The CBH Group today announced it expected to receive around 7.5 million tonnes of grain across the state this harvest - 60 per cent of last year's 12.5 million tonne yield.
The CBH Group today announced it expected to receive around 7.5 million tonnes of grain across the state this harvest - 60 per cent of last year's 12.5 million tonne yield.
Grain operations manager Colin Tutt said recent rain has helped the season and there is the potential for this season's production to exceed 7.5 million tonnes.
"Esperance is the best looking area at this stage. However, recent hot, dry conditions in Esperance have reduced potential of crops in the area. While they are expected to have an above average year, the Grass Patch and Salmon Gums district urgently requires rain to alleviate moisture stress," Mr Tutt said.
"The Albany zone has the potential for an average harvest of around 1.7 million tonnes, if they experience a cool, wet finish.
"The Kwinana zone will have a below average harvest but may experience some potential upside following recent good rains.
"The Geraldton zone has been the worst affected by the dry conditions this season and is anticipated to be 80 per cent down on last year's production."
Mr Tutt said harvest management will differ across the CBH Group zones this harvest, due to the variation in crops across the state.
"The CBH Group will work to balance the needs of all growers in determining which sites should open, given changing needs during harvest," he said.
"I strongly encourage growers to attend their pre-harvest bin meetings to clarify services and operational working arrangements of their delivery site and to stay in contact with their local Area Manager throughout harvest.
"The CBH Group will continue to focus on grain quality this harvest, in order to protect the integrity of the grain supply chain and WA's valuable international markets.
"This year will also see the introduction of the Harvest Mass Management Scheme.
"The Harvest Mass Management Scheme has been introduced as a safe and responsible way of dealing with the issue of overloading and to demonstrate to the government that we can self regulate as an industry.
"Growers and transporters are reminded that they must be registered under the Scheme to be able to deliver to CBH Group receival points this year.
"CBH Group staff will be working hard this year to ensure harvest runs smoothly and we look forward to growers' ongoing co-operation and patience to help us ensure the grain gets in the bin quickly and growers can get the best value for their crops."
