AWB Limited delivers moisture solution for South Australian growers

AWB Limited has delivered a solution for South Australian wheat growers to deal with the transition in moisture testing equipment for their wheat deliveries this harvest.

AWB Limited’s Chief Executive, Mr Lindberg, said this followed extensive consultation with its international customers, Ausbulk, South Australian Farmers Federation and growers.

Mr Lindberg said to aid the transition in moisture testing equipment wheat growers now have a clear procedure for testing on farm and delivery to the silo.

In announcing the procedure for receiving wheat, Mr Lindberg said that no wheat would be received that has moisture content above 13.5% test on the Infratech at silo.

“When wheat is received at the silo it must first be tested on the Infratech.  If moisture reads below 12.8% it will be received and binned on normal varietal lines,” said Mr Lindberg.

“If moisture reads between 12.8% and 13.5% on the Infratech a grower may elect to have moisture tested using the Kett moisture meter at the silo.

“On the basis of this Kett test, moisture reads equal to or less than 12% it can be binned along normal varietal lines (maximum three tests).

“Where moisture reads above 12% on Kett but still reads below 13.5% on the Infratech a grower may choose to deliver into an High Moisture Wheat (HMW) segregation if this is available or redeliver when moisture falls in line with the above standards.

“Feedback from growers and our own research indicates that the Kett is reading between 0.8% - 1.5% lower than the Infratech therefore setting a receival level of 12% on the Kett is a reasonable compromise,” said Mr Lindberg.

Mr Lindberg said these transitional arrangements should assist growers in testing moisture on farm before delivery and will be dependent on Ausbulk’s acceptance of reasonable liability for outturn.

“We have also been working closely with Ausbulk on the logistics associated with receiving into the HMW segregation, and have increased the estimated pool return to $229/t (FOB, GST exclusive),” said Mr Lindberg.

“It is imperative that South Australia come into line with other states by adopting the internationally recognised moisture testing technology - Infratech – and continue to meet the requirements of our international customers.

“Growers need to be aware that it is not just a matter of AWB adjusting receival standards – we have to consult our international customers who have expressed concern over recent increases in the moisture content of Australian wheat. 

“I am sure growers understand that Australia has built a solid reputation of supplying clean dry white wheat to the international market place and moisture standards are one part of maintaining the integrity of the National Pool.

“As Infratech is the international benchmark and is used in all other states, growers need to realise that testing for moisture using the Kett meter will not be acceptable from the start of next harvest.

“AWB has a responsibility to all Australian wheat growers in operating the Single Desk to maximise financial returns and this is a prime example of the Single Desk at work,” said Mr Lindberg.