Grain handler Viterra says it has now sent its 100th grain train since last August to the east coast of Australia, responding to ongoing domestic demand.
The train left Viterra’s Bowmans site last week bound for New South Wales to supply feedlots.
Viterra operations manager Michael Hill said the 100 trains sent since August last year had seen the business make significant adjustments to its supply chain.
“Buyers and end use customers in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland who traditionally purchase grain in the eastern states have become buyers in the Viterra system, and many have sourced South Australian grain for the first time,” Hill explained.
“It has opened up new markets for South Australian growers as well as add to the already multiple buyers for growers to choose from in the Viterra system.
“We have adapted to meet the needs of the domestic market with dry conditions, particularly on the east coast, increasing the amount of grain being moved to meet stockfeed and food demand,” Hill said.
“It has added a level of complexity compared to South Australia’s typically export focused market. We had previously only done a handful of domestic trains and we are very pleased with how our business has shown its flexibility.”
Hill said Viterra has been working closely with a number of buyers and end use customers to ensure grain was getting to the right places – extremely important during a period of oppressive drought conditions.
It has utilised rail sites at Gladstone, Snowtown, Bowmans, Tailem Bend and Keith to facilitate domestic trains.
“We are working closely with our grower customers in the lead up to harvest to provide a valuable and efficient service, while also working with our buyers and end use customers to ensure domestic and export requirements are met,” Hill said.