Viterra Ends Rail Freight in Australia’s Riverland; Leaves Grain Growers Without Rail Transport

Australian grain group, Viterra, has decided to suspend using rail freight as of August in the Mallee regions of South Australia. The decision has been in the balance for the past 12 months after Viterra extended its existing freight agreement with Genesee & Wyoming Australia.

The handler has decided to instead use road transport on the Mallee and Karoonda Highways – both reported to be in need of repair. Using modeling, the company forecasts that it will have approximately 3,000 trucks on the road per year.

Viterra has stated that the change will not affect farmgate prices or transport delays during harvest, and will have no effect upon the group’s services.