Posted by on
28/10/2025
Jerilderie rice grower, Troy Mauger.
Just over five years ago Jerilderie rice growers Troy and Meagan Mauger strategically mapped out a formal five year plan, and today their business vision has been realised having managed to tick off all the boxes, and more.
For Troy and Meagan, neither shy of ambitious targets, their aims included paying down enough debt to purchase additional property, and getting to a position where the former Rice Extension Coordinator for the Rice Industry Extension Program could transition back to farming full-time.
As of 2023, Troy is now living his full-time farming dream, and the couple has managed to purchase an additional 200 hectares to complement their existing 610 hectare cropping and cattle enterprise.
“Setting a five year plan was so beneficial, voicing specific goals helped us move forward, and while our intentions shifted slightly, we’ve managed to tick off all our main aspirations within five years.”
The couple identified its goals in 2018 as part of a Farm Business Planning course, delivered through RGA, which Troy credits it as ‘the best thing we ever did’.
Rice growing supports vibrant business
The Riverina couple has been growing rice since they purchased their first block in 2004, and it’s a commodity that has underpinned the diverse business that flourishes today.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without rice, we started with 200ha and it delivered the best profit per hectare.”
The Maugers continue to grow rice, irrigating from the Murray system, and in low water allocation years look to the economics of the season to determine their planting area.
Troy and Meagan have set their business up for the future.
During the past three years they’ve enjoyed 100 percent allocation, however Troy admits that the availability of water on the temporary market remains challenging, largely due to government buy-backs.
Troy uses multiple sources to secure water, including brokers in Adelaide and Melbourne, and he actively scans the markets looking for trends and insights.
Continually upskilling and looking for opportunities to learn, Troy also credits Rabobank’s RaboResearch team – specialist commodity analysts - for providing trusted market insights.
“I read a lot, and I’m confident the RaboResearch team is the source of credible market insights, and their reports on cattle, cropping, and fertilisers are always valuable.”
Troy at this year’s Australian Rice Conference, held in Leeton. Photo Credit Emma Jane Industry
Rice production complements a winter cropping program of wheat and canola, with the remainder of their property sown to pasture for beef cattle.
Part of his five-year plan included upgrading their herd to Angus, an opportunity he believed would attract premiums and open up the feedlot market. What he didn’t anticipate was the speed in which he achieved this goal.
“We made a commitment to improve our cattle herd, and the opportunity presented in 2019 – while the majority of NSW was unfortunately offloading stock during drought, it was our golden ticket.”
Rabobank helping farm business growth aspiration
Supporting Troy and Meagan on their growth trajectory has been Rabobank rural managers, Bernie Connolly and Andrew Makeham, part of the Griffith team.
“Rabobank understands farming, and it’s reassuring to know that they’re there for the good times, and the challenging times, and they have a really appreciation for the nature of a farm business.”
Having dabbled with another bank briefly, the couple returned to Rabobank after their family succession was finalised, with the All in One account another major drawcard.
“You can’t go past the All in One, I like the flexibility of being able to lock in an interest rate from one month to five years – and all on my home computer.”
In his ten year career as the Rice Extension Coordinator, he was always impressed by the Rabobank’s enthusiasm to support industry.
“I’d always see Bernie and Andrew, and all the team, at field days and crop walks, and it really demonstrated that they’re committed to remaining informed and up-to-date on the latest research, and passing that knowledge onto their clients.”
Rabobank’s Bernie Connolly with daughter Pip Connolly of AgriFutures Australia at the Australian Rice Conference. Photo Credit Emma Jane Industry
From paddock to plate, Rabobank proudly celebrates and supports the rice supply chain
With Rabobank also supporting SunRice – one of the largest rice food companies in the world, and one of Australia's leading branded food exporters – the bank has a significant footprint supporting the rice industry across the supply chain.
Recently, Rabobank joined in celebrating the 100-year anniversary for rice growers in Australia, and 75 years of SunRice, at the Australian Rice Conference in Leeton, NSW.
Since the early 1990s, Rabobank has supported the NSW rice industry through long-term relationships with rice growers, and a 25 plus year relationship with SunRice.
It’s longevity, The SunRice Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Serra believes, reflects the strength of growers, community support, and an ability to pivot in the face of change.
“SunRice has always been aligned with the people who grow our rice, and our investment in innovation, global markets and diversification has helped ensure we remain competitive and resilient – whatever challenges come our way.”
“I’m immensely proud of the strong, collaborative relationship we share with Australian rice growers. It’s a partnership built on trust, innovation, and shared purpose,” he says.
“Over the decades, growers have shown extraordinary resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging seasons, market shifts and industry reform. They’re not just suppliers – they are essential partners in SunRice’s success.”
The SunRice Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Serra
SunRice’s long-standing relationship with Rabobank is also an important partnership helping strengthen the Australian rice industry, and growers on the ground.
“Our relationship with Rabobank spans more than 25 years and is built on deeply aligned values – especially when it comes to supporting Australian agriculture and regional communities.”
David Barraclough, Rabobank Group Executive Wholesale Banking, echoed this sentiment, and said that Rabobank and SunRice’s longstanding client relationship exemplified a collaborative approach to supporting, and strengthening Australian rice growers.
“This partnership reflects our mutual values around food and agriculture, and commitment to rice farming in Australia. We are proud to support an Australian company showcasing and delivering the latest innovation and products that not only benefit our Australian rice growers, but consumers across the world.”