Riverina Agriculture Australia by Vince Bucello

Summary

The Riverina region in New South Wales, Australia, is celebrated as a leading agricultural hub known for its diverse farming sectors. It produces a significant portion of the nation's citrus, wine grapes, rice, and livestock, with a focus on sustainable practices and innovation. Renowned for its high-quality exports, including Riverina spa juice and Sunrise rice, the region offers a comprehensive agricultural experience for tours, showcasing its commitment to excellence in food and fiber production.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The Riverina, located in southwestern New South Wales, is renowned for its scenic beauty and agricultural diversity, often referred to as Australia's 'food bowl'.
• 🍊 The Riverina is Australia's largest citrus growing region, supplying about 30% of the nation's citrus with Valencia oranges being the most produced variety.
• 🥤 Nearly 65% of the region's Valencia crop is used for fresh juice production, and technology advancements have allowed for greater international market access.
• 🌎 Riverina citrus is exported to various countries, including the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand.
• 🍇 Since 1913, the Riverina has become the largest wine grape producing region in Australia, with nearly 65% of New South Wales' total production.
• 🌱 Advanced irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and water recycling, are used to optimize grape quality and sustainability in the Riverina's vineyards.
• 🍚 The Riverina is the heartland of Australia's rice industry, with the Murrumbidgee irrigation scheme contributing to its development since 1912.
• 🌾 SunRice, headquartered in the Riverina, is a major global rice food company and one of Australia's largest exporters of processed branded foods.
• 🍇 The Riverina's prune industry is growing, with most of Australia's 80 growers located in the region, promoting the health benefits of prunes.
• 🌿 Olive growers in the Riverina produce a range of products, and the region's Department of Primary Industries offers a commercial service to test olive oil products for international standards.
• 🐄 The Riverina is a significant contributor to Australia's livestock industry, with large properties home to dairy cattle, sheep, and various breeds of beef cattle.
• 🏛 The Wagga Wagga livestock marketing centre is Australia's premier livestock market, leading in the sale of livestock for over 30 years.

Q & A

Where is the Riverina located and why is it significant?

The Riverina is located in southwestern New South Wales, Australia. It is significant as it is one of the most scenic and agriculturally diverse areas, often referred to as the 'food bowl of the nation'.

What types of agricultural pursuits are prevalent in the Riverina?

Agricultural pursuits in the Riverina include dairy farming, cropping, horticulture, dryland farming, citrus production, wine grape production, rice cultivation, and livestock farming.

What is the Riverina known for in terms of citrus production?

The Riverina is known for being Australia's largest citrus growing region, supplying about 30 percent of the country's citrus with over 3 million trees.

How does the Riverina contribute to the global citrus market?

The Riverina contributes to the global citrus market by exporting roughly 20% of its citrus, with fresh fruit being shipped to countries including the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand.

What is the significance of the Riverina in Australia's wine industry?

The Riverina is the largest wine grape producing region in Australia, accounting for around 65% of New South Wales' total production and providing a vital boost to the regional economy.

How does the Riverina optimize water use in its vineyards?

The Riverina optimizes water use in its vineyards through a system of channels and pipes, state-of-the-art drip irrigation, and water recycling systems, ensuring the sustainability of water resources.

What are the main grape varieties grown in the Riverina?

The three main grape varieties grown in the Riverina are Chardonnay, Semillon, and Shiraz, which make up more than half of the region's plantings.

How has the Riverina developed as a wine destination?

The Riverina has emerged as a burgeoning wine destination due to its warm, dry summers ideal for producing classic wines, and its award-winning vintages that have attracted wine enthusiasts.

What is the role of the Riverina in Australia's rice industry?

The Riverina is the heartland of Australia's rice industry, with commercial rice production starting in 1924 and quickly developing into one of the world's most efficient and innovative rice industries.

How does the Riverina contribute to Australia's prune industry?

The Riverina contributes significantly to the prune industry as the majority of Australia's 80 growers are located there, with the prunes being produced in on-farm factories and promoted for their health benefits.

What are the Riverina's contributions to the livestock industry?

The Riverina is a major contributor to Australia's livestock industry, with large and intensive properties home to dairy cattle, sheep for meat and wool, and beef cattle such as Hereford, Murray Grey, Angus, and the highly sought-after Japanese Wagyu breed.

How does the Riverina support agricultural research and education?

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, which has an institute and offices throughout the region, is responsible for conducting research into crop yields, quality, climate change, and disease resistance, as well as providing extension and educational training to improve farmer and industry profitability.

