Viterra employee, Emily Fretwell probing the first 2024/25 harvest delivery to Wolseley, a load of canola. Photo: Viterra

DELIVERIES across the Viterra network in the week to Sunday totalled 736,587 tonnes to take total receivals for the 2024-25 harvest to 1,842,580t.

Wheat made up two thirds of the week’s delivered tonnes, and four more Viterra sites – Kapinnie, Saddleworth, Keith, and Wolseley – welcomed their first 2024-25 harvest loads.

Viterra Eastern region operations manager Andrew Cannon said volumes are continuing to build at sites across the region.

“Tonnes delivered to the Eastern region doubled week on week, and we received the first deliveries for the season at our Keith and Wolseley sites as more south east growers started on their harvest,” Mr Cannon said.

“It was exciting to receive the first delivery at Wolseley, with the load of canola the first delivery through the site’s new 50 metre weighbridge.

“The new weighbridge is the largest in place across our network, and forms part of our ongoing $35 million upgrade at the site to accommodate larger trucks and improve grower experience and site efficiencies.

“With the weighbridge in action ready for growers’ deliveries, the next stages of the project will include upgrades to the classification offices, roads and bunkers.”

Viterra Western region operations manager Nick Pratt said sites across the Western region operated with extended hours last week, resulting in a big week of deliveries.

“It was a great effort by all, with growers and carriers working hard to harvest and deliver before the weather, while our employees ensured deliveries moved through our sites safely and efficiently,” Mr Pratt said.

“We were particularly busy on the lower Eyre Peninsula, with growers at the height of their harvest.

“Cummins again received the most tonnes for the week, followed by Port Lincoln, Rudall and Tumby Bay.”

Viterra Central region operations manager Jack Tansley said the region also saw strong deliveries last week with growers increasing harvesting volume before the expected rain.

“We were very busy with deliveries up until the weekend as growers took advantage of good harvesting weather and extended opening hours at our sites,” Mr Tansley said.

“The Yorke Peninsula was the most active area of the region, with our Wallaroo, Port Giles and Ardrossan sites receiving the majority of deliveries.

“Growers in the north are starting to finish up, and in the lower areas harvest is just starting to build to its peak.”

Source: Viterra