Our Operations - back to menu 3.4 Rice
Objective: To improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry.Expenditure in 200203: $3,363,139
Compared with 200102: $3,231,571Background
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 and 1.7 million tonnes of paddy a year. It is one of the most productive and efficient rice industries in the world, with yields averaging 9.2 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.As well as the research projects outlined in this plan the RIRDC Rice R&D Program is also a major partner in the CRC for Sustainable Rice production, providing $0.5m per year for seven years. This CRC has an extensive research program which covers: sustainability of natural resources in rice-based cropping systems; sustainable production systems; genetic improvement for sustainable production; product and process development; and education, skills development and technology transfer. Details of progress with the CRC research are reported in detail elsewhere and are not specifically included in this plan. The RIRDC program has been adapted to complement and collaborate with the CRC program.
The recent drought has had a significant impact on the funding position for the program in 200304. Levy revenue is expected to be 40% of recent years due to a large reduction in the rice crop. The program has been limited to accommodate this with a much reduced number of new projects supported and reserves drawn down substantially. Unless there are good rains for next season funds will be even tighter for 2004/2005. Under poor conditions we may not be able to support any new projects.
key long term strategies
provide varieties that result in increased efficiency at the farm level, meet customer requirements and maintain pure seed qualitykey outputs in 200203
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 farm released the second stage of a new guide to quality rice production in south-eastern AustraliaResearch Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
commercialised a new rice variety Quest with significantly improved water use efficiency and advanced another to the near release stage
incorporation of several new genetic markers in the quality evaluation and breeding program to streamline selection for several quality attributes
released new work on better understanding of the determinants of flavour and texture of new fragrant rice varieties
released significant results on rice nutrition
released an update of maNage rice, which provides guides to improved fertiliser use by growers and now also includes water use options
released an effective NIR testing service for crop nitrogen management
provided important information regarding the effectiveness of several new herbicides and how they can be more effectively included into an integrated weed management program for the industry
released new results on the biology of a range of weeds which affect rice crops and how this knowledge can enhance weed control management
released new results to improve the management of bloodworm, snails and earthworm to minimise crop losses
released a report which provided detailed results of the cost of production of rice crops for a range of farm sizes and production conditions
introduced an electronic Rice Bulletin sent every two weeks to rice growers and linked to an industry web site. This complements the usual extensive extension activities, which involve release of the annual RiceCheck production guidelines and organisation of hundreds of grower meetings at five critical stages of the crop production cycle
supported a range of human capital development activities for both research and grower groups, i.e. Australian Rural Leadership Program, Nuffield Awards and travel awards to major international conferences
Phone: 02 6272 4152
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: jeff.davis@rirdc.gov.auPublications in 200203
RICE SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance
02/100 Better information delivery to rice growers a pilot rice bulletin 02/101 Relating minerals in rice shoots and grain to soil tests, yield and grain quality 02/073 Rice research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 Rice R&D editionfarmers newsletter This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/ricr&d.html rate of release of new varieties
more uniform crop establishment
use of rice growth model in grower decision support systems
level of grower adoption of nutritional management strategies
level of pest, weed, and disease in commercial rice crops
rice water use performance
adoption rate of new technology and changes in farmer practices
degree of achievement of industry receival requirements
customer satisfaction and stable long-term trading relationships3.5 HorsesObjective: To assist in developing the Australian horse industry and enhance its export potential.
Expenditure in 200203: $606,668
Compared with 200102: $570,165Background
The horse industry is one of Australias biggest industries and is worth more than $8 billion a year. There are about 1.2 million horses used for racing, equestrian sports and recreation, and there is a large breeding industry with Australia producing the second highest number of thoroughbred foals in the world, after the United States.In 1995, RIRDC appointed an Equine Research and Development Advisory Committee to oversee a national R&D program, following agreement by the then Australian Conference of Principal Racing Clubs (now the Australian Racing Board) to provide significant financial support. The Committee oversees the investment in equine R&D projects of partnership funds from industry and government.
Since the commencement of the program, additional financial support has been received from the Equestrian Federation of Australia, the Australian Stock Horse Society, the Australian Equine Veterinary Association, the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Club, Hawkesbury, Mr Gerry Harvey, Magic Millions, International Racehorse Transport, the Paint Horse Association, Dolly van Zaane, Ms Barb Vial, Australian Harness Racing Council and the Australian Quarter Horse Association. The Committee has worked closely with the Australian Horse Industry Council in promoting and integrating the R&D program to meet the needs of the horse industry. The Five Year R&D Horse Industry Plan is reviewed annually by the key stakeholders. A major review to formulate the new five year plan was undertaken in November 2000 involving all sectors of the horse industry and researchers. This review led to the collaborative development of the new Five Year R&D Plan, 2002-2006, for the horse industry.
