RESPONDING to strong domestic and international demand for SA grain, Viterra has loaded its largest single rail outturn as grain moves quickly out of the state.
A 100-wagon train, loaded with barley from Viterra's Crystal Brook, Snowtown and Gladstone sites, is headed for interstate feedlots to meet continuing demand for quality SA new season grain.
Viterra operations manager Michael Hill says it's the first time Viterra has 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 both domestically and internationally," he said.
"We have about 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 2 million tonnes since harvest started in October, around 1.2mt of which has been shipped.
"In addition to the 100-wagon train, we've also loaded a further six domestic-bound trains during the same week from sites in our central region with 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."
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 export markets.
The business is continuing to outturn by road to 85 different end use 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.
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
