Circular No. 2017/01

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

15 March 2017

C2017 Harvest Arrangements This Circular contains the following important information:

2017 Depot Recieval Plan

Redirection Payment

Depot Contacts

2017 Crop Payment Options

Pre-Delivery Declaration

Food Safety Guidelines

Harvest Equipment Cleaning Procedures

AGS Grower/Contractor Induction for Receivals

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.

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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

3. Receiving the 2017 Crop

(a) Depot Receival Plan

(P = PADDY, S = SEED)

(b) Redirection Payment

Redirection payment is paid at the rate of $7.16/t for the first 10 kilometres of the qualifying distance plus $0.10/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 YRM70 in the Walsh depot area qualify for redirection payment to Coleambally

Growers of Reiziq in the Yenda depot area qualify for redirection payment to Willbriggie or Whitton

Growers of Reiziq in the Benerembah area qualify for redirection payment to Walsh

Selected growers in the Burraboi area will qualify for redirection payment 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

Depot Sherpa Reiziq YRM70 Organic

Bio

dynamic Doongara Topaz Langi Illabong Koshi Opus YRK5

Gogeldrie P P P P

Murrami P

Whitton S P & S S S S S

Benerembah P P

Willbriggie P P P P P

Yenda P P P P

Hay P P

Walsh P P

Coleambally P P P P P

Emery P P P P P

Hogan P P P

Finley P P P P P

Blighty P P

Deniliquin P & S P & S P & S P & S P P & S P & S

Caldwell P P P

Burraboi P P P S P

Moulamein P P P P P

Page 3 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 14 April 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.

(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 REGIONAL

COORDINATORCONTACT AREA SUPERVISOR CONTACT DEPOT SUPERVISOR DEPOT CONTACT

Gogeldrie Leigh Maguire 0429 158 697

Murrami Steven Bradshaw (02) 6955 2218

Whitton Graham Smith 0428 264 318

Benerembah Phil Cottom 0417 416 141

Willbriggie Michael McDermott 0427 293 560

Yenda Damien Blanchard 0438 501 938

Walsh Thomas Fuller (02) 6954 4258

Coleambally Bill Volleberg 0428 418 486

Emery Jebb Hutchison 0402 214 748

Hay Tony Connor 0419 429 496 Reg Hislop (02) 6993 4031

Hogan James Cleve (03) 5885 6518

Finley Richard Fox 0487 800 488

Blighty Rob Gray (03) 5882 6307

Deniliquin Rohan Caniglia 0408 068 482 Rohan Caniglia 0408 068 482

Caldwell Steven Didcock 0478 110 518

Burraboi Mark Druitt 0487 800 487

Moulamein Bill Wilson 0429 875 220

Mark Druitt 0487 800 487

Michael Hancock 0487 800 488

Keith Cox 0409 897 254

Tony Connor 0419 429 496

Cosimo Salerno 0417 746 914

Bill Volleberg 0428 418 486

Keith Cox 0409 897 254

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(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.

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.

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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.

7. Quality Specifications & Discounts

Please review the 2016/17 Paddy Quality Specifications and Discounts prior to harvest. The specifications were provided at the following link prior to sowing the 2016/17 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).

Attention is drawn to a change in wholegrain yield premium/discount from prior years:

A premium/discount of $2.00 per tonne per percent (or part thereof) variation from the seasonal average for the variety will be applied in a linear scale commencing at 2.5% above and below the average. For example, if the variety average for Wholegrain Yield is 60%, discounts will commence for that variety at 57.5% and premiums at 62.5%.

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 2017 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 C2017 rice to be sold to SunRice are set out in Circular 2017/1 (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”.

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 AGS, Grower Services and Agronomic Development

Email: thoward@sunrice.com.au Phone: 02 6953 0619 Mobile: 0488 779 166

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

2017 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 2017, 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. Contracted Growers: If Option 2 (Deferred Income) is chosen for a farm contracted under a Fixed Price Rice Purchase Contract, this selection will apply to all payments made to this farm. Payment for contract deliveries will be deferred until July 2017. Selection of Payment Option 2 (Deferred Income) must be faxed or emailed to Grower Services by Friday 24 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 AGS, 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

2016/2017 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 2016/17 was produced from seed supplied by or approved by SunRice.

