Summary

As grain production expands in the developing cropping regions of far northern Australia, so too does the need for adequate grain storage. Arguably, the most critical component of efficient grain storage is starting with the right facility – one that enables grain quality to be maintained through effective management.

With growers investing in fit-for-purpose infrastructure, extension services can support them – and the broader industry – by promoting best-practice management techniques to maintain grain quality during storage. This helps prevent losses due to mould, quality degradation and insect damage.

Accordingly, this project adopted a multi-faceted, whole-of-industry and supply chain approach to enable best management practices for maintaining grain quality in storage across the Far North.

An initial scoping study identified specific requirements and challenges for grain storage in the Far North and built upon the team’s existing knowledge and experience. Based on these findings, the team will tailor extension materials and develop region-specific resources, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities for grain storage in the Far North.

The aim of this project was to provide all grain growers, advisers and industry organisations with the knowledge, skills and tools to:

• Make informed decisions to invest confidently in grain storage infrastructure.
• Manage grain quality and storage pests proficiently and cost effectively.
• Maintain and value add grain through processing, blending and segregation.
• Access higher value or closer markets to reduce freight costs.
• Successfully integrate grain storage into livestock production enterprises for supplementary and drought feeding.

Expected outcomes

• The potential production of fodder – such as sorghum, hay and maize – in Western Australia’s Fitzroy catchment alone is estimated to support a 25% weight gain in cattle and enable 20,000 head of cattle per year (Northern Australian broadacre Cropping Situation Analysis 2020).  These figures depend heavily on the ability to successfully store feed and fodder while maintaining quality. The same principle applies to the Northern Territory and Queensland, where feed grains can be grown to supplement cattle, allowing for increased herd sizes and higher weight gains per head. Without the ability to maintain grain quality during extended storage periods, these opportunities cannot be realised.
• Storing grain in the Far North for use that as stock feed within the region can save between $150-$200 per tonne in freight costs – either by avoiding the need to send grain south for sale or to purchase grain from the south and freight it north for use (Northern Australian Broadacre Cropping Situation Analysis 2020). Based on the estimated production capacity in northern Queensland alone of 163,560 tonnes this represents a potential annual saving of over $28.6 million.
• Enabling grain storage for export can open access to premium markets by preserving grain quality and improving logistics to port for container or bulk shipment.