Key long term strategies
disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment Key outputs in 200203
industry development, environment and welfare published a manual of exotic diseases for horse owners Publications in 200203
conducted a highly successful colloquium on RIRDC funded research at the annual Bain Fallon conference
held a seminar on radiographic changes in yearling thoroughbreds supported by industry funds and attended by all sections of the thoroughbred horse industry
conducted an initial report on monitoring injury to horse riders and handlers in New South Wales and South Australia
continued support of racetrack managers through research funds and conferences
continued quarterly production of an equine R&D newsletter and unique web site
02/111 Improved vaccine strategies for management of equine herpesviruses 02/082 Monitoring falls during eventing horse and rider injuries in the cross-country phase 02/054 Equine exotic diseases 02/074 Horse research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002
HORSES SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance Research manager: Dr John Freestone
Phone: 02 6576 4200
Fax: 02 6576 4020
Email: john.freestone@rirdc.gov.auSome key performance indicators
analysis and availability of new technologies and their significance for the future of the horse industry
This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/equiRD1.html
data on the size and economic significance of the Australian horse industry
identification of causes, and approaches to management, of major diseases that are important to the export/import activities of the horse industry
information transfer to the horse industry via symposia, electronic and print media
information available on more scientific approaches to training and fitness in athletic horses
availability of information to assist racecourse managers in racetrack management3.6 Fodder Crops
Objective: To facilitate the development of a sustainable and profitable Australian fodder industry.Expenditure in 200203: $407,740
Compared with 200102: $257,739Background
Fodder is defined as the wide range of crop and pasture species that are grown, harvested and lightly processed to facilitate both on-farm use and domestic and export trade. The fodder industry is large with an estimated 20,000 producers on 46,000 properties across all States producing between 5 and 6 million tonnes of hay and around 2 million tonnes of silage per year. This production is traded as a wide range of fodder including lucerne, clover, pasture, cereal and others. The gross value of production at the farm gate is estimated to be about $900 million a year, which represents a 50% increase over the past 10 years. About 25-30% of fodder production is traded off-farm and this share has increased substantially during the last few years.Fodder production is concentrated in Victoria and New South Wales. Although Western Australian and South Australia are the major exporting states. The largest domestic market users are the dairy industry (40%), horse industry (25%) and feedlot industry (20%) and others (15%). In recent times there has been a growing trend for the dairy industry to rely more on off-farm purchases with recent estimates suggesting that more than 55% of fodder is purchased off-farm.
The animal feeds industry in East Asia is estimated to be valued at US$10 billion, and it is perceived that a large untapped demand will enable the industry to develop many new opportunities. The fodder industry has been taking advantage of this market with exports increasing significantly in recent years to around 500,000 tonnes. The largest market is currently cereal hay into Japan but other markets such as Korea and the Middle East are growing.
An important development for the program has been the introduction of a voluntary R&D levy by the cereal hay exporting and then domestic sectors of the fodder industry. Although these have been in place for about two years it is still unclear how much this voluntary levy will provide for R&D. RIRDC has agreed during the last two years to provide up to $300,000 to match the voluntary levy plus a further $100,000 in unmatched funds. The industry has provided around this level of funds, and if it continues to do this RIRDC will continue this matching policy for 200304.
Because of the impact of the drought on voluntary levy collections the Sub-program was unable to action all the priorities identified last year, but was able to develop new major projects on oat breeding and hay quality. However, follow-up on priorities for oaten hay agronomy was not possible due to uncertainty about funds available. With the weather impact on voluntary levies still uncertain the program will again have to press ahead with some caution.
Key long term strategies
improve Australias competitiveness in the development and supply of fodder-based products for the intensive livestock industries in Australia and emerging livestock industries in east Asia Key outputs in 200203
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 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 released and commercialised a new oaten hay variety called Wintaroo Publications in 200203
developed two other varieties to near release stage
completed the first stage of commercialisation of a new microbial inoculant for hay preservation
completed the first stage of a major activity aimed at rigorously identifying the determinants of the quality of hay and silage which has: provided consistent, standardised tests between laboratories around Australia for measuring these quality attributes evaluated a range of new fodder species for their fodder potential over a range of locations and environments
provided preliminary identification of the characteristics of fodder that influence preference by different animal species
finalised a review of priority R&D areas for cereal hay agronomy research
continued production of R&D Newsletters for distribution to industry
02/118 Development of a quantitative ELISA for screening fodder for corynetoxins 02/117 Oaten hay variety development 02/075 Fodder crops research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 Fodder crops R&D update Export cereal Hay R&D update
FODDER CROPS SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
Phone: 02 6272 4152
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: jeff.davis@rirdc.gov.auSome key performance indicators
identify key market opportunities This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/fodder5yr.htm
rate of release of new fodder varieties
rate of adoption of practices for nutrient, pest and disease management
development and implementation of improved quality standards by the industry
improved industry communications3.7 Pasture SeedsObjective: 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 200203: $290,812
Compared with 200102: $295,365Background
Australia, with its diversity of climate and growing conditions, is able to produce pasture seeds ranging from temperate to subtropical species for domestic use and for export markets. The export value of pasture seeds exceeds $30 million.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 are dependent on progress being made toward the introduction of 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. A levy base would provide the scope for an expansion of the research program to include subtropical species.
Key long term strategies
improving the collection and dissemination of knowledge on the seed industry and support for effective adjustment to change Key outputs in 200203
improve seed production technologies to maximise yield, quality and processing efficiency
incorporating environmental considerations in sustainable production systems
fostering emerging sciences/technologies and risk assessment
encouraging the development of new products and markets completed the penultimate stage of commercialisation of leafcutter bees for pollination of lucerne seed crops
released improved weed control technologies for a range of new temperate legumes
published and distributed a set of best practice production guidelines for sub-clover seed production
finalised and published a new program five year plan
produced and published an R&D newsletter
held several project-focused seed production field days
PASTURE SEEDS SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance Publications in 200203
03/004 R&D plan for the pasture seeds program 2003-2008 01/159 Practical guidelines for subclover seed production in south-eastern Australia 02/099 An evaluation of lucerne varieties for seed yield and strategies to enhance seed production 02/076 Pasture seeds research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 Pasture Seeds R&D Newsletter Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
Phone: 02 6272 4152
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: jeff.davis@rirdc.gov.auSome key performance indicators
improved domestic and export seed sales. This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/pastures.html
Improved information flows to industry
improved range of species for specific environments.
improved management strategies to improve the environmental aspects of seed production
implementation of quality assurance systems for industry
 
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Last updated: October 2003
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