Harvesting barley in the Salmon Gums district north of Esperance in mid-October. Photo: Tim Starcevich

IN ITS first report for the 2026-27 harvest, Western Australian bulk handler CBH Group has detailed a strong and early start, with harvest in full swing in every zone, and 2.71 million tonnes (Mt) delivered as of yesterday.

The figure is close to double the 1.36Mt received at the same time last year.

By zone, Esperance and Geraldton are leading the way with 852,000t and 733,000t respectively, followed by Kwinana North on 622,000t and Kwinana South on 333,000t, and Albany “just getting started” with 172,000 tonnes.

“Rain slowed the momentum in most zones last week, but growers got back on the header as soon as conditions allowed,” CBH Group said in its harvest report out today.

“Canola accounts for the largest share of receivals across the state, followed by barley and wheat.

“Canola leads in Albany and Esperance, while barley accounts for the largest share across the combined Kwinana zones.

“In Geraldton, wheat has overtaken canola as the main commodity received to date. Smaller volumes of pulses and oats have also been delivered.”

CBH chief operations officer Mick Daw said it was pleasing to see such a strong start to harvest, with tonnes coming in quicker and faster when growers were not interrupted by spring weather events.

“Harvest is already well under way in Geraldton and Esperance, with activity building across the other zones,” Mr Daw said in the report.

“Rain interrupted progress last week, but growers are making the most of suitable conditions to get their crops off; CBH is ready for bigger receival days as harvest builds.”

Table 1: Receivals in tonnes for the week and for the 2026-27 harvest to 1 November 2026. Source: CBH Group

Following is a summary of harvest by zone:

Albany

Harvest is beginning to gather momentum across the Albany Zone, and 16 sites are now receiving grain across the zone.

“Canola has accounted for most deliveries so far, as growers begin their harvesting programs across the zone,” the report said.

“Some feed barley has also been delivered.

“The week started with cold conditions, which kept harvest activity relatively subdued.

“Conditions improved as the week progressed, with warmer weather supporting an increase in deliveries towards the end of the week.”

The report said warmer conditions are expected this week, which should see deliveries continue to increase and additional sites opening across the zone.

Esperance

The Esperance Zone had a high-volume day last Tuesday, with 75,000t received.

“The week started off a little slow due to weather over the previous weekend.”

“However, over the week weather was favourable, resulting in daily volumes increasing.”

“Canola and barley are the dominant commodities coming in now, although other commodities are trickling into the system.”

All sites in Area 19 and the port precinct are open; the only site in Area 18 which is closed is expected to open this week.

Geraldton

Pace in CBH Group’s northernmost zone slowed last week due to a few rain events, but is expected to pick up this week, weather permitting.

“We’re still receiving canola, although we’re now starting to see wheat and other commodities ramp up as well.”

All sites are open in Area 1; Mingenew, Morawa and Mullewa are open in Area 2, with Arrino and Canna planning to open next week; and Carnamah and Perenjori are open in Area 3, with the remaining sites planned to open as demand ramps up.

CBH Group reports Geraldton has just set a new record for October shipping at 351,000t, breaking the previous by more than 32,000t.

“This is an amazing result from the team, particularly given the downtime we’ve experienced due to surge events.”

Kwinana North Zone

The Kwinana North Zone had rain Tuesday and Wednesday, which slowed receivals.

“This week looks good so the expectation is tonnes will really pick up.”

“Canola and barley are the main commodities being received.”

CBH Group said 95 percent of its Kwinana North Zone sites are open, and only a few wheat-only sites remain to be opened next week.

Kwinana South Zone

Momentum was building last week and the zone had its biggest day for the season on Thursday with 59,000t.

“The zone had some rain earlier in the week which slowed the progress.”

Barley and canola are the primary commodities being received, followed by some oats and lentils.

Barley quality is looking good, with the malting/feed barley split favouring malting.

Across the Kwinana South Zone, 15 sites are operating, with only three wheat-only sites left to open.

Source: CBH Group