AWB Limited seems to be unperturbed about holding its annual general meeting during the grain harvest.

After copping some flak from grain growers about holding the meeting just before Christmas, AWB chairman Peter Polson told last week's AGM the company was looking to bring next year's meeting forward even earlier than when it was held this year.

"I understand it (this year's AGM) is not the most convenient date for shareholders," Mr Polson said.

"Hopefully, we will look for a date a little bit further away from Christmas."

Under the Corporations Act, public companies must hold their AGMs within five months after the end of their financial year.

AWB has a reporting date of September 30, so must hold the meeting by the end of February.

In recent years, the company has held its AGM in mid-February.

At last week's AGM, shareholders repeatedly claimed the company had lost touch with its customer base, growers.

Birchip hosts Chilean delegation

THE Birchip Cropping Group recently hosted a delegation from Chile looking at how the Australian farm sector is dealing with climate change.

The six Chileans also visited the Victorian Irrigated Cropping Council, Mallee Sustainable Farming, Charlton Feedlot and horticultural, dairy and beef operations.

It was a reciprocal visit for BCG, as its chief executive, Alexandra Gartmann, extension manager Fiona Best and board members John Ferrier and Rodney Mitchell travelled to Chile in October.

Send your grain news to Peter Hemphill, The Weekly Times, PO Box 14999, Melbourne, 8001, email to hemphillp@theweeklytimes.com.au or fax it to (03) 9292 2697.