Circular No. 2016/02

Grower Services www.sunrice.com.au Locked Bag 2, Leeton NSW 2705 Ricegrowers Limited Phone: 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436 ABN 55 007 481 156 Fax: 02 6953 7208 Email: growerservices@sunrice.com.au trading as SunRice

26 February 2016

C2016 Harvest Arrangements

Contact Grower Services on 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436 if any clarification is required. Alternatively you can email Grower Services at the following address growerservices@sunrice.com.au or send a message through the grower web portal.

1. Grain Quality is Paramount

Growers are asked to pay particular attention to factors that can impact the quality of the paddy they deliver. In the lead up to harvest, please ensure your crop/s are not drained prematurely and that your harvest operations take place in the right moisture level range. Research shows the best grain quality is achieved from harvesting in the 20 -22% range. Don’t put additional physical stress on grain by over-threshing. The February Rice Extension Newsletter provided detailed information and links to further research on steps to maximise whole grain yield. If you have not received a copy of this Newsletter please contact Rice Extension or Grower Services.

Remember that the Model S dockage tester at the testing platform is testing wet paddy and gives a higher reading than the trash measurement on dry paddy in the Quality Appraisal Centre (QAC). The testing platform measurement will be up to twice as high as the QAC measurement. Up to 1.5% trash measured in the QAC is permitted without discount.

2. Receival Depot Safety - Zero Harm

SunRice/AGS take Safety, Health & Environment issues very seriously. We have a responsibility to all people on our sites - employees and visitors. This harvest, all growers/contractors delivering paddy are required to read and sign an induction document that sets out the conditions to be followed at all AGS depots. The document titled AGS Grower/Contractor Induction for Receivals is included with this Circular. The document will be provided at receival for signing - each truck driver will have to sign the document once only. While all conditions have to be followed, please note that:

Fully enclosed footwear must be worn at all receival depots and mill sites

High visibility vests must be worn at all depots and mill sites. Vests will be available (on loan) at all depots but you are encouraged to wear your own vest

Growers/contractors are not permitted to work at heights at AGS depots - this includes but is not limited to climbing on the back of trucks to remove or replace tarps

«Name» «Address_1» «Address_2» «Town» «State» «Post_Code»

Please read this circular carefully as some arrangements have changed from prior harvests.

3. Receiving the 2016 Crop

(a) Depot Receival Plan

(P = PADDY, S = SEED)

(b) Redirection Payment

Redirection payment is paid at the rate of $7.67/t for the first 10 kilometres of the qualifying distance plus $0.11/t for the remainder of the qualifying distance. The qualifying distance is the distance from the farm front gate to receival depot less the distance from the farm front gate to nearest depot. Redirection payments will be made available to the following:

Growers of Langi in the Hogan and Blighty depot areas qualify for redirection payment to Emery

Growers nearest to Walsh and Coleambally depots qualify for redirection payment to deliver to Gogeldrie

Growers nearest to Hay depot qualify for redirection payment to deliver to Deniliquin

Growers nearest to Hogan (excluding Langi), Blighty (excluding Langi), Caldwell and Moulamein depots qualify for redirection payment to deliver to Deniliquin

These are the only cases where redirection payment is available. AGS will do its best to provide capacity to receive the crop at the growers nearest depot but when a depot eventually fills for a particular variety, growers will be responsible for delivery to another depot receiving the variety and will not be eligible for redirection payment. Redirection payment will only be used when it is necessary to encourage production of specialty varieties to meet market demand and/or when it is a cost-effective way to resolve operational issues - in both these circumstances there is a benefit to the crop pool and therefore to all growers.

(c) Depot Operating Hours Depot opening time is normally 8.00am. Closing time will be flexible depending on weather conditions and demand. Total operating hours have to accommodate the AGS fatigue management plan so there may be times when depot hours have to be adjusted. All depots will be closed on Good Friday 25 March and may be closed on Anzac Day (Anzac Day operations will depend on weather conditions prior to 25 April - arrangements will be advised). To ensure receival proceeds smoothly, please keep in close contact with staff at the depot you are delivering to, to confirm opening hours during harvest. The Harvest App will also advise depot operating hours.

