Industry: Grain Merchants
Gross value of production |
$5million |
Number of growers |
1 |
Number employed |
7 |
Current annual production |
Turnover $5m |
1. Description of Operations:
Wheat bought on farm and sold to stock feed manufacturers and flour millers (Bunge).
Other grains handled include: Triticale, Lupins, Canola and Oats.
Triticale is sold to dairyfarmers within and outside North East Region.
Lupins are sold to stock feed manufacturers in Melbourne and Goulburn Valley and Southern NSW.
Canola is processed in Numurkah or Melbourne.
Oats are sold primarily to Uncle Toby's.
Linola is used for cosmetic production in Sydney
2. Location of the Industry:
Grain industry is located West of Hume Freeway and West of Warby Ranges. Merchants are located in Wangaratta - 2 although only 1 surveyed and in Benalla (1 only) and outside the region in Shepparton.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
1 business surveyed. (2 others not surveyed)
b. Number Regularly Employed:
2 full time, 2 casual as needed. 6 owner operators for cartage of grain.
4. Annual Production:
In national terms:-
6 million tonnes export trade
4 million tonnes domestic market
2 million tonnes carryover
5. Value of Product:
Gross value of grain handled >$5 million
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
There is an expectation that strong grain prices will be sustained for next 5-6 years because of world shortages 10% industry growth per annum is anticipated.
b. Potential:
While prices hold more growers will be encouraged to enter the industry. However, production must be targeted to market demand eg. Oats were often grown as drought back up feed, but not specifically for a market. The increasing demand for oats by Uncle Toby's is an incentive to produce oats for that market and if quality is maintained price will follow.
Extracted from the Bright Report
