Weald Granary
Storage and Processing
The Cooperative was established in 1987 and processed 16,000t in the first year on behalf of 56 farmer members. The benefits of using the central store quickly became apparent with tonnage and membership showing consistent growth to the present day 200 members and 58,000t storage capacity.
Supporting infrastructure has developed in line with store expansion and peak harvest intake capacity is now in excess of 3,000t/day through 4 intake points and a bulk outloading capacity of 500t/hour. The store has two continuous flow driers with a combined capacity of 150t/hour, grain is pre-cleaned on intake as part of first stage processing and sophisticated temperature monitoring and cooling equipment ensures it is maintained in optimum condition during the storage period. All loads are weighed, sampled and quality checked in the stores TASCC approved laboratory. Quality and weight information is sent to members by daily e-mail.
Membership and store capacity continues to expand and development plans are in place for further 20,000t of storage capacity at the Mereworth site, ensuring farmers in the South East have access to a modern storage, marketing and distribution service.
Membership
Members purchase a tonnage entitlement to suit their farm output and then pay an annual handling charge per tonne which covers haulage to store, fixed & variable cost. The capital cost of the investment can be spread over a maximum 10 years via a number of flexible purchase schemes to suit individual requirements.
Members can use their space twice via the harvest double use pools, or rent additional space if required. Weald Granary runs its own haulage operation arranging collection soon after combining. We aim to collect grain, under normal conditions, within 24hours of harvesting. Dedicated hauliers & quick turn round times at the store enable us to guarantee a prompt collection & delivery service.
Significant value is added at the store by delivering to exact market and customer requirements. Milling premiums are paid to members in the form of 'quality blending premiums' over and above the average pool price, rewarding members for the quality supplied on an individual load basis.
| Location: | Seven Mile Lane, Mereworth, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5PZ |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity: | 65,000t |
| Annual Throughput: | 65,000t |
| Commodities: | All combinable crops |
| Farmer Members: | 200 |
| Trading Area: | Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Essex |
| Store Manager: | John Smith |
| Tel: | 01622 814458 |
| Fax: | 01622 817830 |
| Email: | john@wealdgranary.co.uk |
| Web: | www.wealdgranary.co.uk |