The main registration desk will be open from 8 am – 10:00am. Avoid the rush and collect your name badge early.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

Kicking off the 2025 conference with energy and insight, welcoming attendees and previewing what’s ahead.

Speaker:

Edwina Bartholomew (Sunrise, Channel Seven)

A warm welcome to the 2025 Australian Rice Conference.

Speakers:

Peter Herrmann (Ricegrowers' Association, President)

Graeme Kruger (Ricegrowers' Association, Executive Director)

Unpacking the future in a changing world, providing context for the Australian rice industry where water reform, geo-political trends, policy changes, and evolving consumer tastes are reshaping how and what we grow.

Speaker:

Tony Hunter (Global Food Futurist and Consultant at Future of Food Consulting)

Speaker:

Paul Serra (SunRice Group, Chief Executive Officer)

Sponsored by the AgriFutures Rice Research Alley

Hear from leading voices in Australian agriculture as they share what lies ahead for the industry, how they’re tackling emerging challenges, and the opportunities ahead to shape a resilient and thriving future.

Facilitator:

Edwina Bartholomew (Sunrise, Channel Seven)

Speakers:

Caroline Rhodes (Primary Producers SA)

Dr Madeleine Hartley (NSWIC, CEO)

Su McCluskey (Former Special Representative for Australian Agriculture)

Troy Williams (NFF, CEO)

Hear from an expert in global trade and economics, on insights, opportunities and challenges shaping agri-markets in todays landscape.

Speaker:

Stefan Vogel (RaboResearch Australian & New Zealand, General Manager)

An update on the progress of the rice breeding program, as they work tirelessly to transform the industry through innovation in rice breeding.

Speaker:

Dr Steve Jefferies (Rice Breeding Australia, Chair)

A panel discussion exploring cutting-edge research and practical innovations including rice breeding research, automation and improving water use efficiency - now and for the future.

Facilitator:

Samantha Beresford (AgriFutures General Manager, Levied Industries)

Speakers:

Prof Chris Blanchard (AgriFutures Rice RD&E Panel, Chair)

Dr Georgina Pengilley (Rice Breeding Australia, CEO)

Prof John Hornbuckle (Deakin UNI)

Darrell Fiddler (Grower and AgriFutures Rice RD&E Panel, Member)

Sponsored by Murray Irrigation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology have long been part of the agricultural landscape. As the pace of change in technology increases, how do we continue to harness the power of agtech to maximise productivity and profitability, and what is next on the horizon?

Facilitator:

Edwina Bartholomew (Sunrise, Channel Seven)

Speakers:

Prof Ganna Pogrebna (CSU Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Futures Institute, Executive Director)

Tristan Steventon (Stev Tech, Drone & Data Specialist)

Ben Trevaskis (CSIRO Farming Systems Program, Research Director)

Explore how strategic succession planning can drive business growth and ensure smooth leadership transitions for long-term success.

Facilitator:

Jack Cresswell (Farms Advice Podcast, Host)

Speakers:

Cameron Sloan (RSM Australia)

Rachel Kelly (ProAgtive, Succession Planner)

Michael Chalmers (Grower)

Hear from those who will take on industry challenges into the future (tomorrow’s leaders) as they share their hopes, experiences, passions and insights on expanding the rice industry into the next 100 years.

Facilitator:

Edwina Bartholomew (Sunrise, Channel Seven)

Speakers:

Anthony Beer (Grower)

Meg Brown (Elders)

Monique Andreazza (Rice Breeding Australia)

Nathan Crowley (Grower)

Niamh Mason (Nutrien)

Experience the Roxy Theatre like never before.

As the perfect finale to Day 2 of the Australian Rice Conference, we invite you to a spectacular dining experience in the newly refurbished Roxy Theatre, The Palace of Dreams.

Hosted by Rice Extension