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Depot Sherpa Reiziq

Amaroo

Bio

Amaroo

Org Doongara Kyeema Topaz Langi Illabong Koshi Opus YRK5 YRL127 YRM70

Gogeldrie P P P P P

Murrami

Whitton S S S S S S S

Benerembah P P

Willbriggie P P P

Yenda P P P P

Hay

Walsh

Coleambally

Emery P P P P P

Hogan

Finley P P P P

Blighty

Deniliquin P & S P & S P S P S

Caldwell

Burraboi P P P P

Moulamein

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

(d) The SunRice/AGS Harvest App The Harvest App will again be an important communication tool during harvest and will be updated regularly. The App will again show the approximate number of trucks in the queue at all depots. The app provides the following information:

varieties being received at the various AGS depots

number of trucks in the queue

moisture limits and any changes in place at the time

details of any breakdowns or other factors impacting service at depots

operating hours and depot contact details

If you do not have the app on your mobile phone, other mobile device or your home computer, you can access it by going to http://harvestinformation.sunrice.com.au/ using your phone or devices browser and bookmarking the site for easy subsequent access.

The app also provides access to “Harvest Newsletters”, “Links” and provides a “Contact Us” function to send an email to Grower Services.

(e) Depot Contacts

DEPOT COORDINATOR MOBILE DEPOT SUPERVISOR DEPOT CONTACT

Gogeldrie Col Lewis 0407 227 570 Cosimo Salerno 0417 746 914

Whitton Col Lewis 0407 227 570 Graham Smith 0428 264 318

Benerembah Keith Cox 0409 897 254 Phil Cottom 0417 416 141

Willbriggie Keith Cox 0409 897 254 Michael McDermott 0427 293 560

Yenda Keith Cox 0409 897 254 John Evans (02) 6968 1071

Emery Bill Volleberg 0428 418 486 Jebb Hutchison 0402 214 748

Finley Tony Connor 0419 429 496 James Cleve 0487 800 488

Deniliquin Tony Connor 0419 429 496 Rohan Caniglia 0408 068 482

Burraboi Tony Connor 0419 429 496 Mark Druitt 0487 800 487

(f) Review of delivery dockets It is the growers’ responsibility to thoroughly check the information on each Rice Receival Docket prior to signing it at the Weighbridge. For growers utilising multiple drivers/contractors, you are encouraged to check your dockets nightly and advise Grower Services of any change immediately.

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4. Grain Harvest Management Scheme SunRice/AGS will again be receiving grain under the NSW Grain Harvest Management Scheme (GHMS). As was the case last harvest, the “three strikes rule” no longer applies - this rule previously removed trucks from the scheme if they breached the concessional mass limits three times. Documentation about the GHMS, including the concessional mass limits, is available on the Grower Services web site and at the RMS web site http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/grain-transport.html . Please note:

To participate in the GHMS, heavy vehicles must carry a copy of the NSW Class 3 Grain Harvest Management Scheme Mass Exemption (Notice) 2014 in the vehicle and comply with the mass limits and operating conditions. A copy of the document is enclosed - please ensure it is carried in trucks operated by you/your contractors during the harvest period. The document contains details about the concessional mass limits and other important information

The following Local Government Areas (LGA’s) in the rice growing region have signed on to the GHMS: Carrathool, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Hay, Wakool, Murray, Berrigan, Corowa, Urana, Jerilderie, Conargo and Deniliquin. Some of these LGA’s have placed specific conditions on their participation and growers should visit the RMS web link above to familiarise themselves with these conditions

The portion of a paddy delivery to an AGS depot that exceeds the GHMS concessional mass limit will be skimmed and growers will not receive payment for that portion of the load. The finished product equivalent of the skimmed grain will be donated to Foodbank Australia

5. Convertible Trailers Many forms of convertible trailers pose significant safety risks as well as risks to grain quality when different varieties are carried in these vehicles. The acceptable and unacceptable convertible trailer configurations for C2016 harvest are outlined in the table below.

Convertible Trailer Configuration Delivery Status

Flat top trailer permanently converted to solid metal sides Acceptable

Flat top trailer which has overlapping metal sides fixed securely to the gates. Gates must be fixed to the truck with load binders/straps or equivalent (no ropes)

Acceptable

Flat top trailer with tarps fitted inside the gates Unacceptable

Flat top trailer with timber/ply/chipboard fitted inside the gates Unacceptable

Flat top trailer with corrugated iron fitted inside the gates Unacceptable

6. Reiziq Deliveries Reiziq is our standard medium grain variety and is priced at the medium grain return. Our other medium grain variety - Sherpa - is priced at a $20 per tonne discount to Reiziq. Growers need to be aware that we have put special identification measures in place (including DNA testing) to distinguish Reiziq from Sherpa and other varieties.

