THE Australian Grain Growers’ Co-operative has reported significant profit growth year-on-year at its recent annual general meeting.
Newly-elected chairman Mallala grain grower Richard Konzag said the positive financial position was a result of ongoing support from SA and Vic growers.
“Our full-year profits increased by nearly $300,000 year-on-year,” he said.
“More than 250,000 tonnes of grain was marketed through the co-op during the 2016-17 harvest and we’re confident that support will continue into the 2017-18 harvest, despite the challenging season.”
Mr Konzag took the reins from long-serving director Andrew Polkinghorne, who retired as chair in July but continues as a director.
The board also confirmed the re-election of Jim Heaslip and Bruce McDonald following the expiry of their terms, as well as the election of new board member Jordan Wilksch, who joined the co-op in July.
Mr Konzag described Mr Wilksch as a “passionate grower who understands the changing landscape of farming for the next generation”.
Mr Wilksch farms with his family as Wilksch Agriculture at Yeelanna on the lower Eyre Peninsula.
He has previously served as chair of the Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association and as a committee member of the EP Agricultural Research Foundation.
He is also a member of the Cummins & District Enterprise Committee.
At the AGM, managing director Bruce McDonald provided an update on the company’s plans for the next 12 months, which include expanding value offerings for members and potentially a new brokering service.
"We are continuing to explore opportunities and we want to continue to build on the consolidation work we've done during the past two years," he said.
"We're really pleased with the commercial arrangements we have in place with Plum Grove and Clear Grain Exchange."
Mr McDonald reminded growers that access to AGG managed programs and payments in 2017-18 season was through contracting and direct delivery or transfer.
“Growers need a contract by November 30 to access the AGG Harvest program which tracks the average of cash prices from December 1 to January 31, 2018," he said.
“If growers choose AGG Three or AGG Protect programs they can transfer directly and receive the default distributions payment or they can contract to access alternative payment options such as advance or deferred.
"We are also looking to introduce a new broking service where we can aggregate tonnage from co-operating and authorised growers to offer to the market larger grain parcels, improving accumulation efficiencies and adding value."
- Details: aggcoop.com.au