Following further grower consultation, a review of national wheat deliveries to date and discussions with international customers, AWB Limited has reverted to the same moisture receival standards that applied in South Australia last year.
Under these arrangements wheat will be received up to a limit of 12.8% measured on the Infratech or 12.5% measured on the Kett, whichever is lower. The lowest moisture reading will be recorded on the delivery docket.
AWB Limited’s Chief Executive, Mr Lindberg, said this difficult decision followed further extensive consultation with our international customers and South Australian growers.
“Decisions like these are never easy and AWB must be absolutely certain that all factors are taken into account, this includes assuring international customers that AWB can continue to supply high quality, clean, white, dry wheat,” said Mr Lindberg.
“In light of the late start to harvest in South Australia we expect that growers will still have adequate opportunity to capture maximum value for their crop.
“However, as the AWB National Pool is the marketing system of choice for Australian growers, they must also understand that this decision is not risk free and in the event of any quality claims as a result of high moisture wheat out of South Australia the cost will be directly attributed.
“Decisions regarding receivals are not taken lightly and it has taken time to fully assess the national crop to ensure we can continue to meet international customer needs.
“It is designed to aid South Australian growers in the transition from Kett to the Infratech.
“The Infratech is the international benchmark and is used in all other states and by our international customers.
“South Australian growers need to realise that testing for moisture using the Kett meter will not be acceptable from the start of next harvest.
“AWB is working to deliver a more comprehensive and national approach to moisture through the application of Golden Reward to moisture and other quality parameters” said Mr Lindberg.