WAKOOL’S George Rathbone, who this year delivered his 77th rice crop, was among three Ricegrowers’ Association members inducted as honorary councillors at the rice industry awards and gala dinner at the Woodside Hall in Griffith recently.
The RGA honorary councillor award recognises outstanding contributions within the Australian rice industry.
George was joined by Barry Kirkup, of the RGA Yanco branch, and John Walter, of the Deniliquin branch, in receiving the award.
RGA president Peter Herrmann says “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 response of the recipients for being recognised for their dedication to the Australian rice industry.”
George’s first crop was delivered in 1945 as a share farmer at the age of 15, while working for his father.
He has been a loyal member of the RGA since 1952, rarely missing a meeting or annual conference. He has held leadership roles within the industry, including Wakool Branch President and Rice Marketing Board member, but Mr Herrmann says “it’s his loyalty and dedication that stands out amongst his peers”.
Barry Kirkup’s interest in research and extension has meant he hosted rice trial plots including seeding techniques, fertiliser, 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.
John Walter grew his first rice crop for the 1958 harvest and as a rice industry innovator, he worked with Ennor Engineering to develop the Ennor disc rice banker and the company’s tandem disc plough.
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.
