Farmers, transporters prepare for uncertain harvest

Minto-based Independent Railway (IR) was preparing for the 2007&#4708 grain harvest, but was unsure of projected capacity, managing director Steve Heraghty said today (Thursday, August 30). Capacity expectations for grain and other commodity bulk was uncertain as producers in the Harefield region, in the southwest of New South Wales, were forced to &#8220wait and see&#8221 what the weather held in store. &#8220[The crops&#93 are looking good, but need some back-up rain within the next three weeks,&#8221 Mr Heraghty said. &#8220It’s very green, but there’s not a lot of substance. &#8220If the rain comes, it will be a bumper crop. It could be feast or famine.&#8221 IR was booking train paths, hiring wagons and speaking to handlers in the lead up to the harvest, Mr Heraghty said. Mr Heraghty’s road transport business, Bowport Allroads, would not participate in the grain season. However, farmers were beginning to arrange transport options. &#8220That’s going to be a problem,&#8221 Mr Heraghty said of a shortage of trucking operators and drivers in regional areas. &#8220In the past, there hasn’t been the demand. It’s a looming problem there will be a lot of fat cockatoos if the rains do come, put it that way.&#8221 The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) was speaking with the minister for immigration and citizenship, Kevin Andrews, and the Transport Workers Union over a pilot proposal allowing 100 foreign truck drivers or diesel mechanics into the country to work under the controversial 457 visa. ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair said the influx of drivers would be one measure to counteract the driver shortage over harvest. &#8220Wouldn’t it be great if we had a tremendous crop to move?&#8221 he said. &#8220If we do end up with a bumper crop, there would be challenges, but we’d welcome them. &#8220The industry has faced challenges before. We are resilient, and we are innovative.&#8221

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