Ricegrowers’ Association induct Honorary Councillors

The Ricegrowers' Association (RGA) inducted three members as Honorary Councillors on Friday evening at the Rice Industry Awards & Gala Dinner at the Woodside Hall, Griffith NSW, the ultimate event in the 2023 Australian Rice Growers’ Conference program.

The RGA Honorary Councillor award recognises outstanding contributions within the Australian rice industry. Barry Kirkup of the RGA Yanco Branch, John Walter of the RGA Deniliquin Branch, and George Rathbone of the RGA Wakool Branch received the award.

Peter Herrmann RGA President said, “The three individuals were nominated by their peers for this award, who recognised their unique and incredible contributions to our industry. It was heartfelt to see the recipient’s response for being recognised for their dedication to the Australian rice industry.”
 

Barry Kirkup

Barry’s interest in research and extension has meant he hosted rice trial plots including seeding techniques, fertilizer, and water use efficiency trials nearly every year of his farming career. He was one of the first adopters of delayed water techniques and growing rice on beds successfully. Barry is also an engineer, innovator, and aerial ag operator.

Barry was Vice Chairman of IREC, AgriFutures Advisory panel delegate and member of the RGA Seed Committee. Very few weeks went by where Barry would not host a farm tour, including schools and university students on behalf of the RGA or SunRice.

John Walter

John Walter grew his first rice crop for the 1958 harvest. As a rice industry innovator John worked with Ennor engineering to develop the Ennor disc rice banker and the company’s tandem disc plow. Later both became implements of choice for many rice farmers across the Riverina.

John was the first rice farmer to pursue research into alternate uses of rice straw, working with the New England university to trial treatments of the straw to increase its palatability for livestock.

George Rathbone

This year George Rathbone delivered his 77th rice crop, with his first crop being delivered in 1945 as a share farmer at the age of 15, while working for his father.

John has been a loyal member of the RGA since 1952, rarely missing a meeting or annual conference. He has held several leadership roles within the industry including Wakool Branch President and Rice Marketing Board member, however it’s his loyalty and dedication that stands out amongst his peers..

For media enquiries contact:

Pip Connolly, Communications Manager
0488 071 165 pconnolly@rga.org.au