Situated in the heart of Gogeldrie, in the Yanco district near Leeton, Garry Knagge and his wife Marg represent the third generation of rice growers on a farm that has been in the family since the 1930s. What began nearly a century ago as part of the original Gogeldrie Station land release, has evolved into a modern rice-growing enterprise built on heritage, resilience, and a deep belief in innovation.

Returning with purpose

Garry didn’t immediately step into farming. After time spent away from the land, he returned in 2000 to work alongside his father, with a vision to one day take on the farm. That vision became reality in 2022 when he and Marg purchased the family property. From the outset, Garry was determined to do more than just continue the legacy, he wanted to actively shape the future of rice farming.

“When I came home, I knew I wanted to be more involved than just the day-to-day. I wanted to understand what really makes the industry tick,” Garry said.

Fuelled by curiosity and community

That drive led him to join industry committees including the Rice Research Development & Extension Committee and to dive headfirst into programs such as the Environmental Champions Program. It sparked his interest in sustainability and leadership, opening his eyes to where the industry was heading. Garry credits those early experiences with helping him keep an open mind, pushing him to question traditional methods and seek out smarter, more sustainable approaches.

Big on impact

Garry describes himself as a smaller grower, with around 85 hectares of rice planted annually depending on water availability. But what he may lack in scale, he more than makes up for in impact. He’s a passionate advocate for innovation and continuous learning, and that dedication is perhaps most evident in his involvement with Rice Breeding Australia’s in-field trials.

What began with one hectare of dedicated trial land has now grown to 20 hectares, a testament to Garry’s passion for research and his role in helping to develop and test new rice varieties for the future. His farm has become a key site for Rice Breeding Australia’s home trials, and his enthusiasm for the work is clear.

“I love being part of it – it’s incredibly rewarding to be involved in shaping what rice farming will look like in the future,” he said. 

“I just wish I was 10–15 years younger to see where technology is going, it’s an exciting time to be in agriculture.”

Garry’s curiosity also sees him regularly participate in local Rice Extension run Focus Site meetings, where growers and agronomists come together to share insights and learn from one another. He believes these sessions are one of the most valuable tools available to growers.

“Everyone’s warm and welcoming. We go through the key learnings together, and I always walk away with something new to apply.”

A strong relationship with SunRice

This spirit of learning and collaboration extends to Garry’s relationship with SunRice. He describes the company as approachable and supportive, and noted that being a SunRice grower brings a sense of pride and security.

“We take pride in being SunRice growers. We know the company is owned by us, the growers, and that really means something. I also appreciate not having to go out and find my own market, there’s a confidence that the rice will be sold, and that helps us remain stable and sustainable,” Garry said.

That stability proved critical in the early days, when Garry and Marg were still share farming. Through the SunRice’s GrowRice program, they were able to build their rice enterprise which ultimately led to the bigger goals of purchasing their own land, including bringing the original family property back together under one ownership. Garry calls GrowRice “a godsend” and believes the program was fundamental to getting their business off the ground.

The connection with SunRice became even more personal in 2020, when Garry suffered a serious accident while burning off a stubble paddock. Airlifted to Sydney with severe burns just as the sowing season approached, it was a tough time for the family. The SunRice team reached out quickly to Marg to reassure her that they would work together and Chairman Laurie Arthur personally called to offer support.

“That meant a lot. and it just showed how much SunRice cares about its growers. We’re not just suppliers, we’re part of something bigger. It really feels like a family,” he noted.

Eyes on the future

Looking ahead, Garry encourages other growers, particularly those new to the industry to get involved and take advantage of the networks and knowledge available through SunRice and the broader rice community.

“There’s so much out there if you want to learn. Be curious, ask questions and join the focus groups. The world is your oyster.”

As he edges closer to 100 years of family history on the land, Garry Knagge remains focused on the future. Whether it’s contributing to research, trialling cutting-edge practices, or helping fellow growers navigate challenges, he’s a powerful example of how innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.