Outlines

00:00

🏞️ Diverse Agriculture of the Riverina

The Riverina, situated in southwestern New South Wales, is celebrated for its scenic beauty and agricultural diversity, earning its nickname as Australia's 'food bowl.' The region is known for its agricultural tools that facilitate discovery tours. Riverina's agricultural pursuits encompass dairy farming, cropping, horticulture, and large dryland farming bordering the Australian outback. The Maron BG River is a prominent feature, supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The region is also Australia's largest citrus growing area, supplying about 30% of the nation's citrus, with Valencia oranges being a significant product. The juice processing industry has advanced with extended shelf-life technology, allowing for greater international market access. Additionally, the Riverina has become a significant wine grape producer, with nearly 300,000 tons harvested annually, contributing to 65% of New South Wales' total production. The region's wineries are increasingly recognized for their award-winning vintages and diverse grape varieties.

05:01

🌾 Riverina's Agricultural Exports and Livestock Industry

SunRice, an international brand headquartered in the Riverina, is a leading agribusiness in rice production and marketing, with a focus on high-quality rice and value-added rice food products. It is one of Australia's largest exporters, with about 80% of the country's rice being exported to over 60 countries, generating substantial export income. The prune industry is burgeoning in the region, with the majority of Australia's 80 growers located here, promoting the health benefits of prunes to boost the sector. Olive growers contribute a variety of products, with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries providing research and analysis services to ensure international standards. The Riverina is also a key area for cereal crop production, including wheat, canola, soya beans, and vegetables, which are grown for both domestic and international markets. The region's livestock industry is significant, with large properties dedicated to dairy cattle, sheep, and beef cattle, including the prized Japanese Wagyu breed. The Wagga Wagga livestock marketing center is a leading livestock market in Australia, selling millions of sheep and thousands of cattle annually. The Riverina's agricultural tours offer a comprehensive experience, showcasing the region's diverse farming sectors and its reputation as a market leader in clean and green food and fiber production.

Keywords

💡Riverina

The Riverina is a region located in southwestern New South Wales, Australia, known for its scenic beauty and agricultural diversity. It is often referred to as the 'food bowl of the nation' due to its extensive agricultural production. The Riverina's agricultural pursuits are central to the video's theme, showcasing the region's contribution to Australia's food production.

💡Agricultural Pursuits

Agricultural pursuits refer to the various types of farming activities carried out in the Riverina. The video highlights a range of these activities, including dairy farming, cropping, horticulture, and dryland farming. These pursuits are integral to the region's identity and economy, underlining the video's focus on the Riverina's agricultural significance.

💡Citrus

Citrus is a category of fruits that includes oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The Riverina is highlighted as Australia's largest citrus-growing region, supplying about 30% of the country's citrus. The video emphasizes the importance of citrus to the Riverina's agricultural industry, with Valencia oranges being a significant part of the region's production.

💡Wine Grapes

Wine grapes are a specific type of grape used for wine production. The Riverina has evolved into Australia's largest wine grape-producing region, with nearly 300,000 tons harvested annually. The video connects this industry to the region's economic vitality, as it generates substantial revenue and contributes to the Riverina's reputation as a burgeoning wine destination.

💡Irrigation

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growth of crops. The Riverina's agricultural success is partly attributed to its irrigation systems, which include channels, pipes, and state-of-the-art drip irrigation. The video mentions these systems as crucial for optimizing crop quality and maximizing water use efficiency.

💡Rice Industry

The rice industry in the Riverina is showcased as a key component of the region's agricultural output. The video discusses the establishment of the Murrumbidgee irrigation scheme and the development of the rice industry, which has become one of the most efficient and innovative in the world. The international brand 'Sunrise' is mentioned, highlighting the region's role in global rice production.

💡Prune Industry

The prune industry refers to the cultivation and processing of plums into dried prunes. The Riverina is home to the majority of Australia's prune growers, with a focus on promoting the health benefits of prunes. The video positions the prune industry as an emerging sector in the region, contributing to its diverse agricultural landscape.

💡Olive Growers

Olive growers are farmers who cultivate olives for various products, including table olives and olive oil. The Riverina's olive growers produce a range of products, and the video mentions the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries' role in researching and analyzing olive oil products. This keyword illustrates the region's commitment to quality and innovation in agriculture.

