VITERRA’s Port Lincoln terminal in South Australia has reached 2 million tonnes (Mt) of grain shipping in its busiest October to July period in five years.

This achievement, coupled with grain shipped from Thevenard, has helped the Eyre Peninsula set a new record for total grain exports. More than 2.63Mt of grain have been shipped from the region in 2016/17.

Viterra’s operations manager for the western region, James Murray, said strong production, demand and an efficient supply chain had all contributed to the record.

“Following the largest-ever harvest, the efficiency of the Viterra supply chain and hard work from employees and strategic partners has also helped the Eyre Peninsula achieve these record exports,” James said.

“This is the Port Lincoln terminal’s busiest October to July period since 2011/12 and third-busiest ever.

“Strong grain exports will continue from Port Lincoln for the remainder of the year.

“Shipping capacity at Port Lincoln is very highly sought after by exporters which provides long term benefits for growers.”

Viterra’s total grain exports for 2016/17 have now reached 6.15Mt.

Port Lincoln’s milestone was passed on Friday, 21 July, with a 55,000-tonne cargo of wheat being loaded on the Golden Trader vessel on behalf of Glencore Agriculture, headed for Indonesia.

Glencore Agriculture’s field officer on the Eyre Peninsula, David Fleming, said Indonesia was the biggest buyer of Australian wheat.

“About 20 to 25 per cent of all Australian wheat goes to Indonesia. They use it mainly for noodles, flour and bread,” Mr Fleming said.

Source: Viterra