Week ending Sunday 11 October 2020 report

In our second week of harvest, we received over 250 tonnes of grain bringing our total receivals up to just over 330 tonnes.

Viterra Central region Operations Manager Jack Tansley says deliveries continued into our Port Pirie site and our Gladstone site, which welcomed its first receival on Tuesday 6 October.

“Gladstone’s first receival was peas of good quality, which came from a farm at Baroota,” Jack says.

Viterra invested $4 million into our Gladstone site ready for the 2019/20 harvest, as part of our ongoing focus to provide a valuable and efficient service for our customers. Upgrades included a new state-of-the-art classification centre, automatic grain probes, fully automated 40 metre weighbridge and shed resealing.

Jack says despite being in the second week of harvest, receivals were slow due to wet weather.

“The start to harvest in the north has been put on hold due to rain. The grain is ready slightly earlier than usual this year, but the weather has slowed activity.

“Growers are hoping the rain will hold off so they can get stuck into harvest. We received a few barley samples last week so we should see deliveries pick up soon, weather permitting.

“Even though growers in Port Pirie and surrounds have had their harvest pushed back, the timeliness of the rain, and its positive impact on potential yield, has been welcomed across the state.

“We’re working with growers to understand when they want to deliver and to match opening hours to their needs.”

Viterra is currently holding local preharvest meetings for growers at sites, to provide information on changes for harvest and site specific information.

Viterra Operations Manager Michael Hill says sites hold a preharvest meeting every year, to inform growers as well as seek feedback on operations.

“Viterra works closely with grower customers and representatives throughout the year to provide operational changes and industry information relevant to their businesses,” Michael says.

“We also seek feedback to understand how we can continuously improve our services.

“Our meetings this year look a little different to usual, as we ensure COVID-19 guidelines are followed.”

Disclaimer
* This data is subject to variation due to individual site operations and the timing of reports.
** The total 2020/21 data includes grain received into Viterra’s storage and handling network since 3 October 2020.
*** Eastern region data includes Inner Harbour and Victorian sites.