(b) The rice I deliver to SunRice in 2016/17 will be new season crop grown in 2016/17.

3. Agricultural Chemicals (a) Any agricultural chemicals applied or to be applied to 2016/17 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/…

«Grower»

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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

Environmental Champions Program

Productive environments

Stubble managementResponsible stubble management is the key to maintaining your right to burn stubble. Stubble burning is an important tool for rice growers but poor practice can affect your local community.

Every incident that negatively affects local communities puts your right to burn at risk. Take care to minimise the effects of stubble burning by preventing smoke from covering nearby towns, neighbouring dwellings or roads.

Know the conditionsWeather conditions during autumn, such as light winds and temperature inversion layers, can prevent smoke from dispersing.

A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air sits above a layer of cooler air. The warm layer acts as a lid, preventing the cooler air from rising and during a stubble burn, the smoke is trapped close to the ground and forced sideways. Inversions often happen when a cool evening follows a calm, clear day. The height of the inversion layer (mixing height) drops rapidly in the late afternoon as the ground cools, therefore burning in the middle of the day is recommended.

Understanding weather conditions before burning can help minimise the impact of burning on others. The Bureau of Meteorology provides detailed forecast information on wind and temperature inversions (mixing height) at a regional level (see over).

Alternatives to burningAlternative stubble management options can promote improved soil health and moisture conservation. The rice industry is currently supporting a range of projects investigating alternative stubble management. These include mechanical and biological treatments to enable winter crop establishment after rice, as well as marketing options for removed rice straw.

Your responsible burning checklist • Be aware of sensitive neighbouring areas

• Notify neighbours when you intend to burn

• Check the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast tool for determining appropriate burning conditions (see over)

• Only burn when stubble is dry

• Plan to burn as close to the middle of the day as possible, when inversion layers are less likely

• Avoid burning when there is no wind

• Check local permit requirements

• Take necessary precautions to ensure the burn is conducted safely, e.g. have firefighting equipment on site and use fire breaks

• Make a record of your burn as you would for chemical use, e.g. time, weather conditions and area burnt.

Looking after the environment, your farm and your business

For more information, contact: Neil Bull Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia 0428 603 557 or nbull@rga.org.au or visit the RGA website www.rga.org.au

Published by Rice Extension, which is funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (2015)This fact sheet updates a publication previously prepared and published by Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

If you are reading this fact sheet online, documents that provide further information can be accessed by the quick links in this fact sheet. If you are reading a paper copy of this fact sheet, go to the Environmental Champions Program section on the RGA website to find an electronic copy of this fact sheet, and follow the links provided.

Disclaimer Whilst all reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this document, use of the information contained herein is at one’s own risk. Please refer to the ECP disclaimer at www.rga.org.au for more detail.

Weather forecast toolCheck that weather conditions are suitable for burning by using the weather forecast tool on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.

• Go to the BOM homepage, www.bom.gov.au

• Click on the MetEye link in the middle of your screen

Mixing height informationThe BOM’s ‘mixing height’ information is used by fire authorities when determining appropriate conditions for hazard reduction burns and is an excellent tool for farmers when planning for stubble burning. To find mixing height information:

• click on the ‘Wind Forecasts’ tab, on the left of screen

• select the button for ‘mixing height’

• use the zoom function to find your location on the map

• use the arrow at the top left side of the map to see the forecast for mixing height over coming days.

Dark orange and red colours are the indicators of the best conditions for burning.

Wind direction informationForecasts for wind speed and direction are also available:

• on the ‘Wind Forecasts’ tab, select the button for ‘wind speed and direction’

• use the zoom function to find your location on the map

• use the arrow at the top left side of the map to see the wind forecast over coming days.

Light blue colours show the right wind speed for burning. Look at wind direction to avoid affecting towns and roads.

Mixing height information on the BOM website can help growers plan the best time to burn stubble

Back burning the perimeter of the field minimises the risk of fire escape

Where there are trees in the paddock, clear the ground around the tree and back burn away from the tree to avoid fire damage.

Protect roadside vegetation by not burning beyond the farm boundary. Fire damage to vegetation destroys habitat and damages the industry’s reputation as a responsible land manager.