:Assist in developing the Australian horse industry and enhancing its export potential.
Expenditure in 1997–98: $674 931
Strategies
The major program areas are outlined in the Horse Industry Plan (see our Internet web site http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/).
- Decrease wastage in the industry, associated with both reproduction and athletic injuries. (One key issue is development of better management and treatment strategies for 'tying up' in horses.)
- Identify and support epidemiologically related projects. (Two key areas for population-based studies of important diseases that cause significant economic loss include: developmental orthopaedic disease in foals and 'shin soreness' in racehorses. The committee is particularly interested in projects that involve collaborative work between discipline areas and institutions.)
- Support collaborative research between veterinary practitioners and universities with an emphasis on linking practitioners on short term research projects.
- Identify and support projects that have relevance to equestrian activities for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
- Support exchange of information between local and overseas researchers.
Background
The horse industry is one of Australia’s biggest industries and is worth more than $15 billion a year. There are more than 1.2 million horses used for racing, equestrian sports and recreation. There is also a large breeding industry, with Australia producing the second highest number of Thoroughbred foals in the world (after the USA.)
In 1995, RIRDC appointed an Equine Research and Development Advisory Committee to oversee a research and development program, following agreement by the Australian Racing Board to provide significant financial support. The committee oversees the investment of government and industry funds in equine research and development projects.
Since the commencement of the program, additional financial support has been received from the Australian Harness Racing Council, the Equestrian Federation of Australia, the Australian Stock Horse Society, the Australian Quarter Horse Association, the Australian Equine Veterinary Association, the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
The committee has worked closely with the Australian Horse Industry Council in promoting and integrating the research and development program to meet the needs of the horse industry.
Achievements in 1997–98
Publications in 1997–98
- Continued support for equine research and development projects across Australia, with 29 current projects in place, covering infectious diseases, reproduction, nutrition, pasture research, lameness and working surfaces.
- Continued the quarterly RIRDC Equine Research News as a major vehicle for disseminating information about the equine research and development program and bringing the latest research information to the horse industry in a user-friendly format. The newsletter is distributed to more than 10 000 people in the horse industry and is made available free of charge to all horse organisations to distribute to their members. It is estimated that the information reaches more than 100 000 people.
- Further developed the web site that contains invaluable information about the equine research and development program, indexed articles previously published in RIRDC's Equine Research News, the equine research and development plan and information on the Equine Research and Development Advisory Committee.
- Produced the booklet Developmental Orthopaedic Disease in Horses, which summarises all the published information on this significant disease of growing horses.
- Established links with horse research organisations worldwide. These links have been enhanced with two internet electronic mail lists, horsesci and austhorse, which have been developed to allow rapid communication between horse industry groups and international researchers.
- Reviewed, with the assistance of major horse organisations, the research and development strategic plan for the horse industry. This review enabled identification of key strategies for 1999–2000.
- Held a major workshop on equine epidemiology to enhance the skills of veterinary researchers in this important area and to establish strategic goals for future research.
- Held the third annual RIRDC–Vetsearch Equine Research Awards in Sydney, with the award for Major Industry Contribution going to Dr. Reg Pascoe of Oakey, Queensland. Awards also were made to Dr. Chris Pollitt of the University of Queensland (Equine Researcher of the Year) and to Dr. James Gilkerson of the University of Sydney (Equine Research Student of the year).
Melanoma and the Greying Horse 97/55 Quarantine Processes & the Management of Horse Disease Emergencies 97/59 Developmental Orthopaedic Disease in Horses 97/79 Assessing Racetrack Conditions 98/7 Sustainable Land Use for Depastured Horses 98/12 Developmental Orthopaedic Disease in Thoroughbreds SR12 Equine Research News Sep 97 Equine Research News Dec 97 Equine Research News Mar 98 Equine Research News Jun 98 Research Manager: Prof. Reuben Rose
Phone: (02) 4655 2000
Fax: (02) 4655 6491
Email: rjrose@camden.usyd.edu.au
3.6 Fodder Crops
Objective:
To facilitate the development of a sustainable and profitable Australian fodder industry.Expenditure in 1997–98: $136 445
Strategies
- Improve Australia’s competitiveness in the development and supply of fodder based products for the intensive livestock industries in Australia and emerging livestock industries in East Asia.
- Develop varieties of fodder species that better meet existing and potential market requirements for domestic and export customers.
- Provide a clear understanding of and effective control mechanisms for plant nutrition, disease, weed, pest and micro-organism impacts on fodder production.
