CBH sets new benchmark with over 24 M tonnes in 2025–26 grain receivals
CBH sites are transitioning from harvest receival to increased outloading activities for its 2026 export program.
AUSTRALIA – Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH Group), one of Australia’s leading grain organisations, has reported total grain receivals of 24.1 million tonnes for the 2025–26 season, setting a new record as Western Australia’s harvest approaches completion.
The cooperative said 16.3 million tonnes of grain is currently stored under tarp in open bulkheads, the highest volume ever handled in this way by CBH and above the previous record of 14.9 million tonnes set in the 2022–23 season.
The figure reflects both strong production outcomes and the pressure placed on storage capacity across the network during peak harvest.
As harvest activity tapered off, CBH received 131,000 tonnes in the week leading up to the January 19 report.
Australia’s largest cooperative had already surpassed its earlier receivals record of 22.9 million tonnes in late December, confirming the 2025–26 season as the biggest intake in its history.
With receivals slowing, CBH sites are now transitioning from harvest operations to increased outloading in preparation for the 2026 export program. This shift marks a critical stage in moving large stockpiles from inland sites to port terminals to meet international demand.
Shipping activity toward the end of 2025 demonstrated the intensity of export flows.
“In December alone, more than 2 million tonnes were shipped through all four port terminals — the second highest monthly total on record,” said Nelson Aylmore, acting chief operations officer, CBH.
“Looking ahead, CBH has a strong shipping program planned for 2026 across the entire supply chain to move this year’s bumper crop,” he added.
Western Australia remains a major contributor to Australia’s output of wheat, barley and canola, commodities that underpin the country’s position as one of the world’s leading grain exporters.
High production volumes have also intensified logistical demands, with extensive use of tarped storage highlighting the need for flexible capacity during peak seasons.
In its December crops report, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) projected Western Australia’s total winter crop production to increase 14% year on year to 26.2 million tonnes.
While marginally below the record set in 2022–23, the forecast is 45% above the 10-year average, underlining the state’s continued productivity.
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