VFF Grains Group President Russell Amery said that with grain growers becoming increasingly frustrated with the issues surrounding fertiliser, he felt compelled to elevate their concerns and was pleased the Australian Fertiliser Services Association (AFSA), as well as other key industry representatives, agreed to join the panel discussion.

“There have been a growing number of calls in to the office from members unable to access fertiliser or simply priced out of the market,” Mr Amery said.

“Some growers are being asked to pay up front with unknown delivery dates; others have ordered but have been unable to get a firm price. Some growers have been unable to order at all. This instability is causing apprehension among growers as they attempt to budget and in many cases negotiate loans with banks for the upcoming season.

“Growers are becoming more and more frustrated as their need to be very budget conscious is being limited by an industry which seems to be plagued by volatility.

“On a request from the Wimmera DC, we agreed to host a fertiliser panel session at this year’s Grains Conference to give growers the opportunity to ask the fertiliser industry why the uncertainty exists, how they can avoid it and how they can get the best price and a reliable delivery of fertiliser this season.

“In addition to a workshop session focussing on fertiliser options, we have a Fertiliser supply, demand and price panel session which will include guest speakers: Victorian President of the AFSA, Wes Wheelhouse; Landmark's National Manager Fertiliser, Josh McGregor; and Rabobank Analyst Adam Tomlinson.

“Growers have many questions and we are bringing together speakers who should be able to provide some of the answers, or at least explain the broader reasons behind the current supply and cost situation.