If a delivery declared to be Reiziq is shown by testing to be Sherpa or another variety, a commercially based price discount will apply resulting in the Reiziq tonnes being paid at a price $21/t below the price applying to Sherpa.

When delivering medium grain rice at the forthcoming harvest, please make sure your truck driver knows the variety being delivered. If there is any doubt about a medium grain variety it will not be segregated as Reiziq and will not be paid as Reiziq.

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7. Quality Specifications & Discounts

Please review the 2015/16 Paddy Quality Specifications and Discounts prior to harvest. The specifications were provided at the following link prior to sowing the 2015/16 crop https://www.sunrice.com.au/corporate/grower-services/documents-for-rice-growers/ . The current quality appraisal system provides additional incentive to produce paddy with the highest possible whole grain yield (wgy).

The main features of the system are:

The grower’s wgy result will be compared to the seasonal average for the variety.

A premium/discount of $2.00 per tonne per percent variation from the seasonal average for the variety will be applied in a linear scale above and below the average.

Attention is drawn to two changes from prior years: (a) Moisture Limits - the maximum moisture limit remains 22% and a discount of $1.00/t for each 0.1% above 22%

now applies to the first 80 tonnes delivered from a farm (previously applied to the first 40 tonnes). Additional high moisture deliveries from the farm now attract a penalty of $3.00/t for each 0.1% above 22% (previously $2.00/t).

(b) Paddy contaminated with foreign matter (seeds, fertiliser, stones, metal) - due to serious wheat contamination

in the C2015 harvest, the penalty for foreign matter contamination has increased:

Declared at delivery - dockage of up to $30/t (depending on number of pieces detected)

Not declared at delivery - dockage of up to $100/t (depending on number of pieces detected) Rice products are gluten free and contamination with wheat and other crops that contain gluten is not tolerated.

As with prior harvests, growers have the option of delivering their crop in different lots. Please advise the tester of which lot number each load is to be delivered against.

8. Authorised Buyer Undertaking

The Rice Marketing Board for the State of NSW appointed SunRice as an Authorised Buyer (Licence Number 2008/0005) under Section 51 (1) of the Rice Marketing Act 1983.

Growers should note that the “Rice Seed Order Form & Paddy Supply Offer for the 2016 Crop” is a contract between the grower and SunRice. The Rice Marketing Board for the State of NSW does not accept any responsibility for the contractual arrangements between SunRice and the grower.

(a) Delivery Arrangements Delivery arrangements for C2016 rice to be sold to SunRice are set out in Circular 2016/2 (this Circular).

(b) Payment Arrangements SunRice will pay for rice of merchantable quality that is delivered to its receival depots nominated in Circular 2016/2 (this Circular). The price paid will be as set out in the “Rice Seed Order Form & Paddy Supply Offer for the 2016 Crop”.

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9. Farm Delivery Cards

Farm Delivery Cards are issued to growers after their Pre-Delivery Declaration is completed and returned to Grower Services. Please complete this form as soon as possible and send to Grower Services via email to growerservices@sunrice.com.au or by fax 02 6953 7208.

If you require further information about any of the matters in this Circular, please contact Grower Services on 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436. Grower Services wishes you all the very best for the forthcoming harvest and we are here to help you in any way we can.

Tom Howard General Manager Grower Services and Agronomic Development Email: thoward@sunrice.com.au Phone: 02 6953 0619 Mobile: 0488 779 166

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SunRice Grower Services Locked Bag 2, Leeton NSW 2705 Phone: 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436 Fax: 02 6953 7208 Email: growerservices@sunrice.com.au www.sunrice.com.au

2016 Crop Payment Options Option 1 Traditional Pool Payment This option utilises funds from SunRice’s seasonal borrowing facility and includes a financing cost for use of borrowed funds. Growers who utilise this option will be able to participate in SunRice’s Forward Finance Payment Program which provides early access at a discounted value to a portion of the funds due to be paid in later pool payments. Details of this facility will be provided at a later date. No response is required if you want to receive traditional pool payments

