AWB today announced it has increased its estimated pool returns (EPRs) for barley for all grades and has closed its early commitment premium barley pool contracts, following strong interest from growers.

All barley grades have increased by $6/t - $11/t, taking the EPR for feed 1 barley to $175 a tonne and Baudin/Gairdner malt to $223 a tonne (FOB, excl GST).

AWB General Manager Commodities Mitch Morison said the reaction to AWB’s barley early commitment contracts was pleasing and this early commitment allows AWB to capture additional value for the pool.

“The early commitment has enabled us to make a start on our sales and currency management activities for the 2009/10 barley pool,” Mr Morison said.

“We have been pleased with the support from our traditional wheat buyers who only occasionally buy barley.

“Our primary focus is on North Asia, where we can use our expertise in managing price, foreign exchange, cargo assembly and ocean freight exposure over the life of the pool to capture value for pool participants.

“The barley EPRs have risen due to improved barley values and a softening of the Australian dollar,” Mr Morison said. 

AWB is encouraging growers to contact an AWB grain marketer or the AWB Grower Services Centre to find out full terms, conditions and detail of payment and finance options before committing barley to the pool.

AWB’s barley pool will accept F1 & F2 barley in WA & SA, as well as Baudin, Gairdner, Buloke and Vlamingh malt varieties in WA.

New EPRs: F1 $175/t, F2 $165/t, BA1 $223/t, GA1 $223/t, BU1 $215/t, VL1 $210/t (EPRs are FOB, excl GST).

Media Inquiries:  Ian Desborough 03 9209 2335 or 0418 853 881

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