Australia: Western Australian barley growers do better than South Australia growers

Western Australian barley growers have received up to A$20 a tonne more for their grain than their South Australian counterparts, Australia & NZ News communicated on February 20. The WA system of grain handling allows multiple companies to export grain rather than the single desk system operated by ABB in South Australia.

Independent agribusiness consultant Ron Story says growers in Western Australia usually get better returns from cheaper handling and shipping costs.

But he says the gap between states was even higher this year. "On the facts, there have been higher prices available for a period of time, not the entire season but a period of time from the impact of having other exporters in the market," he said.

22 February, 2006