💡Cereal Crops

Cereal crops are grasses cultivated for their edible grains or seeds, such as wheat, corn, and rice. The Riverina is described as an advanced production area for cereal crops, with a variety of crops grown for both domestic and overseas markets. The video uses this keyword to emphasize the region's agricultural diversity and productivity.

💡Livestock

Livestock refers to domesticated animals raised for various purposes, including dairy, meat, and wool production. The Riverina is a major contributor to Australia's livestock production, with large properties home to dairy cattle, sheep, and beef cattle. The video discusses the region's role in both domestic and export markets, showcasing its significance in the livestock industry.

💡Agricultural Tours

Agricultural tours are organized visits to farms or agricultural areas for educational or recreational purposes. The video concludes by mentioning the Riverina Agricultural Tours, which offer a complete agricultural experience, including field trips, transportation, and dining. This keyword ties back to the video's theme of showcasing the Riverina's agricultural diversity and appeal to tourists or visitors.

Highlights

The Riverina, located in southwestern New South Wales, is known as one of Australia's most scenic and agriculturally diverse areas.

Riverina agricultural tools are designed to help groups explore the food bowl of the nation.

Riverina spa juice is enjoyed across Australia and exported worldwide.

Agricultural pursuits in the Riverina include dairy farming, cropping, horticulture, and dryland farming bordering the Australian outback.

The Maron BG River is a vital thread through the Riverina, supporting various types of agricultural production.

The Riverina has a long history of citrus production, supplying about 30% of Australia's citrus.

Valencia oranges are the most produced citrus in the Riverina, with year-round availability.

Nearly 65% of the Riverina's Valencia crop is used for quality fresh juice production.

The Riverina is the largest wine grape producing region in Australia, with a significant contribution to the regional economy.

State-of-the-art drip irrigation and water recycling systems are used to optimize quality and water use efficiency in vineyards.

The Riverina has emerged as a burgeoning wine destination with award-winning vintages.

Rice production in the Riverina is efficient and innovative, making it a major contributor to Australia's export income.

Sunrise, the international brand of Rice Growers Limited, is recognized globally for high-quality rice products.

The prune industry in the Riverina is growing, with health benefits being promoted for the developing sector.

Olive growers in the Riverina produce a variety of products, with research and analysis supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The Riverina is advanced in cereal crop production, including wheat, canola, and various vegetables for domestic and overseas markets.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries conducts research into crop yields, quality, climate change, and disease resistance.

The Riverina contributes significantly to Australia's livestock production, including dairy cattle, sheep, and beef cattle.

The Wagga Wagga livestock marketing centre is the largest sheep and prime cattle selling centre in Australia.

The Riverina is recognized as a clean and green supplier of food and fiber products with a diverse range of farming sectors.

Riverina agricultural tours offer a complete experience involving field trips, transportation, accommodation, and restaurant visits.

Transcripts

the Riverina located in southwestern New

South Wales is one of the most scenic an

agriculturally diverse areas of

Australia the Riverina agricultural

tools are designed for groups to

discover what is widely regarded as the

food bowl of the nation the Riverina spa

juice is enjoyed across Australia and

exported throughout the world

[Music]

agricultural pursuits include rich dairy

farming operations in the eastern

Riverina cropping and horticulture in

the Murrumbidgee irrigation area and

large dryland farming in the West which

borders on the famous Australian outback

[Music]

