Three community groups have each been gifted a $1000 donation by Viterra with the help of local grain growers who completed a recent Viterra survey.
Viterra Operations Manager Michael Hill says the annual planting survey is important as it is used as a tool to obtain feedback from growers on what has been sown for the upcoming season to match segregations to their needs.
“We ask growers about the commodities, varieties and hectares they’ve sown. This information helps us to understand what segregations are required at our sites across the region, as well as determine any opportunities or limitations for market access and meeting customer needs,” Michael says.
“We work closely with growers and site committee chairpersons in the lead up to harvest, and we use feedback from the survey to have further discussions to ensure we know what is required at our sites to provide an efficient service to our grower customers.”
Warooka grower Julie Page nominated the Point Turton Swimming Centre, where she has been involved for more than 15 years and says it plays a major role within the community offering health, safety and leisure activities.
“The $1000 donation is fantastic – it will make a huge difference! We’re run by a small group of volunteers and rely on fundraising initiatives to improve our services including teaching children lifesaving survival swimming skills,” Julie says.
“We need a training defibrillator so we can teach children how to use it – the money is needed and will be well spent.
“As part of our swimming and water safety education, we find people are either scared or simply don’t know how to use this incredible device which could potentially one day save a life.
“I’m thrilled with this donation as at the end of the day our passion is about teaching children.”
Tatiara grower Matt Tink nominated the Wolseley Ag Bureau where he has been involved for a number of years including previously taking on the role of Acting President within the organisation.
“The role of the Ag Bureau in the community is to help farmers learn new techniques to better their business,” Matt says.
“It’s really great to be involved, learn more about farming, listen to guest speakers, and importantly – the social aspect of it.
“We spend a lot of time alone on our tractors. It’s really valuable to get out and talk to other growers for your own mental health. We also learn from each other and share tips and ideas about new farming methods or equipment used.”
The Port Neill Community Sports Club was nominated by Verran grower, Jodie Jones.
Port Neill Community Sports Club Secretary Tim Ottens says the group represents the community’s local football and netball clubs and are thrilled to receive a $1000 donation.
“We are so very grateful to Jodie for nominating us. We’re looking to upgrade the Club’s ageing infrastructure and the money will be a great start towards this project,” Tim says.
“In rural areas, most members of the community are involved in their local club in some capacity. It keeps people socialising and it’s really important for physical and mental health as well.”
Viterra is a major contributor to the communities where it operates and remains focused on its ongoing commitment to provide a high-level of service to growers across all sites during the state’s harvesting season.
Growers can view results from the planting survey which includes a summary of the crop profile for each port zone and site group.