
SA Member for Giles Eddie Hughes with Qube Bulk regional stevedores manager Brett MacDonald, and Agfert’s Tim Gurney, chief officer business growth and relations, and managing director Grant Jaeschke.
FERTILISER unloaded by Qube Bulk at Whyalla Port will be going into Agfert’s new Cowell distribution centre in time for seeding on the Eyre Peninsula this season.
The first cargo is due to arrive at the private port in March, and Agfert has advised its customers that further shipments are scheduled to arrive in coming months, with product to be delivered by road to its almost-completed Cowell facility.
Agfert’s access to fertiliser imported through Whyalla has come about through its confirmation of stevedoring services provided by Qube Bulk, already operating in the wider region at mine sites and nearby Port Augusta, as well as Whyalla.
“Whilst we have a clear focus on our core business products at Whyalla, the diversification into the ag sector is exciting,” Qube Bulk’s regional stevedores manager Brett Macdonald said in an internal Agfert release.
“Qube operates stevedoring and marine services in the ag sector right across the nation, so it’s nice to add this port to that list.”
Member for the South Australian state seat of Giles Eddie Hughes has welcomed the announcement, saying the development of Agfert’s distribution network on EP will generate competiton which should benefit farmers.
“I think it’s just magic that a local farming family-owned business such as Agfert can expand like this in today’s landscape and show such growth in the sector, further supporting regional communities,” Mr Hughes said.
Agfert is expecting a fast turnaround on fertiliser coming into its Cowell facility from March, all via Qube at Whyalla, with despatch to growers expected to start in the same month.
After limited rain in the 2024-25 growing season, and over summer, EP growers are counting on an autumn break to get their 2025-26 planting program off to a strong and timely start in April.
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