Australia: ABB Grain announced on02 November 2004 that as harvest operations begin in earnest in South Australia, ABB is revising initial estimates of storage and handling receivals in that state. ABB managing director, Michael Iwaniw, said conditions varied widely across the state and it was becoming apparent that while farmers were gearing up for a bumper crop on western Eyre Peninsula on Eastern Eyre Peninsula yields would be much lower.

“Our storage and handling operations managers are liaising closely with local silo committees and growers and at this stage put harvest receival tonnage estimates for SA at about 5.5 million tonnes, which is down from our previously advised estimate of about 6.5 million tonnes,” he said. “An extremely dry finish is putting pressure on crops across the state and in early districts we are seeing quite high levels of screenings, in other areas they can hold on a little longer and forecast rains could put a different complexion on things.”

“At this stage harvest is underway on Eyre Peninsula and in the upper north but obviously we will continue to monitor the situation closely and as more districts start delivering we will get a clearer picture.” Mr Iwaniw said ABB was working closely with local communities to achieve the best possible levels of service and efficiency. “For example on Eyre Peninsula we are catering for a bumper harvest in the west near Ceduna while operating hours on Eastern Eyre Peninsula are being curtailed reflecting the tougher conditions around Cowell and Kielpa.”

Mr Iwaniw said ABB was monitoring the progress of crops and would work closely with local growers and marketers to address seasonal and regional quality issues. “It is becoming apparent that due to the lack of October rain many crops have finished hard and levels of screenings are likely to be higher than usual. “This harvest like every harvest will be unique and wherever possible we will adjust our operations to meet the seasonal needs of growers and marketers,” he said.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .