Harvesting in the western part of the Esperance Zone, WA. Photo: Paul Carmody
WESTERN Australia’s 2024-25 harvest is nearing full pace, with major grain handler CBH Group’s intake almost quadrupling in the week to Sunday.
CBH chief operations officer Mick Daw said most sites opening this year are now receiving grain, as growers make the most of good harvesting conditions.
“As expected, harvest progressed much quicker last week, although some areas were delayed on Friday…with extreme heat and winds causing harvest bans,” Mr Daw said.
“The Esperance Zone also experienced delays due to rainfall over the weekend.”
Table 1: CBH Group receivals for the 2024-25 harvest to November 4.
Following is a round-up by region:
Albany
The Albany Zone had much warmer weather last week, with receivals in some areas impacted by harvest bans on Friday.
Barley and canola are the main commodities being received, with some oats also coming in.
Of the zone’s 40 sites, 17 are now open, and most of the remaining ones are to open this week.
Esperance
Some light rain slowed progress over the weekend in the Esperance Zone, and rain forecast this week, is expected to slow receivals.
Barley and canola are dominating deliveries, although services are open for all commodities, and all 11 sites across the zone are now open.
Geraldton
The Geraldton Zone was very hot last week, with temperatures hitting 41 degrees in some areas.
Mostly wheat, plus feed barley, canola, and lupins have all been received in the past week.
Of the zone’s 20 sites, 13 are now open, with Latham, Coorow, and Marchagee scheduled to open this week.
Kwinana North
Harvest ramped up in the Kwinana North Zone las week with all sites now open.
Harvest bans were in place in most shires in the Kwinana North Zone on Friday due to heat and strong winds.
The weather is looking favourable for the this week, and high tonnages are expected to come in across the zone.
All commodities are now being received and high screening stacks have been introduced at some sites in the zone.
Kwinana South
Kwinana South Zone had a relatively slow start to the week, but receival volumes started to build towards the weekend after heat-related harvested bans affected most districts on Friday.
Most growers have started on their barley, which represents more than half of all receivals to date; canola is also starting to build.
Most sites are open across the zone, with the balance expected to receive their first loads this week.
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