Staff in Focus: Emily appointed to RGA Board

Congratulations on your RGA appointment. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background?

My husband Josh, our two children Charlie and Elsie, and I live on the family irrigation farm just outside of Deniliquin. 

We returned to the family farm more than 10 years ago and haven’t looked back since!

I had previously worked as an embryologist, after studying Medical Science and Medical and Applied Biotechnology at Wagga's Charles Sturt University. Unfortunately, the closest IVF lab to Deniliquin is 2.5 hours away, so when we returned to the farm, I needed to find a new career. 

I applied for a job with Murray Irrigation under the PIIOP project in 2014, and have been working with the company ever since.

I am currently a member of the Customer Engagement Team, where I get to help customers with their complex enquiries. The role has taught me a lot about irrigation farming and agriculture. It has also enabled me to meet a lot of farmers across the Murray Irrigation footprint. 

When did you officially commence your Board duties?   

I am very new to the position, having started working with RGA in December 2024. 

What motivated you to apply for the role?

I was approached by RGA to fill a vacancy on its Board. 

It was an easy decision to accept the position, as I have always been impressed with RGA’s approach to advocacy and the way it conducts itself as an organisation. 

What strengths and attributes do you think you will to bring to the RGA Board?

I believe my strengths lie in building relationships, communication and engagement; specifically in the agricultural industry. 

Having worked with farmers in the Murray Irrigation footprint for the last 10 years, I have developed a broad understanding of the issues facing irrigation farmers today.

What are you most looking forward to about serving on the RGA Board?

It is a very interesting time for the rice industry. There are a lot of challenges and changing requirements that need to be adapted to.

But with challenges come opportunities, and I am looking forward to being part of the collective response that will hopefully pave a positive way forward for rice growers and for the industry as a whole.  

You work directly with farmers in your role at Murray Irrigation, and you are a rice grower yourself. What do you consider to be the rice industry's most pressing issues at present? 

Water reform and availability of water continue to be the two main issues currently facing rice growers.

I also believe that, if we want to have a rice industry that is able to stand the test of time, then we need to secure a price per tonne that aligns with the input costs. While input costs continue to increase, commodity prices don’t seem to be following the same trend. There needs to be a balance so that farmers will continue to grow rice, and we will have a strong and viable Australian rice industry going forward. 

I understand that the uncertainty associated with deregulation might cause stress for people and their businesses. However, I believe the end of rice vesting will allow for more diverse ways for rice growers to sell and market their rice. 

We need to work together to identify new opportunities that will arise from deregulation and secure the best outcomes for the rice industry and our growers. I think this is where consultation with industry stakeholders will be vital, helping to ensure that change is navigated effectively so the rice industry can continue to flourish into the future.