Option 2 Deferred Income Payment

This option defers the first payment from harvest time to July 2016, with remaining payments made according to the Traditional Pool Payment schedule. Deferring the first payment avoids part of the financing cost associated with the use of borrowed funds. Growers who utilise this option will be able to participate in SunRice’s Forward Finance Payment Program from July onwards. Please note that if you choose Option 2 and you have outstanding SunRice debts, an appropriate interest charge will be incurred and added onto the initial debt. Growers that have any outstanding Grower Deduction Authorities should advise the relevant third party of the delayed payment time frame. Selection of Option 2 (Deferred Income) must be faxed or emailed back to Grower Services by Friday 27 March. No action is required for Option 1 (Traditional Pool).

If you require further information, please contact Grower Services on 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436. Tom Howard General Manager Grower Services and Agronomic Development

«Grower»

DELIVERY NAME: «Name» PAYMENT OPTION SELECTION Deferred Income Payment option

Apply this selection for farm(s) payments

Signature:

For: «Name»

SUNRICE PRE–DELIVERY DECLARATION

2015/2016 CROP

Delivery Name: «Name»

I hereby declare that by ticking the boxes below and signing and dating this document, I provide an assurance with regard to the following matters:

1. NSW Grain Harvest Management Scheme

I have read the information about the NSW Grain Harvest Management Scheme and how it is being implemented by SunRice/AGS (scheme information is on the SunRice web site).

I understand our responsibilities under the scheme and will ensure that any transport contractors we engage to deliver rice also understand their responsibilities under the scheme and how SunRice/AGS is implementing the scheme.

I understand that I am responsible for ensuring all deliveries of rice made by me or on my behalf must be compliant and within the Scheme Limits. I am responsible for ensuring that any and all transport contractors I may engage to deliver rice comply with this requirement.

I understand that neither SunRice nor the grower is permitted to derive any commercial benefit from grain that is skimmed under the Scheme and authorise SunRice/AGS to implement the skimming arrangements. I agree that in implementing the skimming arrangements, SunRice will net-off the value of the skimmed grain when making the paddy payment to the grower and donate that amount converted to finished product (or in-kind value of the skimmed grain) to Foodbank Australia.

2. Pure Seed and New Season Crop

(a) All rice grown by me in 2015/16 was produced from seed supplied by or approved by SunRice.

(b) The rice I deliver to SunRice in 2015/16 will be new season crop grown in 2015/16.

3. Agricultural Chemicals (a) Any agricultural chemicals applied or to be applied to 2015/16 rice crop/s that I will

harvest and deliver to SunRice, are registered for use on rice and have been used in accordance with label directions.

(b) Records of agricultural chemical applications have been kept in an approved format either on-farm or by an agricultural chemical service provider.

Please turn over 2/…

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4. Harvest Machinery Maintenance, Operation and Hygiene I have read and will apply the Food Safety Guidelines provided by SunRice and understand the

importance of protecting the industry with contaminant free product. I will discuss these issues with all employees and contractors involved in the harvest operation.

I have read and will apply the Harvest Equipment Cleaning Procedures provided by SunRice. I will ensure that any equipment used by my contractors is cleaned according to these procedures.

I have read the Safety Health & Environment AGS Growers/Contractors Induction for Receivals document and will abide by the stated conditions. I understand all truck drivers will have to read and sign the document when they make their initial delivery and abide by the stated conditions.

I undertake to inspect before harvest, trucks, headers, augers, field and truck bins that will be used to ensure they are in sound mechanical condition. They will be well cleaned to ensure they are free of any foreign grain or other contaminants such as metal objects, fertiliser, glass and gravel.

I undertake to inspect the area in proximity to the harvest and delivery equipment to ensure there are no potential contaminants such as foreign grains, metal, glass or loose gravel that could contaminate paddy.

I undertake to ensure that all mirrors, headlights and other glass items attached to machinery used for harvest and delivery are sound and undamaged.

I undertake to inspect all overhead light fittings in sheds where harvest equipment is stored to make sure they are sound and that they will not contaminate harvest equipment in the event they become damaged.

I undertake to ensure all truck drivers that deliver rice from the above farm are aware of their statutory responsibility under Chain of Responsibility legislation to abide by legal load limits that are set out in the NSW Grain Harvest Management Scheme.

