Australia: AWB announces 2011/12 barley pools

AWB launched on September, 8 its 2011/2012 barley pools and announced an early commitment premium of A$5 per tonne for barley committed from the day of announcement until targets are met.

This year, AWB is having three regional pools – WA, SA, and East Coast (QLD, NSW and VIC).

Pool distributions are expected to be paid in May 2012, August 2012 and to finalise by December 2012, or earlier if circumstances permit.

AWB’s Jon White said: “Over the last two years the AWB barley pools have established a scale of barley operations, and we have built solid relationships with Asian customers who are looking to use AWB as a reliable, long-term supplier of Australian barley. Our performance over the last couple of years has demonstrated that AWB Barley Pools can provide some of the highest pool returns for barley.”

“Going forward, AWB’s global connection through its Cargill ownership positions us to market barley into global markets with insight into the global feed grain complex and values from competing origins. We consider this is crucial in delivering maximum value to Australian farmers in the illiquid global barley markets,” Mr White said.

“AWB will be targeting its marketing programs into north Asian and Middle Eastern countries where customers are increasingly looking for opportunities to combine wheat and barley shipments. The fact that we are managing both grains is a great advantage.

“In a big season like this our barley pools are an ideal market option for farmers to utilise as part of their broader marketing strategy,” Mr White said.

14 September, 2011