- Ensure Australian produced fodder in domestic and export markets meets customer expectations for quality in terms of product description and quality attributes, such as metabolisable energy, protein content and level of extraneous matter and residues.
- Ensure early successful adoption of R&D program outcomes.
Background
Fodder is defined as the wide range of crop and pasture species grown, which are harvested and lightly processed to facilitate both on-farm use and domestic and export trade.
The fodder industry is large. There are an estimated 20 000 producers on 46 000 properties across all States producing approximately 1.2 million tonnes of hay and other products a year. This production is traded as a wide range of fodder, including lucerne, clover, pasture, cereal straw and others.
The gross value of farmgate production is estimated at $750 million a year (ABS) and with value adding has a gross value of production in excess of $1 billion a year. About 80 per cent of production is for on-farm use, much of it made on the same property but the off-farm traded fodder sector is increasing in size to supply domestic and export markets.
Fodder is grown in all States of Australia, but is concentrated in Victoria and New South Wales. The largest domestic market users are the dairy and beef industries, although the horse industry is also a significant user.
The animal feeds industry in East Asia is estimated to be US$10 billion and it is perceived that a large untapped demand will enable the industry to develop many new opportunities. Australia to date has had limited success in this market. Japan is currently Australia’s most important export market, buying 7 200 tonnes of lucerne hay, 8 900 tonnes of lucerne meal and pellets and 211 000 tonnes of other hay and chaff in 1996–97 worth approximately $57 million. The growth in the dairy, feedlot and livestock industries is providing opportunities for industry growth in the future.
Achievements in 1997–98
Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
- Developed effective tests for Corynetoxin toxicity risk assessment — enhancing consumer confidence in Australian hay, especially on export markets.
- Held a workshop to finalise and accept the common standard developed by laboratories around Australia for assessing metabolisable energy content of primary fodder species, and started negotiating mechanisms to develop an industry supported system for maintaining this standard in the longer term.
- Produced large improvements in both water use efficiency and farmer profitability for lucerne growers as a result of the 'Haymaker' project — the system developed also being adopted as best management practice for other irrigated crops.
Phone: (02) 6272 4152
Fax: (02) 6272 5877
Email: jeffd@rirdc.gov.au
3.7 Pasture Seeds
Objective:To facilitate the growth of a profitable and sustainable pasture seeds industry based on a reputation for the reliable supply, domestically and internationally, of a range of pasture species.
Expenditure in 1997–98: $261 400
StrategiesBackground
- Develop export and import replacement opportunities for Australian pasture seed growers.
- Improve the technical and economic information available to suppliers and users of pasture seed.
- Improve the overall productivity and returns from producing and marketing quality Australian pasture seeds.
- Address environmental issues impacting on all facets of the pasture seeds industry.
- Improve communication within all sectors of the pasture seeds industry.
- Develop systems that support industry quality assurance and self-regulation.
Australia, with its diversity of climate and growing conditions, is able to produce pasture seed ranging from temperate to subtropical species for domestic use and for export markets. The export value of pasture seeds exceeds $30 million a year.
Lucerne and clover are the major leviable seed crops. Total production of leviable temperate legume seed currently exceeds 10 000 tonnes. Perennial grasses (phalaris, cocksfoot, tall fescue and ryegrass) are grown for seed in all States, with Victoria having the greatest production. Perennial grass seed production is not levied for R&D and thus research projects on perennial grass seeds depend on progress being made for introducing these levies.
The main subtropical grasses grown for seed in north-eastern New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory are Rhodes grass, Setaria, panicum, carpet grass and paspalum. While none of the tropical and subtropical pasture species are currently levied, the industry has indicated its support for a levy on these seeds and the industry and RIRDC will pursue this further in 1998. A levy base would provide the scope for expansing the research program to include subtropical species.
Achievements in 1997–98
Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
- Produced good evidence of the benefits from growing lucerne in higher rainfall areas from work in Western Australia. This project has resulted in a large increase in lucerne planting in that State.
- Developed a model for successfully expanding the domestic market for temperate pasture seed, which was tested in Victoria. This model received strong support, and the scope to expand its use to other areas is being investigated.
Phone: (02) 6272 4152
Fax: (02) 6272 5877
Email: jeffd@rirdc.gov.au
Future Agricultural Systems
4.1 Global Competitiveness
Objective:
To identify important impediments to the development of a globally competitive Australian agricultural sector and support research that will lead to options and strategies that will remove these impediments.Expenditure in 1997–98: $498 258
Strategies
Background
- Support analyses identifying new opportunities in the marketplace; develop collaborative links with the Government’s ‘Supermarket to Asia’ initiative; and develop a research program supporting the development of a more globally focused competitive food sector.