I undertake to ensure all truck drivers that deliver rice from the above farm sign the reverse side of the harvest chit and will advise them of their responsibility to ensure the truck bin(s) are inspected and clean before loading.

Signed by: Date: For: «Name»

Form to be completed, signed and returned to Grower Services immediately by fax to 02 6953 7208 or email to growerservices@sunrice.com.au

FARM DELIVERY ID CARDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL RECEIPT OF THIS DECLARATION

FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES

REDUCING FOREIGN MATERIAL CONTAMINATION OF PADDY

The food safety (contamination) risks for paddy can be divided into three groups:-

Physical - pieces of glass, metal, plastic, stones, animal

matter; soil, foreign grain or weed seeds

Chemical - residues of agricultural pesticides, baits or fumigants

Biological - toxins from mouldy grain

If any of these materials are found in packaged rice, it can be very costly to the industry in both monetary terms and reduced market access. It takes time to build a reputation for a quality food product but it can be quickly destroyed with one widely publicised contamination incident. Producing quality rice on your farm is the first step in the supply chain to the consumer. All parts of the supply chain must be equally careful to avoid foreign matter contamination. Storage, drying, processing and distribution stages also have procedures to eliminate these materials. Most on-farm food safety risks occur during harvest, but a responsible attitude around the farm all year can reduce some risks.

You need to know what the major concerns are so you can assess and minimise the risks on your own farm.

1. Glass contamination can occur from a number of

sources.

Any kitchen waste with glass should be quickly buried in a place reserved for such material.

All glass and plastic containers used in the workshop or in the servicing of equipment should be handled with care and kept in a safe place.

Glass lens covers on vehicle and machinery lights should be inspected regularly and replaced if cracked. Covering lenses with plastic film can prevent glass loss in the event of a breakage.

Overhead lights in sheds can break on impact with headers or augers. Beware of such lights.

Food or drink in disposable glass containers should not be consumed in the farm area where crops are grown and machinery is operated. Convey this policy to duck shooters.

SunRice storage, handling and processing sites are zoned “glass free” and farm areas (as distinct from the household) could follow the example.

Farms adjoining main roads are at risk of travellers throwing bottles into canals and drains. These bottles can float and may enter a rice paddock on your farm or further down the irrigation system. Collect and dispose of any bottles found in such areas.

2. Metal objects can contaminate paddy and their

presence must be avoided.

Ferrous metals can be removed during processing by strategically placed magnets but heavy contamination levels can overload the system. Non ferrous metal is more difficult to detect and remove.

Preventative maintenance, regular servicing of harvest machinery and being careful with small tools and parts will minimise paddy contamination by metal.

3. Gravel & stones are serious contaminants.

Roads (especially shoulders) allow loose stones and gravel to lodge in tyre treads. Tyres with a block or bar tread pattern will collect less gravel.

Installation of corrugated approaches to intake pits can dislodge stones by flexing tyre walls.

Gravel in paddy can also occur from trucks previously used for hauling road materials. This gravel contamination (as distinct from the road source) is easily avoided by cleaning truck bins.

4. Foreign grain, weed seeds and fertiliser contamination

of paddy is all too common.

Foreign grain results from residues left in headers, trucks, field bins and augers. Trucks, bins and augers are fairly easy to clean. Headers are more difficult but every effort must be made to clean the machine prior to harvest. Remove any covers from elevators or cross augers; remove the sieves and use an air compressor to dislodge grain / trash from the less accessible places. Run the machine for a short time and then repeat the process with a high pressure water cleaner or a fire fighter pump. Again run the header for a short time before refitting the covers and sieves. A header clean- out after harvest of another grain like maize, soybean or wheat can take about an hour to do satisfactorily. Cleaning equipment between different rice varieties is also needed.

Thorough cleaning of truck bins is essential and contractor trucks must be checked at the commencement of each day. A suitable broom should be kept on hand, preferably in the cab, to sweep the truck bin. The delivery chit requires the truck driver sign that “the bin was clean before loading with paddy”.

Weed seeds come from plants on the banks and field edges. Practice good crop hygiene and spray or chip any weeds from such areas.

