Week ending Sunday 8 November 2020 report

Deliveries into our network ramped up last week as we received over 580,000 tonnes of grain taking total receivals to over 680,000 tonnes.

Sites were busy throughout the week, but deliveries picked up over the weekend and Sunday was our busiest day with over 112,000 tonnes received.

Viterra Operations Manager Michael Hill says Viterra extended opening hours over the weekend to suit growers’ needs.

“Opening hours were extended at sites across our network so growers could capitalise on the weather at the end of the week,” Michael says.

“The size of our network and our workforce means we can meet growers’ needs by running double shifts at many of our sites. This allows us to keep safety our number one priority while providing an efficient and flexible service for our customers.

“Our employees are also focussed on quick turnaround times, so more deliveries can be made each day.”

Last week saw 13 sites welcome their first deliveries for the season, taking the total number of sites receiving grain in our network to 46.

Viterra Eastern region Operations Manager Jo Klitscher says six sites in the region took their first loads, and deliveries are expected to continue increasing.

“Harvest is getting underway in the Eastern region and our Apamurra, Karoonda, Lameroo, Monarto South, Pinnaroo and Tailem Bend sites all had their first deliveries,” Jo says.

“Last week, we communicated that we are introducing the option for Victorian drivers to have their government required COVID-19 tests at our Loxton and Pinnaroo sites commencing this week.

“The testing will be available for Victorian drivers travelling across the border to deliver into one of our South Australian (SA) sites, to help meet SA government requirements of being tested every seven days.

“We continue to look for ways to adapt our business to provide our grower customers with a valuable and efficient service.

“Providing testing at our sites is a significant investment and supports our overall focus of making it easy to do business with us, and connecting growers with end use markets.

“If required, we will also introduce testing at Frances and Wolseley once harvest commences in those areas.”

Viterra Central region Operations Manager Jack Tansley says while barley is still making up the majority of deliveries, other commodities have been increasing.

“Wheat deliveries have increased across the region, canola deliveries picked up significantly into our Bowmans and Roseworthy sites, and we’ve seen more peas into Balaklava and lentils into Ardrossan, Bute, Balaklava and now Port Giles,” Jack says.

The Western region saw the most grain delivered last week with receivals of canola, barley and wheat.

Viterra Western region Operations Manager Nick Pratt said growers are positive about the season so far.

“Growers are feeling upbeat due to the quality and yields they are seeing, some have finished their barley harvest and are now moving onto wheat,” Nick says.

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.