- Support analyses focusing on domestic impediments to industry performance, thereby enhancing export performance and an export culture, particularly in those industries that have previously been focusing on the domestic market.
- Develop options and strategies to improve the global competitiveness of the agricultural sector by improving the current set of trade policies and therefore removing existing trade barriers.
- Develop a better understanding of domestic and international markets for agricultural products when there is a clearly established market failure in the provision of such information.
- Support analyses of the linkages between various stages in the producer-to-consumer chain and identify areas – regionally, domestically and internationally – where these linkages can be better integrated and their efficiency improved.
- Evaluate other existing and alternative policies and institutions affecting the development of a globally competitive agricultural sector.
International trade liberalisation and the general globalisation of the world economy during the past two decades have meant that all countries have had to focus on ensuring that their industries are globally competitive. Many studies have highlighted the substantial benefits to the world that can be gained from this liberalisation process. Some of these studies have shown that the Australian agricultural sector in particular stands to gain billions of dollars in welfare gains from this process. While the evidence for these longer term gains is clear, the processes involved in achieving them can often be complex and difficult to understand. The process of adjustment to these changes will, in many cases, require challenges that many business and community groups are not familiar with and will therefore often find challenging.RIRDC believes that research can provide improved understanding in many areas that will support this process of change and ensure the benefits from it are maximised and the difficulties associated with the change minimised. It believes that the nature of much of the research related to understanding the processes for these changes has public good characteristics and therefore will not necessarily be undertaken if left to the private sector.
Achievements in 1997–98
Publications in 1997–98
- Developed a report in collaboration with the Government’s 'Supermarket to Asia' initiative that highlighted the outcomes of a set of regional export forums, aimed at further enhancing the developing export culture in many rural areas of Australia.
- Held an ABARE 'Outlook Conference 1998' session that focused on the implications of the Asian financial crisis for Australian food exports.
- Held a major symposium that discussed potential strategies to ensure that trade liberalisation at an international level continues at a rate benefiting the Australian rural sector; held a follow-up trade policy symposium for representatives of international farmer organisations, complementing the Cairns Group meeting in Sydney and developed a series of trade policy related reports that aim to provide research support in the lead-up to the next WTO round of trade negotiations.
- Identified new food market channels emerging in North Asia and their implications for Australian firms
- Reported on the food sector in Myanmar.
- Analysed the demand for food and the performance of wholesale markets in China and their implications for Australian exporters.
- Published, with GRDC, a Grain Marketing Handbook providing farmers with a guide to operating in a less regulated grain market.
- Published an overview of Australian agribusiness opportunities on the Indian Ocean Rim.
Food Market Channel Development in Japan Korea 97/70 The Wholesale Demand for Food in China: Implications for Australia 98/27 Regional Export Forums 98/35 The Indian Processed Food Market 98/53 The Agrifood Sector in Myanmar 98/49 The Markets for Food Ingredients in China and Hong Kong 98/59 Grain Marketing Handbook Opportunities and Implications for Australian Food Exporters in India SR33 Australian Exporters Urged to Target Myanmar SR32 Indonesia’s Agribusiness Policies SR25 Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
Phone: (02) 6272 4152 Fax: (02) 6272 5877 Email: jeffd@rirdc.gov.au
4.2 Resilient Agricultural Systems
Objective:To enable agricultural production systems that have sufficient diversity, flexibility and robustness to be resilient and respond to challenges and opportunities.
Expenditure in 1997–98: $1 743 931
Strategies
Background
- Support research that addresses cross-sectoral needs and delivers outcomes that focus on the interface between imperatives for agricultural economic development and for sustainability.
- Develop and test the applicability of internationally acceptable accreditation schemes for sustainable production and facilitate obtaining premiums for products produced in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles.
- Enhance the capacity of the rural sector to manage risk and improve land use planning and decision making.
- Assist in the development of strategies that address threats arising from shorter run climate variability and the longer run climate change.
- Support opportunities and identify risks arising from new biotechnological developments.
- Foster the development of new agricultural systems including non-traditional systems such as integrated aquaculture, hydroponics, microbiological systems and the integration of wild plant and animal resources with other land uses.
- Facilitate the development of management strategies for pests, weeds and diseases, that are designed to improve outcomes from existing and emerging agricultural systems
Over recent decades Australia’s terms of trade for many rural products have shown a steady decline — the major influence on Australian agriculture and people in the bush. Australian farmers have responded by reducing costs and increasing productivity. Yet there are physical limits to the capacity to do so and to make demands on Australia’s supporting resources of water, soil and air. This becomes most apparent in drought.