Fertiliser contamination occurs through improperly cleaned handling equipment such as field bins, silos, augers and more particularly trucks. Contractor trucks alternating between rice and fertiliser haulage pose a special risk. Urea is highly toxic to humans and the granule size, shape and colour is similar to rice.

Grower Services NIP 37 Yanco Avenue Leeton NSW 2705 Locked Bag 2 Leeton NSW 2705 T 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436 F 02 6953 7208 E growerservices@sunrice.com.au

5. Mud and soil can contaminate paddy in two ways.

Mud can collect in chaser bin tyre treads and be flung into the bin when travelling to unload. Adding a mudguard to the bins may prevent this occurring. This type of mud often remains as larger lumps and may be removed before milling.

Mud can also be picked up from the paddock when harvesting lodged crops. When the mud or soil passes through the machine some is reduced to the size of rice grains and is referred to as mud balls. Where mud balls contaminate brown rice, it is both expensive and slow to remove by colour sorting.

Avoid lodging by good management practices. Use a ridging roller and an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertiliser, applied at the correct time. Drain the crop at the optimum time to ensure it finishes without moisture stress and is not predisposed to lodging.

Where lodging is unavoidable, careful adjustment and operation of the header can minimise the amount of soil entering the front.

6. Animal matter – skin, hair, bones and faecal matter

can contaminate paddy.

Animal material can either originate from the remains of livestock run on the farm, such as sheep or cattle; from birds such as ducks or vermin such as foxes, or rats and mice.

Where stock loss by death occurs, dispose of the carcass in a safe area. Burn or bury. Do not leave carcasses in pasture paddock as the remains could contaminate paddy in future years.

Where ducks are legitimately controlled by shooting, dispose of the carcass.

Rats and mice are attracted to grain and machinery storage areas. Clean up seed and grain spills to eliminate food sources. Where an infestation is found, bait at designated stations. Clean all harvest machinery after harvest completion and eliminate the attraction to vermin.

7. Chemical contamination of paddy rice is closely

monitored by domestic and export markets.

Agricultural chemicals, registered for use on rice, that are stored and used on-farm should be managed in accordance with the WorkCover NSW Code of Practice for the safe use and storage of chemicals in Agriculture and relevant legislation.

Terrorism is a risk we all need to be vigilant of.

Chemicals, biological and radio-nuclear materials could all be used in deliberate contamination of food for human consumption. Rice producers need to ensure there is no opportunity for these materials to deliberately or accidentally contaminate paddy rice. Be alert and report any such risks to Grower Services (1800 654 557) before delivering paddy.

Most chemicals are applied to rice early in the crop life and residue risks are extremely small but consumers need assurance their food is safe.

Only use pesticides registered for use on rice and follow the label directions.

Any application error of agricultural pesticide could cause the maximum residue level to be exceeded and jeopardise the entire industry.

Armyworm control made just prior to harvest is a risk if withholding periods are not met and growers must advise SunRice before delivery. Such paddy can then be segregated for the required period. Armyworm control is generally discouraged unless their numbers are certain to cause economic damage.

Rice growers making chemical applications should be accredited under an approved Chemical Users Training Program. Aerial contractors must also be accredited under their own approved programs.

All herbicide and insecticide applications made to individual crops must be recorded as per the Pesticide Act administered by the EPA. Forms for these records are freely available from a number of sources. All quality assurance programs in agricultural industries require permanent records of chemical applications and it could also protect you in the unlikely event of a future damages claim made by an external party.

All growers must complete the SunRice Pre-Delivery Declaration for agricultural chemical usage on their rice crops. This declaration is needed to satisfy the requirements of our major markets. It confirms that all products used were registered for rice; that label directions were followed and that the applications have been recorded.

8. Mouldy & stackburnt grain result from delays to

deliver high moisture rice.

Stackburnt rice poses a health and safety risk when moist paddy overheats and encourages fungal and bacterial growth. Stackburnt rice produces yellow grains with an unpleasant odour which taint good quality rice and make it unfit for human consumption. Fungi can produce poisonous aflatoxins in overheated paddy and, if detected, will be rejected by importers.

Harvested paddy must be delivered as soon as possible, and not be held in the header grain bin, field bin or truck. Special attention should be given to cleaning out large “mother bins” as any grain remaining from day to day will stackburn and contaminate more rice. Failure to advise of stackburnt rice does carry penalties.

