Ricegrowers Association of Australia is optimistic region will have a good crop in 2021

President Rob Massina has noted an air of confidence among growers after some very disappointing years.

"In the past two years we've had the second and third worst crops in history," he said.

"This is because of drought, low water supply, run off into catchments and unintended consequences of water reforms."

However, the feeling RGA members is positive leading to increased demand for seed and growers making some bold decisions.

"In the past couple of weeks, demand for seed from SunRice has been very high which is a very good sign," Mr Massina said.

Favourable autumn a winter rainfall has changed the mood amongst growers, some of whom will decide to abandon their winter crops to plant rice for the upcoming season.

"Because of the good rainfall in autumn and winter, some growers are going to crop their winter crops for hay and get the fields ready for rice or are seriously considering it," Mr Massina said.

"It will vary between growers because they would have some healthy cereals in the ground but it is looking promising."

This year has been a miserable one for rice keeping Mr Massina and his family from planting any rice for the past two years.

The shortage of Australian rice has been coming," he said.

"The dry years and COVID has made a big difference with people rushing to the shops to buy staple foods.

"The cupboard is nearly empty."

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Mr Massina and his family will be planting at least 70 hectares at their Jerilderie property this year and are hopeful to increase that.

"I think we'll see a fair amount of rice planted as a whole this year," he said.

"We are planting it for the first time in a couple of years, hopefully we'll put in over 100 hectares in the coming months."

This comes as welcome news with reports that Australia will run out of Australian grown rice by Christmas.