Bunge's first vessel of the 2026/27 Western Australian (WA) harvest has departed its Bunbury port terminal, carrying over 62,000 tonnes of barley bound for China.
The Bungo Star finished loading on 10 November, marking the start of Bunge's WA shipping programme for the season.
"It's a great milestone for local farmers and our team to see this season's grain leave our network and head to international customers early in harvest," Rob Haddrill, Bunge Manager Origination Western Australia, says. "Getting our first vessel away is a great start, and with the support of our farmer customers, carriers and team, we're looking forward to a strong season of shipping ahead.”
Bunge has made a range of changes and investments across its WA network this harvest based on farmer feedback, including 24-hour receivals at its Bunbury port terminal and will extend opening hours during peak harvest at its upcountry sites.
"We caught up with farmers at our preharvest meetings in Kulin, Kukerin and Darkan, which gave us the chance to walk them through the changes we've made in response to their feedback and hear what they think," Rob says. "The response has been really positive, particularly around our extended opening hours and how our digital services are making it easier for farmers to do business, and we'll keep listening and adjusting to local conditions throughout harvest."
Farmers can sell their grain with confidence this harvest, with Bunge providing local expertise with the global financial security of a company listed for 25-years on the New York Stock Exchange.
Bunge is buying grain across all five WA port zones and offers contract and payment options tailored to farmers' business and cash flow requirements, including options for those with on-farm storage. The team can be contacted on 1300 453 626.
"Our local team is ready to help, so we encourage farmers to get in touch to discuss prices, contracts and flexible payment options that suit their business," Rob says.
