Viterra sends off its largest single rail loading as grain demand climbs
Demand for South Australian grain has been climbing, leading grain handler Viterra to send off its largest single rail loading.
SA Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Viterra says regulations adding unneccesary costs
- Prizes, discounts, freebies: Check out the latest subscriber rewards
Eastern states demand for South Australian grain is showing no signs of abating, with grain handler Viterra sending off its largest single rail loading recently.
A 100-wagon train loaded with barley from Viterra’s Crystal Brook, Snowtown and Gladstone sites was bound for interstate feedlots.
Viterra operations manager Michael Hill said it was the first time the company had loaded a 100-wagon train to service interstate demand, effectively doubling the size of a typical rail movement.
“It reflects the fast rate that SA grain is moving and the strong demand domestically and internationally,” he said.
“We have around 40 buyers in the Viterra system purchasing grain for the domestic and export market, and we’ve seen a significant increase in shipping and rail outturns compared to this time last year.
“We’ve outturned close to two million tonnes since harvest started in October, around 1.2 million tonnes of which has been shipped.” Along with the 100-wagon train, Viterra also loaded a further six trains during the same week from sites in its central region.
They had domestic-bound wheat, barley and canola.
“It’s a huge positive to see grain from our state in such high demand with a number of buyers in our system sourcing SA grain for the first time,” Mr Hill said.
“We’re also continuing to service strong export demand, outturning grain by vessels through our port terminals to various international buyers and markets.”
MORE NEWS
Transport, affordability key issues for older regional residents
Country supermarket’s tough stance on interstate raiders
All six of Viterra’s port terminals across the state are loading vessels over March and April with wheat, barley and canola headed to a range of domestic and overseas markets.
The business is continuing to send grain by road to 85 different destinations across the country, as well.
“We are focused on working with buyers to make it as easy as possible for them to continue accessing grain through the Viterra network and getting it to where they need it,” Mr Hill said.