De Bortoli Wines' operations manager leads a field of finalists for the 2021 Rice Industry Awards.
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Darrell Fiddler is a finalist along with Moulamein growers Michael and Belinda Gorey and Sara and Daryl Hall.
Mr Fiddler grows rice as part of the rotation with irrigated summer crops and winter cereals, with a strong focus on improving water productivity and has successfully automated the irrigation of Viand variety rice crop.
Rice Extension officer Harriet Brickhill said the last 12 months had been much better for the industry and the three finalists were committed to excellence in rice growing.
"We believe that the Awards, which are intended to champion outstanding rice growers leading the way, will also serve as an inspiration to others aspiring to be part of this wonderful industry," Ms Brickhill said.
The SunRice Grower of the Year award is decided by three judges, including two industry representatives.
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Last year's Grower of the Year winner, Leeton shire's Erin Draper, is one of the panel members and said the judges were looking for someone who is pushing the boundaries.
Mrs Draper, along with her husband Peter, were shocked to be announced as the 2020 winners.
Mrs Draper said winners were judged on production and agronomy, water efficiency, innovation, business management, sustainability, work health and safety and industry and community involvement.
"We would like to thank the finalists for their generosity and willingness to open up their business and operation for us," Mrs Draper said.
"All finalists typified the progressive Australian farmer, with all of them modest by nature and none of them believed they were doing anything but what they should be doing.
The winner receives a $2500 support package to help them with personal or business development.
The winner will be announced on August 12 at the Whitton Malt House, with the winner to host a field day in December to showcase their farming practises.
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