PODCASTS are all the rage across topics of all genres and varieties, with rice even getting in on the fun.
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The Rice Life is a podcast project of Rice Extension, which supports the adoption of innovation and research and development outcomes in the Australian rice industry.
The team consists of three people who deliver extension to rice farming systems in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area, Coleambally Irrigation area and the Murray Valley.
The podcast, which has wrapped its first season, is a project Rice Extension had been developing over roughly a six-month period, with COVID-19 the catalyst for its release.
It is presented by Harriet Brickhill and Charleton Glenn from Rice Extension.
"We identified a group of our growers are engaged with media while they're operating machinery ie sowing or harvest, so why not capitalize on it?" Ms Glenn said.
"A podcast gives us the opportunity to engage with different stakeholders of the rice industry such as researchers, growers, agronomists and industry supporters.
"The aim of the podcast is to deliver the latest news and research from the rice industry so growers can stay informed and connected.
"We've really tried to focus on delivering content that's been derived through our growers and what they'd like to learn or increase their knowledge in the rice industry."
With COVID-19 meaning guests couldn't be interviewed in person for the podcast, the hosts had to get creative with technology.
The first season followed the growing season through a variety of different topics.
Ms Glenn and Ms Brickhill tried to incorporate what was happening on the farm into the episodes so the content was relevant to growers.
Season one consisted of five episodes with different guests:
- Episode one: Cracking up over whole grain yield.
- Episode two: Boosting bittern yield.
- Episode three: What do I need to know for the end of the financial year?
- Episode four: Irrigated automation in rice.
- Episode five: C20 harvest review.
Ms Glenn said the podcast was also an important listen for not just those involved in the industry, but members of the community or others outside of the agriculture field.
"The rice industry has been a staple in the Riverina for the last 70 years, not only for farmers but our communities too," Ms Glenn said.
It's important to continue the education and importance of the industry so it can continue to evolve and grow.
"It's crucial collaboration between governments, industries and consumers continues and if we're able to contribute to this in some small way that's fantastic.
"It's an industry with a big heart and full of passionate farmers, communities and industry supporters who want to continue to provide a future for Australian rice production and take their product to the world.
"Educating the broader community is important, but equally is the rice industries ability to share, learn and engage with other industries and sectors that also underpin the Australian economy and the local region."
The team is now planning to put together a second season of the podcast and would like feedback on what direction it should take.
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"We're hoping to grow our listener database to expand outside of the rice industry and delve a little deeper into mainstream agricultural sector," Ms Glenn said.
"There are so many issues in the rice industry that resonate into other agricultural sectors so we'd love the opportunity to try and reach a larger footprint."
The podcast can be found on Soundcloud by searching for Rice Extension, the podcast app under the title of The Rice Life and the Rice Extension website.