Dealing with these issues is a priority for the economic viability of rural properties' sustainability and the very existence of many country communities. Finding solutions requires an approach that is interdisciplinary and holistic – and that is one that involves a study of the whole system rather than a study of components. It encompasses disciplines that relate to the natural environment, the socioeconomic environment and production agriculture and focuses on the interactions between them.
The RIRDC has a unique national, across enterprise, catalytic role in this process and the identification of ways to develop resilient agricultural systems It seeks to enhance the capacity of the rural sector to manage risk, maintain and enhance the quality of soils and water and control pests, weeds and diseases.
Economics and sustainable agricultural resource use
The integration of economic and resource use models can play a major role in understanding how to have resilient systems that can be profitable while being ecologically sustainable. Profitability can be improved by increasing returns from sales, lowering unit costs or switching resources to alternative, more profitable enterprises. Sustainability is maintained by the rate and manner in which finite and renewable resources of soil and water are used.
Land use planning and resource allocation
Many decisions about industry development and the use of land are taken at a regional level. They have an important bearing on profitability and sustainability. There is a need to assist development of better methods for land use planning, resource evaluation and setting priorities.
Innovation and enterprise diversity
Diversity is encouraged by integrating alternative production systems with other land uses and facilitating new and emerging non-traditional agricultural systems for food and fibre. Given that two-thirds of Australia is unsuitable for intensive agriculture, an important innovation is to incorporate conventional livestock management with harvesting and ranching of wild plant and animal resources, particularly as a means of providing support for Aboriginal communities. Other innovations are integrated aquaculture production, hydroponics, microbiological systems and biotechnology.
Achievements in 1997–98
Publications in 1997–98
- Sponsored an investigation into ‘Australian farm families experiences of the drought of the 1990s’. The report discusses the sociological effect of drought, the different consequences for men and women, and the economic impact on rural communities, especially when coupled with declining terms of trade for rural produce.
- As a member of the consortium, participated in the development of the National Climate Variability R&D Program, that aims to better prepare the agricultural sector to manage the vagaries of Australia’s climate by producing better information and implementing strategies for adapting to drought.
- Supported further development and application of Australian RAINMAN as a Windows, multimedia CD, Internet compatible product. RAINMAN seeks to improve management of climate variability and enhances knowledge in rural communities about climatic risks and opportunities. It advises on seasonal forecasts and ways to improve management decisions.
- Collaborated with other R&D corporations to establish joint funding arrangements for farmer integrated aquaculture; (FRDC)), soil biodiversity and management, and identification of sustainability indicators (LWRRDC, GRDC, HRDC, DRDC, IWS).
- Successfully trialled innovations using saline ground water to produce marine fish species, beta carotene, potable water and commercial salt.
- Identified means of more effectively transferring farms between generations and sponsored a conference that brought together professional and participant stakeholders associated with the transgenerational transfer of family farms
- Identified new sources of toxin within the soil-borne bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which may be useful for engineering into viral insecticides to enhance their effectiveness.
- Showed that concentrations of various soil fumigants required to kill soil-borne pathogens can be reduced thereby reducing costs to growers.
- Held an important national workshop to explore opportunities for developing pesticide risk reduction strategies, particularly for export industries.
- Developed guidelines for commercially establishing advisory services to assist growers in their management of nematode diseases in a range of crops.
- Developed new toxic baiting techniques for more effectively controlling termites.
A Review of Family Farm Transfer 97/68 Impact of Rural Subdivision on Agriculture 98/15 The Role of the Regional Economy in Farm Adjustment 98/21 Better Planning for Rural Development 98/37
Research Manager: Dr George Wilson
Phone: (02) 6281 2160
Fax: (02) 6285 1195
Email: gwilson@awt.com.au
4.3 Human Capital, Communications
Objective:
and Information Systems
To enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.Expenditure in 1997–98: $1 362 078
Strategies
- Develop accessible, client-centred information and communication systems
- Develop more effective communication and education processes.
Background
- Investigate research priority areas in relation to rural communities and social issues.
- Evaluate existing and alternative policies and institutions affecting the development of a more innovative rural sector.
- Develop and facilitate best practice in farm health and safety.
- Support rural leadership development for RIRDC related industries.
- Provide research scholarships for RIRDC industries.
Significant productivity gains in agriculture were achieved in the past by adopting new technical products or processes. Today productivity growth requires the adoption of a whole range of new skills and activities in addition to new production technologies. Growth now involves investing in human skills and education, analysing and using information, developing quality systems, marketing products, financial, technical and personal management and adapting the institutional organisation and structure of the industry.
