Western Australia's primary grain handler has not just broken but shattered its all-time receival record, marking a historic high in its 92-year history. The CBH Group has announced it received a staggering more than 22.9 million tonnes of grain during the 2023-24 harvest season.
A Harvest for the History Books
This monumental figure surpasses the co-operative's previous benchmark, set just two seasons prior in 2021-22, of 21.6 million tonnes. The record-breaking intake was driven by a combination of favourable growing conditions and significant expansion in the cropping area across the Wheatbelt. CBH's Chief Executive Officer, Ben Macnamara, described the achievement as a testament to the resilience and productivity of WA growers, who delivered the crop despite facing variable weather patterns throughout the season.
Logistics and Infrastructure Under Pressure
Managing such an enormous volume placed immense pressure on the co-operative's supply chain. The record harvest necessitated the operation of more than 120 receival sites across the state. To keep up, CBH implemented extended opening hours and maximised its network capacity to ensure efficient turnaround for growers delivering their grain. The feat highlights the critical role of CBH's infrastructure and logistical planning in handling Australia's largest grain export program, moving the commodity from paddock to port for international markets.
The performance of the network was crucial in maintaining Australia's reputation as a reliable supplier. The record tonnage underscores the scale of Western Australia's contribution to the national agricultural economy and global food security.
Implications for Growers and the Future
This record harvest translates directly into economic benefit for the state's grain growers, who are shareholders in the co-operative. The successful management of the crop ensures strong returns flow back to farming communities. However, the event also sparks conversations about ongoing investment in supply chain infrastructure to support future growth and handle potential volumes of this magnitude more routinely.
Looking ahead, the focus for CBH will be on executing a smooth export program to clear the record stockpile from its system. The co-operative's ability to efficiently transport and ship this grain will be watched closely by international buyers and industry analysts. This historic season sets a new benchmark for what is possible in Australian grain production and handling, reinforcing Western Australia's position as an agricultural powerhouse.