the meandering Maron BG River is a

constant thread through the Riverina and

its tree-lined banks dissect expensively

crops and golden canola fields it's

valuable fleurs support all types of

vegetable and fruit production vibrate

vineyards and wineries irrigated rice

and cotton and livestock as there is a

diverse range of agricultural industries

in the Riverina tors can focus on one

sector or a number of industries can be

combined in one itinerary let's take a

look at some of them the Riverina has a

long history of producing citrus dating

back to 1917 it supplies about 30

percent of Australia's citrus with over

3 million trees in total the Riverina is

Australia's largest citrus growing

region Valencia oranges are available

almost year-round and make up the

largest portion of the citrus produced

in the area winter and summer naval

plantings are increasing and with the

introduction of new varieties navels are

now available from May to November

almost 65% of the region's Valencia crop

is used to make quality fresh juice and

a small percentage is converted to juice

concentrate extended shelf-life

technology in the juice processing

industry has resulted in greater access

to overseas markets

roughly 20% of Riverina citrus is

exported increasing quantities of fresh

fruit are being shipped to countries all

over the world including the United

States Japan Hong Kong Taiwan Korea and

New Zealand grapefruit mandarins

tangelos and lemons are also grown in

the region and are seen as important for

the future development of the industry

since the first plantings of wine grapes

in 1913 the Riverina has grown into the

largest wine grape producing region in

Australia almost 300,000 tons of grapes

are harvested annually which represents

around 65% of New South Wales total

production the industry provides a vital

boost to the regional economy as around

500 growers generate more than 100

million dollars each year vineyards in

the Riverina receive water via a system

of channels and pipes through a network

that's spared from the snowy mountain

ski state-of-the-art drip irrigation and

water recycling systems are increasingly

being used to optimize quality and

maximize water use efficiency ensuring

the sustainability of this precious

natural resource there are nearly 40

varieties of grapes grown in the

Riverina today but the three main

varieties are Chardonnay Semyon and

shares which make up more than half of

the region's plantings

the Riverina has recently emerged as a

burgeoning wine destination it's warm

dry summer is ideal for producing

classic whites and reds as well as

interesting Spanish and Italian

varieties its award-winning vintages

have put southern New South Wales firmly

on the map for wine enthusiasts local

winery is a world renowned for their

sweet wine production particularly

botrytis Semyon the region also lays

claim to being the heartland of

Australia's rice industry rice

production followed the opening of the

murrumbidgee irrigation scheme in 1912

with trials showing the crop was well

suited to the semi-arid climate and

heavy clay soils commercial rice

production started in 1924 and the

industry has quickly developed into the

most efficient and innovative rice

industry in the world

sunrise is the international brand of

rice growers limited and has its

headquarters in the river in the town of

Lita the company is wholly owned by

current or former rice growers sunrise

is a vertically integrated agribusiness

producing and marketing an extensive

range of rice and value-added rice food

products the company is one of

Australia's largest exporters of

processed branded foods and one of the

largest rice food companies in the world

its brands are recognized around the

globe for their high quality about 80

percent of Australia's rice is exported

to more than 60 countries with average

annual sales of approximately 800

million dollars sunlights is a major

contributor to the nation's export

income

the prune industry is also taking off in

the Riverina as a majority of

Australia's 80 growers are located here

the plums are grown on properties around

the Griffith area and are mechanically

harvested by shaking the trees and

catching the fruit the dried prunes are

produced on small on-farm factories the

health benefits of the fruit are being

strongly promoted in an effort to bring

more attention to the developing sector

olive growers in the Riverina produce a

variety of products ranging from table

olive oils to skin care items the New

South Wales Department of Primary

Industries laboratory in Wagga Wagga

specialises in the research and analysis

of olive oil products and offers a

commercial service to test that the

products meet international standards

[Music]

the Riverina is highly regarded is one

of the most advanced production areas

for cereal crops irrigated and dryland

Plains are home to wheat canola soya

beans oil seeds sunflowers sorghum corn

and maize vegetables including pumpkins

melons lettuce tomatoes onions and

carrots also grow for domestic and

overseas markets pasture cropping

supports the livestock industry and

cotton is becoming a more popular

commodity in the Riverina to supply the

textile industry the New South Wales

Department of Primary Industries which

has an institute and offices throughout

the region is responsible for conducting

research into crop yields quality

climate change and disease resistance

the department also provides extension

and educational training to improve

farmer and industry profitability

Australia is recognized as a world

leader in livestock production and the

Riverina is a major contributor to its

domestic and export markets many large

and intensive livestock properties are

home to dairy cattle sheep for meat and

wool production and beef cattle such as

he referred Murray gray angus and the

highly sought-after Japanese Wagyu breed

technical visits to a variety of

properties can be organized with the

opportunity to view and discuss herds

and export markets with farmers the

Wagga Wagga livestock marketing centre

is the premier livestock market in

Australia it has led the way in the sale

of livestock for over 30 years on

average two million sheep and 150

thousand head of cattle assault through

the centre each year these figures make

the Wagga Wagga livestock marketing

centre the largest sheep selling center

in Australia and the largest prime

cattle selling Centre in New South Wales

group tours of the facility can be

arranged as a producer of more than 4.5

billion dollars of gross products the

Riverina is viewed as one of Australia's

best food producing regions it enjoys

recognition across world markets as a

clean and green supplier of food and

fiber products the region's incredible

variety of farming sectors and a

long-standing reputation as a market

leader makes it an ideal location for

any agricultural or special interest

tour the Riverina agricultural tours

offers a complete agricultural

experience involving high quality field

trips transportation accommodation and

restaurant visits

[Music]

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