The current era is known as the information age. In OECD countries the information sector accounts for one-third to one-half of gross domestic product and of employment. Information and the skills, knowledge and systems to apply it to management are required for Australia’s rural industries to become more innovative. Innovation is necessary in order to maintain a competitive edge in today’s global markets. The better the information and the more targeted and accessible it is to appropriately skilled farmers, the more successful the agricultural industry will be.
This sub-program focuses on developing effective, accessible, client-centred information, communication and education systems and processes. It will fund underpinning R&D that will enhance the capacity of farm managers to identify, acquire and apply the skills and information needed to improve the performance of their farm businesses both in terms of profitability and sustainability.
The program also aims to enhance the human capital available to rural industries through improved practices in farm health and safety, research related to social issues in rural communities and households and the provision of scholarships for rural leadership and post-graduate research.
Achievements in 1997–98
Information and Communications System
- Jointly produced The Australian Farmers’ guide to the Internet with Farmwide, which has proved to be very popular with farmers using or connecting to the Internet.
- Released The Rural Guide to Telecommunications.
Development of effective communication and education processes
- Produced and disseminated a framework to develop regional communications initiatives.
- Held a workshop and produced a report that provided guidelines to changing policies on providing public and private sector extension.
- Released a joint newsletter with Farmwide disseminating RIRDC’s R&D relating to electronic information systems to over 20 000 stakeholders.
- Produced a report examining computer use by farmers and providing useful strategies for increasing and enhancing usage.
Rural communities and social issues
- Finalised a report on a policy framework to guide future education and training strategies and related R&D.
- Produced a handbook of techniques for evaluating extension.
- Reviewed the communication planning procedures of R&D corporations and other related agencies to assist in determining ‘best practice’ for R&D communication.
Policies and institutions
- Reviewed an enterprise program on rural youth development that indicated significant benefits to both enterprise development and personal development.
Farm health and safety
- Launched (by Senator Troeth at ABARE's 'Outlook 1998' conference) a national research project to quantify and define the role women play in the agricultural sector and recommend strategies for enhancing women's participation in decision making.
Leadership
- Finalised a three to five year Joint Farm Health and Safety Program Strategy with GRDC, IWS and CRDC as partners and one year’s preliminary contribution from MRC.
- Analysed farmers’ perceptions of risks to improve the effectiveness of farm health and safety programs which resulted in new strategies being recommended for promoting safe practices with respect to different types of hazards.
Scholarships
- Awarded two scholarships from core funding for participation in the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
Publications in 1997–98
- Awarded nine new scholarships for PhD studies in related areas from RIRDC Core and Sub-Accounts.
Sustainability Indicators for Agriculture 97/72 Operational Southern Oscillation-based Seasonal Rainfall Forecasting 98/25A Historical Southern Oscillation-based Rainfall Forecasts and their Performance 98/25B Rural Advisers' Perceptions of Southern Oscillation-based Seasonal Climate Information 98/25C Australian Agricultural Information on the Internet 98/50 Regional Communications Initiatives 97/69 The Rural Guide to Telecommunications 97/75 Impact of Liability Law on R&D 97/78 Missed Opportunities – Harnessing the Potential of Women in Australian Agriculture 98/10 Impact of an Enterprise Program on Rural Youth Development 98/12 Farmer Education and Training – Issues for Research and Development 98/26 Personal Computers for Farmers 98/33 The Market for Food Ingredients in China and Hong Kong 98/59 Evaluation Demonstrates Computers Can Benefit Farm Business Management SR9 How Computer-Based Learning Can Boost Farmers' Grasp of Accounting Concepts SR11 Sustainability Indicators for Agriculture SR20 Rural Women, Missed Opportunities SR26 Enterprising Youth SR28 Farmer Education and Training – Issues for Research and Development SR30 Information Technology and the Internet Sept 97 Information Technology and the Internet Aug 98
Research Manager: Mr Tony Byrne
Phone: (02) 6272 4033
Fax: (02) 6272 5877
Email: tonyb@rirdc.gov.au
Contact for Australian Rural Leadership Program: Mr Mike BeckinghamPhone: (02) 6281 0680
Fax: (02) 6285 4676
Email: arlp@iacom.com.au
Contact for RIRDC: Scholarships: Mr Claudio Ciuffetelli, Manager, Business & Finance
Phone: (02) 6272 4656
Fax: (02) 6272 5877
Email: claudioc@rirdc.gov.au
Last updated: 20 October 1998 Copyright © RIRDC http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/anrep98/yearinrev4.htm
