PARKSIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTARALIA — Viterra loaded its 100th train destined for the eastern states of Australia as the company continues to meet ongoing domestic demand across the east coast.

Since demand for domestic rail movements began in earnest in August last year, the 100-train milestone has seen the business make significant adjustments to its supply chain, said Michael Hill, operations manager at Viterra.

“We have adapted to meet the needs of the domestic market with dry conditions, particularly on the east coast, increasing the amount of grain being moved to meet stockfeed and food demand,” Hill said. “It has added a level of complexity compared to South Australia’s typically export-focused market. We had previously only done a handful of domestic trains and we are very pleased with how our business has shown its flexibility.”

The train, loaded with barley at Viterra’s Bowmans site, is bound for New South Wales to supply feedlots.

“We have been working closely with a number of buyers and end use customers to ensure we are getting grain to the right place at the right time which has been extremely important given the conditions,” Hill said. “Buyers and end use customers in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland who traditionally purchase grain in the eastern states have become buyers in the Viterra system, and many have sourced South Australian grain for the first time.

“It has opened up new markets for South Australian growers as well as added to the already multiple buyers for growers to choose from in the Viterra system.”

Hill said the business has utilized key rail sites such as Gladstone, Snowtown, Bowmans, Tailem Bend and Keith to facilitate domestic trains. Other sites have been busy as well with increased road movements to South Australian and interstate customers and shipping to east coast and international markets.

Viterra’s Outer Harbor, Port Giles, Port Lincoln, Thevenard and Wallaroo port terminals have vessels scheduled for September loading wheat and barley destined for various markets.

“We are working closely with our grower customers in the lead up to harvest to provide a valuable and efficient service, while also working with our buyers and end use customers to ensure domestic and export requirements are met,” Hill said.