Viterra has loaded its first cargo of wheat for 2022-23 at Thevenard. Photo: Viterra

VITERRA’S first shipment of new-crop South Australian grain has set sail from its Thevenard port terminal.

The 24,000-tonne cargo of wheat has kicked off a record-breaking 7 million tonnes (Mt) of forward shipping booked for grain delivered into the Viterra network.

Viterra chief operations officer James Murray said Viterra has also seen another record broken with 18 exporters booking forward shipping this season.

“To break two export records for our grower customers this season is fantastic, and really shows the industry’s confidence in our network and demand for the grain within it,” Mr Murray said.

“In total we have over 45 buyers in our system, and so far this season, 23 are posting prices and/or have bought grain.”

Exporters have also requested to book 27Mt of shipping capacity over the next five years from Viterra’s ports.

Mr Murray said Viterra’s focus on offering an efficient service to its buyer customers provides value to all participants in the supply chain.

“We work hard to load vessels quickly and provide a flexible service to our buyer customers.

“This, paired with our food-safety and quality-management standards, means buyers continue to source grain from the Viterra network.”

Included in the 18 exporters is Brahman Commodities and Commex International.

Brahman Commodities senior trader Tim Bickford said Viterra is a quality operator who they can trust to complete the job.

“They are forward thinking, well planned and practical in their approach, when you need them they are there ready to help providing efficient solutions,” Mr Bickford said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Viterra in the long-term and expanding the ports we export from.”

Commex International director Awny Shokry said with Viterra’s assistance, the business has been able to move from containers to bulk exports.

“Viterra provides an efficient service with a team you can contact directly for support,” Mr Shokry said.

“We are looking to continue to expand our business and the amount we export and work with Viterra as we do so.”

Across Viterra’s sites, growers have already been delivering barley, wheat, lentils, peas, canola and faba beans,  and the business is well prepared for the increase in deliveries once the weather improves,” Mr Murray said.

In its latest weekly harvest update, Viterra announced deliveries in the harvest to November 20 of 566,671t after 196,186t was received in the week to date.

Source: Viterra