Barley pulls a harvest surprise

Grain Producers SA chairman Garry Hansen said barley was the standout performer this season, with weather conditions and improved agronomic practices attributed to higher volumes making the malting grade.

"There is a vast difference now between old and new practices; you can see that out in the paddock," he said.

Mr Hansen said the China free trade agreement had also created a bright future for barley, not just for brewing but for their growing meat industry.

"China has put a floor in the barley market, for both malt and feed grades, and even the hay," he said.

"People have been using other crops in their rotations, but I see barley making a comeback."

Canola plantings, however, could start to feel the pinch after a poor performance this harvest.

"Canola didn't seem to handle that dry weather as much as cereals did," Mr Hansen said.

"People spent a lot of money early on beet western yellows virus control, but then diamond back moth came through at the end of the season. Between those two, there was a significant amount of damage, physically and financially.

"There could be a bit of a drop off in canola plantings this coming season because it might be getting a little too expensive and risky, particularly in the lower-rainfall areas."

The 2014 harvest is in its final stages, with only a small amount left to go in the lower South East.

With Viterra so far receiving about 6.5 million tonnes, and small amounts taken by other marketers, South Australian tonnages are expected to reach just more than 7mt.

"That is pretty good for the rain we got," Mr Hansen said.

The figure is just short of the 7.5mt PIRSA estimated in November.

Viterra group commercial manager Andrew Hannon said while the season did not live up to its potential, yields exceeded expectations.

November was the biggest month for the year, with 4.6mt received.

But totals have tapered off since Christmas, with only 10,000t received at Viterra sites in the past week.

Mr Hannon said they were still taking grain at Port Giles, Wallaroo, Two Wells and Millicent.

He advised growers with grain "to get it in as soon as possible as sites were starting to close, particularly before February 1, when the Late Season Delivery Procedure kicked in".

Mr Hansen said there had been minimal issues reported at silos this season.

"Viterra is performing in allowing growers to get good turnaround with their trucks," he said.

"We still have an issue with Viterra though on post-farmgate costs, particularly in storage and handling.

"But this year deregulation has really worked for us in SA. Our basis levels were very high and we had the auction system working in our favour with the shipping slots."