The sources of foreign material contamination of paddy need to be understood by the farm owner, the harvest contractor and all employees involved in the harvesting and cartage of the crop. These guidelines need to be discussed prior to, and acted on, during the harvest operation. The SunRice Pre-Delivery Declaration confirming compliance with these guidelines must be signed by the grower and provided to SunRice before the first delivery of the season. If a harvest contractor is involved, a grower has the option to use the RGA “Rice Harvesting and Cartage Agreement” to address the SunRice declaration and chain of responsibility legislation.

HARVEST EQUIPMENT CLEANING PROCEDURES

ALL RICE GROWERS AND THEIR HARVEST CONTRACTORS AND CARRIERS (WHERE INVOLVED), NEED TO KNOW WHY HARVEST HYGIENE NEEDS TO IMPROVE AND HOW IT CAN BE ACHIEVED.

THE PROBLEM

1. Expenditure on grain pest eradication is increasing and restrictions on the use of methyl bromide and

resistance to some pest control treatments are an added concern. Prevention is always better than a cure. 2. Independent investigation by entomologists previously indicated grain pest build up in new paddy sheds

could have arisen from infested grain delivered into those sheds. The infestations probably originated from “dirty” (uncleaned) harvest equipment harbouring residual grain from the winter crop harvest.

3. The most serious pest infestations occur when storages or harvesting equipment are not cleaned properly before the first few loads of new season’s paddy are delivered. Testers will always target the first few loads.

4. Cleaning and disinfestation of the storage facilities is the responsibility of SunRice but growers must also play their part by adequately cleaning all harvest equipment before harvest commencement.

5. Good hygiene should be practiced all the year as insect infestations can develop from any residual grain left undisturbed and unprotected. Grain spillages and residues in either open or confined places can provide grain pests with an opportunity to multiply. The best policy is to clean up any grain remnants with a vacuum cleaner or sweep with a broom and then burn or bury the material.

6. Past surveys of rice harvest equipment show many headers and field bins have not been adequately cleaned after cereal harvest was completed. Residual grain in such harvesters and bins can already be infested with grain beetles and weevils.

7. The paddy receival procedure used at the testing platform aims to detect any grain pests in the sample by use of a simple screening technique. Where live insects are detected in delivery samples, dockage penalties will be enforced.

THE SOLUTION

The proper cleaning of harvest equipment is the first step to eliminating grain pest problems in paddy.

The following steps are recommended to clean a harvester:

1. Clean harvesters immediately after harvest but if it hasn’t been done yet, do it as soon as possible. 2. Open / remove all auger and elevator covers and inspection plates. Set the fan to maximise the airflow. 3. Run the harvester (static) with all inspection covers open for two minutes to eliminate most of the grain and

chaff residues. 4. Disconnect the header front to allow better access. Remove the riddles and screens. Both these tasks will only

take a few minutes but will greatly improve the ability to clean the machine. 5. Remove any grain and trash by using a high pressure water cleaner or fire fighting unit, starting at the top of

the machine. Clean down all external surfaces before commencing on the internal parts. 6. Internal areas must include the header front, crop feeder housing, drum and concave, straw walkers, riddle

box, fan case, grain box and rotary grain separator (if fitted). Commence cleaning on the upper areas first so grain and residues are flushed down to the escape points where covers have been removed. Avoid aiming high pressure jets at bearings and bushes as it may damage seals and remove lubricants. It is important to clean the harvester in the heat of the day to dry it sufficiently.

Grower Services NIP 37 Yanco Avenue Leeton NSW 2705 Locked Bag 2 Leeton NSW 2705 T 1800 654 557 or 02 6953 0436 F 02 6953 7208 E growerservices@sunrice.com.au

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7. After washing down, dry the harvester by running it again for a minute or two with maximum airflow passing

through the machine. Alternatively, artificially dry the machine using compressed air or a high volume air blower.

8. After the machine is dry, an air compressor can be used to flush out any remaining grains in cracks and crevices. Fitting a rigid copper pipe extension to the compressor hose outlet will give better access to difficult places. Alternatively, a cheap attachment commonly called a “trigger vacuum” which operates on the venturi principle can be fitted to the end of the compressor hose to suck up any loose grains. Other useful cleaning equipment includes hand held electric blowers that can be fitted with PVC extensions for dislodging any grain and it will quickly dry inaccessible areas. In addition, purpose built blower and vacuum equipment designed to clean harvesters is available and is well suited to contractors who need to clean machines down regularly.

