GLENCORE Agriculture has this week loaded 2800 tonnes of South Australian feed barley on to its first train for the season to head east and help satisfy drought-driven domestic demand.

The train loaded at Viterra’s Tailem Bend site, and will arrive at Moree in northern New South Wales on Friday to supply grain to up-country end-users.

Glencore Agriculture grain merchant David Wood said more grain was expected to head in the same direction amid continuing poor seasonal conditions.

“Managing the logistics of grain domestically is a key focus this harvest,” Mr Wood said.

“We are working closely with many end-users to meet shortages using the most efficient mode of transport.

“Rail, road, and coastal vessels are being used to move grain across and around the country.”

Viterra group operations manager Michael Hill said Viterra was facilitating out-turns to help meet growers’ needs.

“We have removed Export Select status for both rail and road movements at key sites to allow the outturn of grain locally, and make it easier for buyers to deliver grain to Victoria, NSW, and Queensland,” Mr Hill said.

“The strong domestic requirement from the east coast means that pricing through the network is not typical of traditional port-based pricing less the cost of freight to port.

“Growers are strongly encouraged to look at individual site-based pricing at sites strategically located for domestic movements to take advantage of potential higher prices.”

Source: Viterra/Glencore

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