AWB looks to fresh fields

AWB Limited, the former Australian Wheat Board, is planing to refocus from grain marketing to financial services for grain farmers. AWB has a built-in advantage over other financial institutions: it controls the wheat cheque for 45,000 grain growers, with an average annual check of almost $100,000. Up to 80% of new revenue for AWB could result from financial services. Maintaining grain industry control is essential for AWB's success and to its future stockmarket value.