It will take a couple of hours to clean a header satisfactorily after harvest is completed and even so, there may still be some grain lodged in the most inaccessible areas. While it is impossible to guarantee a header is completely clean of all grain, around 99% should be removed by the cleaning method described above. For specialist seed growers who need a thoroughly clean machine, it may be necessary to dismantle and remove more panels and covers to get the necessary access.

Cleaning other harvest equipment must not be overlooked:

1. Trucks should be externally cleaned of any grains and debris and the tray and bin parts also swept or washed down. Trucks are easily cleaned but often ignored as a source of contamination. There have been a number of incidents in the past that could have compromised paddy quality because of failure to check truck bins. Do not presume the bins are clean!

2. Grain augers can be run in reverse to clean grain off the flights and the hoppers should be removed and cleaned.

3. Field bins and tractor chaser bins need more attention. They should be cleaned of grain in the bin, the auger flights and more importantly in the surge box/grain box compartment at the junction of the horizontal and unloading augers where grain accumulates. Remove/slide the covers to access the surge box. Proper cleaning of field bins and chaser bins is sometimes forgotten since most of the emphasis is on cleaning out the harvester. These bins are often a major source of contaminated grain and grain pest infestations.

4. If possible, do not shed or store harvest equipment near places where grain is being stored. Where it is unavoidable, make sure there is no spilt grain or bags of left over grain in the same area. Where silos of grain or seed exist, make sure there is no grain and debris lying around the base of the silos that could attract grain insects. Keep the area free of weeds to ensure any spilt grain is easily detected and removed.

5. If the storage facilities, harvest equipment, field storage bins and truck bins are all cleaned in advance of harvest, the opportunity for grain pests to multiply in paddy is very much reduced. With an early harvest commencement this year, it’s essential that all involved with harvest equipment complete the necessary hygiene in advance – we can’t afford any slippage that might compromise our quality.

We look forward to your cooperation in thoroughly cleaning your harvest equipment this season. This will

avoid foreign material, other grains and grain insect pests being detected at receival, which results in significant

payment discounts.

Safety Health & Environment

AGS Growers\Contractor Induction for Receivals

AGS-SHE-F-255

During your visit to site it is important that AGS staff, Growers and Contractors work in partnership to promote a healthy and safe working environment. AGS must ensure that individuals are not exposed to risks to their health or safety during the harvest period. Please ensure the following conditions are followed while on AGS sites:

1. In an emergency all AGS staff, Growers and Contractors must assemble at the weighbridge.

2. All incidents, accidents, near misses or property damage on AGS sites must be reported to the weighbridge clerk regardless of severity.

3. Site speed limit is 10km per hour unless otherwise signposted.

4. Growers/Contractors must follow all directions from AGS staff.

5. Growers/Contractors must ensure they follow all site requirements. As a minimum, Hi Visibility Vest or Shirt and fully enclosed footwear are to be worn on all AGS sites.

6. All Growers/Contractors must comply by the Alcohol and Other Drugs policy while on AGS sites and be fit for the task.

7. Growers/Contractors are responsible for opening grain doors and operation of their vehicle while on AGS sites.

8. Eating and Drinking are only allowed in designated areas (including the truck cabin). Request designated area information from the site supervisor if required.

9. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Request this information from the site supervisor if required. Deniliquin and Coleambally sites are SMOKE FREE sites.

10. Growers/Contractors are NOT to work at heights on AGS sites. This includes, but is not limited to climbing on the back of trucks to either remove or replace tarps.

11. Good Manufacturing guidelines must be adhered to including no glass containers to be brought on site; disposal of rubbish in bins and no jewellery to be worn with exception of a plain wedding band without stones and a plain watch with no stones.

ACCEPTANCE OF GROWER/CONTRACTOR INDUCTION I have read and understand these instructions

Name: Signature:

Delivery Name/Company:

Date:

Copy of signed induction to be maintained on AGS site in the weighbridge

PLEASE NOTE THIS PAGE IS NOT TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO GROWER SERVICES.

THIS PAGE WILL BE PROVIDED AT TIME OF DELIVERY TO READ AND SIGN.