Viterra’s South Australian network surpasses 2M-tonne mark for grain receivals

AUSTRALIA – Grain receivals into Viterra’s South Australian-based network have exceeded 2 million tonnes, with 207,392 tonnes delivered in the week to Sunday, December 1.

This milestone was reached despite a slowdown in activity caused by scattered rain and the nearing conclusion of the harvest season for many growers.

Gavin Cavanagh, Viterra’s General Manager of Operations, noted the weather’s effect on delivery rates and the ongoing dominance of wheat in the receivables.

“We saw deliveries to our sites decrease with scattered rain holding up growers who are still harvesting, and some wrapping up for the season. Wheat continues to make up more than half of the tonnes delivered, followed by canola and barley,” he said.

As of December 1, the Western region led the receivals with 85,577 tonnes delivered during the week, bringing its total for the harvest to over one million tonnes at 1,008,250 tonnes.

The Central region followed closely, with 85,027 tonnes delivered during the week and a cumulative total of 808,520 tonnes. Meanwhile, the Eastern region contributed 36,788 tonnes for the week, adding to its harvest total of 233,199 tonnes. Collectively, these figures pushed the network’s overall harvest tally to 2,049,969 tonnes.

The previous week also marked a key export milestone for Viterra, as it loaded 33,000 tonnes of wheat onto its first new-crop vessel.

The shipment departed from the Port Lincoln terminal and is now on its way to the United Arab Emirates.

Derek Robjohns, Viterra’s General Manager of Supply, emphasised the significance of the achievement, stating,

“It’s great to see the first vessel of local growers’ new-season grain leave our network and start its voyage to the UAE. We also have four more vessels soon to arrive: two at Port Lincoln and two at Wallaroo for another wheat shipment and early lentil shipping.”

Viterra has worked closely with its buyer customers to facilitate the early lentil shipments, which align with an increase in lentil plantings this season.

The company has also introduced changes to its dynamic binning service, offering growers greater opportunities to upgrade loads that fall outside malt receival standards.

Adjustments to the tolerances for retention, screenings, and test weight for Malt1 barley were made in collaboration with buyers. “These changes provide growers with a chance to achieve a higher value for their barley while ensuring we meet market requirements,” said Robjohns.

Robjohns added that Viterra continues to balance domestic grain requirements alongside grower deliveries and export preparations.

“We’re working with our buyer customers to fulfil domestic requirements as well as receiving grower deliveries and accumulating for vessels,” Robjohns said.

He also praised the Viterra team for their efforts, noting that the whole team has done a fantastic job managing these requirements safely and efficiently.

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